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Narrator
"In my career, having reviewed over 1,200 novels, I can honestly say . . . I have never read anything quite like this. Think Misery meets Gone Girl. Landon Beach delivers a special, unforgettable, jaw-dropping reading experience that readers won't soon forget. Narrator is a masterpiece."
—The Real Book Spy
By the time playwright and actor Shawn Frost had won 2 Tony Awards by his late twenties, he was seen as a theater prodigy—a meteoric rise that the performing arts community had not witnessed in almost a hundred years. His work? Shakespearean in scope, character, and popularity—boundless and beautiful. His own character? Flawed.
And in a place like New York City, where failings get magnified, Shawn Frost finds that, even from the heights of artistic sublimity, no one is insulated from the demons that have caused the best of entertainers to fall from grace.
After surviving an accident that almost costs him his life, Shawn leaves NYC and the theater for the quiet, picturesque Pacific cliffs of Carmel-by-the-Sea and starts a new life as an audiobook narrator. As he rises through the ranks, narrating bestseller after bestseller, Shawn Frost once again flirts with artistic immortality.
But. As his limitless skills emerge in the exploding arena of voice arts, so do his flaws.
Then, he experiences every audiobook narrator's worst fear: He is kidnapped by two obsessed fans, determined to make Shawn perform their novel...
Or was he?
—The Real Book Spy
By the time playwright and actor Shawn Frost had won 2 Tony Awards by his late twenties, he was seen as a theater prodigy—a meteoric rise that the performing arts community had not witnessed in almost a hundred years. His work? Shakespearean in scope, character, and popularity—boundless and beautiful. His own character? Flawed.
And in a place like New York City, where failings get magnified, Shawn Frost finds that, even from the heights of artistic sublimity, no one is insulated from the demons that have caused the best of entertainers to fall from grace.
After surviving an accident that almost costs him his life, Shawn leaves NYC and the theater for the quiet, picturesque Pacific cliffs of Carmel-by-the-Sea and starts a new life as an audiobook narrator. As he rises through the ranks, narrating bestseller after bestseller, Shawn Frost once again flirts with artistic immortality.
But. As his limitless skills emerge in the exploding arena of voice arts, so do his flaws.
Then, he experiences every audiobook narrator's worst fear: He is kidnapped by two obsessed fans, determined to make Shawn perform their novel...
Or was he?
469 pages, Kindle Edition
Published August 2, 2022
50 people are currently reading
150 people want to read
About the author
Landon Beach
11 books125 followersLandon was born and raised in Michigan but now lives in the Sunshine State with his wife, two children, and their golden retriever. He previously served as a Naval Officer and was an educator for fifteen years before becoming a full-time writer. Find out more at landonbeachbooks.com.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 79 reviews
June 18, 2024
Audiobook. I mean, DUH.
This was a crazybatshit book.
I was looking for something new on Libby and poof, this title shows up. I read about it. A story about an audiobook narrator? "Hmmm, sounds kinda cool," I think. Plus, I LOVE audiobooks. Listen to them often. But, just to make sure, I IM'd Hillary Huber, a fabulous audiobook narrator I happen to know. Ask her if she's read it. She says, yes. "Was it good?" I ask. She replies, "I mean it was fun for me because it’s so about my world and i’m mentioned in it!" (Side note/shameless plug: Hillary is narrating the audiobook version of my new novel--it's out July 16. Can I tell you how excited I am about this?)
Nuff said. I download it. Get into it. OMG this Scott Brick dude's voice is AMAZING. I'm in awe. The story is gripping. As twisty as a red Twizzler®.
And then....yeah. Bummer. It ends up tumbling off the reality rails. It gets silly, sillier and silliest by the minute. I speed it up to 2x and force myself to listen while packing for a trip and brushing my teeth because i do want to know what happens. I really do.
What happens is so so lame. So fantastical. (People get stabbed but still manage to function just fine? Um, hello?) It was as if Mr. Beach had all these great ideas for a book and figured it would be smart to use ALL OF THEM. It was too much. Overloaded, bloated and just plain dumB.
Did I enjoy it nonetheless? Yup.
This was a crazybatshit book.
I was looking for something new on Libby and poof, this title shows up. I read about it. A story about an audiobook narrator? "Hmmm, sounds kinda cool," I think. Plus, I LOVE audiobooks. Listen to them often. But, just to make sure, I IM'd Hillary Huber, a fabulous audiobook narrator I happen to know. Ask her if she's read it. She says, yes. "Was it good?" I ask. She replies, "I mean it was fun for me because it’s so about my world and i’m mentioned in it!" (Side note/shameless plug: Hillary is narrating the audiobook version of my new novel--it's out July 16. Can I tell you how excited I am about this?)
Nuff said. I download it. Get into it. OMG this Scott Brick dude's voice is AMAZING. I'm in awe. The story is gripping. As twisty as a red Twizzler®.
And then....yeah. Bummer. It ends up tumbling off the reality rails. It gets silly, sillier and silliest by the minute. I speed it up to 2x and force myself to listen while packing for a trip and brushing my teeth because i do want to know what happens. I really do.
What happens is so so lame. So fantastical. (People get stabbed but still manage to function just fine? Um, hello?) It was as if Mr. Beach had all these great ideas for a book and figured it would be smart to use ALL OF THEM. It was too much. Overloaded, bloated and just plain dumB.
Did I enjoy it nonetheless? Yup.
September 26, 2022
If you listen to your books on Audible, this story might resonate with you like it did with me. Very clever plot and premise and the protagonist is a believable book narrator. The several twists at the end are, well twists. When a book is hard to put down, we call it a "page turner". What do you call a book on Audible that you cannot turn off "_________"?
August 18, 2022
Narrator presents an amazing story of a troubled audio book narrator entrapped in a bizarre and heartless plot. The twists and turns in Narrator keep you on the edge of your seat! Congratulations to Landon Beach for this unique and surprising thriller!
