The Providence Rider

A Matthew Corbett Novel, Book 4

By: Robert R. McCammon

Narrated by: Edoardo Ballerini

Length: 15 hrs and 33 mins

Publisher's summary

The Providence Rider is the fourth installment in the extraordinary series of historical thrillers featuring Matthew Corbett, professional problem solver. The narrative begins in the winter of 1703, with Matthew still haunted by his lethal encounter with notorious mass murderer Tyranthus Slaughter. When an unexplained series of explosions rocks his Manhattan neighborhood, Matthew finds himself forced to confront a new and unexpected problem. Someone is trying - and trying very hard - to get his attention. That someone is a shadowy figure from out of Matthew's past: the elusive Dr. Fell.

The doctor, it turns out, has a problem of his own, one that requires the exclusive services of Matthew Corbett.The ensuing narrative moves swiftly and gracefully from the emerging metropolis of New York City to Pendulum Island in the remote Bermudas. In the course of his journey, Matthew encounters a truly Dickensian assortment of memorable, often grotesque, antagonists. These include Sirki, the giant, deceptively soft-spoken East Indian killer, Dr. Jonathan Gentry, an expert in exotic potions with a substance abuse problem of his own, the beautiful but murderous Aria Chillany, and, of course, the master manipulator and "Emperor of Crime" on two continents, Dr. Fell himself. The result is both an exquisitely constructed novel of suspense and a meticulous recreation of a bygone era.

Filled with danger, narrative surprises, and an almost tangible sense of place, The Providence Rider is historical fiction at its finest and most developed. It is the novel that McCammon's many devoted readers have been waiting for. They will not be disappointed.

©2012 Robert McCammon (P)2012 Audible, Inc.

best yet

Even though Matthew annoys me at times, it has been a pleasure watching this young man grow up & make all the human choices good & bad. This is the best novel yet, cant wait to start #5

Providence Rider

What did you like best about this story?

I really enjoy the fact that the series is starting to progress and that we finally get a different setting than just the colonies.

Have you listened to any of Edoardo Ballerini’s other performances before? How does this one compare?

Edoardo Ballerini never disappoints - another top notch performance.

Best in the series so far.

Edoardo is again great in his performance.

I like that this book can probably be read on its own, but Robert still give loyal readers something special.

Making the same mistakes in a Great Series

I love the premise of this series and the time period, but the personalities and actions are disappointing. Mathew seems determined to be a punching bag for every bad guy, not capable of defending himself or reacting in time to avoid injury; and I am getting sick of the "I love you too much to love you, so I'm going to treat you like a prick - no wait If I ever get out of this mess I'm going to treat you right" loop that he seems to be stuck in. I've already bought the next in the series, but if this pattern keeps repeating, then the chances of any future purchases of Mr. McCammon's books are doubtful.

Good Series, EXCELLENT narrator, Edoardo Ballerini

Which character ??? as performed by Edoardo Ballerini ??? was your favorite?

ALL OF THEM!!! Edoardo Ballerini is amazing as a narrator. "Performed" is an understatement. There are A LOT of characters in this series and Mr Ballerini has a unique voice for everyone of them. It is worth your credit to see his voice...not hear it but see it because that is what he does with his narration, he creates a vision of the words written. It was because of his narration of "Beautiful Ruins" by Jess Walter, that I searched other books by him and came across this series. Now that I've finished these, I'm on to searching some of his other works as I know my credits won't be wasted. He could make a phone book come to life!

Any additional comments?

Just finished this, the last of the series offered to date and while the stories were VERY enjoyable AND I love to get my credit's worth from a lengthy book, I would not have purchased the 2nd, 3rd or 4th book had they been as long as the 1st (30 hrs!). At times, even the shorter books seemed to drag on. Matthew Corbett ages gradually through the series both physically and mentally and it is a refreshing and somewhat realistic approach to have him fumble along the way...

Professor Fell meet Matthew Corbett

Where does The Providence Rider rank among all the audiobooks you’ve listened to so far?

Oh, tough question, right at the very top next to the other gems in this series.

Who was your favorite character and why?

Sirki, the East Indian Giant. Sirki while physically imposing, was quite intelligent and seemed to possess an incredible amount of discipline. He was the most fitting "second in command" to the all powerful Professor Fell.

Which character – as performed by Edoardo Ballerini – was your favorite?

Sirki. The Indian accent was unforgettable. Bellerini is a Master at his craft.

Who was the most memorable character of The Providence Rider and why?

Matthew Corbett. Headstrong and stubborn Corbett knows no fear.

Any additional comments?

Book 5 cannot get here soon enough. Thank You Mr. McCammons for an incredible journey with so many memorable characters.

Very entertaining and fun

Where does The Providence Rider rank among all the audiobooks you’ve listened to so far?

Please write another Matthew Corbett problem solving book ASAP, Robert. That is all.

Who was your favorite character and why?

Matthew Corbett has a charmed and random life, not unlike Sherlock Holmes as played by Robert Downey Jr.

Another great entry in the series --

I. love. these. books. I've never had much interest in the Colonial period as history, but McCammon really makes it come to life. I have a crush on Matthew Corbett (until his scene with Berry at the end of the book!), who's really a wonderful, complex character. The novels veer a little bit toward the supernatural at times, but that's okay with me. The cast of characters McCammon creates is also filled with interesting, frightening, and funny people. And Edoardo Ballerini -- another crush. He's fabulous.

Good listen

Any additional comments?

I've listened to all of the books in the Matthew Corbet series. For me, this book was good, but not as good as the first three. There seems to be a lack of the nail-biting suspense and tension that is evident in the first 3 books. Mr Corbet is getting a bit more competent and comfortable in his role as a problem solver. I did enjoy the expanded role of ZED and the subtle puns/jokes/witticisms were evident and great! Mr Ballerini, as the narrator, is superbly cast and continues to add to the enjoyment of the book. Berry is rather ditzy in this story, which was disappointing. I think there was a missed opportunity for us to bond with her as our hero's love interest. However, it was a sound story and continues our involvement with all of the characters. I'd recommend this book, but not before reading the first three! This series MUST be read in order, in my opinion.

Another Adventure for Matthew!

Book 4 and I'm not even close to being tired of the predicaments that Matthew Corbett seems to find himself in. This is yet another engrossing novel in the series and it's just as fresh and enjoyable as the first. I am a bit concerned about Matthew's sex life, as he cannot seem to have "experiences" where he is not a captive to the charms of an aggressive female; a notable occurrence on all four books thus far. This was another colorful ride with characters old and new, continuing to weave our favorite characters throughout. What will happen next? One more book awaits!!!