Twist

Frank Quinn, Book 8

By: John Lutz

Narrated by: Scott Brick

Length: 12 hrs and 49 mins

Publisher's summary

Kill... or be killed. Frank Quinn is a decorated ex-cop. A former homicide detective specializing in tracking serial killers. Now his niece, Carlie Clark, needs help. Someone is stalking her, and the NYPD can’t stop him. A blonde, blue-eyed beauty, Carlie fits the victim type of the killer who’s been terrorizing women — leaving them bound, gagged, and tortured with surgical precision. To win against the most personal adversary of his career, Quinn will have to set the perfect trap. All he needs is the perfect bait….

©2013 John Lutz (P)2013 Brilliance Audio, Inc.

Leaves Unanswered Questions

Would you listen to Twist again? Why?

No - it was ok, but I am frustrated with the writer. Situations will occur and then he never returns to them, it is the end of the book and I was left wondering about several things that happened and should have had some closure or explanation. He does this quite a bit, the book just ends and then there are these dangling events, even if small, are important in my opinion. Even reading the next book in the series there is no clear explanation. Oh well.

John Lutz is on of my favorite authors...

I am torn, I liked the beginning, the middle and was disappointed toward the end. That is why the story got only three stars.

I am not sorry that I bought it, but it is not a book that I would listen to again.

I will buy the next John Lutz book.

Similar formula...

...as with his other books. There is a back story that figures into the current serial killer story. However, I happen to like that, and I like trying to put the pieces together before they are revealed. I like the characters from this series and look forward to the next book to let me know how they all are doing. I am also a fan of Scott Brick's voice, and listen to many of his books. So, all that combined with a compelling serial killer story, this is worth the credit.

Same Ol', Same Ol'...

I enjoy John Lutz novels and he is definitely a skilled writer, however he seems as though he's tiring of the Frank Quin series and just using his same ol' storyline to whip out a "pay check". This particular story had the same familiar characters saying pretty much the same things and doing pretty much the same things.

The story started out with much potential and excitement, however became tiresome and just petered out at the end. Almost seemed as though the ending was abridged. Very predictable. I found this especially disappointing, as Lutz introduced a character whom could have livened up the ending, however the character just disappeared from the storyline and was put to no use. Not even "Red Herring" status.

Scott Brick did his usual fantastic read.

I would have given this book 4 stars, but rate it 3.5 for Lutz just phoning in another predictable read.

Confusing and a rushed ending. BUT still good...

Why was this called the Frank Quinn series? Everyone was in this a lot more than him. But there was some great characters: Pearl, Jody, Carlie, Fedderman, Sal, Harold and, of course, our killer. They were all in the story more than Quinn, which was kind of a bummer.

Our killer was killing according to the alphabet and went from G back to C, for Carlie. AND the way he killed the women was absolutely gross. AND I didn't even understand it. Either I missed something or the author never told the reader what the whip and the Statute of Liberty had to do with the killing.

Also, the ending was really a let down, so rushed. It could have had a better ending but since the book was from 2013 it's a little late for that. LOL..

This was my first and last book by this author. He's an an author who likes to describe every bit of description when killing a woman and that's too much.

There was only off screen sex and no real swearing to speak of.

As for the narration: Even 8 years ago Scott Brick was wonderful.

Excellent s story & narration! listened twice.

just as good the second time.
well worth tee credit.
warning - the cringe scene descriptions will see me anyone wince!

Lutz has done it again

If youve ever read or listened to a Lutz book, mainly the Quinn series, you know what you will get stem to stern, every time. With that said, they always hold my attention and when I finish Im always waiting for the next. I love Quinn maybe as good as any of the more popular ficticious detectives/ex detectives runninig around out there in the fiction world. I also like Pearl and Feds, Quinn's partners as they are nice comic relief from time to time with their bickering. And scott brick did another great job here just like always. These two make a great team. 4 out of 5 for me

I love John Lutz, but....

What did you like best about Twist? What did you like least?

I love the recurring cast of characters Lutz has populated his Detective Quinn series with. They are vivid, quirky, and show some wear and tear that's realistic. The weakest link is Pearl's mother who gets more and more tedious with every book.

There's a glimmer of a good serial killer M.O. in this book but it seems forced and sorta silly, ultimately.

Would you recommend Twist to your friends? Why or why not?

I always recommend Lutz to my friends with strong stomachs. Lutz is HARSH so unless you're one of those who appreciates that (especially when it comes to violence against women) steer clear. One of the things I like most about Lutz is his willingness to push the boundaries.

What about Scott Brick’s performance did you like?

I won't lie. I LOVE Scott Brick. I will jump at any book he narrates. Something about the timbre of his voice and his great female voices ( never over played and deal breaker for me) really hooks me. His is TOP NOTCH and has become the voice of Lutz. He has narrated most if not all of the Quinn series.

Was Twist worth the listening time?

Always worth listening to a Quinn story. But the killer in this one was rather half baked and the resolution felt rushed and unsatisfying. Especially since Lutz has set such a high bar for himself. The narrative also suffered with the addition of some lack luster new characters that I hope are gone by the next novel.

Any additional comments?

Read Lutz! He's sick, harsh and usually brings the pain in every novel. But this one was a bit of a let down. But still better than most of the hard boiled serial killer stuff out there.

Great Match - John Lutz and Scott Brick

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

Electric twists and turns!

Who was your favorite character and why?

Frank Quinn is a hunter who understands the complex minds of serial killers.

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

Scott Brick is a narrator who builds incredible suspense with his skillful understanding of
pace and timing.

Quinn does it again

After listening to all of the Frank Quinn novels, I feel like Scott Brick has brought to life John Lutz's characters so that they've become a part of my life. Though they are all about serial killers, there is actually a comfort listening to and about them.