November 11, 2022
This book was hard to review. There were parts I really loved. But I also hated the self absorbed main character and the stream of consciousness writing. If you don’t mind that kind of writing, then there is a really good story in there waiting for you.
September 19, 2022
I'm Still Reeling
I knew going into this one that I was going to enjoy it. It takes an author whose work I've loved so far in the Great Lakes Series and throws all of the settings out - changing in a story about a narrator. I mean, as an audiobook lover, this is just perfect for me. An already skilled psychological thriller author working on a book about a narrator who is in the crosshairs this time. I mean, without spoiling anything - yup, count me in!
Narrator at its core, is a twisty-and-turny style psychological thriller. I knew going into this that Beach would try and throw me for a loop. Let me say that I didn't see pretty much any of the loops coming. I love how the book seems to be a stream of consciousness of the characters when it's focused on them, then switching when they talk to the people around them. It made for interesting prose and interaction.
Normally, I don't specifically tell someone to listen to the audiobook. Still, in some rare cases, I have to implore people to get the audiobook over the physical or Kindle editions. Narrator is one of those cases. First off, just using Scott Brick, one of the best in the business, we're already off to a good start. But then, the performance he gives in a story where it's ALL about the narrator(s) just sets this one apart. I found it funny that there was a scene where Beach talked about how it's every narrator's dream to narrate a book about a narrator (yes, it's a mouthful), and I could almost feel Brick smiling while performing that part.
I don't want to tangent too much and take away from the story, but I can tell that Beach consulted with some narrators about how they prepare and perform in the booth. I'm friends with many narrators, and I love asking them about their processes. Beach can include this without overdoing it. It's part of the way that these actors/performers get ready, and it's something they all do before starting. I thought it was great to include all of that in this.
So, I can't talk much about... really anything because there were so many different avenues that Beach used to trick me while I was enjoying this; talking about them would ruin some of the surprises. But I want to say that this one, being a psychological thriller - was an absolute mind-mess of a book. Beach had me looking in every dark corner. Visiting and revisiting the different thoughts I'd already had. At one point, while listening on my drive home from a funeral, I literally spoke out loud to the book when there was a slight reveal. I NEVER do that, and Beach had me so sucked in that I turned into someone who yells at their book in the car.
This book will be one of the books I recommend to everyone who asks, "what audiobooks should I check out?" It has everything that I want in a book and more. I can't explain how this book left me feeling. I said it left me reeling in my title, and that's the closest word I can think of. Every time I checked how far in the book I was, there were still hours and hours left. I felt like it could have ended numerous times. That's how good the different "oh, THIS is the person that did it" moments were. I just kept thinking, "how much more can Beach cover" - well, the answer was A LOT more.
I knew going into this one that I was going to enjoy it. It takes an author whose work I've loved so far in the Great Lakes Series and throws all of the settings out - changing in a story about a narrator. I mean, as an audiobook lover, this is just perfect for me. An already skilled psychological thriller author working on a book about a narrator who is in the crosshairs this time. I mean, without spoiling anything - yup, count me in!
Narrator at its core, is a twisty-and-turny style psychological thriller. I knew going into this that Beach would try and throw me for a loop. Let me say that I didn't see pretty much any of the loops coming. I love how the book seems to be a stream of consciousness of the characters when it's focused on them, then switching when they talk to the people around them. It made for interesting prose and interaction.
Normally, I don't specifically tell someone to listen to the audiobook. Still, in some rare cases, I have to implore people to get the audiobook over the physical or Kindle editions. Narrator is one of those cases. First off, just using Scott Brick, one of the best in the business, we're already off to a good start. But then, the performance he gives in a story where it's ALL about the narrator(s) just sets this one apart. I found it funny that there was a scene where Beach talked about how it's every narrator's dream to narrate a book about a narrator (yes, it's a mouthful), and I could almost feel Brick smiling while performing that part.
I don't want to tangent too much and take away from the story, but I can tell that Beach consulted with some narrators about how they prepare and perform in the booth. I'm friends with many narrators, and I love asking them about their processes. Beach can include this without overdoing it. It's part of the way that these actors/performers get ready, and it's something they all do before starting. I thought it was great to include all of that in this.
So, I can't talk much about... really anything because there were so many different avenues that Beach used to trick me while I was enjoying this; talking about them would ruin some of the surprises. But I want to say that this one, being a psychological thriller - was an absolute mind-mess of a book. Beach had me looking in every dark corner. Visiting and revisiting the different thoughts I'd already had. At one point, while listening on my drive home from a funeral, I literally spoke out loud to the book when there was a slight reveal. I NEVER do that, and Beach had me so sucked in that I turned into someone who yells at their book in the car.
This book will be one of the books I recommend to everyone who asks, "what audiobooks should I check out?" It has everything that I want in a book and more. I can't explain how this book left me feeling. I said it left me reeling in my title, and that's the closest word I can think of. Every time I checked how far in the book I was, there were still hours and hours left. I felt like it could have ended numerous times. That's how good the different "oh, THIS is the person that did it" moments were. I just kept thinking, "how much more can Beach cover" - well, the answer was A LOT more.
November 13, 2022
31/2⭐️⭐️⭐️
A narrator narrating a book called “Narrator”. This was pretty damn clever, especially since I had the audio version. Scott Brick did a great job as usual. I’m glad a well know narrator was chosen. It made the story all the more believable. Since this wasn’t a hard copy book, every time I thought the story was winding down, it was just getting started again! I liked the descriptions of the narration process and what some narrators do to prep before the perform. I couldn’t stop listening and flew through the book in two days. I also didn’t get a damn thing done this weekend other than finish this book.
