A Thousand Steps

By: T. Jefferson Parker

Narrated by: Matt Godfrey

"this audiobook is an engaging listen driven by the appeal of its young protagonist."—AudioFile Magazine

A Thousand Steps is a gripping thriller, an incisive coming-of-age story, and a vivid portrait of turbulent time and place by three-time Edgar Award winner and New York Times best-selling author T. Jefferson Parker.

Laguna Beach, California, 1968. The Age of Aquarius is in full swing. Timothy Leary is a rock star. LSD is God. Folks from all over are flocking to Laguna, seeking peace, love, and enlightenment.

Matt Antony is just trying get by.

Matt is 16, broke, and never sure where his next meal is coming from. Mom’s a stoner, his deadbeat dad is a no-show, his brother’s fighting in Nam...and his big sister, Jazz, has just gone missing. The cops figure she’s just another runaway hippie chick, enjoying a summer of love, but Matt doesn’t believe it. Not after another missing girl turns up dead on the beach.

All Matt really wants to do is get his driver’s license and ask out the girl he’s been crushing on since fourth grade, yet it’s up to him to find his sister. But in a town where the cops don’t trust the hippies and the hippies don’t trust the cops, uncovering what’s really happened to Jazz is going to force him to grow up fast.

If it’s not already too late.

A Macmillan Audio production from Forge Books

©2022 T. Jefferson Parker (P)2022 Macmillan Audio

Critic reviews

2022, USA Today Best Books of the Year, Long-listed

"A unique thriller and also a coming-of-age story: the not-so-sentimental education of an impressionable teen. Mr. Parker has given us a well-designed flashback to a tie-dyed time that in some ways seems like the day before yesterday and in others feels like a century ago."—Wall Street Journal

“As powerful as a riptide in summer...A Thousand Steps reopens for our reconsideration the consequences of clashes between authority and freedom, order and chaos, that persist to this day—and the innocents that will always get caught in the tumult."—Los Angeles Times Book Review

"This twisty tale of teen’s desperate plan to save his sister and right his off-keel family is a compelling coming-of-age thriller that will entrance you with its ‘60s vibe and backdrop, and captivate you with its engaging storytelling and a believable cast of characters–including one heroic kid you can’t help but to root for."—USA Today

Brings Back Some Great Memories

Though I lived in North Orange County, I hung out in Laguna Beach starting in High School, first for the beaches & body surfing, then for hash and acid. I could pull up in front of Taco Bell and there would be 5 people at my car windows trying to sell me some dope, but 4 were trying to rip me off. But I could always spot the one with the Brotherhood connections that was legit. I loved the primo afgan hash, and the orange sunshine was a great moneymaker to finance my other desires. The Mystic Arts was much more than another head shop and it was sad that the city fathers burned it to the ground. I still go to Laguna, though now it is more for the dining than the dope. The author brought back the magic of my teenage years in Laguna Beach.

Great for Nostalgia of OC & 60s Era

Not author's best. Weak plot. Not real believable story line but good detail on Laguna Beach hotspots in 60s.

So much missing

While following a story that is hard to believe so much of Laguna history and color of the 60’s was left to the imagination or the memories of a few lucky folks…a richer picture remains to be painted

Compelling Story. Excellent Narration

TJP once again tells a captivating tale. The sixties were my coming of age years and he captured it well. Matt's (the protagonist, not the narrator) journey is believable and honest. The characters nuanced and authentic.
Listening to the sample I first was skeptical of Matt Godfrey's voice having just finished a reading by Will Patton. Glad I changed gears. Mr. Godfrey's presentation this story was perfect.

DIFFERENT

Yes, this was an interesting story, but I found parts of it painfully slow. Overall, I'd rate it as a 4.5/5. Several different stories woven together skillfully, with local color interspersed. This isn't how I remember the "summer of love", but I didn't grow up in California. Different from your other novels, Mr. Parker, but still enjoyable.

Let the good times be remembered

If you are around 70 you were there one side or the other. It was so amazing times. And Matt remember it all told us about it and captured it this was a wonderful book if you’re not 70 or older have a Gen X or millennial experience. Listen visualize smoke one if it’s legal. Most of all enjoy this well written trip. Dougie fresh

Took me back to a different time

I love Laguna Beach so of course I love the setting. The story grabbed me and I hung on like I was on a ride. Which in many ways I was. I love this book and Matt will be with me for a while.

California Dreamin' Mystery

If you grew up is Southern California during the 60s, there are references in this book you will remember. It's a good story; a mystery that holds your interest. You'll like the characters as they are keenly developed.

Can't listen...

Only on Chapter 5 of this Audible book & giving up. T. Jefferson Parker is one of my FAVORITE authors, & the story itself has my interest, but I'm going to have to purchase the Kindle version of this because I cannot handle the narration of the Audible version. I try to listen to samples prior to purchase, & though I didn't love the performance, I thought I could make it through... maybe it would grow on me... etc. It didn't. Just my perspective & may not be any issue for others. I do recommend listening to the entire sample audio before purchasing.

A great story

I loved this book because the story was great and the places in the book were familiar. I grew up in Laguna Beach where this story takes place and I could see all the places the author was talking about. it was a fun and exciting read!