Desert Star Audiobook, by Michael Connelly Play Audiobook Sample

Desert Star Audiobook

Desert Star Audiobook, by Michael Connelly Play Audiobook Sample
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Read By: Peter Giles, Titus Welliver, Christine Lakin Publisher: Little, Brown & Company Listen Time: at 1.0x Speed 6.33 hours at 1.5x Speed 4.75 hours at 2.0x Speed Series: The Renée Ballard Series Release Date: November 2022 Format: Unabridged Audiobook ISBN: 9781668602676

Quick Stats About this Audiobook

Total Audiobook Chapters:

57

Longest Chapter Length:

18:34 minutes

Shortest Chapter Length:

32 seconds

Average Chapter Length:

10:08 minutes

Audiobooks by this Author:

74

Other Audiobooks Written by Michael Connelly: > View All...

Publisher Description

LAPD detective Renée Ballard and Harry Bosch team up to hunt the brutal killer who is Bosch’s “white whale”—a man responsible for the murder of an entire family.

A year has passed since LAPD detective Renée Ballard quit the force in the face of misogyny, demoralization, and endless red tape. But after the chief of police himself tells her she can write her own ticket within the department, Ballard takes back her badge, leaving “the Late Show” to rebuild and lead the cold case unit at the elite Robbery-Homicide Division.

For years, Harry Bosch has been working a case that haunts him—the murder of an entire family by a psychopath who still walks free. Ballard makes Bosch an offer: come volunteer as an investigator in her new Open-Unsolved Unit, and he can pursue his “white whale” with the resources of the LAPD behind him.

First priority for Ballard is to clear the unsolved rape and murder of a sixteen-year-old girl. The decades-old case is essential to the councilman who supported re-forming the unit, and who could shutter it again—the victim was his sister. When Ballard gets a “cold hit” connecting the killing to a similar crime, proving that a serial predator has been at work in the city for years, the political pressure has never been higher. To keep momentum going, she has to pull Bosch off his own investigation, the case that is the consummation of his lifelong mission.

The two must put aside old resentments and new tensions to run to ground not one but two dangerous killers who have operated with brash impunity. In what may be his most gripping and profoundly moving book yet, Michael Connelly shows once again why he has been dubbed “one of the greatest crime writers of all time” (Ryan Steck, Crimereads).

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"I just finished listening to the audiobook version of 'Desert Star' by Michael Connelly, and it was an absolute delight! The narration by Peter Giles, Titus Welliver, and Christine Lakin was absolutely superb. Their collective performances added a level of depth that many other audiobooks simply cannot match. Each one brought out the unique personalities of each character in the book, both major and minor. Michael Connelly crafted an exciting thriller with plenty of twists and turns for us all to enjoy. He brings us back into familiar territory with his beloved Los Angeles setting and keeps us guessing until almost the very end with its tight pacing and suspenseful atmosphere. If you're looking for a thrilling crime story that will keep you hooked until the end then 'Desert Star' is definitely worth a listen (or read). And if you're like me, then you'll be even more impressed once you hear these wonderful performances from these three terrific actors! Trust me when I say that this is one audiobook experience you won't want to miss out on!"

— Len Young (5 out of 5 stars)

Quotes

  • “Readers will be glad to know that Connelly is still bringing the same intensity and atmosphere to his iconic series.”

    — CrimeReads
  • “Thrilling…Both cases require deep dives into the past; both lead to great action scenes; and, as always, Connelly displays his encyclopedic knowledge of the latest forensics…[Desert Star] ranks up there with Connelly’s best.”

    — Publishers Weekly
  • Readers will be glad to know that Connelly is still bringing the same intensity and atmosphere to his iconic series.

    — Crimereads
  • A thoroughly engrossing procedural… The Dark Hours offers plenty of shocking scenes and clever surprises.

    — Tom Nolan, Wall Street Journal
  • Outstanding… Connelly is the most consistently superior living crime fiction author. The Dark Hours just reinforces that.

    — Oline H. Cogdill, South Florida Sun Sentinel
  • Extraordinary… [Connelly] is one of the best in the business at writing about investigations and creating intense suspense, but the relationship between Ballard and Bosch—a professional friendship that grows out of two brilliant minds dedicated to the same difficult but important work—is the cherry on top.

    — Collette Bancroft, Tampa Bay Times

Awards

  • A #1 New York Times bestseller
  • A South Florida Sun Sentinel Pick of Best Mysteries of the Year
  • An Amazon.com bestseller
  • A New York Times Bestseller in Audio

Desert Star Listener Reviews

Overall Performance: 4.375 out of 54.375 out of 54.375 out of 54.375 out of 54.375 out of 5 (4.38)
5 Stars: 11
4 Stars: 3
3 Stars: 0
2 Stars: 1
1 Stars: 1
Narration: 4.6 out of 54.6 out of 54.6 out of 54.6 out of 54.6 out of 5 (4.60)
5 Stars: 12
4 Stars: 2
3 Stars: 0
2 Stars: 0
1 Stars: 1
Story: 4.21428571428571 out of 54.21428571428571 out of 54.21428571428571 out of 54.21428571428571 out of 54.21428571428571 out of 5 (4.21)
5 Stars: 8
4 Stars: 4
3 Stars: 0
2 Stars: 1
1 Stars: 1
Write a Review
  • Overall Performance: 5 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 5 Narration Rating: 5 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 5 Story Rating: 5 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 5

    " Michael Connelly is one of my favorite authors, and Harry Bosch has to be my favorite detective. I will definitely read all of the other Bosch novels and anything else by Connelly. "

    — G.L. Summs, 2/27/2024
  • Overall Performance: 4 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 5 Narration Rating: 4 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 5 Story Rating: 4 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 5

    — EP, 4/17/2023
  • Overall Performance: 5 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 5 Narration Rating: 5 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 5 Story Rating: 2 out of 52 out of 52 out of 52 out of 52 out of 5

    — James Doig, 3/15/2023
  • Overall Performance: 5 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 5 Narration Rating: 5 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 5 Story Rating: 5 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 5

    — Kenneth Lowery, 3/13/2023
  • Overall Performance: 1 out of 51 out of 51 out of 51 out of 51 out of 5 Narration Rating: 1 out of 51 out of 51 out of 51 out of 51 out of 5 Story Rating: 1 out of 51 out of 51 out of 51 out of 51 out of 5

    — David Teo, 2/15/2023
  • Overall Performance: 5 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 5 Narration Rating: 5 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 5

    — Don Thomas, 1/21/2023
  • Overall Performance: 5 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 5 Narration Rating: 5 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 5 Story Rating: 5 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 5

    " This novel is an engrossing page-turner that will keep you guessing until the very end! Michael Connelly deftly combines action and suspense with a compelling cast of characters that live and breathe in the pages. The story unfolds like clockwork, with each new clue leading to even more questions and twists. The writing style is clear and concise yet vivid enough to accurately convey all of the most subtle details of the story. The pacing is fantastic and creates plenty of tension that make this a truly thrilling listen. Fans of Michael Connelly won't be disappointed in this latest installment in the Bosch world; he once again delivers a captivating mystery full of unexpected turns that keep you engaged until the very end. Even readers unfamiliar with his work can appreciate this entertaining book – Desert Star stands out as one of Connelly's best works yet! "

    — MJ66, 1/10/2023
  • Overall Performance: 4 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 5 Narration Rating: 4 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 5 Story Rating: 4 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 5

    — Skyler, 1/9/2023
  • Overall Performance: 5 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 5 Narration Rating: 5 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 5 Story Rating: 4 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 5

    " I recently had the pleasure of listening to "Desert Star" by Michael Connelly and I was absolutely blown away! This audiobook is an excellent choice for anyone who loves thrilling crime stories with plenty of mysterious twists. The 3 narrators' performances were top-notch and I feel each reader was perfect for this novel (Titus especially - big fan of the Harry Bosch TV series). The plot is exciting and unpredictable, filled with twists and turns that kept me on edge throughout the 9+ hours. I would highly recommend this audiobook to anyone looking for a thought-provoking story full of intrigue and suspense! "

    — K1Ken, 1/3/2023
  • Overall Performance: 5 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 5 Narration Rating: 5 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 5 Story Rating: 5 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 5

    " Desert Star is a captivating novel that takes you on a thrilling journey thanks to Michael Connelly's excellent writing and wonderful audio performances from acclaimed actors, Peter Giles, Titus Welliver, and Christine Lakin. They conjure a wide range of voices and accents as they narrate this exciting story. The book is filled with complex characters, intense action sequences, unexpected plot twists, and many moments of heart-pounding suspense. Mr. Connelly's skill at creating compelling characters and eliciting strong emotion from them is evident throughout the story; each character feels real, living and breathing during every second of audio narration. The performances by the 3 narrators are outstanding throughout Desert Star; each brings something unique to their respective roles and helps to create an immersive listening experience that draws you into the world Mr. Connelly has created. This audiobook adaptation of Desert Star comes highly recommended! "

    — Terrence1975, 12/29/2022
  • Overall Performance: 2 out of 52 out of 52 out of 52 out of 52 out of 5

    — Maribeth KellerGreenway, 12/28/2022
  • