The Concealers

The Collectibles Trilogy, Book 2

By: James J. Kaufman

Narrated by: Joe Barrett

Katherine Kelly's mentor says she has the makings of a good reporter, but to be great she must learn to find the emotional core of a story and not hold back in its telling. Then he suggests one last graduate-school assignment: Find someone who has influenced her family, and tell that story.

Katherine decides to pursue the only family story that has eluded her all her life: the identity of the father she never knew. Her mother, knowing her persistent daughter won't stop until she gets the truth, breaks her years of silence and makes the call she always swore she would never make. The reality of her father stands in stark contrast to the father of her dreams, and Katherine realizes she must decide for herself who her father really is: the guardian of a group of wounded souls he calls the Collectibles, the attentive father of a newly discovered daughter, the person of interest in a bank-fraud investigation, or a little of all three. Blood is deeper than principle, or so she is told. And a great journalist follows a story wherever it leads. It's Katherine's call, and only she can make it.

©2016 James J. Kaufman (P)2016 Blackstone Audio, Inc.

Telling the truth, does it matter?

Yes, I can recommend the sequel "The Concealers". "Let justice be done though the heavens fall" meaning must justice be realized regardless of consequences? That's the protagonist Katherine's call.
Great narration by Joe Barret.

Great story line. Wells Fargo scheme going on in the news too

This is a great story line and loving the series. Sort of ironic that as I'm listening to this story Wells Fargo has a corrupt scheme going on in the news. It sure puts my thinking cap on about relationships.

Hmmm I never write reviews but…..

I have written possibly three reviews of over 500 books I have from Audible.
This I write because The Collectibles was likely one of the best book I have ever listened to or read. That being said; this trilogy so far is fantastic. I highly recommend it to both adults and teens to learn about life, the choices we make and having the courage to accept the results of those choices. Very moving and inspiring books so far going to listen to the last book enjoy. Thank you Mr Kaufman

Author is a True Wordsmith, wonderful narration

I was taken back to a time when real command of the English language in both speech and in print was expected and encouraged in both public and private life. Mr. Kaufman describes places in a way that makes you see them, feel them, smell them with just a few phrases, highlighting details of a scene that a real person would remember, as though he has been to each location, not just imagined them.
The dialog and interactions between characters is gracious, again in a way that I remember people talking and acting when I was young, showing respect and consideration to people, regardless of what others might use to assess their "worth."
Mr. Kaufman builds part of the story around complex banking and fraud issues, but in a way that makes them clear enough not to get in the way of the story.
This book is part voyage of self a discovery and part detective novel, in the guise of investigative journalism. These two main threads are woven together seamlessly.
Joe Barrett actually enhanced the writing style with his delivery, particularly in descriptive passages and dialog. It was a pleasure throughout.
I think we could benefit, as a society, from more books that portray people being decent, rather than destructive to each other. Well done.

Most Interesting if the Three

Lots of meat on the bone here. Plenty of background. The third was wishy-washy. I got a lot more digging into the story. It made the others more believable.

The Story Continues

Would you consider the audio edition of The Concealers to be better than the print version?

I've not read the print addition but I would have a hard time thinking that it could be as good as the audio version

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

I didn't read about this book before I started listening. I had read the first in the series and really liked the book. This book is interesting because of the mix of old and new characters. I made time to listen to the book that I would not generally make because of the interesting character development.

Which character – as performed by Joe Barrett – was your favorite?

Joe Barrett did a fine job with all the characters so I had no favorites. I was more interested in the story.

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

My reaction to the book was that it ended too soon. I know the answers I seek will be answered in the third and last book in the series so I'm OK with it. It was very nice to have Joe Hart return even as just a memory. I found myself really missing him just as the characters in the book missed him. I look forward to finishing the series.

Any additional comments?

Both the author and the reader have done a very good job, no great job on this series of books so far and I'm sure the next book will be as good or better.

Good read

Enjoyed this book, the development of characters, the intertwining of lives, and how each effect the other.

Addictive s story

Loved the story. Goes to the integrity of each character. Couldn't stop listening to the book.

It's like eating a salad for dinner

I really enjoy the concept of this book. It teaches manners and etiquette that anyone should be able to follow. But it dwells too much on the 'nice times' with you. And how 'grateful' characters are for the influence of others within the story.
As a 'thriller' it lacks little suspense, gets tied down in the mundane acts of everyday conversation between people, and tells too much of a story without enough substance. Like eating only salad for dinner.
I love the idea of the collectibles, the quirky bits that show up here and there, and the personal adaptation of history.

James Kaufman is a true storyteller

What about Joe Barrett’s performance did you like?

Everything!!

Any additional comments?

The Concealers is the second book in the "Collectibles" trilogy. This book like the first is extremely memorable in the messages the author has tried (and I think succeeded) to convey.

The protagonist Preston Wilson is also from the first book. You can listen to this one without the first but I think the follow through is better if listened to in order.

This book deals with Preston getting to know the other Collectibles, the people he promised Joe Hart he would look after for life.
He also meets his 24 year old daughter that he did not know he had. And finally he finds himself once again in the cross hairs of an investigation. Being a man once driven by greed there much inner turmoil.
Along with this he is learning to deal with his year old hearing impaired son and the guilt and denial that come with having a child with a disability.
Joe Barrett as always gives an outstanding performance. His voice is perfect for this book.

This is an EXCELLENT follow up to the first book. James Kaufman is a gifted storyteller.

HIGHLY RECOMMENDED.

If you found this review helpful please indicate so.
Thank You.