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.

great writing , great story

loved it, these whole series of books takes you into the world of Matthew Corbett. this book in particular has great characters and a great story.

Favorite New Series

I have listened to 5 of 7 in this series consecutively; I do get bored easily so this telling. The main character in the series is a likeable, if not loveable young man who evolves in each novel whilst facing early American peril and solving diabolical crime. These are period novels that takes place in late 1600’s to early 1700’s (which caught my eye) and provides for great background material and challenges only faced in the New World. I would call it somewhat lighthearted at times and even comical. A little bit of everything.

McCammon and Ballerini!

This series of books is simply an incredible work of genius! McCammon is an uncanny wordsmith, who paints imaginative scenescapes, filled with well-developed plots and characters, tied together by tear-jerking humor and heart break.
Edwardo Ballerini...where the duck has this guy been??? He blows the texts out of the water and into our imaginations with the power to make McCammons words sing with reality.

If you haven't read (or listened) the previous Corbett books, get on it! Like myself, you will listen again and again to ALL OF THEM.

More suspense, a little more grisly

I absolutely love this series. This installment is just as descriptive and suspenseful as the previous novels...all the while introducing us to new characters as well as the recurring ones. I did find this story to be a bit grisly in some scenes and I confess to fast forwarding a few times. I've purchased the whole series but am not binge listening as much as I am tempted.

From 5 stars to 3. One more try

The sex was written solely from a male point of view. Too much fight scenes. The character is frozen. And saddest, Edoardo needs to work on his East Indian accent. I'll try oneore book out of loyalty.

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.