Stone Cold

By: Robert B. Parker

Narrated by: Robert Forster

Length: 5 hrs and 51 mins

Publisher's Summary

In Stone Cold, Police Chief Jesse Stone has a problem - actually, two problems - dead bodies turning up, and no clues. A man takes his dog out for a run on the beach, only to be discovered hour later with two holes in his chest. A woman drives her Volvo to the mall to do some grocery shopping, never makes it back to her house and is found dead.

Investigating a serial killer in an affluent suburban town is difficult, and with the added pressures from the town selectmen and media, the heat is turned up on Jesse. The harder these outside forces push against him, the more Jesse retreats into himself, convinced - despite all the odds - that it's up to him alone to stop the killing.

©2003 Robert B. Parker (P)2003, 2014 New Millennium Entertainment, Phoenix Books

Critic Reviews

"Told in third-person prose that's a model of economy, with sharp action sequences, deep yet unobtrusive character exploration...this is prime Parker, testament to why he was named a Grand Master at the 2002 Edgar Awards." ( Publishers Weekly)

HE SAID, SHE SAID

With 9 out of 10 sentences ending in "SAID", it's too disconcerting to listen to. Poor writing.

14 people found this helpful

A great introduction to a new (to me) character

I've been a big fan of the late Robert B. Parker's Spenser for many years, and read about half of the those books in audio form. They are always very good, and occasionally great. I had never read a Jesse Stone novel until I came across this short one in a recent Audible Sale, and seeing that it was read by my hometown hero, Robert Forster, I couldn't resist.

The book was great, and I look forward to seeking out the rest of the novels in this series, especially if they are read by Forster. I know his thick Raaachester accent irritates some who aren't used to it, but his characterizations and smooth demeanor are dead-on for this type of book. Great fun!

2 people found this helpful

I love the hole series.

I love the series. I have been backward. I first saw all the movies then started listening to the book on my 45 minutes drive. Am hooked.

Jesse Stone deals with 2 sets of sexual predators

This story deals with sexual predators which can be heavy but was handled well. The Tom Sellek TV version I thought captured the best of the book and even improved on the storyline.

Interesting story

Any additional comments?

The reader is excellent and the story kept my attention. Robert Parker always was able to tell a good story. i listened to all the Spencer novels and enjoyed them thoroughly. This was the first Jesse Stone novel I have listened to. He is a good character, but I do not like his ex wife, Jen. He deserves much better. The story line here is very interesting. The serial killers are a wealthy married couple who find killing a sexual bonding experience. Jesse becomes their target. I will get another Jesse Stone book and see how his life turns out. I wish him well.

Robert Forster is Jesse Stone

I was very glad I had seen a couple of the TV shows staring "Jesse Stone". It gave immediate faces etc. to many of the characters. The star of the TV show has a voice and inflections extremely close to Robert Forster.

A good story and fun listen.

a lot of foul language

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

Although the story is very good, i did not enjoy this book because of the language

1 person found this helpful

Loved it...but I may be a bit biased

Would you recommend this audiobook to a friend? If so, why?

Oh yeah...they're just good stories.

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

Well, I knew the plot before I read the book, and it didn't disappoint. It follows pretty closely with the movie, which I saw first.

What about Robert Forster’s performance did you like?

He brings Jesse Stone to life as I picture him; Tom Selleck's portrayal probably makes me a bit biased, but Forster's performance is what I wanted to hear.

Any additional comments?

Well worth it.

better than the tv version

This book was done as a made for tv movie and has run several times. I love the movie, but the book is much better!

1 person found this helpful

Jessy says

Liked it will buy another. The reader's script was the only part that needed help.