What do you think?
Rate this book
Joe Tesla #1
The World Beneath
In this USA Today bestselling book, award-winning and New York Times bestselling author Rebecca Cantrell drops you into a vast, dark world: 100 miles of living, breathing, tunnels that is the New York City underground. This subterranean labyrinth inhales three million bustling commuters every day. And every day, it breathes them all out again... except for one.
Software millionaire Joe Tesla is set to ring the bell on Wall Street the morning his company goes public. On what should be the brightest day in his life, he is instead struck with severe agoraphobia. The sudden dread of the outside is so debilitating, he can't leave his hotel at Grand Central Terminal, except to go underground. Bad luck for Joe, because in the tunnels lurk corpses and murderers, an underground Victorian mansion and a mysterious bricked-up 1940s presidential train car. Joe and his service dog, Edison, find themselves pursued by villains and police alike, their only salvation now is to unearth the mystery that started it all, a deadly, contagious madness on the brink of escaping The World Beneath.
Software millionaire Joe Tesla is set to ring the bell on Wall Street the morning his company goes public. On what should be the brightest day in his life, he is instead struck with severe agoraphobia. The sudden dread of the outside is so debilitating, he can't leave his hotel at Grand Central Terminal, except to go underground. Bad luck for Joe, because in the tunnels lurk corpses and murderers, an underground Victorian mansion and a mysterious bricked-up 1940s presidential train car. Joe and his service dog, Edison, find themselves pursued by villains and police alike, their only salvation now is to unearth the mystery that started it all, a deadly, contagious madness on the brink of escaping The World Beneath.
315 pages, Kindle Edition
First published November 24, 2013
1352 people are currently reading
3732 people want to read
About the author
Rebecca Cantrell
61 books541 followersA few years ago Rebecca Cantrell quit her job, sold her house, and moved to Hawaii to write a novel because, at seven, she decided that she would be a writer. Now she writes the award-winning Hannah Vogel mystery series set in Berlin in the 1930s. “A Trace of Smoke,” "A Night of Long Knives," "A Game of Lies," and "A City of Broken Glass." She also co-writes the Order of Sanguines series with James Rollins, starting with the upcoming book 1: "The Blood Gospel." And she writes the iMonster series as Bekka Black, including "iDrakula" and "iFrankenstein."
A faded pink triangle pasted on the wall of Dachau Concentration Camp and time in Berlin, Germany in the 1980s inspired “A Trace of Smoke.” Fluent in German, she received her high school diploma from the John F. Kennedy Schule in Berlin and studied at the Freie Universität in Berlin and the Georg August Universität in Göttingen.
When she visited Berlin in the summer of 2006, she was astounded to discover that many locations in her novel have been rebuilt and reopened in the last few years, including the gay bar El Dorado and the Mosse House publishing house.
Her short story “Coffee” will appear in the “Missing” anthology in February 2009.
Her screenplay “The Humanitarian” was a finalist at Shriekfest 2008: The Los Angeles Horror/Sci-fi Film Festival. Her screenplay “A Taste For Blood” was a finalist at the Shriekfest 2007: The Los Angeles Horror/Sci-fi Film Festival.
As of this writing, she lives in Berlin with her Ironman husband and son.
A faded pink triangle pasted on the wall of Dachau Concentration Camp and time in Berlin, Germany in the 1980s inspired “A Trace of Smoke.” Fluent in German, she received her high school diploma from the John F. Kennedy Schule in Berlin and studied at the Freie Universität in Berlin and the Georg August Universität in Göttingen.
When she visited Berlin in the summer of 2006, she was astounded to discover that many locations in her novel have been rebuilt and reopened in the last few years, including the gay bar El Dorado and the Mosse House publishing house.
Her short story “Coffee” will appear in the “Missing” anthology in February 2009.
Her screenplay “The Humanitarian” was a finalist at Shriekfest 2008: The Los Angeles Horror/Sci-fi Film Festival. Her screenplay “A Taste For Blood” was a finalist at the Shriekfest 2007: The Los Angeles Horror/Sci-fi Film Festival.
As of this writing, she lives in Berlin with her Ironman husband and son.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 384 reviews
September 3, 2020
What a thriller! Rebecca Cantrell really takes us on an exciting ride with THE WORLD BENEATH.
First in the series, Joe Tesla is introduced to us as a genius software engineer/multi-millionaire who literally overnight develops an acute case of agoraphobia. Joe is on a business trip to New York City and enjoying the night life only to awaken the next morning unable to step outside from his hotel!
Seeing his a “normal” life disintegrate, Joe retires from a national company where he is the Chief Technology Officer. With the help and support from friends, he builds a new life in the NYC tunnel systems.
Joe and his dog Edison are settling into their new life when they encounter a man in the tunnels looking for “treasure”. The next 48 hrs then find Joe and Edison on the run as they try to stay alive.
First in the series, Joe Tesla is introduced to us as a genius software engineer/multi-millionaire who literally overnight develops an acute case of agoraphobia. Joe is on a business trip to New York City and enjoying the night life only to awaken the next morning unable to step outside from his hotel!
