Rolling Thunder

By: Chris Grabenstein

Narrated by: Jeff Woodman

Length: 8 hrs and 6 mins

Publisher's Summary

Theres more fireworks down the Jersey shore in Chris Grabenstein's sixth fast-paced John Ceepak mystery, Rolling Thunder.

A prominent citizen suffers a heart attack on opening day of a brand new boardwalk roller coaster in the seedy seaside resort town Sea Haven, New Jersey. Initially ruled a tragic accident, it isnt long before there are suspicious hints of foul play, especially after another dead body is discovered: a stunning young beach beauty.

Fortunately for mystery lovers, the straight-arrow cop John Ceepak and his wise-cracking young partner Danny Boyle are on the case, a detective/sidekick duo critics have compared to Rex Stout's Nero Wolfe and Archie Goodwin.

Crack another case with John Ceepak.

©2010 Chris Grabenstein (P)2009 Audible, Inc.

Critic Reviews

"Full of unpredictable twists and turns. There's plenty of fizz in the chemistry between the two protagonists to keep the novel and the reader spinning." ( Boston Globe)

It has been several years since I listened to...

It has been several years since I listened to a novel in this cop series. As usual the real star of audiobooks in the John Ceepak series is narrator Jeff Woodman. For those not familiar with this series it is set in a coastal beach resort town in New Jersey. The books are written in the first person of young police officer Danny Boyle who grew up in the town. John Ceepak is a more senior officer from Ohio who was a military hero. Ceepak is literally incapable of lying or doing anything dishonest or illegal. The novels tend to be humorous although thin one is not. Chris Grabenstein is a very talented author with a flair for the unlikely and the outrageous. He makes the listening fun especially when paired with narrator Jeff Woodman. It is an offbeat and usually light and humorous police series.

7 of 7 people found this review helpful

Very Enjoyable First Audible Book

Picked this out of a list of legal thrillers for my first audible book. I enjoyed the combination of humor and mystery very much. I did not have to concentrate too much on the characters to keep everything straight, so its a good book for a drive in traffic. Very good narration.

4 of 4 people found this review helpful

Family Dysfunction on the Jersey Shore

A great story about the corruption of money and power and the complications of family. The story climaxes with a surprise ending that is as dramatic as any story in the series. The continued progression of Danny, from immature kid to solid adult cop seems complete.
this story features the O'Malley family. Along with a few other middle-aged men the patriarch of the family is one of the movers and shakers of Seahaven. Their casual use of young women with little going for them but their youth and their bodies is at the center of the story.
The O'Malley family are owners of an amusement park and a miniature golf course; this family is one hot mess. They share all the family warmth and loyalty of scorpions in a fish bowl. Four sons at four different corners of the family and cultural spectrum and a daughter with huge mental and psychological issues; all of whom despise at least one of their parents. this is the family that despite their affluence, no one would want to be a part of.
As always officers Ceepak and Boyle are there at the end save the day. Danny's continued growth is subtly altering the relationship between the two officers. They are growing closer to being real peers. Ceepak is still the driving force of the partnership; but Danny Boyle is becoming more of a real partner in the team. As usual, this is another five star selection. Ceepak and Boyle deliver once again. this is a five star listen.

3 of 3 people found this review helpful

Can't wait for the next one

Having become a fan of Danny and Cepak, I couldn't wait for this new one to be released. I wasn't disappointed! I find myself laughing out loud while listening. The narrator is exceptional and helps increase the enjoyment of this book. Sheer fun. Can't wait for the next one.

6 of 7 people found this review helpful

Another fun installment in the series

I really enjoy this series - it's a lot of fun. It can be tough for an author to write humorous murder mysteries (many have tried, few succeed), and Grabenstein seems to have hit the mark well. Add the excellent narration by Jeff Woodman, and it's a winner.

2 of 2 people found this review helpful

Ceepak at his Best

What did you love best about Rolling Thunder?

You never really knew who the bad person was.. Like Danny, I kept changing my mind until the very least moment.

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

Absolutely. It was from one unexpected plot to another even less expected.

Which scene was your favorite?

don't have a favorite it was...to quote Ceepak "all good".

2 of 2 people found this review helpful

I REALLY LIKE THESE TWO COPS

THEY are so different yet they compliment each other. There is a touch of humor and then there is the Sr. Ceepak who makes me so angry I want to........well anyway it is a good book! It's the second one I have read and I will read more. The problem is that because of audible.com, I have found many favorite authors & it takes me awhile to make my rounds to get back to the beginning of my list. Believe me Chris G. is on my list.

2 of 2 people found this review helpful

Fun Series

Would you consider the audio edition of Rolling Thunder to be better than the print version?

I love the charactors and the plots. Very simple, easy to follow and I like the moral John with his side kick Danny. I also like the setting in a beach town that has tourist seasons and otherwise a quiet small town atmosphere.

Would you recommend Rolling Thunder to your friends? Why or why not?

Definately. If you like murder mystery but do not like all the gore of some of the crime stories out there. These stories would be appropriate for even a younger audiance (teens) who like mysteries.

What about Jeff Woodman’s performance did you like?

This narrator is AWSOME! So many voices, he is easy to follow when he changes charactors - a lot of diversity without any fake sounding (cartoon-like) voices.

5 of 6 people found this review helpful

Great story and narration as usual!

Great book as usual. Woodman's narration makes the audio perfect. I really enjoyed the characters and the pacing and Ceepak never gets old. Might want to listen to these books in order as some characters are from previous books. It is NOT necessary to enjoy it but it makes it a little more fun.

5 of 6 people found this review helpful

Thunderous Applause for ROLLING THUNDER!

A prominent woman dies on Sea Haven's new wooden roller coaster, but was there a crime? Danny and Ceepak are on the trail when an entirely new crisis shocks the town, threatening the investigators, their friends, and the rapidly-approaching tourist season. "Rolling Thunder," the sixth John Ceepak Mystery from Chris Grabenstein, won't disappoint loyal fans or new readers. As always, Jeff Woodman's narration pulls the characters off the written page and into your headphones. There's plenty of mystery, suspense, and the usual humor, with an ending that will keep you turning pages until it concludes. And...is there someone new in Danny's life? Stay tuned!

11 of 14 people found this review helpful

Best. Narrator. Ever.

I love these stories but they are augmented beyond belief by the amazing performance of the narrator.

Chris Grabenstein and Jeff Woodman do it again!

I would love to spend the day in Chris Grabenstein's head, and get to see how ge creates such vivid and true to life characters , locations and situations.

As out there as some of his stories seem. They fit patterns of certain kinds of killers, and are completely true to form.

I cannot get enough of this series! !

Louisa Simpson.