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Criminal Paradise Audiobook
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(3.10) - 39 listener ratings
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Publisher Description
Robert Rivers is an honorable thief who has made a living conducting well-planned heists on the various businesses that dot the idyllic environs of Southern California. But during a routine robbery of a local steakhouse, Rivers comes across something that shakes him from his comfortable existence. Stuffed inside the restaurant's safe, alongside the money, is a photograph of a teenage Vietnamese girl. Though Rivers tries to enjoy the money and move on, he finds himself haunted by the picture.
Soon, Rivers comes face to face with the realization that there are dark things afoot in Orange County—deeds that make his heists look like fun and games. And when an old friend shows up hoping to get in on the action, Rivers is forced to wrestle with questions of loyalty and conscience that just might lead him to some kind of redemption.
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"I heard about this when it was nominated for best first novel at thrillerfest this year and I love it. It has one of the darkest and most diabolical villains I have ever come across and one of the most interesting and charistmatic heroes -- who just happens to be a criminal."
— Saul (5 out of 5 stars)
Quotes
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“Stylish...with its witty narrator...and vividly described Southern California setting.”
— Chicago Tribune -
“Robert Rivers is a superb character, and I loved his sidekick. The opening heist was so wonderfully done…Send me anything this guy writes, he’s the rare and real deal.”
— Ken Bruen, author of The Guards -
“Lawlor does justice to Thomas’ story of conscience and crime, lending a solid storytelling style to a disturbing tale…This is one of those books for which a happy ending seems impossible, but the author pulls it off.”
— AudioFile -
“Thomas combines moments of genuine writerly grace with an attractively seedy locale and a number of memorably creepy characters...many crime fans will enjoy this one; here’s hoping Rivers returns to the scene of another crime.”
— Booklist
Awards
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A 2009 International Thriller Writers Award Nominee for Best First Novel
Criminal Paradise Listener Reviews
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" Super fun book! "
— Ann, 10/28/2011
About Steven M. Thomas
Steven M. Thomas is a Southern California crime-fiction writer. He was born in Ohio, grew up in St. Louis, and lives in Orange County. He is a graduate of the writing program at the University of California, Irvine.
About Patrick Lawlor
Patrick Lawlor, an award-winning narrator, is also an accomplished stage actor, director, and combat choreographer. He has worked extensively off Broadway and has been an actor and stuntman in both film and television. He has been an Audie Award finalist multiple times and has garnered several AudioFile Earphones Awards, a Publishers Weekly Listen-Up Award, and many starred audio reviews from Library Journal and Kirkus Reviews.