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World Gone By

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World Gone By

By: Dennis Lehane
Narrated by: Adam Sims
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About this listen

Joe Coughlin is untouchable. Once one of America's most feared and prominent gangsters, he now moves effortlessly between the social elite, politicians, police, and the mob. He has everything he could possibly want: money, power, a beautiful mistress, and anonymity.

But in a town that runs on corruption, vengeance, and greed, success can't protect Joe from the dark truth of his past - and ultimately, the wages of a lifetime of sin will finally be paid in full....

Chilling, heartbreaking, and gripping, this is the most complex and powerful novel to date from Dennis Lehane, writer on The Wire and author of modern classics such as Shutter Island, Gone, Baby, Gone, and The Given Day.

©2015 Dennis Lehane (P)2015 Isis Audiobooks Crime Fiction Genre Fiction Literary Fiction Modern Detectives Mystery Suspense Thriller & Suspense Fiction Crime Mafia

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Critic reviews

"A masterpiece by the crime writer's crime writer, this is the finest novel of the year with a spare, stark edge that cuts into your very soul.... No one captures menace quite as elegantly as Lehane, nor understands the mob better.... Boardwalk Empire on speed." ( Daily Mail)
"This is not just brilliant period crime writing but brilliant writing full stop." ( Independent)
"History is merely a backdrop in a story that seeks just to be exciting, sexy and atmospheric. The author's trademark combination of dark deeds, graceful pose and sassy dialogue ensures it succeeds." ( Sunday Times)
"This is noir with added value: Lehane is terrific on family ties and at conveying the buzz of a city powered by immigrant labour of often dubious legality." ( Guardian)
"Lehane's tough, muscular prose captures the era well; and his dialogue brings to life the inhabitants of its underworld." ( Spectator)
All stars
Most relevant
This is my 2nd book by this author and it is not my last. Strong, believable characters & an interesting story that will keep you hooked until the end.

Good, solid story & we'll told.

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Very entertaining strong story. Very well presented. Lots of details on US gangster life back in the fourties. Excellent plot and strong "hard boiled" style and ambience.

Classic US gangster Story Excellent

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I loved Live by Night, then this book which is the sequel following Joe Coughlin - it’s just as good as live by night and it will have you hooked throughout the book!! So many unexpected details and turns! Great narration on the audio book which keeps you hooked!! Highly recommend!

Sensational!!

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If you could sum up World Gone By in three words, what would they be?

Masterful. Grounded. Gripping.

Who was your favorite character and why?

Joe Coughlin brushes up against a great cast of Gangsters, each one out to out play him. But Joe is a fantastic character in a cut throat, authentic world.

Which scene did you most enjoy?

Can't say...Spoliers!

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

Yes. Very moreish.

Any additional comments?

Loved this book just as much as 'Live by Night'. (To use an Americanism) Lehane covers all of the bases. Setting, Character, Twists. Nicely written and superbly narrated.

Quality sequel. Just as good as the first book.

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Loved this book, maybe not as much as live by night but it was still excellent. If you like the Godfather movies then you should enjoy this but first read Live by Night.

the sequel to live by night

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