The Hellfire Club Audiobook By Peter Straub cover art

The Hellfire Club

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The Hellfire Club

By: Peter Straub
Narrated by: Patrick Lawlor
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They are dying, one by one. Wealthy, middle-aged women in an exclusive Connecticut suburb. Their murderer remains at large. Nora Chancel, wife of publishing scion Davey Chancel, fears she may be next. After all, her past has branded her a victim.... Then Davey tells Nora a surreal story about the Hellfire Club, where years before he met an obsessed fan of Chancel House's most successful book, Night Journey - a book that has a strange history of its own.

Suddenly terror engulfs Nora: She must defend herself against fantastic accusations even as a madman lies in wait. And when he springs, she will embark on a night journey that will put her victimhood to rest forever, dead or alive....

©2004 Peter Straub (P)2012 Brilliance Audio, Inc. Action & Adventure Genre Fiction Horror Mystery, Thriller & Suspense Psychological Suspense Thriller & Suspense Scary Fiction

Critic reviews

"Combines the intellectual-puzzle mystery with a powerful vein of psycho-thriller suspense." (The Washington Post)
"Surprising twists [and a] wildly inventive plot." (The New York Times)
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This book is incredibly detailed with many character introductions and long, descriptive prose. It is a beautiful example of a modern gothic novel but the intricacies do not translate to audiobook as well as I would have liked. I listen to audiobooks and dramas in the car while I drive for my job and I kept missing details. This is definitely a book for a rainy night at home or the coffee shop where distractions are at a minimum.

That said the performance was spectacular and the book sets a macabre mood that makes it great fun to read.

Incredibly Detailed

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I enjoyed this book but I have very few reservations concerning content. This is a crazy ride with a often appalling villan who I think, carries the book as much as our heroine Nora. The back story is a compelling mystery and the characters along the way are also interesting. It took me a bit of listening to grow accustom to Patrick's style. After that it is clear why he was chosen to read and overall delivers a good performance.

A Hellish Ride

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This is easily one of my favorite mystery thrillers of all time. It's a great story, but more than usually detailed, so make sure you have time to pay attention and really enjoy it.

Peter Straub at his post Blue Rose best.

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Accidentally bought this instead of Mr. X. All around, meh, least liked book by Straub. Didn't like any of the characters, they just weren't: likeable, clever, or any positive adjective. Normally, really like this author, but not this book. 2 thumbs, down.

Ugh.

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What was most disappointing about Peter Straub’s story?

It sounded more like a comedy, except for the graphic rape scene.

How did the narrator detract from the book?

He sounded like Scrappy (Scooby-doo's owner)!!!!

Any additional comments?

Very disappointed! Thriller?! Nah!

Whaaaaaaat?

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What disappointed you about The Hellfire Club?

Way too long! I got bored half way through -- but was determined to finished it. The abridged version probably would have been just long enough. I generally like Straub, but this was not one of his best. Plus the narrator's tone and diction was not a good match. At first I thought I was listening to some kind of comedy or children's book -- he sounded like Winnie the Pooh.

Would you ever listen to anything by Peter Straub again?

Probably

Who would you have cast as narrator instead of Patrick Lawlor?

Not sure of a name, but someone with a deeper timbor than Lawlor.

You didn???t love this book... but did it have any redeeming qualities?

Some - just too long.

Get the abridged version!

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What disappointed you about The Hellfire Club?

I don't like reading graphic descriptions of sexual assault. I like Straub -"Shadowland" was amazing-but this book made me feel ill.

What do you think your next listen will be?

Joe Hill's NOS4A2

Is this necessary?

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Would you try another book from Peter Straub and/or Patrick Lawlor?

I have read other Peter Straub that I enjoyed, otherwise I would say NO!

What do you think your next listen will be?

How do I know?

How did the narrator detract from the book?

The narrator was nasal, flat and emotionless. Absolutely the wrong voice for the story.

What reaction did this book spark in you? Anger, sadness, disappointment?

All the above. The men were horrible abusive misogynists, the women were weak, damaged, and way to willing to put up these horrible men.

Any additional comments?

This is not something I would expected from Peter Strab.

Please, don't buy this!

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