City of Saints

By: Andrew Hunt

Narrated by: Richard Waterhouse

To the outside observer, Salt Lake City seems to be the squeaky-clean “City of Saints” - its nickname since Mormon pioneers first arrived. Its wide roads, huge Mormon temple topped by a horn-blowing angel, and orderly neighborhoods give it the appearance of the ideal American city. But looks can be deceiving.

When beautiful socialite Helen Kent Pfalzgraf turns up dead, Salt Lake County Deputy Art Oveson - a twenty-something husband, dad, and devout Mormon just getting his start - finds himself thrust into the role of detective. With his partner, a foul-mouthed, vice-ridden former strikebreaker, he begins to pursue Pfalzgraf’s murderer - or murderers. Their search takes them into the dark underbelly of Salt Lake City, a place rife with blackmail, corruption, and murder. Throw in a cowardly sheriff seeking reelection, a prominent local physician with a host of skeletons in his closet, and swirling rumors of an affair between the murder victim and an elusive Hollywood star, and you’ve got City of Saints, a mystery based on a true yet largely forgotten murder that once captivated the nation but still remains unsolved eighty years later.

©2012 Andrew Hunt. All rights reserved. (P)2012 AudioGO

Just OK

What made the experience of listening to City of Saints the most enjoyable?

I thought that this book was ok. It definitely gets better as the story goes along.

What aspect of Richard Waterhouse’s performance would you have changed?

His voice is a little hard to get used to. Also, when he attempts to do women's voices, it is very difficult to listen as it is very distracting.

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

No. I didn't feel compelled to keep listening. I am one of those people that will listen to a book so much that it will begin to interfere with my real life, but this one was easy to put down and I found myself listening to podcasts instead of this book.

I want more of Rosco and Art.

Would you consider the audio edition of City of Saints to be better than the print version?

I like the print version slightly better

What did you like best about this story?

Twists and turns and well developed characters

Which character – as performed by Richard Waterhouse – was your favorite?

Art Oveson

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

Wish I were that creative

Any additional comments?

More, I want more!

Not my usual cup of tea - but maybe it should be

I'm not sure why I bought this book, but I'm certainly glad I did. The story is interesting, the performance outstanding and the main character fascinating. It's the coming of age of the youngest son of deceased policeman in 1930 Salt Lake City, a very real and recognizable ordinary guy with fears and foibles. Such a welcome change from the super-hero Reacher kinds of guys who typically populate mysteries, which I usually choose. I thoroughly enjoyed this book and will look for more by this author and narrator. Good use of a credit.

Not everyone is a saint in Salt Lake City

Would you listen to City of Saints again? Why?

Yes. One of the most enjoyable audiobook's I've heard.

Who was your favorite character and why?

Dr. Pfaltzgraf. The accent was wonderfully done.

What about Richard Waterhouse’s performance did you like?

All the characters get an extra dimension with his reading. Particularly liked Art Oveson, Roscoe, Dr. Pfaltzgraf, and Sheriff Cannon.

Was there a moment in the book that particularly moved you?

Parley Tanner's car going down the embankment.