Cruel Numbers

A Steampunk Noir Mystery

By: Christopher Beats

Narrated by: Steve Coulter

After the North loses the War of Southern Secession, money buys power in the Magnocracy, and people can disappear in a blink. War veteran Donovan Schist's specialty is finding these missing persons. There isn't much money in it, but he sleeps a little better.

This time, Donovan is looking for a girl named Bridget Cleary. Her family's had no word from her for months. Donovan's certain he'll find her belly-up, but it seems her talent for analytical machines has made her a valuable asset to the powers that be - an asset that they're determined to keep hidden and out of reach.

In over his head, Donovan enlists his friend Verhalen to help. The eccentric inventor may be unstable, but his steam-powered gadgets give Donovan the edge.

Donovan's no stranger to the rougher edges of society, but when the usual threats turn to attacks on his life, it quickly becomes clear that someone very important does not want him to find Bridget Cleary...

©2012 Christopher Beats (P)2012 Audible, Inc.

Great Listen!

This was a great listen. I wish it were in print I would like to own the book. Good story and can't wait to hear the next one.

I love the work!

So I'm a steampunk, and a fan of noir. Christopher Beats wrote this book for me, or at least people like me. From the first chapter, his story captures the mind into a world that is almost, but not quite familiar. Coulter does a magnificent job caturing the characters and gives a truly masterful performance.

For anyone who likes the gritty world of noir and the gears of steampunk, this is for you.

Fun Noir, Steampunk a Plus

What made the experience of listening to Cruel Numbers the most enjoyable?

The narrator was excellent. Just enough toughness to pull off the narrator but not so much to become a caricature.

What was one of the most memorable moments of Cruel Numbers?

His constant run ins with Moira (his wife with whom he share a troubled 'marriage') and the final scene all have stuck with me long after hearing this story.

Have you listened to any of Steve Coulter’s other performances before? How does this one compare?

I have not but will look for them in the future.

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

Steam always rises to the top. I object to this question for making me look silly.

Any additional comments?

My main concern is about the length of the story and how it gets rushed near the end. While I didn't really care much about the central mystery (who ever does in good noir?) I would have liked to actually have a seen with Moira speaking or just something to build to a bigger climax than what's there.

very good plot

Very dependent on if you like this genre. I do and found it a good listen.

Dark Music

Just the right mood and flavor, well written and well performed. The kind of book I will listen to again and again, like a piece of music.