Seeing his a “normal” life disintegrate, Joe retires from a national company where he is the Chief Technology Officer. With the help and support from friends, he builds a new life in the NYC tunnel systems.
Joe and his dog Edison are settling into their new life when they encounter a man in the tunnels looking for “treasure”. The next 48 hrs then find Joe and Edison on the run as they try to stay alive.
October 23, 2020
Joe Tesla, allegedly a relative of THE Tesla, is a tech geek who has made a fortune of money. However, for the past few years of his life he has been afflicted with a sudden, inexplicable form or agoraphobia. He now lives beneath Grand Central Station with his dog and spends his time trying to find out what happened to him. He also manages to solve bizarre crimes because of his unique ability to "hide" underground. Admittedly this sounds a bit over-the-top but Cantrell deftly handles any and all questions you would have regarding belivability. As a result, this one of the more unique and entertaining suspense novels I've read in a long time. In fact, I've already completed book two in the series and cannot wait to read more. If you're looking for something different yet well written, I highly recommend The World Beneath and the Joe Tesla series.
December 3, 2013
Joe Tesla lives in the tunnels under New York's Grand Central Station, marooned there by an attack of agoraphobia that cripples him with panic if he tries to go outside. One night, as he roams his underground terrain, he comes upon a man, clearly ex-military, breaking down a wall to reveal a old train-car, the inhabitants bricked up alive to stop them sharing their secrets. When the man is murdered, and the madness he carried in his brain released, Tesla must race against time to stop more people being infected, as well as saving his own life from those who want to keep the secret hidden.
An original hero with a psychological flaw, Tesla and his dog, Edison, will keep you engaged until the end of this fast-paced thriller.
An original hero with a psychological flaw, Tesla and his dog, Edison, will keep you engaged until the end of this fast-paced thriller.
March 28, 2018
Rebecca Cantrell is another author new to me. I had seen her name on a couple of books co-authored with James Rollins, who I really like, so that was a good incentive.
Turns out this was a really enjoyable book. The main character, Joe Tesla, is a millionaire software engineer who suffers from sever agoraphobia, forcing him to live underground. He also has the mental condition of color synesthesia, which means he sees numbers as colors. The author describes these conditions very well and made the character very interesting and different without having to resort to currently popular gender quirks. He also has a service dog, called Edison naturally, and the described relationship can probably only be really be appreciated by someone who has known the special bond than can evolve between a dog and their owner.
The main story follows a sinister plot of experimentation on US soldiers that dates back to WWII. Things come to a head when one of the test subjects escapes with knowledge of the conspiracy and tracks it back to it's original source. This happens to be deep in the train tunnels under New York city close to where Joe Tesla lives.
A good story that made me want to keep reading. There's a small twist at the end, which defiantly sets up a sequel or two. Yet another series that I want to continue with.
Turns out this was a really enjoyable book. The main character, Joe Tesla, is a millionaire software engineer who suffers from sever agoraphobia, forcing him to live underground. He also has the mental condition of color synesthesia, which means he sees numbers as colors. The author describes these conditions very well and made the character very interesting and different without having to resort to currently popular gender quirks. He also has a service dog, called Edison naturally, and the described relationship can probably only be really be appreciated by someone who has known the special bond than can evolve between a dog and their owner.
The main story follows a sinister plot of experimentation on US soldiers that dates back to WWII. Things come to a head when one of the test subjects escapes with knowledge of the conspiracy and tracks it back to it's original source. This happens to be deep in the train tunnels under New York city close to where Joe Tesla lives.
A good story that made me want to keep reading. There's a small twist at the end, which defiantly sets up a sequel or two. Yet another series that I want to continue with.
January 15, 2015
This is a wonderful quirky book. Joe Tesla is a software engineer who has made a fortune with his company, Pellucid. While visiting New York City, Joe experiences a debilitating panic attack leading to agoraphobia. He cannot leave Grand Central Station or the underground tunnels where he has taken residence of a large Victorian home underground. Joe meets a strange homeless man in the tunnels who is on a mission and from there, Joe's world changes.
A great read. This book won the international thriller writer's best original ebook award. I love the environment of the subway tunnels. Highly recommend.
A great read. This book won the international thriller writer's best original ebook award. I love the environment of the subway tunnels. Highly recommend.
August 26, 2016
In The World Beneath, Cantrell moves from the sinister world of World War II Germany to a quirky, claustrophobic, more quietly dangerous world beneath New York City. We've all taken the subway before, but what if you could never leave? Even if you had a cozy, elegant home, what would your life become? Now imagine that Alfred Hitchcock answered that question, and you have some idea of what you're in for with The World Beneath.
The World Beneath is a serious page-turner, whether it's from the action or characters who are so real that you can't stop watching them. It has the intimacy of her first book, "A Trace of Smoke," with the added twist that you experience this closeness with cold-blooded villains as well as the protagonists. Cantrell has a talent for spotting the subtle details that bring characters to life, whether it's a nickname, a habit, an affliction, or whatever. The action serves the characters -- a rare thing among most thrill writers -- and, rarer still, they all have moments of sympathy, which makes hating some of them a twisted treat for the reader. Add the suspense, which grabs you by the shirt and forces you to watch it, and you have book that's a winner.
