The Catch

A Vanessa Michael Munroe Novel

By: Taylor Stevens

Narrated by: Hillary Huber

“Stevens excels at depicting pulse-pounding danger… Her writing places her heads above most authors working in the thriller genre. Only Dan Brown and Lee Child come close.” —Dallas Morning News

Vanessa Michael Munroe, chameleon and information hunter, has a reputation for getting things done—often dangerous and not quite legal things.

With blood on her hands and a soul stained with guilt, Munroe has fled to Djibouti, Africa. There, with no responsibility except a gig at a small maritime security company, Munroe finds stillness—until she’s pressured to work as an armed guard on a ship bound for Kenya. On board, Munroe discovers the contract is merely cover for gunrunning; when the ship is invaded off the Somali coast, she fights her way out—dragging the unconscious captain with her. But nothing about the hijacking is what it seems. The pirates had come for the captain, and continuing their pursuit, they unwittingly raise the killer’s instinct Munroe has tried so hard to bury.

Wounded and on the run, Vanessa Michael Munroe will use the life of her catch as bait and bartering chip to manipulate every player, and wash her conscience clean.

©2014 Taylor Stevens (P)2014 Random House Audio

Critic reviews

“A great page-turning choice for a read-it-in-one-sitting airplane ride or lazy afternoon on the back porch…The novel transports readers to another world, giving a solid dose of action-adventure and a kick-butt female protagonist. The Catch…is a great escape.” —Star-Telegram

“The writer makes her protagonist more empathetic and likable than ever — startlingly so, because the Michael (her preferred name) Munroe we see here is at her most focused, ruthless and emotionally distant. It’s a difficult balancing act, but one that Stevens pulls off with her usual wit, precision and grace… [An] exceptional novel.” —Dallas Morning News

“Think Catwoman in plain clothes. Lisbeth Salander sans dragon tattoo. Jack Reacher with an extra X-chromosome. Whatever—Vanessa Michael Munroe has to be among the cleverest, fightingest and all-around baddest heroines in contemporary suspense fiction.… A straight-up adventure tale about a woman who thinks on her feet (that is, when she is not using them to kick bad-guy booty) and always stays one step ahead of her adversaries. My prediction: This will be one of the summer’s most popular beach reads.” —BookPage

Another adventure in an unknown land

If you could sum up The Catch in three words, what would they be?

Beguiling, intense, human

What other book might you compare The Catch to and why?

The other three in the series

Which scene was your favorite?

When Michael explains during the process of story telling-how she experiences Africa and it's unique cultures.

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

Crushing isn't for everyone

The Female Jack Reacher...with Resources

If Jack Reacher were a woman, he'd be Vanessa Michael Munroe. She's smart, endlessly creative and resourceful, and every bit as tough (and tough-minded) as Reacher.

Taylor Stevens' plots never cease to amaze - smart, creative, and every bit worthy of this amazing heroine. I have greatly enjoyed every book in this series so far and will be buying the next one the minute it's released.

These books are a gift. Treat yourself.

Enjoyable

The conclusion was a little bit less satisfying than the previous three books.
But it was still very enjoyable.
Excellent listening for the long drive.

Intelligence wrapped in enigma read profoundly

Started slowly picked up speed and drama with every page. Storyline hidden until revealed near the end. Pulls the reader into Vanessa's heart and mind. Invoking a strong love affair towards her despite the bodies her knives leave in their wake. The narrator is largely part of the authentic tone the story takes on. The authors skill becomes even more vivid.

Solid construction, solid, character development, solid plot. All very professionally done.

Good suspense, good intricacy, story is well told. Of particular note, pay attention to how little the author uses the verb to be. Nicely painting the picture with verbs of meaning and action. The story unfolds very nicely. I was very pleased. Narration is excellent.

Great Series

I must say that the first book in the series, The Informationist, is by far the best. Still, every book in this series is worth the listen. In the second book and later, the author takes a turn that I don't quite get. Many of the subplots get lost, and the character becomes more one-dimensional. Personally, I think it's the difference between an great run of stories (which this is) and a world-class, Best Sellers List series.

Growing up in a third-world country gives you a whole different perspective on society, on values, and on what is really important. What makes this series doubly intriguing is the author's background. It's worth checking out before you read the first book.

The narrator's voice and delivery are perfect for this character. She does an excellent job.

General

I am an avid fan of the author and also most impressed again by the narrator

It was ok

Not as good as the others in the series. It moved along slowly i thought. I read the last books and this I did audible so maybe that's why? I loved the others

Another Great Story

I recommend this book to readers who love adventure and a story that pulls you toward the finish line.

Another Hit!

What did you love best about The Catch?

The story was great and captivating from start to finish. I couldn't stop listening!

What was one of the most memorable moments of The Catch?

The detail and planning the character does throughout the book, leaving nothing, or very little to chance.

What does Hillary Huber bring to the story that you wouldn’t experience if you just read the book?

She was excellent. I thoroughly enjoyed her reading of the book. It was part of the reason that captivated you and you didn't want to stop listening.

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

No. It was over a period of time. If I had the time, I could have easily done so though.

Any additional comments?

Great author and character. I look forward to more titles featuring this character.