Erik Carter (author) and Gary Bennett (narrator) continue to deliver an action-packed and uniquely developed story even when we are now hearing the tenth audiobook in the series. “Muted”, a Silence Jones Action Thriller, is not just another story...
Erik Carter (author) and Gary Bennett (narrator) continue to deliver an action-packed and uniquely developed story even when we are now hearing the tenth audiobook in the series. “Muted”, a Silence Jones Action Thriller, is not just another story that feels the same as all of the others. I must give Mr. Carter credit for his ability to make each book feel rather distinct while giving the listener of previous audiobooks in the series a sense of familiarity. Silence continues to deal with his personal life (including Baxter the cat) while needing to balance a rather complex professional career with the Watchers. They are a clandestine organization that deal out their own level of justice when all other normal means fail. As with previous audiobooks, we continue to see that Silence has a steely resolve for justice yet also a much softer side for those he cares deeply for. If you have been following the series, like I have, I would highly recommend you give this newer audiobook in the series a listen. If you are new to the series, what is great about these audiobooks is that each one can be listened to as a stand-alone novel. There is no need to listen to them in sequential order, but if you are starting from the beginning, I would recommend you go that route as you will get more out of the series that way. If action and mystery is your thing, I can recommend this new audiobook and any in the series. I have enjoyed them very much.
As all of audiobooks in this series open with action, the listener is always quickly dropped into an escalating situation that has the potential to be solved in multiple ways, and this tale is no different. We are thrown into a gritty, shocking, and sadistic situation where multiple people are impacted when our main antagonist hires a notorious motorcycle gang to seek out one individual, yet many end up suffering ruthlessly. This action sets off a hunt for who it was that hired the gang and what was their reasoning for the unprovoked attack. This hunt takes the listener to a few different areas in the United States’ deserts along with a few lower-tier parts of the country, which is a bit different from the past audiobooks in the series.
For those who have listened to one or more audiobooks from this series, you will enjoy hearing from Mrs. Enfield, CeCe, and a few others we have learned of from Silence’s past. Even in the tenth audiobook, Silence continues to depend on CeCe’s advice and the things she taught him when she was alive. I know I say it in nearly all of my reviews of this series, but I like to see the humanness of Silence when most only know him as a stone-cold killer. Additionally, his passion for justice is like that of Javier from the musical Les Misérables. He will do what is necessary even if it kills him in the end.
The author writes in a very picturesque fashion where you feel that you are sitting and watching an action movie while listening. There are also plenty of quips that the author uses which are quite memorable. Visuals such as needing to find the peacock in all of the pigeons. There appears to be quite a bit of research when it comes to both weapons and technology. Even with Silence’s preferred firearms, he is trained in a variety of other ammunition options when the time comes to use them. We still see the struggle of Silence to interact in a world of speech communication, and every time I hear him speak, I cringe. I also find much of the ventage gear fun as that is from my growing up days.
The audiobook’s narration continues to be performed wonderfully by Gary Bennett who is a veteran of audiobook narrators with nearly two-hundred books under his belt at the time of the review. He is such a flexible narrator that even his other performed works feel different than this series, and that is a good thing. The words flow freely, and the pacing is well maintained. There were no issues with any audio artifacts such as swallows, background noise or compression issues. A narrator well worth listing too and his many works allow you to listen to a genre you may enjoy more.
For parents and younger audiences, this audiobook contains mature themes and rather graphic violence which may not be appropriate for younger listeners. I would recommend this audiobook to only more mature listeners.
In summary, the action continues, and the writing is well crafted. The narration is solid and without issue. The professionalism of this due makes for a well and enjoyable audiobook. If you are one who enjoys action, mystery, and adventure, I can say that you will get it all in this story.
