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The Listener

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The Listener

By: Robert R. McCammon
Narrated by: Marc Vietor
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About this listen

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. Historical Horror Mystery Supernatural Suspense Thriller & Suspense Scary Paranormal Fiction

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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)
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Beautifully written, beautifully read, totally engrossing. I did not want to stop listening! Absolutely heart wrenching ending! Be warned! The story will suck you in like a rube and then churn your emotions so you don't know whether you're buying snake oil or rattlesnake antidote. Don't read if you want a fairy tale ending!

What can I say!

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How does this author introduce an element of the supernatural and make it seem normal and unquestionable and weave it into such a great story. He truly is a master.

Another triumph

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Skilfully told by the narrator, the Listener captures the contrasting lives and culture of 1930s America. With a compelling storyline and well developed characters, I was enthralled. This is the first book I’ve read by Robert McCammon. I will look for others by the same author.

A great listen

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Marc Vietor's voice is just so capturing!
recommend for any fans of suspense thrillers. You won't regret it.

Beautiful.

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Story and narration combined make this a book I’ve read more than once. Each time, there’s more I notice. Cleverly written and engages the reader and made me hope for possibilities wonder about possibilities we know little of.

So, so good!

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A good, if not original, start to the book is followed by quite a few chapters stretching out a simple plot and explaining the background to the supernatural twist to the tale. It picks up towards the end but each new twist just feels like the author is padding out what he knows to be a thin storyline.

Having said that, he's a great writer and, whilst certainly not his best book, I can't criticise the quality or structure of the writing. It's simply the story which doesn't thrill.

Great narration, though, keeps you listening.

ps. His other works are very good. Start with Speaks the Nightbird - now that's worthy of praise.

Not his best book but still has moments.

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Everything about this book is excellent, thoroughly enjoyed this read. Robert McCammon at his best.

At his best

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My only previous experience of Robert McCammon was the wonderfully epic post apocalyptic thriller Swan Song which I would recommend to anyone in a heartbeat. This is a very different and slightly more understated book but the quality of the writing once again stands out.

Set in the depressed background of 1930s America McCammon takes his time early on to draw out his three main characters. We are introduced to a deliciously twisted pair of villains and a true unlikely hero as well as some of the desperation of the times. It's all brought to life by a very steady performance from Marc Vietor who helps considerably in providing the atmosphere.

The supernatural plays an important role in the story but is very modest and the horror is provided totally by the humans in what is indeed a very human story. The pace is upped considerably in the second part of the book draws to a very exciting and satisfying conclusion. For those prone to tears though a hankie will be a sensible precaution at the end.

Well worth a credit and a reminder to me that I need to read more McCammon!

A Listener Treat!

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Loved this book. Beautifully written. Gritty, atmospheric and sometimes the context of the times the story is set can be disturbing, but this gives the story authenticity. Well read - just the right amount of voice changes for each character without drawing attention away from the narrative to the narrator.

Best Audible book I've had for a long time!

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I would always recommend this author
He tells a very good tale ,the story takes from my busy life and transports me to a different time and place and my imagination creates the faces and places , and It makes me relax
Because the story is so good , it encourages me to listen to more
And I always am disappointed when the tale finishes and I have to find a new book , keep writing , please

I just enjoy this author ,he makes me stop and listen to his words and the tale he tells

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