The Booktaker

Weak writing and weaker reading

Would you try another book from Bill Pronzini and/or Nick Sullivan?

No.

What was most disappointing about Bill Pronzini’s story?

The writing was clumsy, not up to modern standards for genre prose. Not quite in the category of

How did the narrator detract from the book?

The reading was monotone, giving none of the

If you could play editor, what scene or scenes would you have cut from The Booktaker?

The detective's off-duty time was neither interesting nor enlightening.

Any additional comments?

The title is a bit misleading. While the subject matter is thefts from a bookstore, it's thefts of rare maps, etchings, etc., not books.

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Kinda 'cutsie' fun.

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

It's a short story, nothing dramatic with twisted deceptions, so it was fun for a couple of hours.

What could Bill Pronzini have done to make this a more enjoyable book for you?

Maybe the characters went unnoticed, I lost interest in finding the thief.

What three words best describe Nick Sullivan’s voice?

Bold Overstated Pass

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

Forget it. Neither Movie nor TV would this story be... not enough 'what the' and it's not about gore or sex or disaster. The stars wouldn't do it anyway.

Any additional comments?

It was light entertainment for a couple of hours audio, but the story fell into cliches with a predictable ending.

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Great story

What did you love best about The Booktaker?

A good mystery - well written

What about Nick Sullivan’s performance did you like?

Character voices

If you were to make a film of this book, what would be the tag line be?

A theft you will not imagine

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Mystery with a twist at the end

Where does The Booktaker rank among all the audiobooks you’ve listened to so far?

This is an interesting, quick read that really held my interest.

What was one of the most memorable moments of The Booktaker?

I read a lot of police procedurals and this one made me concentrate and think. I liked the end a lot. Ended with action and wit.

What about Nick Sullivan’s performance did you like?

He has a great voice. Many sale books have mediocre narrators but Mr. Sullivan was very easy on the ears.

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

Yes! It was the best short story or novella that I have listened to in a long time.

Any additional comments?

I will gladly listen to this author again.

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Very Bill Pronzini

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

Yes. A fun to listen to Nameless vignette.

Which scene was your favorite?

No response.

Did you have an extreme reaction to this book? Did it make you laugh or cry?

No.

Any additional comments?

I like Nick Sullivan's voice.

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Classically structured mystery

What did you like best about The Booktaker? What did you like least?

This is a classic mystery with clear clues along the way leading to a conclusion that you might reasonably be able to figure out before you get to the final paragraph. For example, I thought in the early paragraphs that a physical characteristic of a central character was likely an important clue. Unfortunately, I set that aside and didn't use it appropriately - thus missed getting the answer until the author revealed it. I enjoyed the book but would not place it on my list of favorites.

Would you ever listen to anything by Bill Pronzini again?

Yes

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

No - not that I recall.

Do you think The Booktaker needs a follow-up book? Why or why not?

No

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Good Story

Not one of my all-time favorites but enjoyed the story. Would download more from this author.

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an old-fashioned puzzle

I enjoyed The Booktaker. The writing and plot reminds me of the paperbacks (pulps) of the 50's and 60's. With a single focus plot puzzle and a very little bit of romance to mellow the nameless detective, it's a quick, fun story and very agreeably read by Nick Sullivan. It is like meeting Ellery Queen again.

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Good Short Story.

I liked it good with ending the mystery and elements of surprise. Overall good book.

Quick read

Fun mystery set in a book store, not too easy to solve, and it was a quick read. I didn't care for the narrators female voice portrayal though - it was pretty bad and some of the romantic lines were cheesy. But the mystery parts of the book were good.