A narrator narrating a book called “Narrator”. This was pretty damn clever, especially since I had the audio version. Scott Brick did a great job as usual. I’m glad a well know narrator was chosen. It made the story all the more believable. Since this wasn’t a hard copy book, every time I thought the story was winding down, it was just getting started again! I liked the descriptions of the narration process and what some narrators do to prep before the perform. I couldn’t stop listening and flew through the book in two days. I also didn’t get a damn thing done this weekend other than finish this book.
April 2, 2023
2.5ish
Very insider meta story that was hard for me to take. Opening with the narrator being nominated and at the Audies. Had to suspend quite a bit of belief to get through the mystery but i did engage and want to know who was behind the things. I spent a great deal of time rolling my eyes. This story probably works for a very niche audience that is not me.
Very insider meta story that was hard for me to take. Opening with the narrator being nominated and at the Audies. Had to suspend quite a bit of belief to get through the mystery but i did engage and want to know who was behind the things. I spent a great deal of time rolling my eyes. This story probably works for a very niche audience that is not me.
March 7, 2023
Ugh. The main character flips between trying to be a tough guy, to a crying baby. Several loose ends never tied up and he used 5000 words when 50 would have been better.
May 22, 2025
Ohhhh this was fun! I definitely enjoyed it and honestly... it's more of a 4.5 ⭐️ and I can't say to much as why it's minus the .5 but... I liked this.
August 12, 2022
This is a spoiler free review. Unfortunately, to keep it that way, I am unable to comment on some of the ways that Landon Beach deviates from his normal writing style that really stood out to me. You will just have to read all of his books--which I recommend--and discover for yourself.
It has been many years since I read a book that I couldn't put down. When I first started "Narrator" by Landon Beach, I carried it everywhere with me. I would read a couple pages even if I only had five minutes to spare. When I wasn't reading, I was deliberating plot points in my head in an attempt to predict what would happen next. Beach delivers an extremely engaging book with very deep characters and surprises galore, so if you love intricately woven thrillers, this is a must read book of the summer!
"Narrator" starts in a similar vein to Stephen King's "Misery" where MC Shawn Frost, a top talent audio book narrator, finds himself kidnapped. Unlike "Misery", where most of the story focuses on the captivity, pathos of the captor, and escape, "Narrator" resolves the kidnapping conflict in the first quarter of the book and turns it's focus on how the MC copes with the trauma. We begin to learn a lot more about the history of Frost and how, despite his current career success, damaged he is. Beach has written fabulously about hardship, addiction, and loss in his other books, but "Narrator" takes the reader to a new level. I could vividly feel Frost's pain and could empathize with his self doubt as he struggled through recovery. Beach's ability to pack emotion into a story is second to none and it will be hard to walk away from this book without an emotional impact.
The one plot element that I advise readers to keep an eye on is the story within a story within a story. That is all I will say about it. You will know what I am referring to once you get to the appropriate part of the story. This plot element is extremely well done and I am left wondering if all the correlations that I made between fact and fiction were intended by Beach. This element is just one of many examples of Beach's master storytelling ability.
It has been many years since I read a book that I couldn't put down. When I first started "Narrator" by Landon Beach, I carried it everywhere with me. I would read a couple pages even if I only had five minutes to spare. When I wasn't reading, I was deliberating plot points in my head in an attempt to predict what would happen next. Beach delivers an extremely engaging book with very deep characters and surprises galore, so if you love intricately woven thrillers, this is a must read book of the summer!
"Narrator" starts in a similar vein to Stephen King's "Misery" where MC Shawn Frost, a top talent audio book narrator, finds himself kidnapped. Unlike "Misery", where most of the story focuses on the captivity, pathos of the captor, and escape, "Narrator" resolves the kidnapping conflict in the first quarter of the book and turns it's focus on how the MC copes with the trauma. We begin to learn a lot more about the history of Frost and how, despite his current career success, damaged he is. Beach has written fabulously about hardship, addiction, and loss in his other books, but "Narrator" takes the reader to a new level. I could vividly feel Frost's pain and could empathize with his self doubt as he struggled through recovery. Beach's ability to pack emotion into a story is second to none and it will be hard to walk away from this book without an emotional impact.
The one plot element that I advise readers to keep an eye on is the story within a story within a story. That is all I will say about it. You will know what I am referring to once you get to the appropriate part of the story. This plot element is extremely well done and I am left wondering if all the correlations that I made between fact and fiction were intended by Beach. This element is just one of many examples of Beach's master storytelling ability.
January 28, 2023
This is definitely a thriller and a bit of a love letter to audiobooks and the narrators that bring them to your ears. The book kept me engaged and on my toes, as a thriller should. I struggled however with liking the characters, I found Shawn difficult to root for during part of the book, and felt like yelling at him during other parts. At one point he felt like the female in the horror film who runs upstairs with no exit. I felt like this book had real potential, but waxed poetic about the technical specs of the audiobook and publishing genre. It was definitely meta.
The narration by Scott Brick was enjoyable to listen too and his performance brought emotion and passion to the role. I struggled with differentiation of his female characters especially during their POV chapters, and there were times when it felt like he was yelling his narration. That said I felt like I was right there in the action.
Overall this was an interesting audiobook, but a little drawn out for my liking.
The narration by Scott Brick was enjoyable to listen too and his performance brought emotion and passion to the role. I struggled with differentiation of his female characters especially during their POV chapters, and there were times when it felt like he was yelling his narration. That said I felt like I was right there in the action.
Overall this was an interesting audiobook, but a little drawn out for my liking.
February 19, 2023
I really enjoyed this audiobook. If you like thrillers and audiobooks this is a fun, must listen! There were parts I was on pins and needles wondering what the heck was gonna happen next. How was the MC gonna get outta this situation? Great mystery and suspense.
Scott Brick is my favorite narrator so him performing this book made it so much better! Had there been someone else not so great, it would of been really hard to believe they were up for best male narrator like in the story. Scott Brick deserves it 100% so him as this narrator worked perfectly.
If you don’t know Scott Brick I can assure you he is amazing and always elevates a book.
Also, this is such an interesting concept. Yes, similar to Misery but updated and different enough to enjoy. Now it’s not written as well as Misery but who can write like Stephen King? And that book is one of his all time best, soooo…
Scott Brick is my favorite narrator so him performing this book made it so much better! Had there been someone else not so great, it would of been really hard to believe they were up for best male narrator like in the story. Scott Brick deserves it 100% so him as this narrator worked perfectly.
If you don’t know Scott Brick I can assure you he is amazing and always elevates a book.
Also, this is such an interesting concept. Yes, similar to Misery but updated and different enough to enjoy. Now it’s not written as well as Misery but who can write like Stephen King? And that book is one of his all time best, soooo…
March 21, 2023
Scott Brick is a fabulous narrator but this book should have been 100 pages shorter
October 18, 2022
“Narrator” is a slow-burn suspense thriller that quickly ignites into a raging bonfire as the story progresses. What seems to be a simple and safe job involving professional narration, quickly goes into multiple nightmare events that would turn anybody’s life completely around. When our main character falls from the graces of being a renowned playwright along with his established acting career, due to a tragic event and drugs, he turns to the quieter and less people facing role of narrating audiobooks. This audiobook is authored by Landon Beach who is well known for his many thrillers, this being the first one I have had the pleasure of listening to. The audiobook is narrated by Scott Brick who is a very prolific voice of nearly nine hundred audiobooks on Audible today. I can say that I have enjoyed and reviewed many of his works over the years. His narration skills are top-of-the-line, and I have never been disappointed with any of his current works. If you enjoy thrillers with ample unexpected twists and turns, along with the irony that you are listening to a narrated audiobook about a narrator, I think you will really like giving this audiobook a listen.
I can say that I quite enjoyed the story and just how much I learned about the profession of audiobook narration along the way. Much, like writing, narration take multiple skills and dedication to replicate not only what the author intended, but also to bring it to life in audio form that the listener will enjoy. There is a lot of pressure to get things right, and yet we as the listener often do not understand the number of retakes producing such a flawless works involves. Even the pressure and complexity of what appears simple, narrating is more like perfecting a game of golf. It was also stated that a narrator cannot make a bad book good, but they can enhance a good book to make it a great one. Learning what I did just though this audiobook has given me a new appreciation and understanding of what goes into the making of an audiobook.
The story takes place in 2023, so it involves a present day (a bit in the future) timeline giving it a more grounded are realistic feel. Even though it was a bit of a slow start, the author spent a few chapters laying the backstory and giving us character details. The action and thrill pick up quickly when you reach chapter five. Here we see the first of several scary events that occur to our narrator, the main character. Once you reach this part of the story, the thrill of the ride kicks in and the emotional meter kicks up to level ten. The kidnapping and forcing him to narrate another’s story are only the start of his troubles and the mystery of who-dun-it becomes the priority and it envelops his life. Because of his previous drug abuse issues, even his closest friends begin to distance themselves from him. Or are they the ones that created all of this in the first place and for their own benefit? You will be wondering who and how as you listen to the audiobook, and this is the main hook to this tale.
For me, the author did a wonderful job of allowing us to see into not only the physical trauma our character faced, but we really get a view of the emotional impact as well. Even if it was a bit slow to start, I found the story well worth the listen and it is a tale I will not quickly forget, like so many other audiobooks available. The characters were well developed, and the scenes were well described while allowing the listener to fill in some of their own details. Once the action and mystery get moving, the story draws you in and you want to continue listening to discover if he will ever get things resolved.
Talking about the audiobook’s narration, Scott Brick has narrated some of the most popular and anticipated book over these past few years. I have always found his narrations to be professional in their quality and easy to listen to. He can draw the listener in to the story with his use of inflection and his giving personality to each of the characters. I’m unsure if any of our main characters narration rituals are also followed by Mr. Brick, but I would not put it past him with his audio coming out without any issues or perceived patches. We often take for granted just how much work it takes to narrate an audiobook and even more one that is about an audiobook narration. I think Mr. Brick did an exceptional job with this audiobook’s narration.
For parents and younger audiences, I would say that this audiobook is really focused at a more mature listener. It contains profanity along with some drug use which may not be appropriate for younger listeners. The story could be rather complex for some younger audiences to follow along with some graphic violence. Again, it is a good listen if you are not offended by any of the above items.
In summary, the story is a unique play being that the main character is an audiobook narrator. We are given a unique and well researched view into what it takes to narrate an audiobook, something most of us listeners take for granted. The audiobook’s narration by Scott Brick was exceptional and well delivered. The story is engrossing and has many weaves as it unfolds. If you enjoy thrillers and would also like to be educated about what it take to narrate an audiobook, I would recommend you pick this one up and give it a listen.
I can say that I quite enjoyed the story and just how much I learned about the profession of audiobook narration along the way. Much, like writing, narration take multiple skills and dedication to replicate not only what the author intended, but also to bring it to life in audio form that the listener will enjoy. There is a lot of pressure to get things right, and yet we as the listener often do not understand the number of retakes producing such a flawless works involves. Even the pressure and complexity of what appears simple, narrating is more like perfecting a game of golf. It was also stated that a narrator cannot make a bad book good, but they can enhance a good book to make it a great one. Learning what I did just though this audiobook has given me a new appreciation and understanding of what goes into the making of an audiobook.
The story takes place in 2023, so it involves a present day (a bit in the future) timeline giving it a more grounded are realistic feel. Even though it was a bit of a slow start, the author spent a few chapters laying the backstory and giving us character details. The action and thrill pick up quickly when you reach chapter five. Here we see the first of several scary events that occur to our narrator, the main character. Once you reach this part of the story, the thrill of the ride kicks in and the emotional meter kicks up to level ten. The kidnapping and forcing him to narrate another’s story are only the start of his troubles and the mystery of who-dun-it becomes the priority and it envelops his life. Because of his previous drug abuse issues, even his closest friends begin to distance themselves from him. Or are they the ones that created all of this in the first place and for their own benefit? You will be wondering who and how as you listen to the audiobook, and this is the main hook to this tale.
