The Listener

By: Robert R. McCammon

Narrated by: Marc Vietor

It's 1934. Businesses went under by the hundreds, debt and foreclosures boomed, and breadlines grew in many American cities. In the midst of this misery, some folks explored unscrupulous ways to make money. Angel-faced John Partlow and carnival huckster Ginger LaFrance are among the worst of this lot. Joining together they leave their small-time confidence scams behind to attempt an elaborate kidnapping-for-ransom scheme in New Orleans.

In a different part of town, Curtis Mayhew, a young black man who works as a redcap for the Union Railroad Station, has a reputation for mending quarrels and misunderstandings among his friends. What those friends don't know is that Curtis has a special talent for listening...and he can sometimes hear things that aren't spoken aloud.

One day, Curtis Mayhew's special talent allows him to overhear a child's cry for help (THIS MAN IN THE CAR HE'S GOT A GUN), which draws him into the dangerous world of Partlow and LaFrance.

This gritty Depression-era crime thriller is a complex tale enriched by powerfully observed social commentary and hints of the supernatural, and it represents Robert McCammon writing at the very top of his game.

©2018 Robert McCammon (P)2018 Audible, Inc.

Critic reviews

“McCammon conjures believable characters whose sympathetic plight pulls the reader headlong into the novel’s volatile mix of crime and fantasy. Its tense finale, paced at breakneck speed, will have readers turning pages until its surprise-packed end.” ( Publishers Weekly)"McCammon masterfully combines historical thriller and supernatural horror in a compelling and suspenseful tale of race, class, and family…" ( Booklist)

The Martyred Hero gets shafted again (spoiler)

It's a well written story, but it bummed me out. I'm today's race-focused social atmosphere, it's particularly difficult (as A Black woman) to get through these Jim Crow Era stories without feeling a mix of sadness and anger. I feel like it's just everywhere. It's at work when people complain about the protesters speaking up against police violence against people of color and Kaepernick's decision to display his own opinion on the matter in the media spotlight his life attracted. It's in the elevator when a woman frantically jabs the button to close the door before I can get on, then clutches her purse for the entire ride despite the fact that I would have to abandon my bike to steal it (and then run where? To the other side of the elevator?).

Excellent listen !

Thoroughly enjoyed this book and did not want it to end! Enough said. Hmmm maybe not. 15 word min. One of best books picked so far this year‼️

Edge of Your Seat Suspense

I was on the edge of my seat start to finish on this one. The suspsense and action never let up. The characters were interesting. The atmosphere of early 1930's Louisiana was depicted beautifully and historically. The whole premise of certain people being able to communicate telepathically was just enthralling. Yes, it was a pretty violent novel with some really ruthless individuals, but a much easier pill to swallow in book form. This book earned a strong four stars from me. Highly recommend. Narration was outstanding.

starts slow

Started slow and didn't like the characters in the first third. Glad I hung on as it got much better.
Good story overall. Would have wished to hear more about the hero of the story who was introduced late.

Love Robert McCammon

Great book! Great story line. Recommend it HIGHLY!! This is my second best Robert McCammon book. Read this one, then find Swan Song. Gurantee you will love both.