Opening Moves

The Bowers Files, Book 6

By: Steven James

Narrated by: Richard Ferrone

Milwaukee, 1995. In a city still reeling from the crimes of Jeffrey Dahmer, a woman’s body is found with the lungs removed. Local cops think a Dahmer copycat is on the loose. But Patrick Bowers, working as a homicide detective for the Milwaukee Police Department, sees from the timing and location of the crime that this is not a copycat at all. It's a killer with an entirely different agenda....

©2012 Steven James (P)2012 Recorded Books

Critic reviews

" Opening Moves is a mesmerizing read. From the first chapter, it sets its hook deep and drags you through a darkly gripping story with relentless power. My conclusion: I need to read more of Steven James." (Michael Connelly)

Love Bower’s beginnings

As a native Wisconsinite, it is fascinating to see fiction and non-fiction collide. I always appreciate Steven James’ knack for detail. The only way this could be improved is to hear Steven’s voice telling the story. He is an amazing story teller on paper and even more so in real life.

Steven James does it again!

One of the things, which I most enjoy, is that James makes Patrick Bowers so human. He is brilliant and flawed, loving and awkward, honest and confused. Sometimes, the criminal acts are difficult to stomach, and foster the intended affect: anger towards how humans can treat one another and appreciation for the same.

Gore Galore

Would you listen to Opening Moves again? Why?

Extremely violent and discriptive.

What about Richard Ferrone’s performance did you like?

Richard has a good reading voice and reads the horrific details with just the right amout of menace.

Any additional comments?

I did not "enjoy" this book. It is not a story I would recommend.

Lori Mc

thank you for finally putting these books to recorded format i am an avid listener and love this series so glad to have them i can travel with.

Fantastic

Easily the best novel I have ever read/ listened to.
I love a good book that can take me into a fantasy world, but also think at the same time. Steven James does exactly that. This series has pulled me every which direction and still had moments of “being my own detective.” I recommend this whole series to everyone that will listen. Ready for the next book, cannot put down.

Great prequal to the series

What did you love best about Opening Moves?

It gave you a better picture of how things transpired between Bowers and his nemesis.

What did you like best about this story?

Just the overview of the story.

What about Richard Ferrone’s performance did you like?

Nothing bad to say, another excellent performance.

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

Checkmate!

Great Prologue

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

This takes us to before the previous books and I love the background of how he got to where Bowers is now. Loved it!!

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

Yes

If you like gore and guts, you'll love this one

If you could sum up Opening Moves in three words, what would they be?

Chilling, complicated, deep

Who was your favorite character and why?

Patrick Bowers is a deep character and he keeps making me want more. He is conflicted, always measuring the line between what he must do and what he would like to do.

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

Mr. Ferrone does a pretty good job on the narration. He is one of the few performers who can do good female voices.

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

Chilled me. Horrified me. Made me skip forward in a place or two, but all of those emotions took the throne over my favorite scene with Radar and his love for his family.

Any additional comments?

I am noticing Christian authors who seem to be trying to tred on the worldly side of the tracks with gore and torture, minus the filthy mouth. I guess we could call it Christian gore. I'm wondering why they feel it necessary. To test their own prowess? To compete in the market place? Personally, I don't see the need for competing in this field, but I have to give it to Steven James who outdoes himself in this very complicated plot which could rank no less than a 5. He said he had nightmares after he wrote this. I don't doubt it.

excellent

Would you listen to Opening Moves again? Why?

yes, I am listening to it again!!!!

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

yes

What does Richard Ferrone bring to the story that you wouldn???t experience if you just read the book?

the mysterious quality of his voice.

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

no

Any additional comments?

love his writing, can feel the intensity.

Enamoured!

Starting with 'The Pawn' in this series I was captivated! I couldn't wait to hear the next book. The writer does a great job with the characters. I felt them come to life quickly and distinctly. The choice for narration was spot on! His distinct voice made each book flow one after another. I recommend this series to everyone.