For me, the author did a wonderful job of allowing us to see into not only the physical trauma our character faced, but we really get a view of the emotional impact as well. Even if it was a bit slow to start, I found the story well worth the listen and it is a tale I will not quickly forget, like so many other audiobooks available. The characters were well developed, and the scenes were well described while allowing the listener to fill in some of their own details. Once the action and mystery get moving, the story draws you in and you want to continue listening to discover if he will ever get things resolved.
Talking about the audiobook’s narration, Scott Brick has narrated some of the most popular and anticipated book over these past few years. I have always found his narrations to be professional in their quality and easy to listen to. He can draw the listener in to the story with his use of inflection and his giving personality to each of the characters. I’m unsure if any of our main characters narration rituals are also followed by Mr. Brick, but I would not put it past him with his audio coming out without any issues or perceived patches. We often take for granted just how much work it takes to narrate an audiobook and even more one that is about an audiobook narration. I think Mr. Brick did an exceptional job with this audiobook’s narration.
For parents and younger audiences, I would say that this audiobook is really focused at a more mature listener. It contains profanity along with some drug use which may not be appropriate for younger listeners. The story could be rather complex for some younger audiences to follow along with some graphic violence. Again, it is a good listen if you are not offended by any of the above items.
In summary, the story is a unique play being that the main character is an audiobook narrator. We are given a unique and well researched view into what it takes to narrate an audiobook, something most of us listeners take for granted. The audiobook’s narration by Scott Brick was exceptional and well delivered. The story is engrossing and has many weaves as it unfolds. If you enjoy thrillers and would also like to be educated about what it take to narrate an audiobook, I would recommend you pick this one up and give it a listen.
June 27, 2024
Audio version
June 22, 2023
DNF. F word. I just wasn’t getting pulled in. I ended up looking at reviews and I should know if I do that after starting a book, it isn’t for me.
September 26, 2022
I am a big fan of the author's books. Landon Beach has a gift for storytelling and characters that many don't have. This was a book he had in mind for many years that finally came together. It sheds light on a little known (to the general public) field and gives many inside windows into how some narrators handle their process. That for me was the best part of the book, although one sub topic wasn't touched on -the difference between a narrator and a voice-over artist-but I digress.
Scott Brick was really the only person who could narrate this book and it was dedicated to him. That was fun, hearing him narrate a dedication to himself. He did a masterful job with the subject matter, just outstanding.
As for the book, it personally wasn't my favorite. The lead character Shawn Frost was our guide to most of the book (there were a few chapters from other points of view). Much of the book is his thought process, life, loves and insecurities. He lives through a nightmare. There are twists and turns galore. Don't think you will figure this one out. The nightmare is horrifying, especially for him and was uncomfortable to listen to. It took me a while to get through this, since I would have to take a break and come back.
I did have a hard time with some of the other characters-there were so many, I would've like to have seen a dramatis personae at the beginning so I could keep track. I did love his agent Killy. I loved the agent in the last book as well. Beach's agents are some of his best characters.
The Star Wars references were a hoot, they are sprinkled throughout the book. While you can read this book, it's true power is the audio version. Triggers include drug use and mental health, so be warned.
It's not my favorite Landon Beach book, but it as usual is superbly written.
Scott Brick was really the only person who could narrate this book and it was dedicated to him. That was fun, hearing him narrate a dedication to himself. He did a masterful job with the subject matter, just outstanding.
As for the book, it personally wasn't my favorite. The lead character Shawn Frost was our guide to most of the book (there were a few chapters from other points of view). Much of the book is his thought process, life, loves and insecurities. He lives through a nightmare. There are twists and turns galore. Don't think you will figure this one out. The nightmare is horrifying, especially for him and was uncomfortable to listen to. It took me a while to get through this, since I would have to take a break and come back.
I did have a hard time with some of the other characters-there were so many, I would've like to have seen a dramatis personae at the beginning so I could keep track. I did love his agent Killy. I loved the agent in the last book as well. Beach's agents are some of his best characters.
The Star Wars references were a hoot, they are sprinkled throughout the book. While you can read this book, it's true power is the audio version. Triggers include drug use and mental health, so be warned.
It's not my favorite Landon Beach book, but it as usual is superbly written.
October 5, 2022
A story within a story within a story. A narrator is abducted and held in a confined space and forced to narrate by use of torture and drugs. Or is he? Maybe he’s had a mental breakdown and fallen back into his addiction and been on a bender. Part psychological thriller, part audiobook entertainment industry list. The story was too focused on the imprisonment at the beginning, then got too complicated for my taste.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 23, 2023
Exciting enough, but too long, and too easy to figure out for that much time commitment.
August 2, 2022
Review of Narrator
I challenge honest readers to find any stagnant water in Mr. Beach’s body of work. Once again, he has taken on a new genre, perhaps what we’d characterize as a psychological thriller, and composed something riveting and unique. I fell in love with his raw yet educational adventure novels; I don’t even like tales of horror or psychological agony. However, Mr. Beach somehow hooked a skeptical me, intriguing me most with his intimate detailing of the internal dialogue victims endure as they attempt to survive horrifying circumstances. Because the protagonist is an audiobook narrator, this internal dialogue also provides us an almost equal insight into the artistic process of a truly creative thinker, which is all the more interesting because we explore that through a segment of the artistic community which I failed - until I read Narrator - to even consider creative. In his previous novel, Huron Breeze, we gain wonderfully revealing access to the creative process of a writer, a theme often explored, but in Narrator we gain what feels like ground-breaking access to the minds of those who, with only their voice, bring compositions to life.
