Bearskin

A Novel

By: James A. McLaughlin

Narrated by: MacLeod Andrews

Length: 9 hrs and 49 mins

Publisher's summary

“Bearskin is visceral, raw, and compelling - filled with sights, smells, and sounds truly observed. It’s a powerful debut and an absolute showcase of exceptional prose. There are very few first novels when I feel compelled to circle brilliant passages, but James McLaughlin’s writing had me doing just that." (C. J. Box, number one NYT best-selling author of The Disappeared)

Rice Moore is just beginning to think his troubles are behind him. He’s found a job protecting a remote forest preserve in Virginian Appalachia where his main responsibilities include tracking wildlife and refurbishing cabins. It’s hard work, and totally solitary - perfect to hide away from the Mexican drug cartels he betrayed back in Arizona. But when Rice finds the carcass of a bear killed on the grounds, the quiet solitude he’s so desperately sought is suddenly at risk.

More bears are killed on the preserve, and Rice’s obsession with catching the poachers escalates, leading to hostile altercations with the locals and attention from both the law and Rice’s employers. Partnering with his predecessor, a scientist who hopes to continue her research on the preserve, Rice puts into motion a plan that could expose the poachers but risks revealing his own whereabouts to the dangerous people he was running from in the first place.

James McLaughlin expertly brings the beauty and danger of Appalachia to life. The result is an elemental, slow burn of a novel - one that will haunt you long after you hear the final words.

©2018 James A. McLaughlin (P)2018 HarperCollins Publishers

Maybe the Best Audiobook I Have Ever "Read"

I have a monthly subscription for 3 books a month and I always use all 3, sometimes I'll even buy an extra book or two. I am consistent and avid customer.

Bearskin is perhaps the best audiobook I have ever experienced. It's the perfect combination of intrigue, character development, plot and narration. I can't wait for the next from McLaughlin. His articulation of the elements woven into the plot is fantastic. You can hear, smell, taste, and feel it all. The creation/setting is maybe not THE protagonist, but it is certainly a central character in the story.

Listen to Bearskin! You will not be sorry.

Awesome

Really great book!! Keeps your attention all the way until the end!! Can’t wait for next book!!

I couldn’t stop listening!

One of the best books I’ve ever read or listened to. I can’t wait for the next one.

Excellent!

Narrator reminded me of Matthew McConaughey, which was perfect for the main character. Very atmospheric. I will definitely relisten to this one.

Growing

This story was great. I rarely listen to these type of stories, but after listening to this fantastically performed story (Andrews) I will be looking for more.

Good for $5

I don’t feel that I wasted my time with this book. But I also hoped for less dreary dragging along dread. There wasn’t much keeping me going. The narcos and bear hunting themes were strange and seemed misplaced. I was hoping for something more in depth with one of the other.
Overall the performance was good but story was ok.

Great read, hope there's a sequel

I generally only read fantasy and sci-fi but I'm really glad I read this. very enjoyable story. hope there's a sequel.

Bear Skin

Beautiful! Just beautiful. I couldn't put it down. listened with my phone . The ending is so poetic. Beautiful!

Excellent story

I could hardly put this book down. Entertaining to the end.
Terrific narrator and story.

vivid

I was completely immersed in the descriptions of the serenity of the mountain, the fauna and the flora.