Sin Killer

Volume 1 of The Berrybender Narratives

By: Larry McMurtry

Narrated by: Alfred Molina

It is 1830, and the Berrybender family - rich, aristocratic, English, and fiercely out of place - is on its way up the Missouri River to see the American West as it begins to open up.

Lord and Lady Berrybender have abandoned their palatial home in England to explore the frontier and to broaden the horizons of their children, who include Tasmin, a budding young woman of grit, beauty, and determination, her vivacious and difficult sister, and her brother.

As they journey by rough stages up the Missouri River, they meet with all the dangers, difficulties, temptations, and awesome natural scenery of the untamed West.

At the very core of the story is Tasmin's fast-developing relationship with Jim Snow, frontiersman, ferocious Indian fighter, and part-time preacher. Known up and down the Missouri as "the Sin Killer," he's the handsome, silent Westerner who eventually captures her heart.

Against the immense backdrop of the American West, Larry McMurtry tracks this engaging family as they make their way up the great river, surviving attacks, discomfort, savage weather, and natural disaster. Sin Killer is an adventure story full of incident, and suspense, as well as a charming love story between a headstrong and aristocratic young Englishwoman and the stubborn, shy, and very American Jim Snow. As big as the West itself, this is the kind of story that only Larry McMurtry can write.

Listen to the other books in Larry McMurtry's Berrybender saga.©2002 Larry McMurty. All rights reserved. (P)2002 Simon & Schuster Inc. All rights reserved. AUDIOWORDS is an imprint of Simon & Schuster Audio Division, Simon & Schuster

Critic reviews

"The Great Western Novel is alive and well, thanks in no small part to McMurtry." (Booklist)

Laugh out loud funny in parts

Entertaining read; McMurty is is an imaginative author who spins a gripping tale of the frontier West

Women curiously outspoken

Has a lot of classic McMurtry western hallmarks, such as brute honesty in situations and honest sexual situations. However none of the characters are endearing unlike the Lonesome Dove series. Don't expect to be rooting for anyone. Based on that I'm not sure I'll continue with this series.

The women are curiously outspoken, perhaps because of their regal upbringing.

Superb storytelling, pure Gold !! Loved it !!!!!

Superb storytelling and narration. Characters so alive them jump out of the pages. I read all 4 books of the berrybender narratives 3 years ago but these audiobooks are hard to resist. Alfred Molina is amazing and Larry Mcmurtry in a literary genius. Cannot wait to start book 2. Cheers !!!!!

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Would you consider the audio edition of Sin Killer to be better than the print version?

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What did you like best about this story?

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

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

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Any additional comments?

I don't want to answer all these questions. I am willing to do step one, but you won't let me submit just that. I want to spend my time reading or listening to the stories. It's not my desire or job to compare this book with others or performances with others or give you snappy tag lines for movies. Isn't that your job?

Best entertainment!

Funny and always entertaining. I love McMurtry’s writing style and Alfred Molina is an awesome narrator!

A Towering Achievement of Storytelling and Intrepretation

For fans of Lonesome Dove, the Berrybender Chronicles are equally magnificent as narrative, character study and storytelling. But Alfred Molina’s narration is so astoundingly good it was like seeing the greatest miniseries unfold before your eyes. I immediately purchased all four audio books and listened one after the other. I was sorry there was not a fifth! Bravo Alfred!

Second Listen

This is the second time I have listened to this story and I still find it wonderful. Nobody writes American West tales like Larry McMurray. This one weaves British visitors in and becomes tragic and wonderful at the same time. Alfred Molina is absolutely terrific at narrating. I had forgotten how good he is at making an absorbing production of the story. can't wait to listen to the rest of the trilogy.

Sin Killer

Good story, wish the series went longer. Read all four of series, wanted more. Excellent overall.

Quirky and engaging dramady

I laughed out loud at these aristocratic "fish out of water" Brits taking on the Wild West. It's not precisely a comic novel, yet it's wry and fun, even as crises and disasters strike this ill-conceived expedition. An excellent reading enhanced the enjoyable story.

As a fan of McMurtry I really enjoyed the novel.

Classic McMurtry with a ripple effect storyline that gives each character depth and intrigue throughout the book.