While I was deeply intrigued by the free-associating, ever-connecting nature of Beach’s protagonist, I was also completely horrified by his circumstances. Even if you are a loyal fan of horror and psychological thrillers, I challenge you not to have nightmares. I was too intrigued not to keep reading, but I was terrified for old Shawn Frost. I suppose that is the intention of the genre, and, thus, this book is an unequivocal success. I substantiate that claim on a number of other levels: Beach continues to deliver unique, precise prose; his characters are, as always, provocative and well-developed; the mystery is enthralling and ends in a spectacularly unanticipated fashion.
However, I still suggest you buy some melatonin. This book is too compelling not to drag you into Shawn Frost’s terror and too vivid not to leave you tossing in the night. Perhaps, you might also burn your weighted blanket; Mr. Beach is heavy.
Keep challenging us, sir.
I challenge honest readers to find any stagnant water in Mr. Beach’s body of work. Once again, he has taken on a new genre, perhaps what we’d characterize as a psychological thriller, and composed something riveting and unique. I fell in love with his raw yet educational adventure novels; I don’t even like tales of horror or psychological agony. However, Mr. Beach somehow hooked a skeptical me, intriguing me most with his intimate detailing of the internal dialogue victims endure as they attempt to survive horrifying circumstances. Because the protagonist is an audiobook narrator, this internal dialogue also provides us an almost equal insight into the artistic process of a truly creative thinker, which is all the more interesting because we explore that through a segment of the artistic community which I failed - until I read Narrator - to even consider creative. In his previous novel, Huron Breeze, we gain wonderfully revealing access to the creative process of a writer, a theme often explored, but in Narrator we gain what feels like ground-breaking access to the minds of those who, with only their voice, bring compositions to life.
While I was deeply intrigued by the free-associating, ever-connecting nature of Beach’s protagonist, I was also completely horrified by his circumstances. Even if you are a loyal fan of horror and psychological thrillers, I challenge you not to have nightmares. I was too intrigued not to keep reading, but I was terrified for old Shawn Frost. I suppose that is the intention of the genre, and, thus, this book is an unequivocal success. I substantiate that claim on a number of other levels: Beach continues to deliver unique, precise prose; his characters are, as always, provocative and well-developed; the mystery is enthralling and ends in a spectacularly unanticipated fashion.
However, I still suggest you buy some melatonin. This book is too compelling not to drag you into Shawn Frost’s terror and too vivid not to leave you tossing in the night. Perhaps, you might also burn your weighted blanket; Mr. Beach is heavy.
Keep challenging us, sir.
March 22, 2023
This novel is very meta, very recursive in multiple ways. But to explain, I've been subscribed to Audible-dot-com since 2008, and by chance the very first Audible book I listened to was the excellent science fiction novel "Spin", read by Scott Brick. I didn't know it at first, but in time I came to realize that Mr Brick is the greatest audio book voice actor of them all. He makes anything a joy to listen to, from "Spin" to "Salt: A World History". I've acquired 390 books on Audible, and 37 of them are Scott Brick reads. I've often looked for my next book by searching not for an author or title or subject, but for Brick's name as narrator (hence the book about the history of salt). I was only aware of the current author Landon Beach because I follow Brick on social media.
In recent years he's narrated all the Landon Beach novels. This latest Beach novel "Narrator" is again read by Brick. It's ALSO dedicated to Brick. And it's about an audio book narrator. If that's not enough, the fictional narrator of "Narrator" is forced to narrate an audiobook novel about a book narrator entitled, what else, "Narrator".
Beach's novel begins with an account of our fictional narrator (first layer of 'fictional'), Shawn Frost, reading an audiobook (S-h-a-w-n F-r-o-s-t / S-c-o-t-t B-r-i-c-k, get it?). That may sound boring but it's a surprisingly gripping start, and then the action kicks in about 15% into the book. Frost is kidnapped into a sort of "Misery" situation -- his task under duress to record his kidnapper's novel manuscript about a fictional book narrator (2nd-degree fiction). There is even another layer of fictional audiobook reader (3rd-degree fiction). And no, Beach is not hiding from the "Misery" metaphor, as we see in this fictional world some musings about the borrowing of the "Misery" idea and even Stephen King's fictional reaction to it. Again, this book is VERY meta. And yes there's even a mention of Scott Brick in the story.
It would be misleading to imply the whole plot is about Frost's time as an abductee, as that part ends fairly early. The real story is about the aftermath, with shifts in point-of-view uncorking revelations and plot twists; and a lot of introspection as Frost deals with the consequences of his abduction and its effect on his relationships. More introspection than action, but I found it very interesting and hard to put down.
The story line builds mystery and dissonance and the need for resolution; we get a false resolution followed by a surprise action climax.
Among other things this novel is full of information about the life and processes of an audiobook narrator, even the compensation (would love to know if that's accurate.) In an author's note Beach says Brick contributed some technical advice, but apparently much of the research was done with YouTube videos. You can buy a paperback or eBook version of this; but let's be real, that's not the way to do it. You got to go audiobook all the way with this one.
In recent years he's narrated all the Landon Beach novels. This latest Beach novel "Narrator" is again read by Brick. It's ALSO dedicated to Brick. And it's about an audio book narrator. If that's not enough, the fictional narrator of "Narrator" is forced to narrate an audiobook novel about a book narrator entitled, what else, "Narrator".
