Proving Ground

By: Peter Blauner

Narrated by: Ari Fliakos

Length: 12 hrs and 30 mins

Publisher's summary

From New York Times best-selling author and Edgar Award winner Peter Blauner comes a gritty new audiobook.

"Ari Fliakos enhances an exciting story with his expert narration. He gives everyone a unique identity, differentiating them through varying tones, voices, and accents." (AudioFile magazine)

Nathaniel Dresden never really got along with his father, an infamous civil rights lawyer who defended criminals and spearheaded protest movements. As an act of rebellion, Natty joined the US Army and served in Iraq, coming back with a chest full of commendations and a head full of disturbing memories.

But when his father is found murdered near the peaceful confines of Brooklyn's Prospect Park, Natty is forced to deal with the troubled legacy of their unresolved relationship. He also has to fend off the growing suspicions of NYPD Detective Lourdes Robles, a brash Latina cop with something to prove, who thinks Natty might bear some responsibility for his father's death. Though truth be told, the list of people - cops and criminals - who wanted David Dresden out of the way is long. The search for answers leads Natty and Lourdes into an urban labyrinth where they must confront each other - and the brutal truths that could destroy them both.

Proving Ground is Peter Blauner's first audiobook in more than a decade. It is at once a sweeping crime narrative, an intricate story about the quest for redemption, and a vibrant portrait of contemporary New York City, all told in Blauner's singular voice.

"Ari Fliakos gives a splendid performance. His versatile voice and energy enliven the many characters in this thriller." - Library Journal

©2017 Slow Motion Riot Inc. (P)2017 Macmillan Audio

first book I read in 2023, Great read!

Ari Fliakos is my very favorite narrator. I've never been disappointed in his narration. this bookkept me listening into the night. the characters were we'll developed , and complicated and wonderful. I really love the way he portrayed Natty's day today battle with PTSD and how it consumed but then guided his life and decisions.
Thank you Mr. Blauner

Just didn’t like anyone!

And I thought the plot was lame. I never felt a bit of suspense. Just a mild dread for what might come next. Although it did put me to sleep several nights and I went back to find my place only when I had nothing better to do. Definitely hope the next one is better.

Love this author and narrator!

The main character was a tortured soul due to ptsd from the war in Iraq. I find this author to be so accurate and detailed with his descriptions of places and perception of personalities, The narrator pulls the story with his accents so seamlessly from one character to another that you don’t even realize it’s the same narrator. I’m so glad I didn’t listen to some of the reviews! This is my 2nd book from this author and narrator and I can’t wait to read another!

Much ado about nothing.

Good narration of a not very interesting story. I was very disappointed with this purchase

Could not finish this book.

got halfway thru and quit. main guy is too angry to listen to after a while. would like to know who done it but too tedious.

predictable meandering story

What would have made Proving Ground better?

Eliminate the long interior monologues that sound like pop psychology.

Would you ever listen to anything by Peter Blauner again?

no

What didn’t you like about Ari Fliakos’s performance?

He did not have much to work with.

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

Annoyance. The character was a stock stressed vet and the story seemed to proceed along cliche lines.