Audiobook Sample
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- Title: Fallen
- Author: David Baldacci
- Narrator: Kyf Brewer, Orlagh Cassidy
- Length: 12:00:00
- Version: Abridged
- Release Date: 17/04/2018
- Publisher: Hachette Book Group USA
- Genre: Mystery, Thriller & Horror, Suspense, Police Stories, International Mystery, Mystery, Thriller & Horror, Suspense, Police Stories, International Mystery
- ISBN13: 9.78E+12
As I sat in a small café in Oaxaca, surrounded by the rich aromas of mole and the soft hum of Spanish conversations, I pressed play on David Baldacci’s *Fallen*, narrated by Kyf Brewer and Orlagh Cassidy. The experience transported me from the vibrant streets of Mexico to the bleak, decaying town of Baronville, where the story unfolds. It reminded me of those evenings in Oaxaca, listening to the grandmother’s tales—her voice weaving a world so vivid, it felt like I was living inside it. *Fallen* achieves a similar magic, but with a darker, more gripping intensity.
Baldacci’s *Fallen* is a masterclass in suspense and psychological depth. The story follows Amos Decker, a man with a photographic memory and a tragic past, as he unravels a series of bizarre murders in a dying rust belt town. The narrative is layered with cryptic clues—obscure Bible verses, odd symbols—that keep you guessing until the very end. What struck me most was how Baldacci captures the essence of a town ravaged by economic decay and opioid addiction. It’s a setting that feels as alive as any character, and it reminded me of the Atacama Desert—harsh, unforgiving, yet hauntingly beautiful.
The audiobook experience is elevated by the dual narration of Kyf Brewer and Orlagh Cassidy. Brewer’s deep, gravelly voice perfectly embodies Decker’s brooding intensity, while Cassidy’s nuanced performance brings Alex Jamison, Decker’s partner, to life with warmth and determination. Their interplay creates a dynamic listening experience, much like the storytelling I witnessed in Oaxaca—where every pause, every inflection, adds to the narrative’s power.
One of the standout aspects of *Fallen* is its exploration of memory and identity. Decker’s infallible memory, once his greatest asset, becomes a source of vulnerability as he begins to question its reliability. This theme resonated deeply with me, as I’ve often reflected on how our memories shape our identities—whether it’s the stories we tell ourselves or the ones we inherit from others. Baldacci weaves this theme into the plot with such finesse that it feels both personal and universal.
The pacing is relentless, with twists that hit like a freight train. Yet, amidst the chaos, there are moments of quiet introspection that give the story its emotional weight. The murders are gruesome, yes, but they serve a greater purpose—to expose the rot beneath Baronville’s surface and the resilience of those who call it home. It’s a story about survival, not just of the body but of the soul.
If I were to critique anything, it would be the occasional predictability of some plot points. However, this is a minor quibble in an otherwise stellar narrative. For fans of crime thrillers, *Fallen* is a must-listen. It’s a story that lingers, much like the taste of Oaxacan hot chocolate—rich, complex, and impossible to forget.
For those who enjoy works like *The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo* or *The Silence of the Lambs*, *Fallen* offers a similarly immersive experience, but with a uniquely American flavor. It’s a testament to Baldacci’s skill as a storyteller and the narrators’ ability to bring his vision to life.
So, dear listeners, if you’re ready for a journey that will keep you on the edge of your seat, I highly recommend *Fallen*. It’s not just an audiobook; it’s an experience—one that will stay with you long after the final chapter.
With a heart full of stories and a mind eager for the next adventure, Marcus Rivera
Marcus Rivera