The World Beneath is a serious page-turner, whether it's from the action or characters who are so real that you can't stop watching them. It has the intimacy of her first book, "A Trace of Smoke," with the added twist that you experience this closeness with cold-blooded villains as well as the protagonists. Cantrell has a talent for spotting the subtle details that bring characters to life, whether it's a nickname, a habit, an affliction, or whatever. The action serves the characters -- a rare thing among most thrill writers -- and, rarer still, they all have moments of sympathy, which makes hating some of them a twisted treat for the reader. Add the suspense, which grabs you by the shirt and forces you to watch it, and you have book that's a winner.
October 6, 2015
3.25 Stars. I would have jumped this up a higher rating had the ending been beefed up. Seriously only the doctor paid for his crimes? Not one person in the government paid for what was covered up? This is fiction...all the bad guys get it in the end in fiction. Isn't that a law or something?? Now if this was real life I could totally see the government joes getting off...happens all the time, but fiction...nuh-huh. I may pick up the next Joe Tesla just to see where it goes from here.
January 21, 2019
quite entertaining;
a refreshing duo, although one of them
p64: he'd leave the too-large shoes he'd worn for the murder and a few bloody bills next a homeless man who slept near this very exit.
p126: he would find out find out the name of brandon's killer.
p225: that exactly true, but he kept going.
a refreshing duo, although one of them
p64: he'd leave the too-large shoes he'd worn for the murder and a few bloody bills next a homeless man who slept near this very exit.
p126: he would find out find out the name of brandon's killer.
p225: that exactly true, but he kept going.
June 29, 2020
Cantrell gives the reader a unique character in Joe Tesla. At first, he seems to be a retard, but that's not true. Then you think maybe he's autistic. What is certain is that Joe is a numbers guy. He knows the inner workings of computers, networks and the Internet. He has invented an advanced facial recognition program. And he suddenly developed agoraphobia, where previously none existed. This kind of rapid behavioural change points to a buried trauma. The idea it could be artificially stimulated seems like bullshit, but with the sick experiments being done, who can say? We know Joe loves his dog, Edison. And curiosity & doing the right thing is his weakness.
The World Beneath explores the dark, lost and forgotten world under New York City. And this part is very real. There is a labyrinth of tunnels, doors and secrets deep below the layered city. Joe has pissed off the CIA, not once, but twice. He has alienated himself from his company and colleagues. He is looked upon as a mental case. But what is really going on? And how could an executive owner fall so fast? Something is amiss and smells bad. And the subterranean tunnels can't be the source of all of it.
I would read another Joe Tesla novel.
The World Beneath explores the dark, lost and forgotten world under New York City. And this part is very real. There is a labyrinth of tunnels, doors and secrets deep below the layered city. Joe has pissed off the CIA, not once, but twice. He has alienated himself from his company and colleagues. He is looked upon as a mental case. But what is really going on? And how could an executive owner fall so fast? Something is amiss and smells bad. And the subterranean tunnels can't be the source of all of it.
I would read another Joe Tesla novel.
July 24, 2016
I'm giving this 3 stars, but 2.75 stars would be a better fit. There are too many unresolved issues in the first 2/3 of the book and these detract from the limited plot. The main character is fine but we always have colors described anytime numbers are involved--this is to reflect the synesthesia the main character has; at times this statement of colors gets tedious and does nothing to further our understanding of the main character. The other characters connected to Joe Tesla are interesting but underdeveloped. All that said the ending was nice and overall the series shows promise.
June 30, 2022
Loved this book.
If only for the very unique setting, the underground subway tunnels are active and forgotten in NY including a victorian house built down there underground with an elevator to Grand Central Station.
Super rich Joe with a dog stumbles into a CIA op that could get him killed.
What I liked:
-The setting
-The plot
-The charcaters
What I didn't like:
-There's a lot of tunnel chasing, but all part of the setting too. So it was okay.
If only for the very unique setting, the underground subway tunnels are active and forgotten in NY including a victorian house built down there underground with an elevator to Grand Central Station.
Super rich Joe with a dog stumbles into a CIA op that could get him killed.
What I liked:
-The setting
-The plot
-The charcaters
What I didn't like:
-There's a lot of tunnel chasing, but all part of the setting too. So it was okay.
December 12, 2022
THE WORLD BENEATH
Fun and fast moving bioweapon thriller set in the tunnels beneath Grand Central Station in NYC. Features agoraphobic multi millionaire and tech guru Joe Tesla and his therapy dog Edison.
Fun and fast moving bioweapon thriller set in the tunnels beneath Grand Central Station in NYC. Features agoraphobic multi millionaire and tech guru Joe Tesla and his therapy dog Edison.
June 16, 2015
This is my first book by this author, but it definitely won't be my last.
What would you do if you suddenly developed agoraphobia and couldn't leave the subway tunnels? What would you do if you saw something you weren't supposed to and now are in danger? That's what our hero has to live with. How can he survive when he can't even go outside?
