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.

Solid novel improved by the narration

"The Poet" is a very good police procedural, but not exceptional. A reporter tracks a serial killer through some unpredictable plot twists.

But, for me, the narrator raised this into 5-star territory. Even the most minor walk-on parts have their own distinct voices, and have more individuality than Connelly gave them. I was very impressed.

OK but nothing special

It was ok but not one of my favorites.

Good Read

Story line was interesting and surprising all the way through.

Gripping story tripped up by narration

Would you say that listening to this book was time well-spent? Why or why not?

In this case, the tale is best read from the page. The stumbling, awkward read by Mr. Schirner leaves one weighed down and worn out.

Who was your favorite character and why?

The protagonist is easy to like and an a clear favorite. He's stubborn and human and determined. The villain is hard to like, hard to support. I'm not sure if this is performance or the writing.

How could the performance have been better?

The performance needed a different narrator with a better feel for the pace and the suspense of the text. The individual character voices sounded contrived and forced. I suppose that he was after a halting, film noir angle, but it reminded me more of an intoxicated confession from Norm at Cheers.

Did The Poet inspire you to do anything?

Unfortunately, I am only inspired to avoid future reads by Mr. Schirner.

Good story spoiled by the hypnosis conceit

If one more crime writer uses the Hollywood concept of hypnosis, I think I will puke (see Dean Koontz, False Memory--or not). As a psychologist, this is just bunk. But, otherwise--well done.

Tough to go back in time

The hardest part of this book was dealing with cops stopping at pay phones to call people or waiting by the hotel phone for someone to call. I know it was based on the times but still a bit painful to endure.

Buch Shriner Ruined It For Me

This guy and his odd accent and too deep voice and lack of character enhancement ruined it for me. Also it’s it’s 25 years old and it hasn’t aged well. Not Connellys best dialogue work.

Ridiculous ending

A fine suspense credibly constructed and maintained factually and logically only to be ruined by the nonsensical ending

a great listen

Enjoyed the book from the beginning. Story was captivating and narrator did a great job.

entertaining with twists and turns

Entertaining with twists & turns and indebth research.
enjoyed the reader 's voice and delivery too.