Wild Thing

A Novel

De: Josh Bazell

Narrado por: Robert Petkoff, Stephanie Wolfe

It's hard to find work as a doctor when using your real name will get you killed. So hard that when a reclusive billionaire offers Dr. Peter Brown, aka Pietro Brnwa, a job accompanying a sexy but self-destructive paleontologist on the world's worst field assignment, Brown has no real choice but to say yes. Even if it means that an army of murderers, mobsters, and international drug dealers - not to mention the occasional lake monster - are about to have a serious Pietro Brnwa problem.

Facing new and old monsters alike, Dr. Brnwa's story continues in this darkly funny and lightning-paced follow up to Josh Bazell's best-selling debut.

Also listen to the first book, Beat the Reaper.©2012 Josh Bazell (P)2012 Hachette

Reseñas de la Crítica

"[Bazell's books] are hard-boiled thrillers, written in one of the most distinctively entertaining new fictional voices I've run across in years, in any genre. There is a massive density of information in [ Wild Thing]...but Bazell wields it with wonderful lightness. Reading him is like being able to monopolize the attention of the most interesting person at a party...It's so rare that you see a really brilliant writer who is committed, 100%, in every sentence, to giving you a good time. Bazell is, and he does." (Lev Grossman, Time)

"Carl Hiaasen fans will relish Bazell's frenetic sequel to 2009's Beat the Reaper...Bazell expertly blends action, farce, and political satire, and his wide-ranging imagination bodes well for the future of the series." ( Publishers Weekly, Starred Review)

"The book is composed in Bazell's propulsive, profanity-laden style, peppering startling violence with detailed footnotes that cover subjects like tooth reinsertions and human cryogenics...Props to Bazell for not cranking out an idle retread of Beat the Reaper. A funny, unexpected journey for our hero that sets up the next installment with finesse." ( Kirkus)

The doctor is definitely IN!

I adored Bazell's debut novel, Beat The Reaper. The fresh, distinctive voice of the main character, an ex-hitman in the witness protection program studying to be a doctor, was a flat-out revelation. Like Carl Hiaasen and the Coen Bros., Bazell has a talent for taking wacky situations and bizarre characters and weaving them into a truly unique story. Practically the minute this book was available on Audible, I downloaded it. I could not wait to re-enter Bazell's world.

Pietro Brnwa, aka Peter Brown, aka Lionel Azimuth, is still on the run from mobsters who want to kill him. He is plucked from a rotten job as a cruise ship doctor by a "reclusive billionaire" who wants him to join an expedition to a remote lake in Minnesota to investigate the possible existence of a serpent-like monster. Yes, you read that right--a "lake monster" in the vein of the Loch Ness monster, that may be a leftover from the dinosaur age. He is accompanied by a possibly alcoholic (and, of course, attractive) paleontologist named Violet Hurst.

I'm going to stop right there as far as outlining the plot, because to reveal too much would spoil it. While in some ways it's a more conventional mystery plot than the first book, don't worry--there's still plenty of great banter, hilarious observations by Pietro/Peter/Lionel, wild plot twists and out-there characters.

Bazell does present some very strong political views, very pro-science, which will no doubt turn off some readers. This includes a mind-bending cameo by a real-life political figure that is still making me laugh (though I'm pretty sure some will not see the humor in it).

Robert Petkoff does a stellar job with the narration--he gets the snarky tone of the character just right.

I just hope Bazell doesn't make us wait another three years for the next book!

So much for the sequel

I really enjoyed Beat the Reaper so I gave this a listen but to my dismay, this book wasn't nearly as good as the first part, which was much more clever and thought out. The sequel was definitely missing that creative format, which was so present in Beat the Reaper. With that said, Wild Thing isn't bad, just not as good and I will say this, Josh Bazell is clearly a really smart guy and some of the subjects discussed in the book such as evolution and science and communism are right on the money. TAlso to note: the narrator also does a very good job too.

Wild Thing is completely uncouth. Slight spoiler.

I knew what I was getting into after reading Beat The Reaper, and at once Josh Bazell opens with teen sex and skinning dipping. But right away the carnage begins with a new lake monster eating kids and the action really doesn't slow down. His language is foul, I have no real idea what the main character looks like as he discribes himself looking like a d--k with a fist for a head. I may be paraphrasing, but you get the idea. He's an MD and in Beat The Reaper you learned about what bones are the ones you can impact to break while in the line of deadly assassin work, this book you learn about fossel fuel and how close we are to the edge of no return in the energy world. Anyway he's hired to protect a beautiful girl and hunt a new river monster with some rich people and Sarah Palin. It's fun, I highly recommend it. Narrators are excellent.

Zippy dialogue

What did you like best about this story?

The dialogue is humorous and the plot moves along quickly. I like the snarky tone.

Any additional comments?

I really like Josh Bazell's voice. Very entertaining!

My Alter Ego

If you could sum up Wild Thing in three words, what would they be?

Fun Riveting Page-turner

What did you like best about this story?

I could really identify with the protagonist

What does Robert Petkoff and Stephanie Wolfe bring to the story that you wouldn’t experience if you just read the book?

I think this does better as an audible- but did not read the paperback so...

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

no specific scene - just the flow of the book captivated me

Any additional comments?

I can't wait for the next one - Is there a Josh Bazell fan club?

I CANT BELIEVE IT

Would you listen to Wild Thing again? Why?

Yes i will and have just to make sure i did not miss anything i like the voices and story line

What other book might you compare Wild Thing to and why?

Not sure

What about Robert Petkoff and Stephanie Wolfe ’s performance did you like?

They meshed well together

Did you have an extreme reaction to this book? Did it make you laugh or cry?

I could not believe the ending...

Snarky Fun Thriller

This series combines great writing with spot on narration! More please and thank you Mr.Bazell.

lots of lead up, but very quick finish.

I wish they had spent a little more time after the wonderful setup working through the plot rather than ending it so abruptly

Not what I was expecting

What made the experience of listening to Wild Thing the most enjoyable?

Robert Petkoff does a great job with this book. He really captures the character perfectly. After I listened to the first book, Beat The Reaper, I knew I was coming back for the second one just because he is the narrator.

Would you recommend Wild Thing to your friends? Why or why not?

I would recommend it because it is part of a series. However, if I was going to suggest one book, I wouldn't recommend this one. Beat The Reaper set the bar high and Wild Thing falls short.

Which character – as performed by Robert Petkoff and Stephanie Wolfe – was your favorite?

I really enjoy Robert Petkoff as Peter Brown. He really brings the character to life and he is one of the reasons I decided to continue on with Wild Thing. Stephanie Wolfe also does a great job with her character and I like what she adds to the book.

Who was the most memorable character of Wild Thing and why?

Once again I must say Robert Petkoff as Peter Brown. The character is bold and in your face. Petkoff brings this characters story to life and Peter Brown's story is quite the thrill ride.

Any additional comments?

Another great performance but the story falls short.

Good, but not as good as Beat the Reaper

Hey, if you like the Peter Brown character and Bazell's wittily crude style (which I do on both counts) you'll enjoy this read. Bezell offers more editorial commentary, and it's spot on and well articulated. Republicans beware, you may not like what he has to say about corporations and our blind policies toward demographics and the environmental fate of the Earth. I think you'll find his reasoning difficult to dispute, which may be even more disturbing. The appendix alone is worth the price of the novel. It's not since MacDonald's Travis McGee stuff that I've read such seamless and intelligent social commentary woven in to the plot and beyond.
In Wild Thing though, we get a less compelling and odd ball (not so much in a good way) plot. But the smart ass Peter Brown shines through none the less making me smile often during the performance.