Joe Tesla was such an awesome character. He was a successful business man but suddenly developed agoraphobia. He now lives in a house that's under the subway. You read that right!! There is a house under the subway!! How cool would that be, though I couldn't live there. Anyway, he lives there with his therapy dog and is only able to use the tunnels to get around. He is well written and developed and the author handled his debilitating condition perfectly. You could feel his fear and frustration at not being able to leave.
Let's give a special mention to the hero who stole the story. Joes' dog, Edison!! I loved him and he totally stole the show :)
Plot wise, the story was breathtakingly fast paced. The scene is set in the very first pages and from then on you are part of a roller coaster that doesn't stop till the very last page. You are brought on a suspenseful and intriguing story and one that you won't forget.
In all this was a great read. I loved the well thought out characters and the intriguing plot and flew through the book eagerly waiting to see what happens. It had me on the edge of my seat the whole way!! The technology mentioned and used, the virus that's released and the flawed hero make for an unforgettable read.
The audio of this was fantastic. It really brought the story alive and made it play out like a movie in my head. Jeffrey Kafer has an easy voice to listen to and really knows how to make the characters pop. He ramps up the tension when needed and you find yourself biting your nails in anticipation. He gives each character their own voice and they are always easily distinguishable.
*I received this for review from AudioBookBlast. All thoughts and opinions are my own.*
What would you do if you suddenly developed agoraphobia and couldn't leave the subway tunnels? What would you do if you saw something you weren't supposed to and now are in danger? That's what our hero has to live with. How can he survive when he can't even go outside?
Joe Tesla was such an awesome character. He was a successful business man but suddenly developed agoraphobia. He now lives in a house that's under the subway. You read that right!! There is a house under the subway!! How cool would that be, though I couldn't live there. Anyway, he lives there with his therapy dog and is only able to use the tunnels to get around. He is well written and developed and the author handled his debilitating condition perfectly. You could feel his fear and frustration at not being able to leave.
Let's give a special mention to the hero who stole the story. Joes' dog, Edison!! I loved him and he totally stole the show :)
Plot wise, the story was breathtakingly fast paced. The scene is set in the very first pages and from then on you are part of a roller coaster that doesn't stop till the very last page. You are brought on a suspenseful and intriguing story and one that you won't forget.
In all this was a great read. I loved the well thought out characters and the intriguing plot and flew through the book eagerly waiting to see what happens. It had me on the edge of my seat the whole way!! The technology mentioned and used, the virus that's released and the flawed hero make for an unforgettable read.
The audio of this was fantastic. It really brought the story alive and made it play out like a movie in my head. Jeffrey Kafer has an easy voice to listen to and really knows how to make the characters pop. He ramps up the tension when needed and you find yourself biting your nails in anticipation. He gives each character their own voice and they are always easily distinguishable.
*I received this for review from AudioBookBlast. All thoughts and opinions are my own.*
March 6, 2014
Technothriller I totally recommend. A new favorite author! I discovered Rebecca because of her working with one of my favorite authors James Rollins. This was a pleasant surprise because what she added to James Rollins was the romance, apparently. We know how I feel about romance, SMH.
This book was not a romance, it is full of action, technology (techno-thriller) and chuck full of adventure and the spirit of the chase.
I get Joe Tesla (yes that Tesla, well that family). I live in an isolated cabin, every time I try to go into public though not as much of a problem.. ok not even CLOSE to being as bad, but I have horrific anxiety. Agoraphobia which was caused because I don't leave the cabin often at all (like maybe once a month).
I lived in Boston and learned a lot about the tunnels which the east coast is well known for as well as the history being taught in the schools. It is truly fascinating and it's the source of many an urban legends. But instead of giant albino alligators, we have a real live man-made infection which has laid hidden and walled in for decades.
Joe's thought process is so amazing to read. Math geniuses don't think or deal with regular every day activity like us normal people do. Each thing, action, object, activity involves some kind of formula even if it is uncontrollable and OCD like obsessive. I love that he thinks in colors and numbers. Oh and the dog, who doesn't love a dog. I can pause here, close my eyes and see them together and picture it completely.
This would make a fantastic movie! It's a fast paced, tight read. There are a few issues I had but mainly because of the style of writing I jarred a bit with. I still cannot wait till the next read and am already stock piling Rebecca's books to read in the future!
This book was not a romance, it is full of action, technology (techno-thriller) and chuck full of adventure and the spirit of the chase.
I get Joe Tesla (yes that Tesla, well that family). I live in an isolated cabin, every time I try to go into public though not as much of a problem.. ok not even CLOSE to being as bad, but I have horrific anxiety. Agoraphobia which was caused because I don't leave the cabin often at all (like maybe once a month).
I lived in Boston and learned a lot about the tunnels which the east coast is well known for as well as the history being taught in the schools. It is truly fascinating and it's the source of many an urban legends. But instead of giant albino alligators, we have a real live man-made infection which has laid hidden and walled in for decades.
