Beginnings and Ends

Troubleshooters, Book 16.1

By: Suzanne Brockmann

Narrated by: Patrick Lawlor

Suzanne Brockmann, best-selling author of When Tony Met Adam and the pulse-pounding Troubleshooters series, has been hailed by USA Today as a "superstar of romantic suspense."

In this original short story, Brockmann returns with two of her most beloved characters from the Troubleshooters world: operative Jules Cassidy and his husband, Robin.

After years of playing the tormented actor Joe Laughlin on the hit television show Shadowland, Hollywood star Robin Chadwick Cassidy is ready for a change. Joe's character embodies the real demons of Robin's past - his struggle with his sexuality, his battle with alcoholism - and portraying the part has taken a heavy toll on his personal life. Robin's husband, FBI agent Jules Cassidy, has noticed the strain and will do whatever he can to make Robin happy. And what Robin has in mind will forever transform his career, his marriage, and his family.

©2012 Suzanne Brockmann (P)2015 Blackstone Audio, Inc.

yes- end one, begin another

Parts of this story are from Robin Chadwick Cassidy’s TV show Shadowlands and that he’s ready to end the series. This is well done.
Parts of this story are Robin and Jules making the decision to end the show, to spend time in LA, and to find a surrogate to have a child.
Lawlor does a great job of narration, as always.

Such a difference on audio

This was the first time we get any real insight into Robin's Shadowland series and character, Joe Loughlin. It was so very revealing to see the parallels in the characters evolution and Robin's when he was dealing with the very same career dilemma. It was so very interesting and, of course, too short. Love anytime Jules is on the page.

What a difference audio can make my second time around! Even though this is a short story, its message resonates strongly. My original opinion stands but it came through more powerfully because of the narrator and my clearer understanding of the emotional toll taken on anyone not living their truth. Brockmann was ahead of her time with her insights.

wonderful amazing.

loved this book. so enjoy listening to Patrick narrate. love Ms. brockmann. always enjoy her books.

Disappointing

This is a novella for fans of the series and specifically Jules & Robin. It’s not going to mean much to folks who haven’t read Hot Target, Force of Nature & All Through The Night (minimally FoN).

It’s great to get an update on how things are going for Jules & Robin personally and a glimpse into Robin’s acting career. As well as some big changes for the couple.

However this is *short*. Even getting the audio on sale seems overpriced for an hour’s worth of content. Additionally, scenes from Shadowland take up probably half of the novella. The show’s plot feels unoriginal in that it mirrors Jules & Robin’s story quite a bit. It’s also a significant amount of “preachiness”. I want story not a lecture.

While I’m a huge Brockmann fan and listen to Troubleshooters books over & over - this was disappointing and I’ll skip it the next time I make my way through the series.

Patrick Lawlor is his amazing self and I truly wish he narrated more romance & specifically MM.