wow..

Would you listen to Brick again? Why?

My Review:
well here is my first ever review of an audiobook, actually my first review of anything and I could not have picked a better or easier choice, the story is 10 hours long , the narrator, Diana croft tell the story in such a way that it keeps you wanting to listen on, the characters are believable and I don't know much about the criminal underworld, but after listening to this book, I really don't want to. it wasn't all easy listening some scenes did make me squirm, the descriptions were eye opening and throughout the book you felt for Brin and family like they were your own.
this book had so many crosses and double crosses it was like a spider web but despite that it was easy to follow, I will definitely  be checking out more of Conrad's work.
In short, this books kicks down the door of your brain, sits in your favourite chair, drinks your tea and not leave.

What about Diana Croft’s performance did you like?

really liked it, did the book justice

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

I would have loved to but unfortunately unable to.

You voted on this review!

You reported this review!

It really is gritty & unputdownable!

Not my usual genre but I had a code to read it so I did. From the start, this fast paced drama grabbed my attention & I wondered if it was going to be too violent for my taste...it wasn't & the reason for this is the family central to the story, particularly young Bryn. The Evans family have no previous involvement in crime & are completely out of their depth when they are suddenly caught up in the middle of a terrible situation, which engages the reader fully. Dad is particularly clueless when judging the severity of the threat against his family, which comes across as unintentionally hilarious at times.

The story moves very quickly and there are many characters. Whilst the pace keeps the listener listening intently, some of the characters lacked depth, too much focus on the action rather than the people involved in it meant that I was really only rooting for Young Bryn in the end. The book wasn't too long so I think the author could have dedicated a little more time to making the central characters a little more well rounded. I certainly would have liked to know a little more about the background of Simon for example.

The drama is set in my home area, so the landscapes and humour were very familiar to me. The dark humour around some of the situations encountered made me laugh out loud, not sure if they were supposed too but they were typical Scouse humour which resonated with my own culture & background.

The narrator was superb, almost every voice was male so Diana had her work cut out. There were also a wide range of accents to cover and I was particularly impressed with her Liverpudlian & Russian accents. There was one Welsh guy in there who may have been mixed race but other than that, Diana's ability to express the voices and the emotions of the situation brought a reality to the story that would have been lacking had this not been an audiobook.

I've not read Conrad Jones before but I wouldn't rule out reading more from him. I thought Brick would make a good film or tv series, though I don't have a tv so what would I know?

You voted on this review!

You reported this review!

2 people found this helpful

Couldnt put it down

I already knew I might like this book, as I love this genre. But... wow, it is so well written, narration is brilliant! Fast paced, packed with action and so gripping. 100% recommend! Will definitely listen more from this author and narrator.

You voted on this review!

You reported this review!

Brick

I received this audible book for review, and loved it.

Keeps you interested from the off, no surplus story arcs and a satisfying end. Recommended.

You voted on this review!

You reported this review!

2 people found this helpful

Loved it

I loved the audio of the book. I couldn't stop laughing in parts especially at the beginning with the old man next door, talking about the old days x

You voted on this review!

You reported this review!

Excellent performance by the Narrator.

This has been the best book yet.
Drugs, thugs, Scousers, Ruskies and a 14 year old in the wrong place at the wrong time.

You voted on this review!

You reported this review!

One of those books that stay with you.

Really enjoyed this book. I forgetfully never thought to review it. I think I'm probably better doing it now though because a lot if it stayed with me which to me is a sign of a great book. Definitely worth a listen/read.

You voted on this review!

You reported this review!

heart thumping action

** spoiler alert ** I was gifted this book by the narrator.

Such a fast paced, horrific story it actually had my heart pounding whilst reading.

Diana Croft does such an incredible job of making each character come to life, her accents are superb. Even her male voices of which there are many are quite distinct.

An assault on Bryn, the teenaged protagonist of the story starts the chain of events that ruin any lives of people attached to the incident .

Bryn is one of those smart-mouthed. cocky young boys who after having a few "words" with a complete stranger finds himself being chased by a hooligan who catches him and starts pounding on the kid. By chance Bryn finds a 1/2 brick whilst he is grappling to get a way and kills the thug with one hit.

Of course this bloke is a drug runner for one of the local gangs and all hell breaks loose. He is the son of the biggest importer of drugs in the region and now Dad wants revenge. There must have been some reason his son had chosen to run after the kid and fight with him, it can't have been a random incident.

So now his associates set about trying to kill Bryn and his entire family. The family can't seem to get away and go into hiding, no matter where they are they are found.

Bryn in the meantime has been transferred to juvie and despite being promised protection, is beaten ruthlessly and is now in hospital with a brain injury.

Such a fast paced explosive story could not put it down and have since re-listened.

You voted on this review!

You reported this review!

2 people found this helpful

Conrad Jones never fails to deliver!

This is the first book in the DI Braddick series, but it starts where the Alec Ramsay books ended. I have loved everything I have read by Conrad Jones, but this is one of the best.

There are two storylines, both totally believable. The first involves a gobby 14 year old schoolboy who is in the wrong place at the wrong time, putting himself and his family in danger. You can't help empathising with him. The second involves rival drug gangs.

As always with Conrad, there are graphic descriptions of violence, so not for the faint hearted. But if you like gritty, well written thrillers then this one won't disappoint!

I really need to comment on the narration by Diana Croft which was amazing. Her talent for different voices/accents is astounding and I will definitely search out more books narrated by this very talented voice artist!

You voted on this review!

You reported this review!

Hard to get into - but soon amazing

This was a slightly different book for me to listen to and struggled for awhile to get into it , but stay with it !!
The narration is incredible .. You could think the storyline is a bit ‘ far fetched’ but in reality , I think those drug barons would say differently .. Superb book in the end

You voted on this review!

You reported this review!