Joe's thought process is so amazing to read. Math geniuses don't think or deal with regular every day activity like us normal people do. Each thing, action, object, activity involves some kind of formula even if it is uncontrollable and OCD like obsessive. I love that he thinks in colors and numbers. Oh and the dog, who doesn't love a dog. I can pause here, close my eyes and see them together and picture it completely.
This would make a fantastic movie! It's a fast paced, tight read. There are a few issues I had but mainly because of the style of writing I jarred a bit with. I still cannot wait till the next read and am already stock piling Rebecca's books to read in the future!
June 7, 2014
Author has potential just hasn't reached it yet
Author has potential just hasn't reached it yet
I liked his concept of a protagonist with agoraphobia, and the protagonist's self-insight (and humor) but the plot wasn't terribly convincing -- not enough details to make me believe that Joe Tesla was a computer genius, and a few too many coincidences. Although it was enough to get me to finish the book, it wasn't enough to get me to read the next one in the series.
In my humble opinion the author is a work in progress with potential for the future.
That said, I applaud her decision not to "cure" Joe of his mental illness through the application of "willpower" (mental illness does not, in general work like that, although I'm no expert) thus avoiding the easy out of a fairy-tale ending. The love of Joe for his dog came through clearly even to a non dog-lover such as I. The story of a house underneath New York city sounded crazy enough to be true as was the story of a presidential train car, although I'm dubious about it having a separate stop underneath NY city. I did want to research the bit about the house and don't find it a bit hard to believe there were unknown miles of tunnels (sewers, steam tunnels, etc. beneath NY). Had to consciously suspend belief about how he got into the morgue.
So, to the author I would say: "Keep at it, and I'll check up on your progress a few more books in!" This would make an OK beach read, although not memorable.
Author has potential just hasn't reached it yet
I liked his concept of a protagonist with agoraphobia, and the protagonist's self-insight (and humor) but the plot wasn't terribly convincing -- not enough details to make me believe that Joe Tesla was a computer genius, and a few too many coincidences. Although it was enough to get me to finish the book, it wasn't enough to get me to read the next one in the series.
In my humble opinion the author is a work in progress with potential for the future.
That said, I applaud her decision not to "cure" Joe of his mental illness through the application of "willpower" (mental illness does not, in general work like that, although I'm no expert) thus avoiding the easy out of a fairy-tale ending. The love of Joe for his dog came through clearly even to a non dog-lover such as I. The story of a house underneath New York city sounded crazy enough to be true as was the story of a presidential train car, although I'm dubious about it having a separate stop underneath NY city. I did want to research the bit about the house and don't find it a bit hard to believe there were unknown miles of tunnels (sewers, steam tunnels, etc. beneath NY). Had to consciously suspend belief about how he got into the morgue.
So, to the author I would say: "Keep at it, and I'll check up on your progress a few more books in!" This would make an OK beach read, although not memorable.
November 29, 2013
I've always been intrigued by the tunnels underneath NYC.. And, this book adds all of the elements one desires in a mysterious sleuthing novel! The characters are very well developed.. and one is snared into the story from the first paragraph!
The story centers on a very well to do millionaire who is suddenly struck down with a fear of being outside.. and has the means to live in one of the rare homes that was built underneath the streets of NYC at the turn of the last century.
While out jogging he comes upon a fellow acting most strangely.. busting down a bricked up wall.. that leads to President FDR's Presidential railroad car.. Not wanting to put out spoilers.. just know.. that the novel will keep you reading until you get to the last juicy word. Well paced.. all of the action is very well described.. and you will truly find yourself rooting for the good guy and hoping the bad guys really get what they deserve!
I find it interesting that the main character seems to have a similar mind as his distant relative.. YES! Nicola Tesla! Rebecca Cantrell vividly describes the mind thought.. and how a mathematical type mind will sometimes see everything in their world in some mathematical fashion.. For Joe Tesla math is done in colors.
Prepare to stay up all night... this is one of "those" books! You just won't be able to put it down.. until you've finished it!
The story centers on a very well to do millionaire who is suddenly struck down with a fear of being outside.. and has the means to live in one of the rare homes that was built underneath the streets of NYC at the turn of the last century.
While out jogging he comes upon a fellow acting most strangely.. busting down a bricked up wall.. that leads to President FDR's Presidential railroad car.. Not wanting to put out spoilers.. just know.. that the novel will keep you reading until you get to the last juicy word. Well paced.. all of the action is very well described.. and you will truly find yourself rooting for the good guy and hoping the bad guys really get what they deserve!
I find it interesting that the main character seems to have a similar mind as his distant relative.. YES! Nicola Tesla! Rebecca Cantrell vividly describes the mind thought.. and how a mathematical type mind will sometimes see everything in their world in some mathematical fashion.. For Joe Tesla math is done in colors.
Prepare to stay up all night... this is one of "those" books! You just won't be able to put it down.. until you've finished it!
