The Second Life of Nick Mason

By: Steve Hamilton

Narrated by: Ray Porter

Length: 8 hrs and 7 mins

Publisher's summary

From New York Times best-selling, two-time Edgar Award-winning author Steve Hamilton comes an unforgettable new hero - a man who will walk out of prison and into a harrowing double life that is anything but free.

Nick Mason has already spent five years inside a maximum security prison when an offer comes that will grant his release 20 years early. He accepts - but the deal comes with a terrible price.

Now, back on the streets, Nick Mason has a new house, a new car, money to burn, and a beautiful roommate. He's returned to society, but he's still a prisoner. Whenever his cell phone rings, day or night, Nick must answer it and follow whatever order he is given. It's the deal he made with Darius Cole, a criminal mastermind serving a double life term who runs an empire from his prison cell.

Forced to commit increasingly more dangerous crimes, hunted by the relentless detective who put him behind bars, and desperate to go straight and rebuild his life with his daughter and ex-wife, Nick will ultimately have to risk everything - his family, his sanity, and even his life - to finally break free.

©2016 Steve Hamilton (P)2016 Penguin Audio

Critic reviews

"What a fascinating, complex audiobook.... [Narrator Ray Porter's] portrayal of a criminal who is fiercely loyal to his friends and family is outstanding. He conveys the constant pressure and tension felt by Mason with his speech patterns and a tone of raw emotion always held in check." (AudioFile)

“[The Second Life of Nick Mason] is so good, it legitimately stands shoulder to padded paranoid shoulder with the classics of the crime noir genre.... There are so many terrific elements in this novel - Nick’s haunted character, a plot that never darts in the direction you expect it to, and a truly ingenious climax - that I could be here till Labor Day singing its praises.” (Maureen Corrigan, NPR Fresh Air)

“[A] heart-pounding thriller with cinematic appeal...Hamilton cleverly imbues the narrative with myriad of twists and turns, allowing the intricate plot to unfold with stunning and extraordinary skill and suspense. From the honor amongst thieves, to the honor amongst those sworn to protect us, to the loyalty among childhood friends and beloved family, multiple worlds collide as Hamilton catapults us into Nick Mason's complex psyche.” (Esquire.com)

Good Read.

What made the experience of listening to The Second Life of Nick Mason the most enjoyable?

I really enjoyed the pace of the book, and it din't skip around as much as the Lock Artist which was nice.

What other book might you compare The Second Life of Nick Mason to and why?

The Second Life of Nick Mason reminds me of The Lock Artist another Steve Hamilton book.

Any additional comments?

I really enjoyed listening to this book, but the use of the F word was a little overused. But overall was a good book to listen to.

Loved all of the characters!

One hell of a great book. Keeps you thoroughly engaged. Believable! The last line made me gasp! Don't miss this one!

New character from Steve Hamilton

Where does The Second Life of Nick Mason rank among all the audiobooks you’ve listened to so far?

One of the best audiobooks in the market today

Who was your favorite character and why?

Nick Mason is the new stand up guy you will cheer for. The cast of characters is stunning.

Which character – as performed by Ray Porter – was your favorite?

Nick Mason will enthrall you with his grit and guts and tender heart.

Was there a moment in the book that particularly moved you?

The meeting of Nick Mason with his daughter moved me to tears.

Any additional comments?

How could Steve Hamilton create this full blown new character while continuing to write his ongoing series? He is a remarkable talent that gets better and better.

Excellent read. looking forward to the rest!

loved the book. loved the story. love the author. love the narrator! don't miss this one

Chicagoans can relate

I enjoyed this story but beware, it’s pretty violent. Even so, I still loved the main character so much! I wish it ended differently but all in all a good book.

ending

Didn't like the ending as have to read next book otherwise enjoyable very good narration

All of our different Lives !

Another Stella Book by S. Hamilton, there’s not nearly enough good reads that tell the story of the Good Bad Guy & his daily struggles to move forward in Corporate America.
Thank you Steve Hamilton,
Thank you for Nick Mason…
The better than average guy who finally gets noticed for some rare qualities that we should all be strong enough to have, A plan, A Goal, A set of rules, that are made by that individual, and then live to see them fulfilled.

Unsettling and a little unfulfilling

The story isn't really groundbreaking, but it's well told. It's hard to identify exactly what it was about the book that left me wanting more, especially without giving away too many details, but it feels somewhat linear. I would have liked a little better build up and a little more resolution. Still, it's better than a lot of stuff out there today.

Well written and a good performance, but ultimately not the experience I was hoping for.

Great book!

I’m not usually up for crime novels but this one’s pretty great.
RECOMMEND! Great characters and voice performance by Ray Porter.

Great summer reading...

Not your typical suspense plot line. Worth every minute. Great writing, still thinking about Nick Mason!