The Player

A Carter Ross Mystery, Book 5

By: Brad Parks

Narrated by: Adam Verner

Length: 9 hrs and 16 mins

Publisher's summary

When he hears residents of a Newark neighborhood are getting sick - and even dying - from a strange disease, investigative reporter Carter Ross dives into the story - so deep he comes down with the illness himself. With even more motivation to track down the source of the disease, Carter soon hits upon a nearby construction site.

But when the project's developer is found dead, and his mob ties surface, Carter knows he's looking at a story much bigger - and with even more dangerous consequences - than an environmental hazard. Back in the newsroom, Carter has his hands full with his current girlfriend and with the paper's newest eager intern, not to mention his boss and former girlfriend Tina Thompson, who has some news for Carter that's about to make tangling with the mob seem simple by comparison.

©2014 Brad Parks (P)2014 Dreamscape Media, LLC

8 Million Reasons

I enjoyed this listen. Thanks to Shelley and Wayne's recommendation. It was very entertaining and easy to follow. The Publishers summary gives a good synopsis of this story. As Shelley suggested "think Erin Brockovich" the environmental activist/consumer advocate, played by Julia Roberts. Adam Verner's narration was spot on for the story and Carter Ross' personality - upbeat and jovial. If you are looking for a good story without a of "shoot'em up bang bang" or foul language, this is a very good choice. I highly recommend.

Just Okay

Would you recommend this audiobook to a friend? If so, why?

Although I felt that it wasn't up to par with Parks' previous books, I would recommend that Carter Ross fans listen to The Player. It started out with a good story line and then abruptly dropped it for another. I wish he would have woven the two together throughout the book. I listened to the entire book because I really like the Carter Ross character. Worth a listen, especially if you have read his other books. The characters develop and new things are always happening among them.

Would you be willing to try another book from Brad Parks? Why or why not?

Of course! I love the Carter Ross character. And want to hear how he and Tina's relationship evolves.

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

No

Any additional comments?

Looking forward to Parks' next Carter Ross adventure.

Parks at his best.

Brad Parks' Carter Ross series never disappoints. Consistency should be his byline. As usual it is the twists in the story that make it enjoyable. Never assume you have figured it out until the end.

Love this Character!

Would you say that listening to this book was time well-spent? Why or why not?

Yes, I enjoy the Carter Ross stories, I have listened to them all and sadly will miss them I await the next story. I hope Mr. Parks is writing as I type this.

Who was your favorite character and why?

No specific character stood out.

Think Erin Brockovich...

Another excellent book on the Carter Ross series. People are getting sick, some are dying. New construction over an old factory that produced toxic byproducts. The city is paying for a cleanup of the area. Leave it to Ross to uncover what's going on but while doing so everyone associated with him is in danger.
Adam Verner does a very good job narrating.
HIGHLY RECOMMENDED.
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I should have read Book 5 before Book 6!

The lesson I learned here is that it is usually best to read "standalone" novels in a series in order. The publisher's summary tells plenty about the plot. The Player is Book 5 in the six novel in the Newark based newspaper investigative reporter Carter Ross series. It is an outstanding suspense mystery novel with superb narration. There are interesting and unexpected twists in the final two hours of The Player. Also, there is a funny incident at the end.