The Devil's Punchbowl

By: Greg Iles

Narrated by: Dick Hill

As a prosecutor in Houston, Penn Cage sent killers to death row. But as mayor of his hometown - Natchez, Mississippi - Penn will face his most dangerous threat. Urged by old friends to try to restore this fading jewel of the Old South, Penn has ridden into office on a tide of support for change. But in its quest for new jobs and fresh money, Natchez has turned to casino gambling, and now five steamboats float on the river beside the old slave market, like props from Gone With the Wind.

But one boat isn't like the others.

Rumor has it that the Magnolia Queen has found a way to pull the big players from Las Vegas to its Mississippi backwater. And with them - on sleek private jets that slip in and out of town like whispers in the night - come pro football players, rap stars, and international gamblers, all sharing an unquenchable taste for one thing: blood sport - and the dark vices that go with it. When a childhood friend of Penn's who brings him evidence of these crimes is brutally murdered, he begins a quest to find the men responsible. But the local authorities have been corrupted by the money and power of his hidden enemy and, with his family's lives at stake, Penn realizes his only allies are those bound to him by blood or honor.

Together they must defeat a killer who has an almost preternatural ability to anticipate - and counter - their every move. Ultimately, victory will depend on a bold stroke that will leave one of Penn's allies dead - and Natchez changed forever.

©2009 Greg Iles (P)2009 Brilliance Audio, Inc.

narration dissappointing!

How did the narrator detract from the book?

I have never written a review... but I must here. I listened to the first two of this series... the first being the best narration, the second was OK, but this, the third, I had to look at the narrator. SHOCKED to see he's the same as the second.
He has AGED Penn Cage By 40 years!!! He sounds SO old, and slow .... and NOT worthy of the characters.
PLEASE!!! Tell me the rest are different!!!

Let down

Was expecting good entertainment,too bad. The narrators voices were either too loud or soft. Very disappointing.

Gritty, with a slap in the face of reality

What did you love best about The Devil's Punchbowl?

The story is a deeply touching episode in the life of Penn Cage. He seems as real to me as some people I actually know. That's good storytelling. He evolves, thinks, and also shows flaws. And is aware of the flaws of others. This is a story about people and how they can overcome or be overcome by their base nature.

What was one of the most memorable moments of The Devil's Punchbowl?

When Caitlin realizes she can't live with herself if she doesn't try to save Linda. Even though it would cost her her own life, she doesn't give up. She digs deep down through her terror and overcomes her doubts to move on.

Which scene was your favorite?

Hard to choose. When Penn is surprised that Caitlin's condition to stay in Natchez is to marry her was good. Also when Penn faces Shadrack with the picture he acquired. He could have been more judgmental, instead he worked towards his goal. You can tell he has a good heart.

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

The face inside the face you see.

Any additional comments?

It was a little long, but mesmerizing. I felt I lived it. I did quail at the horror of the dogfighting. It was necessary as many people are not aware of the practices. Unfortunately I was and am fully aware.

Gratuitous Violence and Sex

Would you try another book from Greg Iles and/or Dick Hill?

Not without carefully reading the reviews. I have read/listened to the earlier books in this series, and liked them. I think you should separate the reader from the author; one can be excellent and the other poor.

What do you think your next listen will be?

I would love a refreshing,upbeat, positive story, e.g., Alexander McCall Smith. John Grisham's books are informative in a positive sense, along with a good story line. This book has few redeeming features..

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

His performance is good. It is the text that is extremely disturbing.

Did The Devil's Punchbowl inspire you to do anything?

No. If it were not for the plot line, I would have stopped listening. I did not learn anything except the depths of depravity of the author's imagination.

Can we get to the point?

The plot was interesting but it could have been shorter in length. I was disappointed that character development wasn't there for as long as the story went on.