The Friends of Eddie Coyle Audiobook By George V. Higgins, Dennis Lehane - Introduction cover art

The Friends of Eddie Coyle

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The Friends of Eddie Coyle

By: George V. Higgins, Dennis Lehane - Introduction
Narrated by: Mark Hammer
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The classic novel from "America's best crime novelist" (Time)

George V. Higgins's seminal crime novel is a down-and-dirty tale of thieves, mobsters, and cops on the mean streets of Boston. When small-time gunrunner Eddie Coyle is convicted on a felony, he's looking at three years in the pen—that is, unless he sells out one of his big-fish clients to the DA. But which of the many hoods, gunmen, and executioners whom he calls his friends should he send up the river? Told almost entirely in crackling dialogue by a vivid cast of lowlifes and detectives, The Friends of Eddie Coyle is one of the greatest crime novels ever written.

“The best crime novel ever written—makes The Maltese Falcon read like Nancy Drew.”—Elmore Leonard

©1970, 1971 George V. Higgins (P)1996 Recorded Books Crime Fiction Hard-Boiled Mystery Suspense Thriller & Suspense Fiction Crime Exciting
Authentic Dialogue • Realistic Crime Portrayal • Authentic Boston Accent • Immersive Atmosphere • Complex Characters
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The novel itself is a classic in the genre. So much so that Elmore Leonard had one of his own characters proclaim that it’s the most realistic crime novel ever written. Part procedural; part mobster; part other subgenres. The novel is told from the perspective of numerous actors—criminal and authorities—each acting in his or her own self interest. Higgins knew his stuff—guns, cars, procedures, racism, corruption, crime. There is no good guy to root for, or cool guy to become infatuated with. In that vein, the audiobook production is appropriately raw—it sounds like a Northeast Noir should sound.

One tip: if you don’t know Boston’s geography, you’ll need a map.

Best crime novel of its day

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The book - as well as the wonderful vocal performance -- captures the character and atmosphere in Boston during that era, PERFECTLY!

AWESOME

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Well read, well written, great story of the mob in Boston. Hope to find more like it.

Great book

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I can't think of many novels as faithfully adapted to the screen as this one. It does a lot to explain why the movie was so good.

Some scenes are condensed, a few cut out, and some things play out slightly differently, but in the end the film is eighty-five to ninety percent what the book is: an set of enjoyably meandering narratives centered on cops and criminals in the 1970's Greater Boston area, immersive and interesting but not quite gripping, with a heavy emphasis on dialogue and realism, written by someone who'd know. The vibe is precisely the same.

If you know you're going to buy it, I would recommend the book, which is wonderfully read and more detailed. If you're on the fence about it, the movie can (at time of writing) be rented of Amazon for 3.00, and you'd get most of the experience, as well as Robert Mitchum's performance.

The Movie, Slightly Expanded.

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Overall the book was good, but man it was hard to follow with the narration. All the characters sounded the same and the excessive “he said” and “she said” was annoying. But there were a couple chapters where you’re like, “Damn! That was good writing.”

Great story, but hard to follow.

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Came to it from the film ‘Killing them softly’ dark noir with a Boston twist.

Great dialogue

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Very good story, performances give an authentic feel to the story and locations. I highly recommend this book for this type of genre.

Gritty storytelling

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The narrator has a nice story voice for this type of story. I loved it!

Very entertaining

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Mr. Higgins wrote an excellent and unique crime novel. Mr. Hammer delivered in a completely compelling and enjoyable manner.

Great read - highly recommended

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A story told you almost exclusively with dialog. Entertaining and suspenseful. Word a listen, great performance.

Fantastic Dialogue

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