Nightwork by Nora Roberts #NoraRoberts @jwdamron @MacmillanAudio

the setup…

When Harry Booth was nine years old, his mother had her first bout of cancer and he became skilled as a pickpocket in order to help keep their home and the lights on. After the cancer returned when he was twelve, Harry advanced to more lucrative thefts, again saving the family financially. Along with his becoming exceptional at his “nightwork,” Harry also adopted a personal code, establishing limits to what he would and wouldn’t do, who he would or would not target. After he turned eighteen, he traveled the country, changing identities at will and obtaining an education in his own unique style. But his heart always drifted back to North Carolina and the university at Chapel Hill, something about it feeling comfortable to his soul. After deciding to settle there for school full time, his heart was also forever waylaid by another student, Miranda Emerson. Before Harry can start to lay down permanent roots, a dark force from his past interferes, the only person he ever stole an object for other than himself. That threat forced Harry to return to his life of anonymity and solitude.

the heart of the story…

It was so sneaky how Harry got under my skin and had me admiring his resourcefulness, skills and personal thief code. I challenge anyone who reads this story to not be swept up and taken in by the boy, the teen and the man. All along the way I got to see how his young mind formed, the pressures that had him continue his nightwork and his absolute devotion to his mother and aunt who was her caregiver. He quietly captured my heart and I worried with each risky venture, both hoping he’d succeed and give up this lifestyle. When he met Miranda for the first time, Harry’s encounter was so life changing even I could recognize that it was an important moment in his life. His decision to sacrifice his own desire in order to protect her and his aunt was painful and heartbreaking. I felt everything.

the narration…

Will Damron was just about perfect in his storytelling and characterizations. I particularly liked how his female voices sounded normal, not affected like some male narrators tend to go. It’s a long story and his voice tone made the time fly by. He’s got serious skills.

the bottom line…

I enjoyed this story, quite a bit, as it meandered through Harry’s life from childhood through his adult maturation. His travels took me from coast to coast in the US, to Europe and other continents. I was never bored because he was interesting and, if I’m honest, I’m a die-hard fan of Roberts’ storytelling style. While this is categorized as romantic suspense, it reads more like contemporary fiction with romantic and suspense elements. It’s my only criticism, though I’m happy regardless of the label.

Book Info

• Release Date: May 26, 2022
  
• Narrator: Will Damron
• Audio Length: 16 hours, 22 minutes
• Publisher: Macmillan Audio

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