Say Nothing

A Novel

By: Brad Parks

Narrated by: George Newbern

Length: 12 hrs and 28 mins

Publisher's summary

Named a Best Book of 2017 by Library Journal and Kirkus Reviews Winner of the 2018 Library of Virginia People’s Choice Award

Judge Scott Sampson doesn’t brag about having a perfect life, but the evidence is clear: A prestigious job. A loving marriage. A pair of healthy children. Then a phone call begins every parent’s most chilling nightmare. Scott’s six-year-old twins, Sam and Emma, have been taken. The judge must rule exactly as instructed in a drug case he is about to hear. If he refuses, the consequences for the children will be dire.

For Scott and his wife, Alison, the kidnapper’s call is only the beginning of a twisting, gut-churning ordeal of blackmail, deceit, and terror. Through it all, they will stop at nothing to get their children back, no matter the cost to themselves...or to each other.

“Outstanding - starts with a bang and gets tenser and tenser. Say Nothing shows Parks is a quality writer at the top of his form.” (Lee Child)

“Terrific book. Truly terrific. Tension throughout and tears at the end.” (Sue Grafton)

“The work of an author who continues to raise his sights and refine his immense talent.” (Richmond Times-Dispatch)

©2017 Brad Parks (P)2017 Penguin Audio

Critic reviews

"Narrator George Newbern gives Sampson a conversational yet compelling voice - at times vulnerable, at times furious but consistently determined. The story is fast paced, engaging, and heartbreaking." ( AudioFile)

Oh My ...

This book was EXCELLENT! Kept me listening when I should have been working!!! Can't express in words how much I enjoyed this book!!

Overall - I enjoyed this book. The end was?

The end was a little hinky. It almost felt rushed. I don’t think it came together as well as I expected - But 90% of this book was pretty well done.

Starts out with a bang, but...

The story line started out well but strained credibility as it progressed. The main character, a Federal judge whose children were kidnapped, was not very likeable and seemed to have some psychopathic traits himself. For example, he had no qualms about burying a murder victim himself when it suited his agenda, with no concern for the victim's next-of-kin. Overall rating: 3.5*

wow what a ride!

this book is non stop, heart pounding action. can actually ser this happening in real life
end eas so touching. loved it!!!

highly recommended

it was riveting and wonderful. I enjoyed it very much and highly recommend it to all

Mixed Feelings

The story was a bit annoying to me and I didn't really like it, but the ending was well done.

Gripping till the end

This story is one I found myself listening to at every opportunity- pacing is good, characters are excellent. Twists and turns throughout!

Almost Didn't Finish

While in all my years of reading & listening to books I only once stopped middle ofbook I just couldn't take it anymore. This story almost became the second. It was read so monotone and without expression and taking well over half of the story to set the hook. in the end it had a exciting ending.

OMG! I Did Not Think That I Would Survive This!

This marvelously written story is not for the faint of heart. Some pretty horrific things occur. Without giving too much away I want future readers to know that there is jealousy, lying, kidnapping, child abuse, accusations of marriage infidelities, vultures feasting on human remains, extortion, thefts, misdirected trusts, deceitfulness among spouses, relatives, co-workers and old friends. Under the most extreme crushing circumstances Women are portrayed as strong capable people, even the little girl. Remember that I don't want to give too much away!

It is also a frustrating story about how much parents will do for their children. Frustrating because the parents become amateur detectives. Legitimate trained law enforcement officials have minimal roles until the end. Frustrating because for almost 3 weeks the torturous manipulation went on and a child was missing. Frustrating because of the false starts, twists and turns of storyline. I was so tensed up that I had to go to the pool to work out some frustrations. This story is frightening and sooo good. I recommend it highly.

I love George Newbern's narration. There is an even tone and cadence to his voice. There are no distracting noises such as spit clicks, heavy breathing or shrillness. The slight variations in the male voices is good. This story is told from the point of view of Scott Sampson, who happens to be a federal judge and the father of a set of twins. Through the writing and Mr. Newbern's reading, the listener experiences each emotion of Scott's.

As mentioned earlier, this is an excellent story and one that shouldn't be by-passed.

Finished thus novel in record time.

Finished listening to this novel in record time. Keeps you in suspense until the end. Many intriguing twists and turns.