The Beast

Peter Decker and Rina Lazarus, Book 21

By: Faye Kellerman

Narrated by: Mitchell Greenberg

Length: 11 hrs and 47 mins

Publisher's summary

Throughout his years with the LAPD, Peter Decker has handled a number of tough cases and strange killers. But few of his previous assignments compare to his latest case. When Hobart Penny is found dead in his apartment, the cops think that his pet cat - an adult female tiger - attacked the reclusive elderly billionaire. But it soon becomes clear that the beast that killed the eccentric inventor is all too human.

Digging into the victim's life, Decker and his colleagues discover that Penny was an exceptionally peculiar man with exotic tastes, including kinky sex with call girls. Following a trail of clues that leads from a wildlife sanctuary in the San Bernardino Mountains to the wild nightlife of Las Vegas, the LAPD detectives are left juggling too many suspects and too few answers. To break open the case, Decker wrestles with a difficult choice: turning to Chris Donatti, the dangerous man who also happens to be the father of Decker's foster son, Gabriel Whitman.

As their work and intimate worlds collide, Decker and his wife, Rina, find themselves facing tough questions. And when all these shocking truths comes out, exactly how well will Decker and Rina cope, and survive?

©2013 Plot Line, Inc. (P)2013 HarperCollinsPublishers

Awful Narration

Honestly, I’ve always loved Faye Kellerman’s books, but I’ve never listened to one on audio. I’ve listened to thousands of audiobooks over the years, but when they’re this poorly narrated I just cannot get through them. I purchased this too long ago to return, but I will not be listening to the rest of the book. I’ve tried several times and just can’t do it. I know all narrators can’t be perfect, but they don’t have to be so corny. Why can’t Scott Brick just read all books in this genre?!

Other great book by Faye Kellerman

This book was great This is one of the better ones from the series It really enjoyed all the characters and Can't wait to download the next one

Tiger country

Not as good as some and better than some. I like the fact that most chapters keep us updated about what is going on with the main characters. I wish I had read the stories in order but I am catching up. A decent read

Another Decent Chapter

The series is keeping me on the hook!

I always prefer the “Deckers at Home” threads to the police storylines and that’s what usually keeps me coming back.

Diving into volume 22 right way!

Cat Tail Told Purrfectly

Kellerman just gets better! This tail is wonderfully purrplexing. It starts with a murdered 89 year old recluse who has a tiger in his condo. Gabe makes engaging appearances in a secondary plot. The keeper of a wild life sanctuary is an interesting character. Look for foreshadowing of future developments for Decker and Lazarus. A good listen👍👍👍👍👍

Faye Kellerman, the plot master!

I'm amazed at how many books Faye Kellerman wrote for this series, one better than the next. Can't believe I didn't discover her sooner, but am sure enjoying her books now. Mitchell Greenberg is the perfect narrator for the series.

Decker and ??Lazarus

Once again, Mr Greenberg's narration is top drawer.
A significant style that attracts one to this series is the integration of Rina, Sammy, Jacob, Hannah, and Cindy as growing, real characters. Aside from bare mentions, they take no place in this work--and diminishly so in these later works.
Ms Kellerman has stretched this story with empty filler to the tune of about 25%.
So sad...

Unique crime mystery

Although the main crime scene was definitely gory, the plot had good substance. I have listened to several of this series in order because the character dialogue is fun even if they're trying to solve a nasty crime.

Like being reunited with family!

It's been a long time between reading Faye Kellerman's books and I have to say I thoroughly enjoyed this reading! Couldn't put it down, but was sorry when it ended.

Too slow

I have read several of Kellerman's books, this one was not one of the best. I did not care for the narrator. The person who narrates makes or breaks a book. The book starts way too slow and continues until the second half.