November 27, 2013
It blows my mind that, with a small exception, Rebecca Cantrell has managed to fill an entire novel set underneath New York. It’s not just dirt and trains, it’s history, action, and heartbreak. It picks you up and transports you along faster than you can get from station to station. Joe Tesla is a sharp new main character that is as intriguing as he is endearing. Trapped underground with his four-legged service companion, Edison, they manage to stumble upon a decade’s old mystery that sends them running for their lives. Of course there’s also a larger story, but I don’t want to give any spoilers. I recommend you grab THE WORLD BENEATH as fast as you can so you too can escape down into tunnels with them! You’ll love the new characters…wish I had the technological expertise of Joe Tesla…and the fast pace! I only hope Rebecca Cantrell is writing the second one just as fast. My mind is already wandering the tunnels wondering where she’s going to take us next!!!
November 3, 2018
Fascinating storyline about an agoraphobic who cannot leave the NYC subway system. Thrilling mystery series with creative characters and one of the most unique books I've ever read (bought the series as it is so fascinating). Working in New York, I'm very familiar with the subway system and train stations that are the setting, but Joe takes us behind the scenes into the tunnels and work areas none of us ever see except from the window of a train. Absolutely love this series!!!
January 7, 2014
I'm a huge fan of Rebecca Cantrell's books and must say this first release of her new series is quite a wild ride. Joe Tesla's already troubled world is thrown amiss in this hi-tech, relevant and thought provoking journey. I highly recommend this visual and exciting read. Looking forward to finding out how this talented writer progresses the series.
October 8, 2017
A fast-paced, super-effective thriller with an original and very interesting main character, a genius millionaire who is a descendant of Nikola Tesla. A bit on the simplistic side here and there, and the "big reveal" comes a little too late, but all in all will keep you turning the pages as fast as you can.
October 24, 2019
Review originally published at: https://www.lomeraniel.com/audiobookr...
Joe Tesla, a millionaire software engineer, is confined to the New York network of underground tunnels due to his severe agoraphobia. He owns a mansion under New York’s Central Station, and tries to have a life as normal as possible without going to the outside world. During one of his walks in one of the tunnels, he meets a strange man decided to break part of a wall with a hammer, just to discover an old train wagon and several human skeletons behind it. But Joe cannot have a good look at the findings, because this man is insane, and between mumbles about some documents, he threatens Joe with his hammer and goes after him.
I am one of those people who is mesmerized about underground tunnels, always looking out the wagon and thinking about those long and dark tunnels, wondering about the secrets they hide. When I read the blurb of this book, I realized that it was right up my alley, and I have to say that it did not disappoint. This is a quick-paced story in which the past and present intermingle to form a complex plot. Joe not only has to uncover a conspiracy but also fight for his life and the one of Edison, his furry friend. The story kept me on the edge of my seat from beginning to end, and apart from the mystery regarding the strange man and the wagon, there is also the matter of Joe’s agoraphobia, which begun overnight sometime before the events in this book. I enjoyed how Joe’s character was built; even though he was not a very complex character, we get some of his background story, and I felt I knew him from before.
The book was well written with beautiful and rich sentences, and the dialogs that felt natural. The narrative pulled me in from the start.
Jeffrey Kafer did an exceptionally good job narrating this book, using a compelling tone that perfectly matched the story, and also delivering great character interpretations, with subtle voice changes. He brought the characters and the story to life.
This is not my first book by Rebecca Cantrell, as I have already listened to a couple of books of her cozy mysteries series ‘Maliby Mystery’. I enjoyed both genres from this author, and I am definitely looking forward to listening to the second book in Joe Tesla’s series.
I received this book for free in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
Joe Tesla, a millionaire software engineer, is confined to the New York network of underground tunnels due to his severe agoraphobia. He owns a mansion under New York’s Central Station, and tries to have a life as normal as possible without going to the outside world. During one of his walks in one of the tunnels, he meets a strange man decided to break part of a wall with a hammer, just to discover an old train wagon and several human skeletons behind it. But Joe cannot have a good look at the findings, because this man is insane, and between mumbles about some documents, he threatens Joe with his hammer and goes after him.
I am one of those people who is mesmerized about underground tunnels, always looking out the wagon and thinking about those long and dark tunnels, wondering about the secrets they hide. When I read the blurb of this book, I realized that it was right up my alley, and I have to say that it did not disappoint. This is a quick-paced story in which the past and present intermingle to form a complex plot. Joe not only has to uncover a conspiracy but also fight for his life and the one of Edison, his furry friend. The story kept me on the edge of my seat from beginning to end, and apart from the mystery regarding the strange man and the wagon, there is also the matter of Joe’s agoraphobia, which begun overnight sometime before the events in this book. I enjoyed how Joe’s character was built; even though he was not a very complex character, we get some of his background story, and I felt I knew him from before.
The book was well written with beautiful and rich sentences, and the dialogs that felt natural. The narrative pulled me in from the start.
Jeffrey Kafer did an exceptionally good job narrating this book, using a compelling tone that perfectly matched the story, and also delivering great character interpretations, with subtle voice changes. He brought the characters and the story to life.
This is not my first book by Rebecca Cantrell, as I have already listened to a couple of books of her cozy mysteries series ‘Maliby Mystery’. I enjoyed both genres from this author, and I am definitely looking forward to listening to the second book in Joe Tesla’s series.
