Close to Shore

Captivating and Riveting

Subject Matter: A compelling story rich in detail and historical perspective. The retelling builds slowly as the author first details the socio-economic background of the period. The accounts of the attacks are dramatic with a "you are there" feel. Although this is a documented historical event, there is most certainly some literary embellishment, as the author was obviously not a witness. A captivating story written and read well, none the less. The terror of the events is amplified by the intimate examination of the personalities involved, both the victims and the pursuers. Once the shark enters the creek you will be hard pressed to turn your player off!

Narrator: Len Cariou - Excellent; the perfect commanding voice for a story such as this.

Audio Quality: Reviewed-Format 4 Excellent, distortion-free with consistent sound levels

9 of 9 people found this review helpful

Overall: Worth it

I suppose if I had to fill a book with a story based on five shark attacks, I would be forced to include too much irrelevant background information too. I got this book for the same reason I think most people would. I want to hear about the shark. I thought there was just too much detail about the people, families and businesses of the era, and not enough about the shark and its horrific attacks on swimmers. What there was about the shark did meet my expectations, and the story kept moving, holding my interest all the way through.

Definitely not a spellbinding, on-the-edge-of-your-seat story, but well worth the listen. More so if you are curious about a sort of folk tale that Jaws was based on, but not if you are expecting any sort of scientific account of what went on.

The audio quality was great. The narration was well done, and the sound was clean.

4 of 4 people found this review helpful

Narrator skipped entire pages of book!

The narration and book are vastly different, I get missing a line or word hear and there but entire pages?! If this was non fiction I'd be fine but the book hails itself as being historically accurate- so read the whole thing!

1 of 1 people found this review helpful

chilling account of true life monster<br />

methodically recalled in gory details the monster who terrorized and preyed upon swimmers on the Jersey Coast and streams in the early 1900s.

A great listen.

This is well researched and descriptive to the degree that it takes you to that world. The voice performance is strong and both Jaws fans and history buffs will love this.

Loved the Victorian Era history

Great storytelling of a terrifying time, but what captured my attention was the historical aspect of the story. Capuzzo captures the class distinctions and recreates the anxiety a lack of science at the time adds to the suspense. Loved the way he unravels the mystery and fear.

Horrible narrator

I couldn't get past the first few minutes because the narrator was awful. I'm wondering if I can get a refu d?!

great story! Wonderful wonderful portrayal

thoroughly enjoyed this story. Well worth the time to listen to it. Well narrated and written.

A hair raising story

If you found JAWS scary, don't listen to this book. The shark attacks along the eastern seaboard in the summer of 1916 were terrifying and the author does an excellent job of making you feel as if you were in the water with the fish moving swiftly toward you. Sharks are actually wonderful creatures and I'm only sad that this will scare more people than it needs to.

A great read

This story was done very well, very factual but kept you very interested from start to finish. By including historical data along with info on shark developement it was enjoyable. Of course the narrator Len Cariou just increased the story line, with his clear concise voice and inflections.