The Winner Maker

By: Jeff Bond

Narrated by: Natalie Duke, Brandon Paul Eells

Length: 11 hrs and 24 mins

Publisher's summary

"Thrilling...an exhilarating and emotionally astute mystery." (Kirkus Reviews)

Bob Fiske - the 74-year-old dinosaur who's taught Honors English and coached varsity football for five decades - is missing.

To his Winners, class favorites Fiske designated over the years for their potential to "Live Big," it's heartbreaking. Fiske did more than inspire with soaring oratory; he supported their ambitions into adulthood. Four of his brightest former stars reunite to find him, putting high-octane careers on hold, slipping police barricades, racing into the wilds of Northern Michigan for clues about the fate of their legendary mentor.

Others don't see a legend. They see an elitist whose time has passed.

When a current student - a female - disappears just hours into the Winners' search amid rumors of inappropriate meetings, the Great Man's reputation is in shambles.

Feints, betrayal, explosive secrets from their own pasts: as facts emerge, each Winner must decide how far they'll go for Fiske. Can the truth redeem him? Or has this cult of hyper-achievement spawned a thing so vile none of their lives will survive intact?

©2018 Jeff Bond (P)2018 Jeff Bond

The Winner Maker

I enjoyed this book.A decade old death that was coverd up is about to come to light and the real culprit can not let that happen. Natalie Duke and Brandon Paul Eells were fine narrators.I was given this free review copy audiobook at my request and have voluntarily left this review.' 

Charisma can be dangerous!

4.5 out of 5 stars

Every high school has a teacher like Fiske – the one who is remembered and loved throughout time. Bob Fiske was a mentor, teacher and had a list of “winners” who he foresaw as being real movers and shakers, their success would be monumental. Then Fiske disappears and rumors of “misbehavior” surface. Not only does he disappear but also a current female student that fuels the rumors.

What can four of his “winners” do to find him and will the truth redeem Fiske or condemn him?

The characters are well developed as is the plot. Well written, Jeff Bond (author) sets the stage for an action-packed, fast-moving story with lots of twists. Bond reveals each twist, secret and betrayal with methodical precision. A book that lingers long after the audiobook ends.

Natalie Duke and Brandon Paul Eells excel at narrating the book together. Both speak clearly and move the story along with their performance.

I would recommend this book to anyone who enjoys mysteries and suspense.

Refreshingly different

I was surprised by this book! Not at all what I expected. It ended completely different from what I was originally thinking. I had the privilege to meet the author at one of our book club meetings. It was nice to get a little insight to how he wrote the book and how he compiled all of his ideas. There are so many routes that this book could have gone as far as the ending which totally kept me on my toes. I appreciated the suspense and mystery without overdoing the details. I would totally recommend this book! Great read!

Beautiful detail and descriptive writing

At my request, I received this book for free in exchange for an honest review.

When I first started listening to The Winner Maker I thought the story was going in one direction, but it changed on me and ended up being much different, but better, than what I was expecting. It is written with amazing description. Poetic even. There were a few places where it felt a little long. Maybe too much description here and there. I caught myself losing interest during those lulls. But I kept listening and my attention was grabbed once again, though I never really felt like I missed anything important.

The twists and turns absolutely caught me by surprise. Throughout the book I couldn't wait to find out how Mr. Fisks fit into it all. When it finally came to light my mind was officially blown! Everything tied together beautifully and it all made sense. Very nicely done.

Overall, I really enjoyed this book. I understand that the author, Jeff Bond, is new and I look forward to reading his other books and listening along as he develops and grows as an author.