The Most Dangerous Thing

By: Laura Lippman

Narrated by: Linda Emond

Some secrets can’t be kept. . . .

Years ago, they were all the best of friends. But as time passed and circumstances changed, they grew apart, became adults with families of their own, and began to forget about the past—and the terrible lie they all shared. But now Gordon, the youngest and wildest of the five, has died and the others are thrown together for the first time in years. And then the revelations start. Could their long-ago lie be the reason for their troubles today? Each one of these old friends has to wonder if their secret has been discovered—and if someone within the circle is out to destroy them.

©2011 Laura Lippman (P)2011 HarperCollinsPublishers

Provoking

Thoughtful and intriguing. Intertwining what you think you know with what could have been settling in the truth in the end.

Catholic/Baltimore Move OVER fiction novel

Laura Lippman - thought this was going to be a Tess Monahan who done it - not- but once I gave it a second chance and just listened - realized - harsh reality - ethic truths ended up loving it and well do not want to ruin the story.

First rate Laura Lippman

Not a Tess Monaghan novel, but I think that this is one of Lippman's best. Plot, narration were all well done.

My one complaint was listening to the book, I sometimes got confused by who was telling which part of the narrative. There was an omniscient fifth child who kept appearing, as though she were narrating the film of the events.

Lippman does a wonderful job of capturing mid-70's Baltimore and Linda Emond is a true gem of a a narrator and actress. I hope that she doesn't get so popular that she no longer has time to narrate Lippman's books.

oddly disturbing book

the characters in this book are well portrayed for their self-centered interests. a bothersome book that leaves you feeling tainted by the events

Laura Lippman knows danger!

If you could sum up The Most Dangerous Thing in three words, what would they be?

intriguing, suspenseful, heartbreaking.

Who was your favorite character and why?

Go- Go was so complex. You were frustrated by his irresponsibility and recklessness. Eventually, you actually sympathized with him.

What about Linda Emond’s performance did you like?

She read with such insight to each character's feelings and inner dialogue.

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

I was shocked at the ending.

Any additional comments?

I really thought the story was leading to a pat and predictable (disappointing ending) and was so surprised at how it really turned out. This surprise did not take away from the story. It made me listen to the story a second time.

Good Listen

The story moved fast and I really had no trouble keeping up with the characters. The book was above average but had some serious flaws with narration at times. There was a bit of a mystery element which made it fun and kept it moving. Some plot points never came to a resolution which is a bit frustrating but all in all worth a credit.

Go, Go-Go, Go

This is why I love Laura Lippman and Linda Emond together. Descriptive story with some of the strongest narration narration around. My favorite, and for some reason most lasting image is the preparation for the Priest's arrival to tea. I could literally picture every hair, the cake, the kitchen and the smell of the place.
This one was outstanding.

The Most Dangerous Thing

I have to admit that I am disappointed by this novel. Sometimes, Laura Lippman can be right on, and most of her novels I have listened to on audio book, are great but honestly, this was a let down. I got into the whole thing about it kind of being like "The Big Chill" with friends getting together after the death of a friend in their circle. It could have been a great story line but it was just so boring. The narrator however was very good and the only reason I didn't just delete it from my iPod and move on to something else. It just falls flat there is no suspense and no thrill. If you must pick a book by her, I suggest "What the dead know" that was really good.

Baltimore story of kids & consequences

From Baltimore I could relate to the places mentioned throughout the novel. A group of 5 friends & how childhood events affected their & their parents lives as adults. Thoroughly enjoyed the story.

People can be dangerous

Lies can have various effects on people and the lives they lead. This story. led to characters leading reckless lives because of something that occured when they were kids. What tangled web's.....