The Paris Option

By: Robert Ludlum, Gayle Lynds

Narrated by: Paul Michael

Length: 14 hrs and 8 mins

Publisher's Summary

In the dark of night a fiery explosion shatters a laboratory building in Paris' esteemed Pasteur Institute. Presumed dead is Emile Chambourd, one of the leaders in the global race to create a molecular, or DNA, computer. Unfortunately, Professor Chambourd kept the details of his work secret, and his notes were apparently destroyed with him in the bomb blast and raging fire that followed.

The scientific community does not expect a DNA computer to be developed for years. But suddenly, without explanation, U.S. military jets disappear from radar screens. Utilities across the Western states cease functioning, and telecommunications are interrupted, with devastating consequences. Washington, fearing a panic, assures the public this is merely the work of a supremely clever hacker, but only the enormous power and speed of a DNA computer could have caused such havoc.

Under the cover of visiting his friend Marty Zellerbach, severely injured when the Pasteur lab was destroyed, Covert-One agent Jon Smith flies to Paris to find the forces wielding the computer. Following a trail that leads him across two continents, Smith uncovers a web of deception that could cost millions of lives and reshape the world.

©2002 Myn Pyn LLC (P)2002 Audio Renaissance, a Division of Holtzbrinck Publishers, LLC

The Paris Option (unabridged)

I found this book to be a mesmerizing tale that kept my interest right up until the end. Even though this is fiction I believe that there are probably people working on a machine such as this. There were many plot twists that kept you guessing who was the brain behind the plot. I would consider this recommended reading for anyone who likes mystery novels.

10 of 10 people found this review helpful

Great Book in a Great Series

The Covert One series has become one of my favorite series. I enjoy the characters and the storyline. While I think some of the plot devices get a little far-out there, I still enjoy the story.

This book explores the amazing possibilities of a DNA computer; radical terrorist groups; and megalomaniacs. What more could one ask for?

3 of 3 people found this review helpful

Great characters

Ludlum has put together a fun read. The main characters, particularly the good guys, are well developed. I really liked how he weaved different intelligence agencies together through the use of 3 main characters--Jon Smith, an American female agent named Randi, and a British agent named Peter. Because of the central role Randi plays and the fact that she is developed as a thinking, working agent that doesn't really need John's helping hand, this book would make a great read for my wife too. Peter, is a loveable old British agent that draws from his years of experience. Like Randi, he breaks the stereotype of an old man. Peter can handle a gun with the best of them. Love the narrator--he's great as always. Not as much mundane detail as the Janson Directive--another great Ludlum read. The central idea is believable but barely.

3 of 3 people found this review helpful

Edge of you seat Riveting!

This was my favorite book in the Covert One series. Funny thing, I bought it not realizing there was a series and my hubby and I listened to it together. We love Marty Zellerbach, and Paul Michael's does such a good job reading him. We were also impressed with Mr. Michael's ease of switching in and out of different accents. This is edge of your seat excitement, and hard to put down!

3 of 3 people found this review helpful

Too many words too little imagination

For those of you who can still remember how the Osterman Weekend changed your reading habits and the standards of thrillers forever you will be sorely disappointed by this collaboration on a Lundlum novel published after his death in 2001. Firstly, it is way too long and the permise was just so unblievable... a DNA computer? That morphs into something the more it is used.. is that like DNA? I don't think so. I still gave it a solid 3 because of the sheer enjoyment I have derived over the last several decades with Mr. Ludlum as my companion. But this book showed absolutely no imagination. The narrow escapes are tired and overused. In the immortal worlds of Jason Borne and Carlos the Jackal no one gets out alive! If you want to preserve the purity of your Robert Ludlum memories, story lines and downright thrills you will skip this attempt to continue on in his name. As sad as it is to say goodbye.

2 of 2 people found this review helpful

Good story, just drags a bit at the end

I like Ludlum books but this one just would not end.
The reader is great as always.
Worth a listen.

1 of 1 people found this review helpful

It grows on you!

This book has a LOT of background, technical info that the narrator has decided should be read in a monotone, I guess to differentiate general info from dialogue. Once you get used to his style, you can focus on the story line, which is in fact quite engrossing. There's a twist at the end, and it leaves you wondering if there shouldn't be a sequel. Very long, but it made for an interesting commute to work this week!

1 of 1 people found this review helpful

Good...But meandering....

When John Smith, covert one operative extraordinaire is called to Paris to investigate a bombing at the Pasteur Institute and subsequent death of a noted scientist, little does he realize the depths of the problem. The famous (or infamous) scientist has created a hellish 'DNA computer' capable of destroying and hacking into the most sophisticated systems. Who can help? John's old friend Marty a computer genius who suffers from Asperges syndrome. But Marty is in a coma, and the computer is missing....Can John stop the terrorist plot in time?

Frankly, the plot of this novel sounds far more interesting than this audio book actually was. Ludlum rambles on at length about each government, their response, each agent, their response. The Nefarious French. Muslim Fundamentalists. A bomb. Jihad. John smith is captured, manages to escape, is captured again, and the DNA computer is found and moved. Found and Moved.

I liked the idea of this book, and I like Marty. But John as a character is rather wooden and lifeless. The other characters are merely stereotypes. Not his best work.

6 of 9 people found this review helpful

I really enjoyed this cliff hanger

With current geopolitical problems, this was almost true to life. Even though it is fiction, the truth runs through the very fibres and gives on a cause for concern. It was very gripping having kept my attention throughout.

2 of 3 people found this review helpful

Really enjoyed

Fast paced. Not at all gpredictable. Interesting characters. Also great narration thanks to Paul Michael.