Audiobook Sample
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- Title: New York Dead
- Author: Stuart Woods
- Narrator: Richard Ferrone
- Length: 08:56:28
- Version: Abridged
- Release Date: 02/03/2012
- Publisher: Recorded Books
- Genre: Mystery, Thriller & Horror, Suspense
- ISBN13: 9.78E+12
There’s something about New York at night that makes the perfect backdrop for a thriller – the way shadows pool between skyscrapers, how taxi headlights cut through the gloom like searchlights. Stuart Woods’ “New York Dead” captures this atmosphere perfectly, and Richard Ferrone’s narration wraps around you like a trenchcoat against the chill of this gripping mystery.
I first encountered this audiobook during a red-eye flight to Reykjavik, the plane’s dim cabin lights creating the perfect moody atmosphere. As we crossed the Atlantic, Ferrone’s gravelly voice transported me to Manhattan’s mean streets with such vividness I could almost smell the pretzel carts and hear the distant wail of police sirens. That’s the magic of a well-narrated thriller – it doesn’t just tell you a story, it takes you there.
“New York Dead” introduces us to Stone Barrington, a character who would become Woods’ long-running protagonist. Here in his debut, we meet him as a former cop turned lawyer, whose late-night stroll puts him at the wrong place at the perfect time to witness a shocking crime. The plot unfolds with the precision of a Swiss watch – a television anchorwoman’s mysterious fall (or was she pushed?), high society’s dark underbelly, and Stone’s dogged pursuit of truth through layers of deception.
Ferrone’s narration is nothing short of masterful. He gives Stone a world-weary yet determined quality that reminded me of the old detectives who used to frequent my neighborhood diner in Brooklyn. His female voices avoid caricature, and he handles the book’s varied cast – from society matrons to streetwise cops – with distinct characterizations that never feel forced. There’s a lived-in quality to his performance, like he’s recounting events he actually witnessed.
What struck me most was how Woods and Ferrone together capture New York’s unique rhythm. The city isn’t just a setting here; it’s a character – alive, breathing, and occasionally dangerous. Listening to the scene where Stone chases a lead through Central Park at dawn, I was transported back to my own predawn walks through the park, when the city holds its breath between night and day. The audio production enhances this with subtle ambient touches – the echo of footsteps, the distant hum of traffic – that never overwhelm the narration.
The story’s twists unfold at a satisfying pace, though modern listeners might find some elements dated (the book originally published in 1991). The sexual politics and technology references show their age, but this also provides an interesting time capsule of pre-Giuliani New York. Woods’ dialogue crackles with wit, and Ferrone delivers each barb and comeback with perfect timing.
Compared to contemporary thrillers, “New York Dead” feels more character-driven than today’s plot-heavy suspense novels. Stone Barrington is a refreshing protagonist – competent but not superhuman, charming without being smug. His journey from witness to investigator feels organic, and Ferrone’s performance makes you root for him from the first chapter.
For audiobook lovers who enjoy:
– Gritty urban mysteries
– Complex protagonists
– New York City as a character
– Narration that enhances the story
This is a perfect listen for a long commute or a sleepless night. Just be warned – you might find yourself taking the long way home, just to spend more time in Stone Barrington’s world.
If I had one critique, it’s that some of the secondary characters lean toward stereotype, particularly the wealthy socialites. But Ferrone’s nuanced reading helps elevate even these roles beyond their archetypes. The audio quality remains crisp throughout, with none of the distracting volume shifts that plague some productions.
Having listened to hundreds of mystery audiobooks from Bogotá to Bangkok, I can say this stands out as a particularly effective pairing of narrator and material. It reminds me of those perfect travel moments when guide, place, and experience align to create something unforgettable.
Until our next literary adventure, keep your passport (and your headphones) handy.
Marcus Rivera
