Concrete Jungle

Jack Sloan Mystery Series Book 1

De: Gerald Darnell

Narrado por: Leander David Flathers

Jack Sloan, an ex-Miami cop turned private detective, is in serious trouble. Down on his luck with a gambling addiction that threatens to shred the new leaf he's turned over, his debts to drug dealers are about to get him the beating of his life, or worse. Life in the concrete jungle isn't easy, and Jack contemplates taking drastic action until a knock on his office door makes all his troubles disappear. He suddenly has a new client with a simple problem and loads of money to resolve it - or that's how it seems.

As the nightmare escalates, Jack Sloan finds trouble around every corner of Miami and South Beach. Too late he discovers his client's lies have dug a very deep hole, a hole deep enough to bury them both, and there's only one way out.

Somebody has to die.

©2015 Gerald W. Darnel (P)2015 Gerald W. Darnell

Terrific Narration and Story...Fun!

Great story with lots of surprises. Always a fun twist. It really keeps you on your toes. The narration is so gripping and exciting. So dramatic. He reminds me of the narrator on Frontline! Sexy voice too. The guy should be a sex phone operator...LOL! Make the ladies happy!

Also, he does a host of character voices that all stand out and he's very funny sometimes too! Really a very professional, well-done job and a really great, fun listen!

Great performance!

Excellent voice acting by Mr. Flathers! His voice brings this story to life quite easily!

Exciting Gripping and fun!

Where does Concrete Jungle rank among all the audiobooks you’ve listened to so far?

This is my audiobook favorite so far. The story is good old clean and dirty gumshoe detective mystery about a wise-guy private eye who always ends up on top. He's so cocky. I love it. Overall a fun narrative. And, the narration is amazing! The narrator really draws you in!

Who was your favorite character and why?

Tony Andujar is my favorite character because he always gets so worked up and excited and loses his temper. It's really funny when that happens!

What about Leander David Flathers’s performance did you like?

Yes! Absolutely! Where did he come from? Definitely one of the best narration performances I have ever heard. He is extremely talented. I lost count at about 20-25 different voices characterizations he did in this. Very lively and gripping delivery. Has he done any other audiobooks because I want to find some and listen to them. Pure genius!

Was there a moment in the book that particularly moved you?

Yeah, the dead body on the beach scene...Whoops! Spoiler alert, I won't tell any more.

Any additional comments?

Truly one of the best audiobooks of the year. Gerald Darnell writes some really great stuff. His Carson Reno books are amazing too. Any chance they'll be a sequel to Concrete Jungle? This can't be the last of Jack Sloan I hope!

An enjoyable listening experience.

What made the experience of listening to Concrete Jungle the most enjoyable?

I like listening to old radio show private detective stories and this performance was in that vein. The narrator tapped into the down and out private detective and many other characters in the Miami underworld of the authors story.

What was the most interesting aspect of this story? The least interesting?

I loved all of the characters that the narrator gave a voice to, he made listening to the story easy. I actually found myself listening to the characters as individuals and no longer heard the narrator. The best performances are the ones I am drawn into, seeing the world as described by the story tellers, and this one drew me in. The only downside was the lengthy introduction however as soon as the characters came on the scene it became a fun listen.

Have you listened to any of Leander David Flathers’s other performances before? How does this one compare?

This was the first audio book I have listened to and couldn't wait to listen to another one! I am already well into it and I am hooked on audio books.

Great Book!

This was my first audio book and it wasn't a mistake! I loved the characters and the narration was so real it made me feel like I was there. The narrator, Mr. Flathers, did an excellent job and is a natural. The story, by Mr. Darnell, was clear and easy to follow. I am sold on audio books and will be listening to more going forward (as I can do other things while enjoying books).

Georgia F. Halifax, MA

Avid Book Reader

What did you love best about Concrete Jungle?

The narration, because it was soooo compelling. He really drew me in with his delivery of the story which truly kept the plot alive! The story was fun and captivating but it was the narrator most of all who really made it come alive. Great character voices and story-telling skills that kept me on the edge of my seat...So dramatic! Yeah!

What other book might you compare Concrete Jungle to and why?

To Kill A Mockingbird. Why? Because of the shocking drama that unfolds. You never know what is going to happen next. It's a lot more upbeat and happier however with even some humor in there but it is no less exciting.

Have you listened to any of Leander David Flathers’s other performances before? How does this one compare?

No. But I really want to hear more from him. Is he going to narrate anymore of Gerald W Darnell's books because if he does I will surely purchase them. I have done a couple of searches and I found his FB page. I messaged him and asked if he was going to make anymore books and he said he currently is working on a few more at the moment. Hopefully they will be out in a couple of months.

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

Pretty much yeah because I just couldn't put it down.

Any additional comments?

I am now a Gerald W. Darnell fan. This was the first time I have ever heard of him and I loved this book. I love audio books so now that my newest favorite narrator is Leander D Flathers I hope to find many, many more of his works too. I hope there will be future collaborations between these two artists!

An entertaining and compelling listen

Would you recommend this audiobook to a friend? If so, why?

Yes. It was captivating and exciting. I couldn't wait to find out what was going to happen next. I'll admit - I drove around the block a couple of times rather than go home in the middle of a particularly exciting part!

Who was your favorite character and why?

Jack Sloan was my favorite character. I loved his sense of humor and the way he just couldn't walk away from trouble!

Have you listened to any of Leander David Flathers’s other performances before? How does this one compare?

I have never listened to him before, but I definitely would again. His silky voice was calm and measured, but still made the thrilling parts exciting. I loved the different voices for different characters - entertaining but not distracting.

Was there a moment in the book that particularly moved you?

I loved the ending where everything came together. I won't say more than that because I don't want to spoil it.

Any additional comments?

I'm eagerly awaiting the next audiobook from this author and narrator!

Can't Believe All These Voices --from ONE Narrator

Would you listen to Concrete Jungle again? Why?

Yes, Always wondering what Jack Sloan will be up to next!

What did you like best about this story?

The narration was awesome! It was a fun mystery thriller with just the right amount of cloak & dagger.

What does Leander David Flathers bring to the story that you wouldn’t experience if you just read the book?

Leander made the book come alive and gave some great life to the characters. It's amazing that all of these voices came from one person!! I can't wait to hear some more of his work.

entertaining and engrossing

So fast paced I need a score card to keep track of the action. Omg, poor Jack had my empathy and sympathy!!! Jack was a patsy and seemed too gullible (in relation to Carmelita ) for his own health and well-being. I admired Jack's restraint because he didn't put his hands om her and she more than deserved a good smack down several times for lies , attitude ,etc. This was so grisly in places , but appropriate for the story. I loved all the karma dealt out!! What am excellent ending!!! I voluntarily listened to a free copy of this and am giving an honest review. The narrator did a great job bringing the characters and story to life.

Sudden Ending

Abruptly ends with no conclusion...
I actually was enjoying the book till it ended just as if it was shut off in the middle of the story.