Exciting start to a series

The blurb states that this novel is written in the tradition of Dan Brown and I have to agree it does have that kind of vibe. Mr Brown has some competition. The story follows Jack Elliot as he goes from unassuming journalist to adventurer while trying to solve a pair of related murders. Jack's reaction (or almost complete lack of) to the second murder is rather unbelievable. Lots of 'factual' (if you believe the bible stories) info and plenty of intrigue, action and discoveries.

The plot is good and the story flows smoothly from start to finish and is an entertaining read/listen.

The star of the the book is Jack's Goatee, which I feel deserves the capital G as it is mentioned every few minutes/every few pages. He's forever pulling on it, holding it or moving it out of the way.

The audiobook runs for 13 hrs & 27 mins, but could easily be trimmed by an hour or two by reducing some of the overly verbose descriptions of just about everything and everywhere, whether it be relevant or not, some of which seems like padding for no purpose.

Jack makes numerous dumb decisions and keeps trying to rationalise why he makes those choices. I mean for pity's sake, if you smell smoke there's likely fire so don't just ignore it.

Anyway, overall it's still worth a read/listen and I'll likely listen to the next in the series at some point.

The narration was excellent and matched the pace and excitement in all the right places.

I received a free copy of this audiobook at my request and am voluntarily writing an honest and unbiased review.

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Wishy washy Charlie Brown.

Oh, dear, this is a hard one to review, or perhaps not. Like my feelings towards the book itself, on this I find myself conflicted.
The opening passages to Brownstone immediately repulsed me so it was a very pleasant surprise when chapter one started with Jack, a small time reporter in Montreal, trying to prepare an article and recollecting on how he had first met his partner of five years, Kalvin, although they were currently seperated (Jack needed space!). The early part of the book is slow paced, building Jack's character and family background but speeds up as it progresses. The story, too, is initially very intriguing, sometimes sinister: there is the expectation of something not just outlandish and terrifying for Jack but for the whole of humanity.

And I suppose, in a way, it is but the splicing together of the various motivations towards the end became so ridiculous that it was actually funny: I was enjoying the book but not, I fear, in the way intended by the author. I could clearly visualise Brownstone as a comedic farce, in the same vein as the Peter Seller's film series, The Pink Panther. Jack himself, constantly making wrong decisions and mentally commenting on his journalistic training, was forever tugging, chewing or otherwise fiddling with his goatee, obviously his comfort blanket, as well as breaking items of technology. And his poor partner, Kalvin, might be the great love of his life but was never telephoned, just a single text sent after a guilt trip and another to tell him, at the conclusion, to join him in New York.

The other characters are straightforward cartoon stereotypes: the distant father, the adoring indulgent uncle (both, of course wealthy and prominent professionals), the Southern belle mother, the arch villain in the mysterious secret society, the gentle nurse, the loner detective with his gentle appearance but tenacious determination (but no mention of a shabby raincoat, sadly), the chatty New York taxi driver, and ineffectual priests. All great additions to the comedy cast. Narrator Tom Lennon did a great job supplying numerous voices, which, for this reader, added to the hilarity, as well as giving a clear, well cadenced reading of the rest of the text.

So my difficulty is what exactly do I review - the thriller which I believe it is supposed to be or my enjoyment of Brownstone as the comedy I saw in my mind? My thanks to the rights holder who, at my request, freely gifted me a copy via Audiobook Boom. I look forward to the next book - I'm sure it will also be very entertaining.

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Brownstone

I did enjoy listening to Tom Lennon, I believe he brought the characters and plot to life and together. A very enjoyable narrator.

I enjoyed the story and the characters in the book. It started of a bit slow but then it got going,
A great story with lots of twists,

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More twists than fusilli pasta!!

Any additional comments?

First of all I have to say the following:
This book was given to me for free at my request and I provided this voluntary review.
Now I have that out the way,I can tell you that I found this to be a well written and an exciting read that had me hooked from the start. If you're a fan of Sam Bourne, Dan Brown or Steve Berry then this book is right up your street. Set against the backdrop of modern day New York, this fast paced biblical conspirisy thriller will take you on a twisting turning journey before revealing the final - and biggest plot twist of all!
Brownstone was more than ably narrated by the excellent Tom Lennon and I can honestly say I'm very much looking forward to reading the rest of the upcoming series.

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Awesome

This is an amazing book. I highly recommend this book.
Great characters and brilliant storyline.
The narrator is good too.
❤️🥰🥳

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