58 Minutes

The Basis for Die Hard 2

By: Walter Wager

Narrated by: R.C. Bray

After Die Hard blew the doors off movie theaters, there was no doubt that Bruce Willis's one-man-army of a cop would hit the big screen again even harder. And Die Hard 2 made it happen doubling down on the explosive action. And just like the original blockbuster, the sensational sequel leaped from the pages of a suspense master's pulse-pounding novel.

A massive blizzard has shut down nearly every East Coast airport, stranding travelers on the ground and in the air. But those circling the skies above New York's Kennedy Airport have far more to worry about than missed connections. When the control tower's radar suddenly goes dark, a mysterious caller known only as Number One announces that the countdown to terror has begun. Nineteen planes and their helpless passengers are now airborne hostages in the ruthless hands of a dangerous man on a deadly mission. And if the US government doesn't bow to his demands, hell will rain from above as one jetliner after another exhausts its fuel and plunges to earth. With only 58 minutes between life and death, there may be nothing anyone can do except one New York City cop with nerves of steel, attitude to burn, and a reputation for being tough on crime and even harder to kill.

©1987 Walter Wager (P)2016 Graymalkin Media

inspiration for 1 of the greatest Christmas movies

If you're anything like me. You have seen all of the Die Hard movies. Specifically the first two, especially around this time of year. So I was interested in the story that served as the inspiration for one of the greatest Christmas movies made in my lifetime. Going into this listen, I am not expecting a Hollywood-style action story. I am however expecting something entertaining that is probably deeper than the movie could ever be.

IF you are expecting 58 Minutes to be as action packed, full of snowmobile chases, and political as the Die Hard 2 movie, you probably will be disappointed. Movies need all of that to stimulate you visually. Here Wager presents a fairly straightforward terrorist plot on an airport. With the tension and suspense that this line delivers: "You have 58 minutes till the 1st plane runs out of fuel". Along with the solitude of a gigantic snow storm raging down on you. With an NYPD captain, that just happens to be on the scene.

Entertaining and engaging. Wager doesn't waste time by filling the story with fluff. You will find many similarities and differences alike from the movie. However, if you want a well-crafted suspense thriller with interesting enough characters and slight plot twist. You will enjoy 58 minutes.

As always, RC Bray delivers a flawless performance. I watched a video of him talking about some poor performances he had earlier on in his audiobook career and am so glad that he found the formula. Bray does everything that is important to my specific audiobook listening tastes. Character voices, while his are not the most believable they serve their purpose of distinguishing different people speaking. Pacing, changing the speed of the text for action scenes is a key thing. Enthusiasm, if a character is excited, Bray, in turn, sounds excited and so on.

Audiobook was provided for review by the narrator.

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Great story and story telling

I listened for similarities between the book and the movie. I consider them to be two different pieces and enjoy both equally for what they are like I do Jurassic Park.

This is a great, fast paced story with well written character exposition and explanations that didn't take me out of the story bit enhanced it.

R.C. Bray is a master narrator. I enjoy his performances.