The Spire

By: Richard North Patterson

Narrated by: Holter Graham

Both a razor-sharp thriller and a poignant love story, this twisting tale of psychological suspense is Patterson's most compelling novel in years

Mark Darrow grew up in a small Ohio town with no real advantages beyond his intelligence and athletic ability. But thanks to the intervention of Lionel Farr—a professor at Caldwell, the local college—Darrow became an excellent student and, later, a superb trial lawyer. Now Farr asks his still-youthful protégé for a life-altering favor. An embezzlement scandal has threatened Caldwell's very existence—would Darrow consider becoming its new president?

Darrow accepts, but returning to his alma mater opens old wounds. Sixteen years ago, on the night of his greatest triumph as Caldwell's star quarterback, he discovered the body of a black female student named Angela Hall at the base of the Spire, the bell tower that dominates the leafy campus. His best friend, Steve Tillman, was charged with Angela's murder and ultimately sent to prison for life. But now, even as Darrow begins the daunting task of leading Caldwell, he discovers that the case against his friend left crucial questions unanswered. Despite his new obligations—and his deepening attachment to Farr's beautiful though troubled daughter—Darrow begins his own inquiry into the murder. Soon he becomes convinced that Angela's killer is still at large, but only when another mysterious death occurs does he understand that his own life is at risk.

©2009 Richard North Patterson (P)2009 Macmillan Audio

Critic reviews

“Holter Graham does wonderful things with the voices in this story of racism, sexual sadism, and justice delayed...Patterson and Graham make this first-class listening.” —AudioFile

“An enthralling saga that captivates the reader from the beginning to end, highly recommended.” —The Midwest Book Review

“Performed by Holter Graham, it's edge of your seat all the way.” —BookPage

Excellent Thriller

Different from most of Patterson's political mysteries, this was an excellent psychological thriller. I figured out who the bad guy was about half way through the story, but enjoyed the ending anyway.

Mediocre - a disappointment

At this point there are two other reviews. One is 5 stars and the other 1 star. I'll go half way between. This was an OK mystery but certainly not riveting or a page turner. I figured out the who dunit less than half way through the book. It was more of a narrative than a good mystery. If I were stuck on an island, I would read it for something to do. It certainly wasn't up to his (R N Patterson) standards.

Fabulous!

Richard North Patterson casts his story and characters in sympathetic human forms rarely equalled among his peers. This book is one of his best! The story holds interest all through, not only because of the story itself but because of the wonderful way it is written. His in-depth treatment of well known human condition and emotion is wonderful, adding great joy to the reading of the book. I was sorry to have finished it, and look forward to the next Patterson novel. You will enjoy it too, I'm sure.

A nice return for RNP

This book reminded me of the first books I read by Richard North Patterson...Degree of Guilt and Eyes of a Child. While I guessed the identity of the bad guy early on, I was still anxious as I always am when listening to one of his books. I loved it! The reader wasn't a Barbara Rosenblatt, but he was good.

The plot

Disliked that culprit easily guessed but liked the main character. He was easy to relate to and story was interesting.

Very entertaining

Time spent listening to this book is time well spent. I enjoyed this story. It was gripping.

Very good listen

Captivating from the beginning. Really enjoyed this book although some parts were a little dark. Very good book.

Spire

It was a Good book and kept my interest but ending too obvious. Well read.

Great Book!

I truly enjoyed this book! It was just fast enough to keep me interested. Most times I find myself drifting from the speaker but not this time. The reader's voice was perfect for this book. Very enjoyable!

The Spire

This is by far one of Richard North Patterson's best books. I enjoyed it to the end.