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Barrelman

  • 37
  • reviews
  • 17
  • helpful votes
  • 148
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Even if you’ve read it, get this.

Overall
5 out of 5 stars
Performance
5 out of 5 stars
Story
5 out of 5 stars

Reviewed: 03-10-25

I used to think this book was really good. It’s not just that, it’s a masterpiece. The reader is perfect for the genre and period and doesn’t overplay it more than a movie would. The character is, of course, unforgettable, but the plot is more intricate than you’d remember and it doesn’t require much suspension of belief. It’s a terrific job.

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No one like Bernard Sampson

Overall
5 out of 5 stars
Performance
5 out of 5 stars
Story
5 out of 5 stars

Reviewed: 02-24-25

This is a character who becomes a friend. There are few like him. It’s not just a spy series: it’s a true arc.

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Just when you thought…

Overall
5 out of 5 stars
Performance
1 out of 5 stars
Story
5 out of 5 stars

Reviewed: 11-29-24

That the series had played out: wham. The Suits all wanted to be in the closing credits and who can blame them? It’s funny, immense, and most of all, it’s Bob!

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High seas drama

Overall
5 out of 5 stars
Performance
5 out of 5 stars
Story
5 out of 5 stars

Reviewed: 07-06-24

Plus solid background plus courtroom suspense plus good characterization….and better writing than this review.

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Bolitho never disappoints

Overall
5 out of 5 stars
Performance
5 out of 5 stars
Story
5 out of 5 stars

Reviewed: 07-02-24

Solid story with Jayston’s reading means good entertainment. Highly recommended, as is the whole series. Bolitho never disappoints.

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Classical but subtle

Overall
5 out of 5 stars
Performance
5 out of 5 stars
Story
5 out of 5 stars

Reviewed: 05-13-24

So many good characters and almost none behaving like cliches. So many plot twists without ever feeling like “now comes the plot twist”. So many insights without feeling like you’re getting another lesson, another mandatory training. I circled this series a long time and I’m so glad I finally committed and bought it.

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Candid, engaging, serious, funny

Overall
5 out of 5 stars
Performance
5 out of 5 stars
Story
5 out of 5 stars

Reviewed: 12-30-23

It was like listening to Mr Martin just telling it. His friends are lucky people.

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Good narrator. Decent story

Overall
4 out of 5 stars
Performance
5 out of 5 stars
Story
3 out of 5 stars

Reviewed: 12-11-23

It does require a little suspension of disbelief along the way but the characters are solid and the villains despicable. The shrinks aren’t the usual parody. Promising.

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This is a remarkable book

Overall
5 out of 5 stars
Performance
5 out of 5 stars
Story
5 out of 5 stars

Reviewed: 12-10-23

It’s not a sci-fi in the usual sense. Robots run the world and humans are dying of listless disinterest. Humans can’t repair anything, are forbidden to read or to approach each other. Drug use is universal and encouraged.

(This was copyrighted 2014!)

Two humans, a teacher and a homeless woman, are not satisfied with this and can’t even say why, but over the course of their stories, they slowly discover how life is worth actually living. The narrative is slow because the language picks up their experiences, handles and examines them, and moves forward.

It’s as radical and important as Brave New World and even more relevant. It’s not preachy: the events tell the tale and they’re realistic.

Give this a try! I was tempted to start it over right from the end.

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Outstanding series

Overall
5 out of 5 stars
Performance
4 out of 5 stars
Story
5 out of 5 stars

Reviewed: 11-28-23

Great story lines, great narration, suspense, humor, believable characters, heard them 3 times. Well worth it!

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