Audiobook Thriller Review: Never Tell by Alafair Burke (Outstanding Thriller)

Posted July 11th, 2012 by in 2012 Read, 4.25 Wine Glasses, Audiobook, Reviews / 23 comments

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Sixteen-year-old Julia Whitmire appeared to have everything: a famous father, a luxurious Manhattan town house, a coveted spot at the elite Casden prep school. When she is found dead in her bathtub, a handwritten suicide note left on her bed, her parents insist that their daughter would never take her own life.

But Julia’s enviable world was more complicated than it seemed. The pressure to excel at Casden was enormous. Abuse of prescription antidepressants and ADHD medication ran rampant among students; an unlabeled bottle of pills in Julia’s purse suggests she had succumbed to the trend. And a search of Julia’s computer reveals that in the days leading up to her death she was engaged in a dangerous game of cyberbullying against an unlikely victim.

NYPD detective Ellie Hatcher is convinced the case is a suicide, but she knows from personal experience that a loving family can be the last to accept the truth. When the Whitmires use their power to force a criminal investigation, Ellie’s resistance causes trouble for her both at work and in her personal life. As she is pressured to pursue a case she doesn’t believe in, she is pulled into Julia’s inner circle–an eclectic mix of overly precocious teenagers from Manhattan’s most privileged families as well as street kids from Greenwich Village. But when the target of Julia’s harassment continues to receive death threats, Ellie is forced to acknowledge that Julia may have learned the hard way that some secrets should never be told.

Received for Audio Review
Overall Rating: 4.25
Story Rating: 4.50
Character Rating: 4.00

Audio Rating: 4.00 (Not part of the overall rating)

First Thought when Finished: This is the 2nd Alafair Burke novel that I have read and I can now officially say that I am a fan girl!  Never Tell hit all my thriller buttons!

What I Loved: This was one case that ended up going in several different directions before finally getting solved! Ellie and Rogan are probably one of my favorite detective duos. I love that they are not romantically involved and have a pretty good friendship. That basically means they can be real with each other. In this case, Rogan had to get real with Ellie and tell her she was getting in her own way. The methodical way that the case played out after that was brilliant. It kept me guessing almost to the very end!

What I Liked: I really liked the side characters of Casey and Ramona. I thought that playing out a case with teenagers involved was going to be annoying but these characters were written/portrayed at exactly where they would be in this stage in their life. Casey was specifically compelling and his story played out in a way that was satisfying.

What mad me go huh?: I was kind of surprised at how quick the timeline moved. I wouldn’t have noticed other than it was mentioned a few times.

Audio Review: The Audio was narrated by Eliza Foss and ran 10 hrs and 54 mins. I thought Eliza did a pretty good job with the pacing, accentuation, and characters. It only took a bit to warm up to her voice but by chapter 3 I was really enjoying the book. I will say that if you listen to the disk version that the music is a little annoying at the end of each disk. Also, the repeating of the last few lines from the disk before was unnecessary but that is not on the narrator. Overall this was a pretty good audio production.

Final Thought: Alafair Burke is slowly becoming one of my favorite mystery/thriller writers.

Felicia S
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Felicia S

Blogger at Geeky Bloggers Book Blog
Felicia is just your average gal from Texas that loves Audiobooks and Libraries with a passion! She can wine them, dine them, and love them forever. Her eclectic reading tastes include: Cozy Mysteries, Thrillers, Swoon-Worthy Romance of all kinds, Zombies, Urban Fantasy, Historical Fiction, and the occasional YA read.

During her non-reading time you can find her hanging with her rescue furr children named after book characters: Lizzie a beautiful cattle dog mix (Pound Pup), Cinder a beautiful Shep/Pitt mix (Pound Pup), and Minerva a beautiful Shep/Pitt mix (Foster Fail). Gathering with friends and family, attending conventions, watching movies/tv shows, rooting for the 49rs, and crocheting.

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23 Responses to “Audiobook Thriller Review: Never Tell by Alafair Burke (Outstanding Thriller)”

  2. Jennifer

    I have another one of Burke’s books on my shelf I haven’t read yet (an ARC from last year, shame on me!), and this one also passed through my house during a giveaway I was doing. I really wanted to read it, but didn’t have the time. Her writing sounds SO GOOD, and I just love when bloggers are involved in stories.

    Reply

  8. Heidi

    Well that is lame that your real job is interfering with blogging. Hope you don’t go crazy. Love a good thriller and I would love to check this out. I am reading an interesting one right now called Gone Girl will have it up on Monday. Take care…hugs!

    Reply

  9. Mary
    Twitter:

    While I’m not captured by the cover I love, the mystery sound of this one. Haven’t heard of this book or author but I might have to check her out.

    Reply

  11. Sarah (The Brazen Bookworm)
    Twitter:

    This sounds awesome – I need a thriller for a road trip later this month, so this is going on the list. And, yeah, I sometimes get annoyed by repetition and musical interludes at the beginning/end of CDs as well. Only slightly annoyed, though. 🙂 Great review.

    Reply

  12. Jenny
    Twitter:

    Ooooo I think my sister in law would love this one! She’s a huge fan of all things thriller and I’m always on the lookout for suggestions for her:) Thanks for the recommendation Felicia!

    Reply

  13. Amy
    Twitter:

    I’ve never heard of Burke. I bet it is pretty hard to narrate a thriller book where pacing and delivery are very key to setting up the thrill factor.

    Reply

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