The Last Watchman Still Rides

By: Jonathan Watkins

Narrated by: Brian Callanan

Length: 9 hrs and 25 mins

Publisher's summary

His name is Roarke. His history is a swath of blood and violence. Released from prison after another man died under his fists, he's found some semblance of peace as a private investigator. Sometimes he's hired to solve a problem. Sometimes he's hired to do something mean. He prefers the one, but he isn't above the other. When he's hired to locate a gorgeous banking executive's missing niece, Roarke suspects the case might be just another ugly custody fight between the girl's parents. A single gunshot aimed his way proves him wrong and convinces him to give the missing girl his undivided attention. Soon, Roarke finds himself drawn away from his Detroit lair and into the northern wilderness where an armed militia calling themselves the Sovereign North are holding the girl. Lead by a silver-tongued preacher and a remorseless killer called The Last Watchman, the Sovereign North are waiting for him. They think they can bargain with him. They think he can be reasoned with. They're wrong.

©2013, 2016 Jonathan Watkins (P)2016 Jonathan Watkins

A building gripping story. Some great twists!

I loved this book right from the get go. The story starts out setting up what turns out to be a wonderful story. I love the contrast between narrative and flashbacks for reference.
There are twists that I simply did not see coming and was actually blindsided by.

The narration is perfectly matched against the pace and tone of the book. My particular favourite character for narration was the father, deep raw voice oozing contained violence.

This is a great book that is well worth your time to listen to. It has mystery, action and thriller elements. I think this book appeals to a wide audience.
This will suit those who like a good mystery thriller and anyone looking for action it is great.

I was given this free review copy audiobook at my request and have voluntarily provided this impartial review.

Perfect marriage of story and narrator!!

Any additional comments?

This book had me at the opening paragraph and I could not stop listening until the absolute very end.

The story was intricate and well thought out. It had a bevy of incredible characters and all of them came to life in the hands of this narrator.

There is a definite style and cadence to this listen reminiscent of a Micky Spillane mystery. That's the first delicious aspect of this listen. Then the narrator comes in, gives Roarke that booming base with those soft edges, and he makes you believe!!

There were some surprises towards the end (no spoilers) and when I could breathe again, I count this among my favorite listens all year.

Great for the commute!

What did you love best about The Last Watchman Still Rides?

It kept me on the edge of my seat.

Did the plot keep you on the edge of your seat? How?

It kept you wondering what obstacle Roake would have to overcome next.

What about Brian Callanan’s performance did you like?

Once I got used to the different characters, I found Brian did a great job with both the men's and women's voices.

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

It would be great on a long road trip.

Any additional comments?

I have a 2 hour commute to work each day and was looking for something to alieve the boredom. I am an avid reader and thought I would try audio books.. This is my first one and although I had a bit of trouble getting used to the reader’s voices, it didn’t take long to get used to it. Roake is obsessed with rescuing a young girl and runs into many difficulties along the way. I started looking forward to my commute each day, anxious to hear the outcome. The dreaded daily gym workout also became more enjoyable with this listen. Quite enjoyed this audio book!
I was voluntarily provided this free review copy audiobook by the author, narrator, or publisher.

Didn't think I'd like it, I LOVED IT!

It's a long book but it sucked me in and kept me interested from start to finish. I love the main character Roarke and his story. This book seriously has it all! Brian Callanan's voice truly gives life to Roarke and the other characters.

"I was voluntarily provided this free review copy audiobook by the author, narrator, or publisher."

Captivating

This book was well written I felt as I was right there with the detectives, searching for the murderer. Very captivating.
“I was voluntarily provided this free review copy audiobook by the author, narrator, or publisher.

Fantastic!

Any additional comments?

I was immediately drawn into the story by Brian's engaging timbre. The story was interesting and full of action and suspense but it's his narration that made this story STELLAR. Definitely looking forward to hearing more from this narrator. Bravo!

Motor City Revenge and Beyond

Would you consider the audio edition of The Last Watchman Still Rides to be better than the print version?

I have the Kindle edition. Both versions have much to recommend each of them.

What other book might you compare The Last Watchman Still Rides to and why?

Another Action Adventure Noir -ish similar to the Lee Child Jack Reacher books. Hard boiled also describes Roarke.

What about Brian Callanan’s performance did you like?

Very good! He has talent for voicing characters. DOESN'T reach into the "bizarre to be different" for voices. He maintains the pace that I felt complimented the action. Easy to understand. With the added attributes of NOT snorting, gasping, wheezing, gulping, or lip smacking! Which even the big names of voice talent fall victim to!

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

I felt a sense of satisfaction at the revenge exacted

Any additional comments?

This was well written and well performed! Enjoyable.

What are you waiting for?

Thank you for the opportunity to review it!

This review copy audiobook was provided by the author, narrator, or publisher at no cost. I am happy to give my honest review of it. I think I'm suppose to mention how reviewing this was voluntary on my part.

Thrilling action packed novel!

This book has many similar qualities as many of the Jack Reacher books by Lee Child. The main character is a quiet, brute of a man who gets himself into trouble with death seemingly around every corner. The twists and turns will leave you wanting more as the story progresses.

Kudos to the author and narrator for an enjoyable thrilling action packed adventure. This book was gifted to me at no cost in exchange for an honest and unbiased review courtesy of AudiobookBoom dot com.

Worth your time and credit

Any additional comments?

Very entertaining, engaging and enjoyable. The story pulls you in immediately and never lets go. The synopsis tells you all you need to know except that the book is worth your time and credit. Hopefully this will be turned into a series.

Action , mystery, suspense, revenge and more. Roarke what a character. He's a man you definitely want on your side. Rough around the edges, very lethal and lives by his own moral code.

Well written, interesting story with plenty of twists that will have you on the edge of your seat from start to finish.

Brian Callanan did a great job with the narration. Perfect narrator for this book. Great voice for this type of story. Clearly spoken with a nice even pace. Great character voices. Perfect delivery and tone. He brought the characters to life through his narration. Very enjoyable.

I was voluntarily provided this free review copy audiobook by the author, narrator or publisher.

Not your typical hero

Roarke is more than just rough around the edges, he's rough all over, but there's something about that combined with how much he cares that makes him extremely likeable.

This book started with a bang and it didn't slow down, so many of the characters were not who they first seemed to be, it felt like twist after twist.

Intense edge of your seat drama, where bad is good and good is bad.

The narration was excellent, it made a great book even better. The character voices were great especially with the range of them needed, and the delivery was engaging and emotive.

I received a free copy of this book from the author and/or narrator and/or publisher and I voluntarily wrote this honest review.

If you found this review helpful would you please take a moment to click yes below.