Not enough Dismas; too much back-story

I listened to and enjoyed the first two Dismas Hardy titles available from Audible (Guilt and Mercy). I'm pleased with the several new releases that have become recently available and will probably buy and listen to all of them.

But this is not the Dismas Hardy book for new "readers" or old fans. The first fifteen minutes or so set up a couple of back- stories that involve none of the Dismas Hardy characters. These back-stories take up AT LEAST 75% of the book! And they are tedious.

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2.5 because of the "bait and switch" ; else 3*

I did not take the reviewers seriously, so I had to suffer through hours and hours of war playing, some interesting interactions among some non-Hardy/Glitsky characters, etc. The war stuff was so intolerable (I did not enlist to read about Iraq), that I had to skip past much of it, thus a wasted credit (though I paid a reduced cash price for it). I have read most of the series, though not in order, and I found it funny to hear Abe characterized/voiced as he was. The later books are more appealing to me.

BTW: I loathed Ms. Tara, what a wuss!

When Hardy, et al finally showed up, it was great, as expected, and it reached all of the series' high notes.

However, I am miffed over the long pre-story to explain the characters' later actions. That part (the documentary portion) could have been a half or a quarter its length. It felt like a soapbox for the author to take aim at the war, the govt, the FBI, etc., etc. And, while all those shots were probably at least partially accurate, and probably need(ed) airing, this was not the place for it. It's like being in a class and the required textbook is the instructor's own. I am disappointed in it because the hours I spent listening (waiting) for the Hardy/Glitsky book to begin, I could have been listening to something else.

The outcome was classsic Lescroart/Hardy... satisfying even more for the the slick twist at the end. Left me wondering just when I blacked out or if I did black out, or if I am just pretending to have blacked out during some of the long exposition and frequent fight passages. Nevertheless, this could have been a terrific long short story, novella, or something and could have felt much more immediate and riveting than in this particular format. Without the prologue introducing Hardy's cast of character's, I would have left the whole thing Iraq.

2 people found this helpful

Where is Dismas Hardy?

Any additional comments?

This book is alright, but as a Dismas Hardy book, it falls short. Why? Because Dismas Hardy is absent for the majority of the novel. As much as I like the Hardy series, I felt short changed, as though I was sold a mediocre novel in a Dismas Hardy package: keep listening, Dismas Hardy will make an appearance soon. By the time he did, I had forgotten I was expecting him.

2 people found this helpful

The best Lescroart yet

With "Betrayal," John Lescroart departs a bit from his ongoing San Francisco series of novels. For one thing, part of the action takes place -- as a flashback -- in Iraq, unveiling some of the sobering corruption taking place there at our government's expense. Secondly, much of the subsequent action takes place not in San Francisco, but down the Peninsula in Redwood City. We still have Lescroart's perennial protagonists -- best friends Dismus Hardy and Abe Glitsky, defense attorney and cop -- working together to discover the hidden machinations that sent an innocent man to prison. But this time they don't enter center stage until midway through the story. Lescroart definitely did his homework for this novel, delving deep beyond his legal and law-enforcement expertise into the ugly underbelly of the Iraq war and the unscrupulous contractors capitalizing on it. But, as always, he also delves deep into the hearts and minds of his characters, making them real to us, and making us care about them. Also, as always, David Colacci does a magnificent job narrating this audiobook. He has a wide range of voices and accents to draw upon, clearly distinguishing the characters from each other. I recommend this audiobook to anybody who enjoys legal thrillers with heart.

4 people found this helpful

BRILLIANT!!!!!

Everything about this book is brilliant!!! Every chapter builds the momentum, further legitimizing the books premise, leaving its listener anxious for more. It delivers, to the very end.

another great book

I loved it...can't wait to start the next one...John Lescroart is a master story teller

another great another great Dismas Hardy book

I've been reading this series in order and every time I finish I think this is the best one yet. A large part of the story this time his background that the regular characters aren't involved in, it was still gripping story. The finsl resolution chilling and satisfying.

Not a Dismiss Hardy book

What did you love best about Betrayal?

I love listening to David Calocci...he does a great job.

Would you ever listen to anything by John Lescroart again?

Always if David Calocci is performing.

Any additional comments?

This was so not a Dismiss Hardy book and I was disappointed that it was portrayed as one. It wasn't until the book was 3/4 done that he (and Glitsky) were really in the storyline.

great read!

narrator read the book as if I was in the story. another hh good book to recommend.

Like a Bait and Switch

What could have made this a 4 or 5-star listening experience for you?

The narrator was fine. It was the story that was a disappointing surprise.

What was most disappointing about John Lescroart’s story?

It felt like a bait and switch because most of the book takes place without Hardy and Glitzky. It takes place in Iraq and Redwood City with a whole trial to get through with a different lawyer.

How did the narrator detract from the book?

Narrator was fine.

What reaction did this book spark in you? Anger, sadness, disappointment?

Strong disappointment

Any additional comments?

It should have been noted somewhere that Hardy does a small cameo at the beginning and then shows up again for the last chapters.