Eight stars
Having recently found some of these great ‘direct to audio’ James Patterson stories, I am highly excited to listen to yet another piece, with Michael B. Silver collaborating. Patterson has had some success with collaborative efforts and this is another winner. A great premise that pulls the reader in from the opening salvo, Patterson and Silver deliver a strong listening experience.
Brent Quill has suffered many setbacks as an actor, with only one claim to fame as a child. He seeks assistance and is referred to a method acting recording that he can only hope will help him excel. After starting to listen, Quill finds himself discovering parts of his acting persona he could not have thought possible. He soon lands a lead role that could change his life!
As he gets deeper into the method, Quill finds a new and much darker side to himself, which leads to murderous tendencies, parallelling the character he’s been cast to portray. Soon, Quinn blurs the lines between his reality and the man he is supposed to encapsulate.
As Quill finds himself in more trouble, he disappears down a rabbit hole that leaves many unable to recognize him, from family to friends. Will someone be able to help sever the method from reality, or has madness taken over, leaving Quill as a killer and madman? Brilliant listening experience in a short piece for the reader to enjoy.
A story of this length needs something to grab the reader. This audiobook opens with a well-paced narrative, presenting various characters who shape the story in each chapter. Never one to mince words, Patterson and Silver leave the reader trying to catch up with the speedy nature of this story, whose darkness and swift movement balance one another out. I loved the premise and how the story was presented, with Zachary Quinto sealing the deal with his stellar efforts performing the protagonist.
A new-age radio drama, the story used audio to add a sense of depth with twists and turns throughout. Much concentration was needed to balance the various plot twists and story arcs, all of which came together well in the final moments of the piece. I have read a few of these ‘direct to audio’ stories lately and this was, by far, the darkest of the lot. I hope to find more to enjoy soon!
Kudos, Messrs. Patterson and Silver, for a great addition to the Audible gems out there.
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