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Billy Straight: A Novel Audiobook
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(3.00) - 3,532 listener ratings
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Publisher Description
In this riveting, astute, high-tension thriller, the creator of psychologist sleuth Alex Delaware weaves a Dickensian tale of innocence, urban depravity, and the resilience of the human spirit, and brings to the page one of the most endearing and finely drawn characters in contemporary fiction. Twelve-year-old Billy Straight--precocious, heartbreakingly perceptive, relentlessly moral--has fled the chaos and abuse of his life at home and is fighting to survive on L.A.'s meanest streets. All alone, Billy has fashioned a precarious existence for himself, using principled tricks to nourish his body and his mind. Late one night he watches from his hiding place as a man viciously butchers a woman. The victim turns out to be the ex-wife of a television celebrity with a history of domestic violence, and Billy becomes the center of terrifying attention--from the media, from violent bounty hunters, and from the murderer himself. As he runs for his life, relying on his native wit and instincts for survival, Billy is also tracked by a potential savior: Petra Connor, a tough, gifted, beautiful LAPD homicide detective with a past of her own. Breathtakingly paced, Billy Straight brings to life one street kid's efforts to survive in the face of unspeakable evil. Richly layered, emotionally compelling, and peopled by a vivid cast of supporting characters--including Alex Delaware himself in a strong cameo role--this gripping novel represents one of the century's great story-tellers at the top of his form.
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"Another great read & Petra added depth, not sure if I really liked her but glad to have someone new around. I felt for this kid & liked the point of view of a kid that age with serious problems which is a very real problem that is understated these days. Another great book."
— Kj (5 out of 5 stars)
Billy Straight Listener Reviews
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Karen Serafino, 8/31/2020
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" As always Jonathan Kellerman is a very polished writer for these stories. Really enjoyed the tale. "
— Jeffrey, 2/11/2014 -
" One of his better books. "
— Rod, 2/9/2014 -
" This is probably Kellerman's best novel. Don't read it if you want a peaceful night's sleep, but if you're looking for well-crafted characters, a suspensful storyline, and lots of twists, this is the book for you! "
— Jonna, 1/19/2014 -
" this book just wasn't as good as the delaware books, or maybe i was expecting too much "
— Smoochys, 1/14/2014 -
" A good book. Away from Alex Delaware. Well executed. "
— Amanda, 1/11/2014 -
" Kellerman does it for me again - lots of twists that keep you guessing to the end. "
— Linda, 1/10/2014 -
" This was an excellent read - edge of your seat. "
— Kathy, 1/4/2014 -
" This book was ok. It was not part of his usual Dr. Alex Delaware series. This was about one of the cops, Petra, but I really didn't learn much more about her. "
— Ginger, 12/14/2013 -
" I forgot how much I enjoy Jonathan Kellerman. This is fun. "
— Liz, 12/4/2013 -
" This was an interesting and fast reading thriller with a walk-on by Alex Delaware. "
— Susan, 11/28/2013 -
" It's been a few years since I read this book. It was recommended by Theresa, a librarian at Lawrence Library. "
— Lisa, 11/21/2013 -
" The first Jonathan Kellerman book I have read, and it was a page turner, highly recommended. "
— Eric, 11/6/2013 -
" Too earnest. "
— Tim, 10/29/2013 -
" This was another entertaining Kellerman with lots of twists and turns right up to the end. The boy in the novel is endearing and you can't help but love his survival skills in the many incredible situations he finds himself in. "
— Muriel, 8/27/2013 -
" This is a breathtaking novel it kept me riveted till the last page, the story moves very quickly and it is simple to read. "
— Toni, 5/5/2013 -
" Enjoyable. Worth reading. "
— Fran, 4/16/2013 -
" an older book of Kellerman..good psycho thriller. "
— susan, 3/26/2013 -
" Good book. Though reading the book I found that even though it is named "Billy Straight" there was really 2 main characters where there should have only been one. Or the layout could have at least changed a bit so that it wasn't supposed to be about just about Billy. "
— Jes, 11/9/2012 -
" An enjoyable mystery. "
— Sarah, 11/8/2012 -
" Good book. Easy read. Exciting ending and surprise. "
— Dianne, 9/19/2012 -
" I tried to step out of my comfort zone and read a book like this for book club. What a mistake. I laughed out loud at some of the absurd situations. I thought it was crappy. "
— Jen, 9/3/2012 -
" another beach read this summer. i really dislike books with children as the protagonist, but this one was quite interesting and a good story, too. kellerman did a good job. "
— Sskous, 6/9/2012 -
" I liked Petra okay, but I didn't love the book as a whole "
— Kaethe, 3/20/2012 -
" Not quite as good as the books with Milo, but I still enjoyed it. Kellerman is an excellent writer despite the fact his novels are somewhat cliche. As I said previously, his novels are my guilty pleasure. "
— Stephanie, 2/4/2012 -
" Pretty good story, I really liked the Billy Straight character. I'd recommend it to fans of the genre. "
— Katherine, 6/18/2011 -
" bit slow and boring. didn't finish. "
— Mark, 6/12/2011 -
" Gripping and well written. "
— Samara, 5/25/2011 -
" Wow, I read this book twelve years ago! I don't remember details; the only comment that I wrote down was that I liked it a lot and would like to see these characters in another book. I've read a lot of Kellerman and like his style. "
— Carolyn, 5/16/2011 -
" this book just wasn't as good as the delaware books, or maybe i was expecting too much "
— Smoochys, 2/25/2011 -
" Excellent story told through the alternating voices of three of the main characters. This might be the best Jonathon Kellerman book I have read, not only a thriller, but a thought provoker as well. "
— Cindee, 8/2/2010 -
" This book was ok. It was not part of his usual Dr. Alex Delaware series. This was about one of the cops, Petra, but I really didn't learn much more about her. "
— Ginger, 1/6/2010 -
" This is a breathtaking novel it kept me riveted till the last page, the story moves very quickly and it is simple to read. <br/> <br/> "
— Toni, 2/8/2009 -
" Billy Straight: A Novel by Jonathan Kellerman (2006) "
— Julie, 1/18/2009 -
" The first chapter didn't really get to me, but once I got past it I was hooked. "
— Lisa, 1/17/2009
About Jonathan Kellerman
Jonathan Kellerman is the #1 New York Times bestselling author of more than fifty crime novels. His unique perspective on human behavior has led to the creation of the Alex Delaware series. He has won the Goldwyn, Edgar, and Anthony awards and the Lifetime Achievement Award from the American Psychological Association. With his wife, bestselling novelist Faye Kellerman, he co-authored Double Homicide and Capital Crimes. With his son, bestselling novelist Jesse Kellerman, he co-authored six novels.
About Grover Gardner
Grover Gardner (a.k.a. Tom Parker) is an award-winning narrator with over a thousand titles to his credit. Named one of the “Best Voices of the Century” and a Golden Voice by AudioFile magazine, he has won three prestigious Audie Awards, was chosen Narrator of the Year for 2005 by Publishers Weekly, and has earned more than thirty Earphones Awards.