The Second Life of Nick Mason by Steve Hamilton

◊ THE SECOND LIFE OF NICK MASON by Steve Hamilton

◊ Series: A Nick Mason Novel (Book #1)

◊ Narrator: Ray Porter

◊ Audible Audio Edition

◊ Listening Length: 8 hours and 7 minutes

◊ Program Type: Audio book

◊ Genre: Mystery, Thriller, Suspense

◊ Version: Unabridged

◊ Publisher: Penguin Audio

◊ Scheduled Audible.com Release Date: May 17, 2016

◊ Language: English

◊ ASIN: BO1DOI6RGY

SYNOPSIS:

 From New York Times best-selling, two-time Edgar Award-winning author Steve Hamilton comes an unforgettable new hero - a man who will walk out of prison and into a harrowing double life that is anything but free.

Nick Mason has already spent five years inside a maximum security prison when an offer comes that will grant his release 20 years early. He accepts - but the deal comes with a terrible price.

Now, back on the streets, Nick Mason has a new house, a new car, money to burn, and a beautiful roommate. He's returned to society, but he's still a prisoner. Whenever his cell phone rings, day or night, Nick must answer it and follow whatever order he is given. It's the deal he made with Darius Cole, a criminal mastermind serving a double life term who runs an empire from his prison cell.

Forced to commit increasingly more dangerous crimes, hunted by the relentless detective who put him behind bars, and desperate to go straight and rebuild his life with his daughter and ex-wife, Nick will ultimately have to risk everything - his family, his sanity, and even his life - to finally break free.

MY THOUGHTS:

This isn’t one of those stories with a fairy tale ending. This is a story with realism and the glimmer of hope at the end.

Narrator Ray Porter does a wonderful job giving distinct voices to each character. His tone and accents enhances the story line. He brings out the characters’ emotions without sounding fake.

The author has created the imperfect hero in his protagonist Nick Mason. He’s someone we should dislike, but can’t help pull for no matter what he does. The author gives readers/listeners someone that has done wrong, but wants to be a family man at his core. Readers/listeners get to know the character through his actions, thoughts and emotions.

The story flows smoothly and at a good pace. With twists along the way, the suspense is always in the air. The detail descriptions places the reader/listener in the heart of the action.

The characters are well-balanced with both good and bad traits readers/listeners can relate to. The dynamics of the core cast of characters is interesting and adds to the story’s depth.

THE SECOND LIFE OF NICK MASON will have you pulling for the bad/good guy. This is a story that keeps you wanting more. A mesmerizing tale of how a life can spiral out of control even as you try and take control of it.

The Second Life of Nick Mason by Steve Hamilton, A Nick Mason Novel (Book #1), Narrated by: Ray Porter, Penguin Audio, Audible Audio Edition, @2016, ASIN: BO1DOI6RGY, Unabridged, Run Time: 8 Hours and 7 Minutes

 

FTC Full Disclosure – A copy of this book was sent to me by the publisher in hopes I would review it. However, receiving the complimentary copy did not influence my review. The thoughts are completely my own and given honestly and freely.

Thanks for stopping by today. I hope you’ll check out this fascinating story. It’s available in audio, hardcover and Kindle formats. Do you think you can sometimes do the wrong thing for the right reason?