the setup…
What would you do if you received a letter with nothing on it but the names of nine people you don’t know, yours included? You’d probably ignore it as most on that list did…until two of those people are murdered. FBI Agent Jessica Winslow begins to investigate as her name is also on that list and the bureau arranges protection for the remaining people. It’s not easy locating everyone as Jessica and her team struggle to find the thread that connects everyone.
the heart of the story…
One of the things I most enjoyed about this story was how everyone starts from nothing but that sheet of paper and the format used to introduce all those appearing on that list. Nine distinct and unconnected characters can be hard to remember but the list of names is repeated at the beginning of each chapter on the audio version. It didn’t take long for me to remember them as they’re given shape, form and dimension. As the story evolved, I was able to get a sense of what might be going on but was never really certain until close to the reveal. It didn’t matter because I was so intrigued by everything and figuring out the underlying reason why was just one element of my interest.
the narration…
Even though there are two narrators, Jacques Roy carries most of the weight for the entire story. At first I was unsure about his choice to not provide distinction for any of the characters but as things progressed, I loved that decision. It allowed me to pay attention to the characters’ stories without influence and Roy’s soft tone and evenness throughout made this a great listening experience. Mark Bramhall was also perfect for his role.
the bottom line…
This was clever on all levels and I love clever. From how the book is segmented to the character designs throughout the outcome, I couldn’t stop listening and my mind was constantly spinning. Each of the characters chose to manage the threat differently, even though the threat was the same for all of them. It was a reminder of the great diversity of thought and behavior and how we’re not a monolithic society. I loved the story, every bit of the journey and the listening experience.
Book Info
- Release Date: March 12, 2022
- Narrators: Jacques Roy & Mark Bramhall
- Audio Length: 7 hours, 11 minutes
- Publisher: HarperAudio
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(Thanks to HarperAudio for my complimentary copy. All opinions are my own.)
Blue Mood Café 
This one does sound very clever. I love the premise and your review. Definitely one for me to keep in mind.
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Thank you, Tessa💜 It just zips by because you can’t help but be pulled in.
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So enjoyed this one too! Wonderful review, Jo!
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Thanks, Marialyce💜 I wasn’t certain I would because of the format but that made it even better.
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I’ve got this one saved on Scribd Jo, and you’ve made me want to bump it up my list! Fab review!
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Thanks, Nicki💜 It’s a really fast listening experience!
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I loved this one too! Excellent review!
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Thank you, Anne💜
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Love the sound of this one, Jonetta—what a creepy premise! And I do like the fact that it left you uncertain. Surely a sign of a solid thriller. Great review, as always.
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Thank you, Christopher💜 I was first pulled in by the premise and then the format slayed me. You’d like this one.
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Ooh, this sounds great! A little like an Agatha Christie, perhaps, And Then There Were None?
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Exactly, Nicola💜
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Oh wow, this sounds so creepy! I think this needs to be one of my spooky season listens.
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It would fit!
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Great review, Jonetta. This does have an intriguing premise, and judging from your review, the narrator has done a good job. Thanks for sharing.
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Thank you, Debjani💜 Everything about this worked!
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Great review, Jo. Clever is a great description for this one. I also listened to this book and found I was just a bit confused at the beginning, but then caught on and loved it.
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Thank you, Carla💜 Sounds like our experience was similar (no surprise😏).
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Woohoo it makes me happy you loved this story too! Fab review. xx
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