Black

Black Series, Volume 1

By: Russell Blake

Narrated by: R.C. Bray

Artemus Black. Perennially down-on-his-luck Hollywood PI whose Bogie fixation is as dated as his wardrobe. With an assistant who mocks him relentlessly, an obese cat that loathes him, a romantic life that's deader than Elvis, money problems, booze, nicotine, and anger management issues, how much worse can it get? When he takes a case that's supposed to be easy money working for a celebrity whose colleagues and surrounding paparazzi are dropping faster than interest in the star's big comeback, the cakewalk turns ugly and Black finds himself in a web of deceit, betrayal, and murder - and bad hair days. The first in a new series from best-selling author Russell Blake, Black is a detective mystery with a difference that fans of the genre are sure to enjoy.

©2013 Russell Blake (P)2014 Russell Blake

Great narration of good novel

The story is interesting mostly because of wise cracking by Black and his office manager Roxy. The narration by RC Bray is incredibly good. This private investigator series has real potential so I'll listen to at least one more novel.

PI Black is retro and current together

Both written and performed in the noir style set in the Hollywood area. Solid linear plot with some interesting twists. Lots of quirky characters, but no details/spoilers to be found here. Just know that it is a very interesting read, but best served up in segments.
RCB gives an excellent audio performance using noir voice cadences and inflections that really add to the tone of the novel.
This book was given in exchange for an honest review.

Even better on audiobook

What did you love best about Black?

I love this character. He's a regular guy who is easy to relate to, and all his relationships with women are funny.

What did you like best about this story?

I loved the narrator's voice. He made all the character's sound like I thought they'd sound.

Which scene was your favorite?

My favorite scenes are with Black's parents, Spring and Chakra.

Did you have an extreme reaction to this book? Did it make you laugh or cry?

It made me laugh non-stop.

Any additional comments?

I usually prefer reading the book to the audiobook. But after reading Black and then listening to the Audiobook, I have to say the audiobook is even better.

Laughed out loud

I really enjoyed this audio book. I felt the narrator did an excellent job. I will definitely read/listen to the other two books. The interaction between Black and Roxy had me laughing out loud.

Trying too hard to be Noir

Good quick moving story, but I took points off because Black's jealousy and treatment of his parents was upsetting. Also his secretary drove me crazy. IRRITATING! When I put it down in words, the author achieved his intent. That is a good writer! Still leaving the score because he is not my favorite detective. Crazy ha??

Smart-Aleck and Snarky!!

Not what I expected but this one will knock you for a loop. May seem a little slow at some points but the humor gets me every time. Great jokes and Black is a man after my own heart.

Mike Hammer of The New Millenium

Sure. The genre of a street-savvy hand-to-mouth LA P.I. amid the seedy under belly of Sunset Strip is a familiar one. No new ground broken there. .... Where Blake's "Black" scores so high is the non-stop snappy repartee between Black and pretty much all the sideshow carney-esque characters he encounters. .... going immediately to Book Two and Beyond.

monotonous and boring

Would you try another book from Russell Blake and/or R.C. Bray?

No.

Would you recommend Black to your friends? Why or why not?

No.

Would you listen to another book narrated by R.C. Bray?

May be.

If this book were a movie would you go see it?

No.

Any additional comments?

It is a monotonous narration of a monotonous attempt at a cinematic noir. Might be better in paper form, not sure. An obvious attempt to create a ready movie script (with all the moves and jests and even eye movements described to a smallest detail - as a result, a rather boring book happened.

truly enjoyed this one..

I received this audible edition for free for my honest review.. great narration highly recommended. wonderfully written..

What a Great Surprise

Picked up this book on a gamble, and what a great surprise. I was glued to my book as the unfolding of the story brought one of the funniest crime deliveries I've listened to in a long time. Blake is excellent at weaving suspense, humor, fleshing out characters and a cross between Ray Donovan and Peter Sellers in his main character. And the dialogue between Black and his secretary is nothing short of hilarious. The philosophical insights presented in wonderfully entertaining dialogue between these two is simply not to be missed.

Do yourself a favor, and for simple great fun listening...get this book.