I received this book for free in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
January 5, 2018
I totally enjoyed this mystery. A bit of science fiction, murder, conspiracies all rolled into one. The story of a man with Agoraphobia, who got lucky, IMO, to have a home he could actually access right from the main terminal for the NYC subway system. He didn't have to go "outside" to get a good workout, access to all kinds of shops and whatever he might need. What more could a person ask for, especially if you are basically forced to live inside?
On one of his little "walks" with his service dog Edison, he notices a man acting furtively, and his curiosity demands that he follow stealthily and find out what he might be up to. And this is where the story really gets interesting, and the beginning of danger to our Agoraphobic friend.
What I liked about this story is that the main character is very likable. He's friendly and rather out-going to a degree, there is no excessive foul language or graphic sex or violence. I really appreciate it when a writer can tell a very good story without falling back on all that nonsense just in the hopes of gaining more attention. A good story well written needs none of that.
I also appreciated that although in the very last chapter there is a hint at more to come, this is a complete story, with a beginning, middle and a very good end, and it could be left or added to, depending on whatever the Author wants to do.
On one of his little "walks" with his service dog Edison, he notices a man acting furtively, and his curiosity demands that he follow stealthily and find out what he might be up to. And this is where the story really gets interesting, and the beginning of danger to our Agoraphobic friend.
What I liked about this story is that the main character is very likable. He's friendly and rather out-going to a degree, there is no excessive foul language or graphic sex or violence. I really appreciate it when a writer can tell a very good story without falling back on all that nonsense just in the hopes of gaining more attention. A good story well written needs none of that.
I also appreciated that although in the very last chapter there is a hint at more to come, this is a complete story, with a beginning, middle and a very good end, and it could be left or added to, depending on whatever the Author wants to do.
September 24, 2018
For those like me who stress about fictional dogs in books, there is a dog in danger in this one. Here's the spoiler on him .
This was the Barnes and Noble Nook Serial Read for the month of September. I wasn't sure how I felt about Joe initially, but I really grew to like him. It was interesting to have someone suffering from agoraphobia as the lead character in any book, but especially a thriller where someone is hunting him down.
The majority of this book was devoted to Joe trying to unravel the mystery while evading those trying to capture and even kill him. There are some very gory murders in this one, so the stress was high when Joe and his dog Edison were roaming the tunnels under New York City oblivious to what they had stumbled into.
I was a bit surprised by how quickly this ended and how everything was resolved in a chapter. It just seemed abrupt after spending so much time building to that point. The revelation at the end definitely has me interested in reading the next book.
This was the Barnes and Noble Nook Serial Read for the month of September. I wasn't sure how I felt about Joe initially, but I really grew to like him. It was interesting to have someone suffering from agoraphobia as the lead character in any book, but especially a thriller where someone is hunting him down.
The majority of this book was devoted to Joe trying to unravel the mystery while evading those trying to capture and even kill him. There are some very gory murders in this one, so the stress was high when Joe and his dog Edison were roaming the tunnels under New York City oblivious to what they had stumbled into.
I was a bit surprised by how quickly this ended and how everything was resolved in a chapter. It just seemed abrupt after spending so much time building to that point. The revelation at the end definitely has me interested in reading the next book.
September 20, 2021
Terrific book! Great narration and WHOA! - great ending!
July 31, 2020
Surprisingly good book!
It took a while to get into it (as with all new series), but it turned out to be very entertaining.
Highly recommended!
It took a while to get into it (as with all new series), but it turned out to be very entertaining.
Highly recommended!
May 16, 2020
(2 1/2). Joe Tesla is an OK guy, a little weird, but a very modern protagonist with a strange problem. I liked him just fine, but the stars of this show are the New York City subway tunnels and Edison, the golden dog. Lots of intrigue, pretty fast paced action with a touch of sappiness, but the tunnels really make this book work. New Yorkers will appreciate this one. Reasonable stuff.
December 17, 2021
The World Beneath by Rebecca Cantrell is the first book in the Joe Tesla Mystery series. Agoraphobic tech billionaire Joe Tesla becomes a target when he witnesses the killing of a soldier uncovering government biological experimentation. An interesting book although I would have loved to see more of his therapy dog Edison. Joe seems rather weird and nerdy and his synaesthesia is a bit distracting although I liked his bodyguard Alicia who seems very capable. The underground tunnels make an intriguingsetting and an exciting chase.
July 19, 2015
The Yellow Dog
Er lebt in den Tunneln unter New York City, seine Welt liegt unter der Erde. Seit einem Ereignis, an das er sich nicht erinnern kann, leidet Joe Tesla unter Agoraphobie, dass heißt, er kann die Tunnelwelt nicht verlassen. Seit einem halben Jahr ist das schon so und trotz mehrerer Behandlungsversuche ist keine Besserung in Sicht. Glück im Unglück, in seinem vorherigen Leben war Joe Tesla der reiche Besitzer einer Softwarefirma und deshalb hat er auch die richtigen Kontakte, um ein tief unter der Erde in den Fels gehauenes Haus bewohnen zu dürfen. Seine dunkle Ruhe wird jedoch jäh gestört als er einen Mord beobachtet.
