Cathedral

By: Nelson DeMille

Narrated by: Scott Brick

An Irish-American police officer and a British intelligence officer face off against a dangerous terrorist who's holding people hostage in Saint Patrick's Cathedral.

St. Patrick's Day, New York City. Everyone is celebrating, but everyone is in for the shock of his life. Born into the heat and hatred of the Northern Ireland conflict, IRA man Brian Flynn has masterminded a brilliant terrorist act: the seizure of Saint Patrick's Cathedral. Among his hostages: the woman Brian Flynn once loved, a former terrorist turned peace activist. Among his enemies: an Irish-American police lieutenant fighting against a traitor inside his own ranks and a shadowy British intelligence officer pursuing his own cynical, bloody plan. The cops face a booby-trapped, perfectly laid-out killing zone inside the church. The hostages face death. Flynn faces his own demons, in an electrifying duel of nerves, honor, and betrayal.

©1981 Nelson Demille (P)2009 Hachette

Critic reviews

"A home-run thriller." ( Chicago Tribune)

Political meets so called martyrs

With a history so young as the US plus all of its diversity makes an ordinary American have trouble imagining the hurt and the hate tat goes on for generations. This story puts light on such individuals who cannot and will not come to terms with the past.

NOT THE BEST

Love Nelson DeMille but this was not one of his best....too much the same....a lot of characters....never really cared what happened to any of them or the storyline. Rather boring.

Too many words, Too little story.

Not one of DeMille's best efforts. Would have been better had it moved more quickly.

Don't believe low reviews-Great emotional suspense

As an Irish American who has been to NYC's St. Patrick's Cathedral many times, this book theme was a very emotional, suspenseful read in a highly charged political atmosphere. I almost didn't get this because of the many low reviews, but am so glad I listened to a friend instead. He's read most of the DeMille books and said this was a good one. My favorites so far are Charm School and The General's Daughter. Plum Island was very good except for the unnecessary version of the book on Audible - Plum Island-"Booktrack Edition". Def order Plum Island from a different audible book source than Audible. The normal titled "Plum Island" audible book must be better than this version. Cathedral is a great read. Def not a disappointment.

Would have been 4 stars from another author

I realize this is an earlier work, but I have read or listened to almost all of his books. With another narrator I might not have even finished it. Just never grabbed me!

Cathedral is a nail biter!

Where does Cathedral rank among all the audiobooks you’ve listened to so far?

So far I have to say this is one of the better Nelson DeMille books I have read. I am an over the road truck driver who drives nights, this book kept me going! I did not want to even pause it to stop for a break!

Scott Brick does a great job narrating this book. I feel like he brings the characters alive!

Good, solid thriller ... classic DeMille

Like his "Babylon," the story centers around a single event and its characters. It's a very intense story and the characters have a lot of layers. I would have given it five stars if the characters were more believable. I found it hard to wrap my brain around their motivations. Total craziness makes it easier, I guess, to create a fantastic plot, but I found some of the characters unbelievable, even nonsensical. Even so, it's a good thriller, tight and gripping. Not as good as some of this author's other books, but definitely worth reading. Scott Brick is, as always, a very fine narrator.

Another great DeMille Book

Mr. DeMille story-telling ability really drew me into this book, and I was sad when I finished. I love the history and description he provides with each book. I wish he would write sequels with some of the main characters in his books. Scott Brick again did an amazing job with the Irish accents in this book and changing voices with ease!

Outstanding early DeMille stand alone novel

Published in 1981 Cathedral was not Nelson DeMille first novel but it is the first that began his rise to stardom as an author of suspense thrillers. On St.Patrick's Day in New York City IRA leader Bryan Flynn, seizes St Patrick's Cathedral, takes many hostages, and booby traps the church with explosives. As the police and others seek to recapture the building without killing the hostages and destroying the building the suspense builds and builds. In this 2009 audio version of the novel Scott Brick narrates to perfection. VERY HIGHLY RECOMMENDED!!

Exciting but a little drawn out

Would you recommend this audiobook to a friend? If so, why?

Liked the story line, characters

Did the plot keep you on the edge of your seat? How?

Exciting plot, so real

Which character – as performed by Scott Brick – was your favorite?

Shiela malogne

If you were to make a film of this book, what would the tag line be?

St. Patrick's attack

Any additional comments?

A little drawn out, but still exciting