Lemons Never Lie

A Hard Case Crime Novel

By: Richard Stark

Narrated by: Steve Aveson

When he's not carrying out heists with his friend Parker, Alan Grofield runs a small theater in Indiana. But putting on shows costs money, and jobs have been thin lately, which is why Grofield agreed to fly to Las Vegas to hear Andrew Myers' plan to knock over a brewery in upstate New York.

Unfortunately, Myers' plan is insane, so Grofield walks out on him. Myers isn't a man you walk out on, and his retribution culminates in an act of unforgivable brutality. That's when Grofield decides to show him what a disciple of Parker is capable of.

©1971 Richard Stark (P)2007 BBC Audio

Sour Lemons

I saw many reviewers noting the poor performance of the narrator, while I think they were harsh I do have to agree. Steve Aveson does fall short to the previous narrators of the earlier Alan Grofield novels. I also find fault in this book in other respects, the plot seems to meander in a few places and the resolution lacks punch. As much as I want to, I never enjoy Grofield’s solo adventures as much as his team up’s with Parker. Other novels focus more on espionage or political intrigue, having this novel focus on failed jobs or personal grudges feels like small potatoes. Stark’s humor and attention to detail ramain, I just wonder if this wouldn’t have been better placed as the first novel, and let the others put Grofield in more exciting and unknown territories. After the events of “Butcher’s Moon”, I hope to see more Grofield in the remaining Parker books so this isn’t the last I see of the character.

Bad narrative

I love Richard Stark books especially Parker but I thought to listen to the Grofield books here since I wasn’t sure they would be any good and I was instantly a fan. Until this last book that ruined it for me. I am sorry to be so harsh since the narrator’s performance is his job and I hate causing anyone his job but for God’s sake I couldn’t listen to it. I will buy the book and read it.

Great Story.

Absolutely loved this story. A lot different than the run-of-the-mill mysteries. Kept me interested all the way through. AAA+++

pretty average and narrator was just barely ok

Not recommended. As a narrator, RC Bray added life to Grofield. Steve Aveson sucked the life out of the character. The story was super weak. It's as if it was written by a different writer from. high school. No jokes or wit from grofield, barely any method acting type commentary.

Where to begin

I’m only 45 mins in to this thing and already I’m compelled to write a review. The narrator is AWFUL, Steve Aveson, does such an incredible job at doing Stark a huge disservice- his narration is so distracting, using odd inflections and botching syntax. I wish there was a different version of this book because the last 45 mins have been gruelingly awful- HOWEVER - the text itself, the book itself is top notch. This audio book is like hearing a really bad cover of a John Lennon song. If you get my meaning.

An entertaining caper / revenge story.

an entertaining paper / revenge story. Is a story because it is basically a short story that has been padded into novella length.

Wish I could have listened to it

Struggled to through the first few chapters then just couldn't stand it anymore and quit it. It's the very first audio book I've ever just stopped and not finished. I enjoyed the first 3 of the series very much. Although not overly complicated writing, they were sound and entertaining and with R. C. Bray narrating, they were a joy to listen to. The 4th however was teeth gradingly brutal to try to listen to without wanting to stab sharp objects through my ear holes. When the narrator isn't taking odd unnecessary pauses, he's sucking and slurping and clicking a piece of hard candy or some sort of lozenge around in his slobbery sounding face. After becoming more and more nauseated by the sound of this guy's voice mixed with grotesque highly miced tongue jostling, I had no other choice but to rip out my ear buds and put this book to rest, never to be heard again. To bad too that I'll never know how this fun little series ended.

Complete too off

Doesn't narrate entire book how is that hekpful? This should be posted as a free sample