Against the Wind

By: J. F. Freedman

Narrated by: David Colacci

Length: 14 hrs and 30 mins

Publisher's summary

Lone Wolf, Roach, Goose, and Dutchboy - four wild ones who have lived their lives on the wrong side of the law. They are members of the outlaw motorcycle gang, the Scorpions - men with their own brand of justice. Now they stand accused of the gang-rape of a motel maid of dubious reputation and the brutal murder of a friend of hers in the mountains outside Santa Fe. But they claim they are innocent.

Will Alexander is a brilliant and flamboyant defense attorney - when he's sober. His second marriage is over, his first wife is moving away with his young daughter, and his drinking and sexual adventures are taking such a desperate edge that his law partners want him out of the firm. When the district attorney offers him the most notorious case of the year, it looks like Alexander is taking on another losing proposition. Except for one thing - he comes to believe the bikers really are innocent.

This powerful thriller throttles forward with the power of a Harley, leaving the listener windblown and flush with the excitement of the trip.

©1992 J.F. Freedman (P)2009 Brilliance Audio, Inc.

Critic reviews

"[A] fast-paced story, which includes an unforgettable prison riot, a vivid portrayal of bikers as both outcasts and outlaws, and poignant moments between Alexander and his child. This book is impossible to put down." (Library Journal)

Against the Wind

What made the experience of listening to Against the Wind the most enjoyable?

This is a really good book. A little slow to start as the characters are being fleshed out but then it really takes off. This group of four not so nice motorcycle riders are convicted of rape which they technically didn't do but... They they weren't a gentle group. Anyway, the listener ends up rooting for their atty (who has his own demons to deal with) to win their case. Lots of political corruption is exposed and the bad/good guys are finally exonerated.

Have you listened to any of David Colacci’s other performances before? How does this one compare?

I've listened to David Colacci before and although he is not my favorite narrator he did a fine job.

Any additional comments?

If you can get through the first 2-3 hours it's certainly worth listening to. I enjoyed this very much and am happy with my purchase.

Classic cover-up murder mystery

Great first novel from this author. I listened to this one back in '92 when it first came out and decided to listen to it again. I liked it then and still like it now. Yes, there is sex, violence, and all that comes with it, but what novel doesn't have that nowadays? This was one of the novels I couldn't stop listening to thanks to the excellent narration by David Collacci. All in all, I believe this one is worth using a credit on. Don't plan on stopping very long though if you have to leave for a break. This one is that good. A great legal thriller. This one is as good as they get.

Nearly Porn

The story was very good....but did it have to be so full of porn? We had to fast forward thru much of the story it got so disgusting.

Good bones, but kinda dated

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

I read this 20 years ago and remembered it as a courtroom drama with several twists. I just listened, but now with a modern ear I found myself jarred by the continual interjections of the main character's sexist descriptions of female characters, musings about who wants him and who he's going to pursue in the sack. (It was written at a different time, and it shows) I found myself wishing the author dialed back on the narrator's libido and stuck to the main story, which is interesting and has a few 11th hour surprises I didn't see coming.

Would you recommend Against the Wind to your friends? Why or why not?

Yes, but I'd probably recommend they read it not listen.

What do you think the narrator could have done better?

The narrator was kind of flat. Didn't care for the performance. I kept wondering what Will Patton could have done with the story.

Could you see Against the Wind being made into a movie or a TV series? Who should the stars be?

Absolutely. It needs a little bit of pruning, and the whole "show don't tell" aspect of TV/movies would improve it.

Any additional comments?

Seemed like a good first effort. I'm assuming the author's later works are an improvement and I'm going to give them a try.

Good enough but local errors!

Overall good but narrator doesn't understand New Mexico and apparently no one noticed. It is called MA-drid not ma-DRID, and all locals know that. But I love the NM location..

I have found my new favorite

Such a good story from beginning to the end I couldn’t wait to see what happens next I’m going to be missing my lawyer friend now that the book is over
I highly recommend this, but you will not be sorry

Intelligently written, intriguing and interesting characters and stories

Is fantastic imaginative author does not drive me mad by repeating the same material over and over to Lincoln the book. It is a story forever changing and maintaining the readers interest. Interest. Gathers as the reader hold their breath, while attempting to imagine, the outcome of the final curtain. Period yeah, imagination creating these characters and astounding performance rooting the reader to their seat. From beginning to end. A big thank you to the author. I will indulge in more of your intriguing imagination.

A fantastic legal thriller

Framed against the famed 1980s New Mexico Prison riot, the story is a disturbing commentary on how a morally inferior defense attorney defends clients that society doesn't want, and how a lawyer continues to fight for his clients long after they are on death row. Hilarious at times, brilliant characters and fantastic narration make it a stand out among all modern legal thrillers.

My love of this book comes with a warning

I love Freedman. He's had me since "Bird's Eye View." BUT these books, especially this one, should not be listened to where children can hear it. His writing is beautifully detailed, but most things he describes are not beautiful. He writes with such detail that I joke that you start to feel sticky if he tells you it's humid out and you can smell things you'd rather not. It's a wonderful way to live inside his stories, but I don't want my kids going on the journey with me. I'm not a subscriber to age ratings normally. And my daughter loves crime shows. But this makes "Criminal Minds" look like Mickey Mouse Clubhouse.