Mit welcher Anstrengung Tesla gegen seinen Zustand rebelliert, er möchte wieder an die Oberfläche, er möchte wieder in die Sonne, er möchte nach hause. Doch bisher löste jeder Versuch nur eine weitere Panikattacke aus. Sein Hund Edison steht ihm in solchen Situationen hilfreich zur Seite, dafür ist er ausgebildet und sonst ist er einfach ein guter Kamerad. Trotz der ungewöhnlichen Umstände hat Joe durch seinen Reichtum und durch auch das reichhaltige unterirdische Netz der Metrostationen mit ihren Läden und Restaurants die Möglichkeit am normalen Leben teilzunehmen. Und so beginnt er selbst zu ermitteln, um nach dem Mord nicht jeden aufkommenden Verdacht entkräften zu können.
So eine coole Idee, eine brisante Ermittlung, die hauptsächlich in den Tunneln unter den Straßen New Yorks stattfindet. Eine packende Story in einem ausgefallenen Setting, von dem man sich fragt, inwieweit das so möglich ist. Vielleicht? Schließlich ist Amerika das Land der unbegrenzten Möglichkeiten. Eines Teils herausragend, welche Entwicklungen dieses Land hervorzubringen vermag, anderes Teils unheimlich, was es seinen Einwohnern mitunter antut. Die Kombination des ausgesprochen intelligenten Helden, der doch auf Hilfe angewiesen ist, mit einem fesselnden Geheimnis macht diesen Roman so kurzweilig und packend, dass man schließlich viel schneller als gedacht ans Ende gelangt und hofft, dass der nächste Band dieser Reihe ebenso unterhaltsam sein möge wie der Vorliegende.
Er lebt in den Tunneln unter New York City, seine Welt liegt unter der Erde. Seit einem Ereignis, an das er sich nicht erinnern kann, leidet Joe Tesla unter Agoraphobie, dass heißt, er kann die Tunnelwelt nicht verlassen. Seit einem halben Jahr ist das schon so und trotz mehrerer Behandlungsversuche ist keine Besserung in Sicht. Glück im Unglück, in seinem vorherigen Leben war Joe Tesla der reiche Besitzer einer Softwarefirma und deshalb hat er auch die richtigen Kontakte, um ein tief unter der Erde in den Fels gehauenes Haus bewohnen zu dürfen. Seine dunkle Ruhe wird jedoch jäh gestört als er einen Mord beobachtet.
Mit welcher Anstrengung Tesla gegen seinen Zustand rebelliert, er möchte wieder an die Oberfläche, er möchte wieder in die Sonne, er möchte nach hause. Doch bisher löste jeder Versuch nur eine weitere Panikattacke aus. Sein Hund Edison steht ihm in solchen Situationen hilfreich zur Seite, dafür ist er ausgebildet und sonst ist er einfach ein guter Kamerad. Trotz der ungewöhnlichen Umstände hat Joe durch seinen Reichtum und durch auch das reichhaltige unterirdische Netz der Metrostationen mit ihren Läden und Restaurants die Möglichkeit am normalen Leben teilzunehmen. Und so beginnt er selbst zu ermitteln, um nach dem Mord nicht jeden aufkommenden Verdacht entkräften zu können.
So eine coole Idee, eine brisante Ermittlung, die hauptsächlich in den Tunneln unter den Straßen New Yorks stattfindet. Eine packende Story in einem ausgefallenen Setting, von dem man sich fragt, inwieweit das so möglich ist. Vielleicht? Schließlich ist Amerika das Land der unbegrenzten Möglichkeiten. Eines Teils herausragend, welche Entwicklungen dieses Land hervorzubringen vermag, anderes Teils unheimlich, was es seinen Einwohnern mitunter antut. Die Kombination des ausgesprochen intelligenten Helden, der doch auf Hilfe angewiesen ist, mit einem fesselnden Geheimnis macht diesen Roman so kurzweilig und packend, dass man schließlich viel schneller als gedacht ans Ende gelangt und hofft, dass der nächste Band dieser Reihe ebenso unterhaltsam sein möge wie der Vorliegende.
July 23, 2019
What can I say except absolutely YES! 5 star all the way for both the character's Cantrell created for us, and the world in which she abandoned him.
Joe Tesla is a rich genius, but his love of technology can't save him from agoraphobia. He lives in an old Victorian mansion under New York City, and travels around through tunnels and subway lines so he never has to go outside.
Though he is able to solve the mystery here, the best part is finding ways around his peculiar situation, and working within the limitations of his disability.
Add in a badass female body guard and an adorable service dog, and you've got me as long as you want me. Please write a hundred of these books, and make it a television series as well.
Joe Tesla is a rich genius, but his love of technology can't save him from agoraphobia. He lives in an old Victorian mansion under New York City, and travels around through tunnels and subway lines so he never has to go outside.
Though he is able to solve the mystery here, the best part is finding ways around his peculiar situation, and working within the limitations of his disability.
Add in a badass female body guard and an adorable service dog, and you've got me as long as you want me. Please write a hundred of these books, and make it a television series as well.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 384 reviews