The Sentinel

By: Jeffrey Konvitz

Narrated by: Mary Murphy

Length: 8 hrs and 16 mins

Publisher's summary

Aspiring model Allison Parker finally moves into her dream apartment: a brownstone on Manhattan's Upper West Side. But her perfect home quickly turns hellish. The building is filled with a cast of sinister tenants, including a reclusive blind priest, who seems to watch her day and night through an upstairs window. Eventually, Allison starts hearing strange noises from the empty apartment above hers. Before long, she uncovers the building's demonic secret and is plunged into a nightmare of sinful misdeeds and boundless evil. In the tradition of Rosemary's Baby, this gripping novel was adapted into a feature film starring Ava Gardner, Cristina Raines, and Chris Sarandon. The Sentinel is classic horror at its best.

©2016 Jeffrey Konvitz (P)2016 Dreamscape Media, LLC

I was always a fan of the movie.

I’ve been a fan of The Sentinel (movie) for almost 20 years. Although I must admit, procrastination prevented me from reading the book when I first heard about it. Once discovering it was on audible, I decided to give it a chance. I have to say, it was pretty good. I’m definitely one of those people who prefers the film to the book, but it was good and it was well narrated. My one complaint, it gets a bit slow at times. But it was definitely worth the read. Or listen

A good suspenseful listen!

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

I enjoyed this narration. The intonation of the dialogue parts added to the drama and it helped me more fully imagine the characters.

Any additional comments?

I was looking for a good suspenseful horror story and found this satisfying. This is a well-crafted book that has been produced very well. It was well written and well told. Even in the quieter passages, it kept a hint of suspense.

Great narration, intriguing stroy

Where does The Sentinel rank among all the audiobooks you’ve listened to so far?

It is one of the better audiobooks because it was very engaging.

Who was your favorite character and why?

Alison, the main character is easy to identify with since she has had a fair deal of hardship in her life.

What about Mary Murphy’s performance did you like?

The narrator did a great job at characterizing the different people in the story. The supernatural element to the novel is skillfully handled by Murphy, who is able to tap into the chilling moments as well as the more everyday events that intersperse the audiobook.

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

The ending, in which it seems that Alison is predestined to become the new Sentinel.

Any additional comments?

I recommend anything else by the same narrator- she gives the story a great spirit and continuity- it's like a good friend is personally reading you the book!

mediocre

I saw this book on several lists lauding it as a classic horror novel. a must read that would spook you. it is none of those things...it is mediocre at best with very strong anti-gay, anti-women, and the plot took forever to get to the point. I understand that it was written in the seventies so I can overlook and forgive the overt homophobic overtones but the bad writing can not be forgiven.

The narrator...

This audio would have been much better with a different narrator. She spoke fast with not much expression and the main character's voice was annoying and at times childish. Even so, the story was good with a surprise ending.

Rosemary's Baby, Move Over!

This was a thrilling story and a great listening experience. You think you know where it's going - ha! Just wait! I was thoroughly pulled in by the mysterious atmosphere and felt I was living in that crazy world with Allison.

The characters were vividly brought to life by the great narration. Her reading enhanced the writing for me - she found the perfect pace and tone for each scene. The birthday party, in particular, was fabulous, with a room full of eccentric characters.

Bravo on all counts. I highly recommend.

Listen with the Lights On

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

Horror stories naturally lend themselves told aloud and this is no exception. Hearing this, instead of reading it, makes you feel like someone is in the room -- or the car which is where I listened to The Sentinel -- and it adds to the level of unease that a story like this is meant to evoke.

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

When the other tenants of the building are introduced, you can feel the story taking a turn down a sinister path. The characters add to the ambiance and I swear it feels like the lights dim.

What about Mary Murphy’s performance did you like?

I very much enjoyed the narrator who really showed a wide range of vocal qualities. Her pace and intonations added texture to the story, helping to bring to life the characters and the dark world they inhabit in smart detail.

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

Stay Away from the Upper West Side.

Any additional comments?

A great story for audio-book aficionados of all kinds, not just horror story fans.

Narrated by Siri

The story itself was dated, sexist, and homophobic. The main character is a timid woman who is always trembling when she's not busy being a model. That being said, it had a creative plot and some really great moments and characters. So if you can wade through the mediocrity, I'd say that the book has some gems that make it worthwhile. Unfortunately the woman narrating the book sounds like the voice of Siri or a GPS system. I kept expecting it to tell me to turn left on Main St.

great story.

The narrator sounds a little automated but after a while I got used to it, and it actually went well with the way the book was written. Definitely recommend it if you like older horror movies.

Fun and scary! Well written, beautifully read.

What made the experience of listening to The Sentinel the most enjoyable?

Really enjoyed the narrator.

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

From start to finish, this story kept my family and I on the edge of our my seats!

Any additional comments?

My family and I really enjoyed this story! We listened to it on a road trip up the coast and were totally sucked into the dark and haunting world. The narrator was particularly good at setting the haunting tone and mood. Perfect for a quite scary night in or on a road trip! Would definitely listen to another book by this writer and narrator!