Audiobook Sample

Listen to the sample to experience the story.

Please wait while we verify your browser...

Dear fellow audiobook travelers,

Listening to *Innocent* by David Baldacci, narrated by Orlagh Cassidy and Ron McLarty, is akin to stepping into a fast-moving train with no clear destination—but one you never want to disembark. As I pressed play, I was immediately swept into a world of danger, intrigue, and unlikely connections that reminded me of the times when life’s twists and turns felt like an adventure of their own.

I’ll start with the story itself. Baldacci, a master of the thriller genre, crafts a narrative that is as sharp as the Atacama Desert winds I once felt on my face while driving through its vast red plains. *Innocent* begins with Will Robie, America’s best hitman, who refuses to pull the trigger on a target. This single act of defiance sets off a chain reaction that puts him in the crosshairs of his own employers and leads him to cross paths with Julie, a fourteen-year-old runaway whose life is in peril. Together, they unravel a conspiracy that snakes its way through the corridors of power, revealing dark secrets that are as chilling as they are revelatory.

What struck me most about this audiobook is the pacing. The story unfolds like a river current—sometimes calm and steady, other times turbulent and chaotic, dragging you deeper into its depths. Baldacci’s ability to balance the tension with moments of humanity and connection is unparalleled. Robie’s relationship with Julie reminded me of moments in my own travels where unexpected bonds became the cornerstone of unforgettable experiences. There’s something deeply moving about seeing Robie, a man hardened by years of precision and detachment, begin to thaw in the presence of someone who needs him not as a killer, but as a protector.

Now, let’s talk about the audio performance. Narrators Orlagh Cassidy and Ron McLarty deserve every bit of praise for their work here. Cassidy’s portrayal of Julie is raw, vulnerable, and fierce, capturing the essence of a young girl forced to grow up too soon. Her voice brought Julie to life in a way that felt so authentic, it reminded me of evenings spent in Oaxaca listening to a grandmother’s stories—each pause, each inflection imbued with meaning and emotion. McLarty, on the other hand, embodies Will Robie with a stoic, gravelly intensity that anchors the narrative. His voice is a perfect match for the shadowy world Robie inhabits, where moral ambiguity and survival instincts collide. Together, Cassidy and McLarty create an audiobook experience that is immersive and deeply satisfying.

The production quality is top-notch, with seamless transitions and well-balanced sound levels that make for an effortless listening experience. You can almost hear the tension crackling in the air during pivotal moments, or feel the weight of silence when Robie questions his choices. These elements elevate the audiobook from a mere reading to a fully realized auditory journey.

Of course, no book is without its limitations. While the plot is gripping, some listeners might find the twists predictable if they’re seasoned thriller enthusiasts. Additionally, Robie’s character development, while compelling, occasionally feels overshadowed by the breakneck pace of the narrative. However, these are minor quibbles in an otherwise exceptional work.

For fans of the genre, *Innocent* is a must-listen. It’s a story that keeps you guessing, with characters who linger in your mind long after the final chapter. If you enjoyed Baldacci’s *The Hit* or Lee Child’s Jack Reacher series, you’ll find Robie’s story just as compelling, albeit with a unique emotional depth that sets it apart.

As I reflect on this audiobook, I’m reminded of the power of storytelling to transport us—not just to new places, but into the lives and minds of others. *Innocent* is more than a thriller; it’s a meditation on choices, consequences, and the connections that make us human. Whether you’re listening during a road trip through rugged landscapes or curled up in the comfort of your home, this is one audiobook that will keep you hooked.

So, fellow adventurers, if you’re ready to dive into a world of suspense and human complexity, let *Innocent* be your next destination. You won’t regret it.

Warm regards,
Marcus Rivera

May your literary journeys always be thrilling and transformative,
Marcus Rivera