Beat the Reaper

A Novel

By: Josh Bazell

Narrated by: Robert Petkoff

Length: 6 hrs and 49 mins

Publisher's summary

Meet Peter Brown, a young Manhattan emergency room doctor with an unusual past that is just about to catch up with him. His morning begins with the quick disarming of a would-be mugger, followed by a steamy elevator encounter with a sexy young pharmaceutical rep, topped off by a visit with a new patient - and from there Peter's day is going to get a whole lot worse and a whole lot weirder.

Because that patient knows Peter from his other life, when he had a different name and a very different job. The only reason he's a doctor now is thanks to the Witness Protection Program-and even they can't protect him from the long reach of the New Jersey mob. Now he's got to do whatever it takes to keep his patient alive so he can buy some time...and beat the reaper.

Beat the Reaper is not just the only work that will be compared to Quentin Tarantino's films, Grey's Anatomy, and Chuck Palahniuk - it's also the most original and entertaining debut thriller you'll listen to this year.

©2009 Josh Bazell (P)2009 Josh Bazell

incredible!!!!

if you only listen to one book this year or the next. This is the ONE!!!!

Total Blast

Couldnt put it down! Fun and well dramatized! If you're squeamish then don't drive while listening to the conclusion of the story. I almost lost it on the freeway!!

Excellent

What made the experience of listening to Beat the Reaper the most enjoyable?

It's edgy. Violent, gripping. Even my wife didn't want to turn it off, and she hates violence. It has a lot going for it beyond the visceral. It feeds the mind some tidbits here and there as well. A guilty pleasure with some nutrients thrown in for good measure.

What was one of the most memorable moments of Beat the Reaper?

I won't spoil the good moments by pointing them out. It has many.

What does Robert Petkoff bring to the story that you wouldn’t experience if you just read the book?

Robert Petkoff is one of the best readers - in the top 3 - I've heard, absolutely no doubt. I wouldn't say he is #3 either. Or #2. He delivers the confidence of the characters and has enough range to make the differences count between them. The main character's voice is delivered with power, and you don't fatigue. He curses well.

Did you have an extreme reaction to this book? Did it make you laugh or cry?

I had some laughs. I'm not done yet, so I'll get back to you on the crying.

Any additional comments?

I love the combination of crime, action, grit, history, and medical procedural insights. It's always good to learn about the real world through engrossing fiction.

Good story but...

Seemed a little preachy at times. The background music was strange and distracting and at times didn't fit the context of what was happening.

Good Action

Lots of action and language make this a good listen.

MacGyver on steroids

I did enjoy this book. I can just picture several people sitting around laughing hysterically deciding what this guy could do next. Wish I were there.

Action packed thrill ride

Would you consider the audio edition of Beat the Reaper to be better than the print version?

The audio edition include soundtracks during the action scenes which adds another layer to the experience. Did not expect that to happen so it was a nice surprise.

Would you recommend Beat the Reaper to your friends? Why or why not?

I've already recommended Beat the Reaper to about 5 friends since I have started listening to it. Especially to my big butch manly man friends.

Which character – as performed by Robert Petkoff – was your favorite?

Dr. Peter Brown was definitely my favorite. He is a take no ridiculousness type of dude and I like it.

Was there a moment in the book that particularly moved you?

I don't normally get a strong reaction to events in a book but the events towards the end of the book was hard to get through. Definitely make me cringe.

I didn't want it to end!

This is such an audible "page-turner". There was excitement from beginning to end! My only problem is trying to locate another book by this author. I hope the Dr. Character stays on the Table of Contents. Great Listen.

A dark, hilarious adventure

Beat the Reaper is vulgar, brutal, abusive, and shot up with more adrenaline than an ER shock cart. A doctor with a bullet-wound sized chip on his shoulder stumbles his way through his hospital ward and back alleys, leaving mostly blood (from both his patients and his enemies) behind. The writing is sharp and witty, and the somewhat non-linear plot is well woven and easy enough to follow. The sound design on this audiobook is particularly noteworthy, with music during intense sequences and the occasional ambient soundtrack when certain locations call for it. The narrator is great, and every line is dripping with the main character's well-earned cynicism. My only complaint is that the overall story is a little ridiculous, especially the climax, and I think I would have preferred if it were a little less pulpy.

Love it!

The cliffhangers will blow your mind. A must read!

The audio effects made the story alive.
Thanks!