The Poet

By: Michael Connelly

Narrated by: Buck Schirner

Length: 15 hrs and 24 mins

Publisher's summary

FROM THE #1 BESTSELLING AUTHOR OF THE HARRY BOSCH AND LINCOLN LAWYER SERIES

An electrifying standalone thriller that breaks all the rules!

Death is reporter Jack McEvoy's beat: his calling, his obsession. But this time, death brings McEvoy the story he never wanted to write - and the mystery he desperately needs to solve. A serial killer of unprecedented savagery and cunning is at large. His targets: homicide cops, each haunted by a murder case he couldn't crack. The killer's calling card: a quotation from the works of Edgar Allan Poe. His latest victim is McEvoy's own brother. And his last...may be McEvoy himself.

©1996 by Michael Connelly. (P)1996 Brilliance Audio, all rights reserved.

Surprise

Got off so so in the beginning. But by the time I was mid way thru I couldn’t put it down. And what a twisted surprise at the end. I love a good mystery and this one will not disappoint.

Very addictive listening...

What did you love best about The Poet?

A few good twists that kept me thinking.

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

Yes, there was always something exciting happening. The story was never dull, not for a moment.

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

No i hadn't, but he did an excellent job. The different voices and emotions made the story very easy to follow as to who was saying what. This makes a world of difference compare to some performers who appear to have the same voice for all characters.

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

NA

Any additional comments?

Great story by an excellent author. I am hooked on Michael Connelys books and have just about got through them all. The entire Bosch series and Micky Hauler. A few left to go, then need to find more similar authors.

Good

The story is very good. The reader was good but reminded me of the old 60's cop shows.I think very good overall but was my favorite kind of read.

Edgie

Great story, lots of twist and turns. Think you know some it, well think again. Another great story from Connelly.

Great Book

Any additional comments?

Very entertaining! Several twists I wasn't expecting -- I love a book that keeps you guessing. I found myself driving out of the way to get a few additional minutes of listening time!

Great story

Excellent narration made this excellent story one of the best mysteries to listen too. I love all of the Bosch stories, and this book adds even more depth to Mr. Connelly's work. Enjoyed Mr. Schirner 's many voices also.

Twisty, around-the-bend-and-back story!

Jack McEvoy is a newspaper reporter in Denver. When his twin brother, Sean, a homicide detective, is found dead in his car by what's ruled a self-inflicted gunshot, Jack decides he wants to write his story. But, the more he probes, his suspicions grow about it possibly being a murder. As he continues his research, Jack lands himself into an FBI investigation that points to a diabolical serial killer.

While this case is referenced in early Harry Bosch stories, Harry doesn't make an appearance here. But, it's important to get the background on the case origins before Harry does get involved so that's why it is part of the Harry Bosch Universe.

Now, regarding the story. This one is really different because Jack's a reporter, not a detective or private investigator so he doesn't have cop instincts. I had to check myself on occasion when Jack didn't react the way I thought he should have, like a cop. That's a tribute to Connelly because I think he got it right as a journalist. In addition to Jack's first person narrative, we also get the voice of the suspect, which was pretty awful due to the subject matter but quite essential to the story.

I enjoyed this twisting and turning, around-the-bend-and-back case. I must admit to being a bit shocked at the ending, even though I had growing suspicions. The narrator was fine but I associate Buck Schirner with the Monkeewrench series so that was a distraction. And, he sounds older than Jack. Otherwise, it was a very interesting story with lots of tangents.

Background noise

There was a background noise throughout parts of the book. Sounded like another book being read.

Great story

Michael Connelly is my favorite author and did not disappoint! Great story that will keep you glued!

Awesome

I was mesmerized ... I loved the main character and the plot was dope. A masterpiece