Night of Thunder

Bob Lee Swagger, Book 5

By: Stephen Hunter

Narrated by: Buck Schirner

Length: 9 hrs and 45 mins

Publisher's summary

New York Times best-selling author Stephen Hunter returns with his most riveting Bob Lee Swagger volume to date. The stakes are high - and personal - because this time, Swagger's daughter's life is at stake. Forced off the road and into a crash that leaves her clinging to life in a coma, Nikki Swagger had begun to peel back the onion of a Southern Fried scandal.

Corrupt constabulary, meth lab crackers, and deranged evangelicals rear their ugly heads and when Swagger picks up where Nikki left off, his swift sword of justice is let loose. All of it is set against the backdrop of the excitement and insanity that only a weeklong NASCAR event can bring to the backwoods of a town as seemingly sleepy as Bristol, VA. A master at the top of his game, Hunter provides a host of riveting new reasons to read as fast as we can. Stephen Hunter is the best-selling author of The 47th Samurai, Havana, and Pale Horse Coming, among other titles.

©2008 Stephen Hunter (P)2008 Brilliance Audio, Inc.

You go, Bob Lee!!!

We love Bob Lee Swagger. Despite his age, he still gets his man or should we say men. Devoted to his family - and tough as nails on top of it.

Not up to Stephen Hunter's best

I can't make up my mind whether it was the hokey lines of some of the characters in this novel or whether it was that the narrator just did not seem to fit my image of Bob Lee Swagger. The book got much better toward the end and finished with a good ending which was a plus.

Not the best Hunter novel.

Would you try another book from Stephen Hunter and/or Buck Schirner?

Yes, I had and I will again. I love the Lee Swagger character and the almost-Eastwood nature of Schirner's rendition, which is perfect for the role. However, I couldn't keep my attention on the story line and I was disappointed by the Hollywood style ending.

Would you be willing to try another book from Stephen Hunter? Why or why not?

Yes, but I will select with caution.

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

Good as always.

If this book were a movie would you go see it?

Not at all.

Any additional comments?

This seems like a script for a cheesy blow-em-up movie, Hunter can do better.

This was an awesome book

this was a fantastic book that kept you as a listener extremely intrigued I would recommend this book to anybody who follows the series.

it's a great listen

it was a great book to read and just as great to listen to I highly recommend it

Not impressed..

I usually like these stories but was disappointed with this story. Hunter's portrayal of southerners, Nascar fans, and Christians for that matter, is like listening to MSM's idea of something they know nothing about. I'd skip this one..

From a fan..... Hunter NAILS it.

As a lifelong NASCAR fan I can attest, Hunter absolutely nailed piecing these two worlds together. His description and use of Bristol Motor Speedway couldn't be better. It made the reading/listening to this book much more enjoyable than I could have ever imagined. Thusly, I'm grateful to Stephen Hunter. ...and 'Bob Lee Swagger'.

Well written, well narrated, very well received.

One of the Best Bob Lee stories

I have long since been a big fan of Bob Lee and his Father and look forward to every next book. After 47th Samari I was not sure if Hunter had anything else left (it was such a far stretch) but this book was fantastic. Bob Lee at his best and in his environment. Bob kicks butt even if he is getting old.

Fantastic!

The descriptive and imaginative command of the English language that Stephen Hunter can conjure is pleasure enough, the characters are so enjoyable in this book combined with a brilliant plot and great narration. This is one of my top 3 audio books ever!!! I’ve listened front to back probably 6 times over 3 years. It doesn’t get better than this!!!

Another great Swagger story

Would you consider the audio edition of Night of Thunder to be better than the print version?

I don’t know. I haven’t read it in print. But Buck Schirner does bring the book to life.

Who was your favorite character and why?

Bob Lee Swagger of course. I enjoyed Bob’s down home “aw shucks” exterior, while those who didn’t know him thought him a doddering old guy, while Bob remained very vigilant and retained his training.

Which character – as performed by Buck Schirner – was your favorite?

Again, Bob Lee Swagger. Schirner’s voice and affect really bring Bob to life as I imagine Bob to be.

If you were to make a film of this book, what would the tag line be?

Don’t underestimate Bob Lee Swagger!

Any additional comments?

A few notes on this book. First, it isn’t really connected to the initial tight cluster of inter-connected Earl and Bob Lee Swagger books. This takes Bob Lee and puts him in a stand alone adventure. Second, there are many parts in the book that aren’t really believable but it’s an adventure story. And third, the villains are a bit silly and campy, but it does make for an enjoyable read.