The Secret Speech

De: Tom Rob Smith

Narrado por: Dennis Boutsikaris

Tom Rob Smith-the author whose debut, Child 44, has been called "brilliant" (Chicago Tribune), "remarkable" (Newsweek) and "sensational" (Entertainment Weekly)-returns with an intense, suspenseful new novel: a story where the sins of the past threaten to destroy the present, where families must overcome unimaginable obstacles to save their loved ones, and where hope for a better tomorrow is found in the most unlikely of circumstances . . .
The Secret Speech

Soviet Union, 1956. Stalin is dead, and a violent regime is beginning to fracture-leaving behind a society where the police are the criminals, and the criminals are innocent. A secret speech composed by Stalin's successor Khrushchev is distributed to the entire nation. Its message: Stalin was a tyrant. Its promise: The Soviet Union will change.

Facing his own personal turmoil, former state security officer Leo Demidov is also struggling to change. The two young girls he and his wife Raisa adopted have yet to forgive him for his part in the death of their parents. They are not alone. Now that the truth is out, Leo, Raisa, and their family are in grave danger from someone consumed by the dark legacy of Leo's past career. Someone transformed beyond recognition into the perfect model of vengeance.

From the streets of Moscow in the throes of political upheaval, to the Siberian gulags, and to the center of the Hungarian uprising in Budapest, The Secret Speech is a breathtaking, epic novel that confirms Tom Rob Smith as one of the most exciting new authors writing today.

©2009 Grand Central Publishing; (P)2009 Hachette

Reseñas de la Crítica

"This is a truly remarkable debut novel. CHILD 44 is a rare blend of great insight, excellent writing, and a refreshingly original story. Favorable comparisons to GORKYPARK are inevitable, but CHILD 44 is in a class of its own."—Nelson DeMille

"Smith's pacing is relentless; readers wanting to put the book down for a brief rest may find themselves persevering regardless. Expect the same kind of critical acclaim for this compelling tale that greeted the publication of Martin Cruz Smith's Gorky Park (1981) more than 25 years ago...a very, very good read. Don't miss it."—Starred BOOKLIST

"Stellar debut...completely original and absolutely satisfying."—Starred PUBLISHERS WEEKLY

This is an outstanding book, one of the best I have listened to this year! The author succeeds in recreating the living conditions in Stalinist Russia and weaving a terrifying novel of suspense, intrigue and horror. The resolution at the end of the book is beautifully set up by the various turns of fate that befall the protagonist. This book gave me chills, and it was nearly impossible to break away while listening....Dennis Boutsikaris' performance made me feel like I was living in Stalinist Russia, and I was totally swept away by his work on this audio prduction.—RoadTripAmerica

*Starred Review* Dennis Boutsikaris expertly conveys the fear and paranoia that permeates Smith's outstanding debut novel of murder in 1950s Stalinist Russia....Using Russian accents to their full advantage, Boutsikaris infuses his characters' dialogue with a deep sense of downtrodden melancholia.—Publishers Weekly

Looking for un-put-downable suspense, guaranteed to give you chills during the dog days of August? Then Child 44, Tom Rob Smith's dazzling debut novel, enhanced by Dennis Boutsikaris' race-paced, authentically accented performance, is it....As Leo hunts the killer, the MGB hunt Leo, investigator becomes fugitive and the pulse-pounding excitement ratchets up in this transporting thriller-diller.—Sukey Howard, BookPage

"Dennis Boutsikaris's Russian accents are superb. He brings even minor characters to life and portrays sex and age differences credibly."—AudioFile

Excellent Book

The book is excellent and flows right in from the first. Can't wait to read the third book! Good read!

another great from tom rob smith

If you could sum up The Secret Speech in three words, what would they be?

the suspense never lets up, cannot wait to read the next installment. the narrator is terrific. I recommend to whomever likes a thriller taking place in a country other than england or usa. tom rob smith is terrific.

Another hit!

Tom Rob Smith is an excellent author and Dennis Boutsikaris does a fabulous job narrating.
This is an amazing sequel because it acknowledges that people don't just "live happily ever after" as so many fabulous books would have you believe.

Definetly recommend that you read Child 44 before reading this book, as Child 44 is the first book and explains the characters and their motivations very well.

Awesome read!

Great Listen again

I let six months pass after listening to CHILD 44 before I started this book as other listeners found it a disappointment.
I didn't. I enjoyed it very much. There were a couple of clunky moments but otherwise I was so emotionally invested in these characters I was desperate for a Happy Ever After.

brilliant

brilliant sequel to one of my favorite stories. no boring recap of the prior or attempt to drag out the story line. greatly enjoyed.

Good

IT is a very good book. I enjoyed it very much. You might too, or maybe not. I don't really care.

Stop at the first book

I stuck with it, but it felt like it was a really over the top action movie put into novel form. Too much
Every single scene

Solid sequel

I didn't quite feel this one as much as I did Child 44. The stakes weren't quite as high and it dragged a bit in the middle. But it was good to spend more time with Leo. But I enjoyed the book both as a thrill ride and as a look at the immediate post Stalin Russia. But I hope Smith's next novel has a case that feels more urgent.

Not as good as the earlier book.

Much preferred the first book to this one. Mainly due to the story. Rather far fetched is an understatement. Many of the side stories and tangents not getting enough attention or detail leading to disappointment. Especially for readers of the first book.

I LOVE THIS AUTHOR!

I love how this Author writes. This is one of my all time favorites! When is the next book coming out??