Beach's novel begins with an account of our fictional narrator (first layer of 'fictional'), Shawn Frost, reading an audiobook (S-h-a-w-n F-r-o-s-t / S-c-o-t-t B-r-i-c-k, get it?). That may sound boring but it's a surprisingly gripping start, and then the action kicks in about 15% into the book. Frost is kidnapped into a sort of "Misery" situation -- his task under duress to record his kidnapper's novel manuscript about a fictional book narrator (2nd-degree fiction). There is even another layer of fictional audiobook reader (3rd-degree fiction). And no, Beach is not hiding from the "Misery" metaphor, as we see in this fictional world some musings about the borrowing of the "Misery" idea and even Stephen King's fictional reaction to it. Again, this book is VERY meta. And yes there's even a mention of Scott Brick in the story.
It would be misleading to imply the whole plot is about Frost's time as an abductee, as that part ends fairly early. The real story is about the aftermath, with shifts in point-of-view uncorking revelations and plot twists; and a lot of introspection as Frost deals with the consequences of his abduction and its effect on his relationships. More introspection than action, but I found it very interesting and hard to put down.
The story line builds mystery and dissonance and the need for resolution; we get a false resolution followed by a surprise action climax.
Among other things this novel is full of information about the life and processes of an audiobook narrator, even the compensation (would love to know if that's accurate.) In an author's note Beach says Brick contributed some technical advice, but apparently much of the research was done with YouTube videos. You can buy a paperback or eBook version of this; but let's be real, that's not the way to do it. You got to go audiobook all the way with this one.
August 2, 2022
Landon Beach has taken the reader through another unpredictable and suspenseful read in his newest thriller, Narrator! Leave it to Beach to produce another one-of-a-kind story as he captivates all of the suspense and emotion in this white-knuckle ride that the reader will experience from the moment the story begins.
A more-than-talented award-winning actor turned book narrator, Shawn Frost lives his worst nightmare when he is kidnapped. As he awakens from being drugged, he finds himself strapped to a cot in a dark, gloomy, and musty room. Two deranged fans make dire threats as they hold Shawn captive, forcing him to narrate their novel. The intimidation and mind games continue leaving Frost with no means of escape. Will he die in this hell hole with no one knowing what happened to him? If he escapes will anyone believe him or just attribute it to drug hallucinations? Will his friends be suspicious and doubt their friend’s harrowing experience….after all they are aware of his flaws?! Ultimately, throughout the many twists and turns, the dark truth finally surfaces and you don’t see it coming! Scott Brick, a brilliant and standout narrator, narrates Beach’s thriller in his most masterful way….as only he can do. This suspenseful book is made for Brick and once again showcases his multitude of talents. Beach masterfully adds a final and shocking twist at the end! This is a page-turner from beginning to end and you won’t be able to put this book down. I see a movie in its future!
A more-than-talented award-winning actor turned book narrator, Shawn Frost lives his worst nightmare when he is kidnapped. As he awakens from being drugged, he finds himself strapped to a cot in a dark, gloomy, and musty room. Two deranged fans make dire threats as they hold Shawn captive, forcing him to narrate their novel. The intimidation and mind games continue leaving Frost with no means of escape. Will he die in this hell hole with no one knowing what happened to him? If he escapes will anyone believe him or just attribute it to drug hallucinations? Will his friends be suspicious and doubt their friend’s harrowing experience….after all they are aware of his flaws?! Ultimately, throughout the many twists and turns, the dark truth finally surfaces and you don’t see it coming! Scott Brick, a brilliant and standout narrator, narrates Beach’s thriller in his most masterful way….as only he can do. This suspenseful book is made for Brick and once again showcases his multitude of talents. Beach masterfully adds a final and shocking twist at the end! This is a page-turner from beginning to end and you won’t be able to put this book down. I see a movie in its future!
April 4, 2023
Ugh! I like Landon Beach, I do. This book is AWFUL. Awful in a Stuart Woods way, worthy of a ZERO rating if Goodreads would make that a viable option. Sorry if I am offending YellHair, not her/his real name. The main character was a crybaby from the start, totally unrelatable. Almost, at times, you will actually be pulling for the "bad guys" to end his insufferable life and thus be done with this doorstopper. Not only does this clown cry, need tissues, his chin quivers, he actually says his chin quivers, like a 5 year old after being stung by a bee. For crying out loud. I can only assume that Landon Beach has no idea what it is like to be an effete man, because he writes this character as purely unlikable in any way. Good for Mr Beach, please go back to writing what you do know about, strong male leads that take action and DON't CRY at the drop of a hat, or the loss of a meaningless overwrought award. Good Grief!
Again, not to trigger Yell Hair, not his/her real name, is it just me, and maybe it is, BUT I really don't see the attraction of Scott Brick. Indeed, I dread listening to him perform a book. He just took over a series, I cannot recall which one, but one I like dearly, he takes something away. In fact, I picture his chin quivering just a bit when he reads a dramatic part. Spare me, please.
Again, not to trigger Yell Hair, not his/her real name, is it just me, and maybe it is, BUT I really don't see the attraction of Scott Brick. Indeed, I dread listening to him perform a book. He just took over a series, I cannot recall which one, but one I like dearly, he takes something away. In fact, I picture his chin quivering just a bit when he reads a dramatic part. Spare me, please.
August 2, 2022
Wow! This was a great whodunit, but not just because of the surprise twists and turns. There were several of those along the way, and I had a hard time putting the book down until I knew how it would all play out. What I loved most about this story is that it was about an audiobook narrator who, throughout the story, was narrating books and in a parallel fashion narrating his life with a steady stream of thoughts, insights, and internal commentaries. It was quite clever and effective. You were taken right into his mind and stayed with him as he worked through his internal personal issues and the unfolding of events that sidelined him. The character development was superb and, in my mind, the best part of the novel. The supporting characters were also well developed and added to the building of suspense. Another perk was getting a peak into the world of audiobook narration, which I knew nothing about prior to reading this book. The process of narrating itself was fascinating, as was the business end of negotiating and competing for position. You’ll want to set aside some time to read it pretty quickly because you won’t want to wait for answers. And I’m happy to say the author tied everything up in the end, so you weren’t left dangling. I highly recommend!
August 2, 2022
I know what I love about reading Landon Beach novels: fast-paced trouble, all kinds of asides and allusions, expert description, and perfectly drawn characters. Narrator has all these but is another thing entirely. The blurbs mention that it’s labyrinthine and meticulous and self-referential, and all those are truly part of its impressive power, but Beach’s comprehensive love for people and art is what moves this beyond a typical thriller or an intellectual game. Shawn Frost, the title character, is a magnetic voice: a mess, a great talent, wide-eyed, humane, erudite, and lost. Almost immediately, he feels like a friend. He’s warm and snappy and fun to listen to. He needs his work, he needs his friends, and I selfishly wanted him to be stable and safe because I liked him. This lovable man is not safe, though, and that’s what kept me reading. This is some unprecedented reading and listening–a completely brilliant novel.
November 15, 2022
Such a cleaver and novel idea for a book. (Like what I did there?) I have listened to audiobooks for as long as I can remember (pre-Audible stacks of tapes and then CDs) and I have never put much thought into what is all involved for the voice behind the story. This story being narrated by my all-time favorite, Scott Brick to whom the book was also dedicated, was icing on the cake. I learned so much about the world of the audiobook narrator. Assuming that Beach didn't just make it all up, of course. My favorite part of the book was just that - a look into the lives of the voices that have accompanied me throughout the years. The story itself was interesting and intriguing though I did not care for the main character, which was hard because I wanted to think it was Scott Brick. I felt like the story got pretty bogged down at times, but there were some fun twists and turns. As far as the story goes, probably not my favorite by Landon Beach but it's still a good one!
November 1, 2023
DNF at 25 %. It just hit too many of my pet peeves for me to enjoy my time with the book. Such as:
-super-detailed (and super-slow) stream of consciousness writing style
-an unlikeable and not very interesting main character
-most of the good lines are either recountings of (real) movie scenes or they are the unspoken thoughts of the main character. The premise contains implicit conflict but there's very little actual conflict. The main character is too milquetoasty to put up any kind of a fight against his captors, which adds to the boredom factor.
-a "hooky" premise that doesn't make any sense: a rich psycho kidnaps a narrator to record the audiobook of his unpublished novel... why doesn't he just PAY the narrator, which would be so much quicker and easier? I didn't get far enough in to find out why, but I strongly felt the answer wouldn't be worth the effort of finding out.
-super-detailed (and super-slow) stream of consciousness writing style
-an unlikeable and not very interesting main character
-most of the good lines are either recountings of (real) movie scenes or they are the unspoken thoughts of the main character. The premise contains implicit conflict but there's very little actual conflict. The main character is too milquetoasty to put up any kind of a fight against his captors, which adds to the boredom factor.
-a "hooky" premise that doesn't make any sense: a rich psycho kidnaps a narrator to record the audiobook of his unpublished novel... why doesn't he just PAY the narrator, which would be so much quicker and easier? I didn't get far enough in to find out why, but I strongly felt the answer wouldn't be worth the effort of finding out.
May 5, 2024
The premise is interesting, the story good, and parts of the writing is really good. However, it's hard to feel any sympathy with the main character as it feels like all he does is complaining. And while the story is good enough, it just never ends. You think you're getting close to the ending over and over but each time you still have hours left. There are so many parts that I as a reader just don't care about. I don't want to read books within the book, having to get through the main character narrating parts of books quickly gets boring and once again, makes it feel like the book will simply never end.
The twists were also over the top and not really impressive. The main villain was dull and the final scene with them just, once again, never ended.
The book could probably have been cut in half and then been twice as good.
I enjoyed the writing style though so I might give this author another chance, but this book wasn't it for me.
The twists were also over the top and not really impressive. The main villain was dull and the final scene with them just, once again, never ended.
The book could probably have been cut in half and then been twice as good.
I enjoyed the writing style though so I might give this author another chance, but this book wasn't it for me.
April 15, 2024
This book was much too clever by half. I love audiobooks. They have provided companionship while I perform the drudgery of domestic tasks. Because I have been entertained by them, I enjoyed pulling back the curtain and getting the inside scoop on what makes a good narrator. But the author of this novel nestled so many stories inside so many stories that I thought that I was being led to conclude that the whole thing was really an audiobook, kind of like the last episode of the tv series Dallas —- where it was all a dream.
I’ve read other reviews that describe the book as a masterpiece, a thriller. As I struggled to listen to all of it, though I was tempted several times to give up, I kept thinking, "Finally! The end!" Unfortunately, it droned on and on.
I’ve read other reviews that describe the book as a masterpiece, a thriller. As I struggled to listen to all of it, though I was tempted several times to give up, I kept thinking, "Finally! The end!" Unfortunately, it droned on and on.
April 5, 2023
You know how a book’s characters, plot, pacing, and writing can transport you to another place? How you gasp at each twist? How you can’t wait to turn the page? How when you reach the end, you are disappointed only because it’s over?
This is not that book. This is so far from that book, it‘s laughable.
Just when you think this hot mess is FINALKY going to be over—PLOT TWIST! (And not in a good way.). I lost count of how many plot twists there were. Early on I lost any sympathy for the main character. Shortly after that, I started laughing at the character names: Wolverine, Big Boss, Sweet Bill, Lionel Goliath…..
GIMME A FREAKIN’ BREAK!
The only reason I managed to finish this was because of Scott Brick’s narration.
This is not that book. This is so far from that book, it‘s laughable.
Just when you think this hot mess is FINALKY going to be over—PLOT TWIST! (And not in a good way.). I lost count of how many plot twists there were. Early on I lost any sympathy for the main character. Shortly after that, I started laughing at the character names: Wolverine, Big Boss, Sweet Bill, Lionel Goliath…..
GIMME A FREAKIN’ BREAK!
The only reason I managed to finish this was because of Scott Brick’s narration.
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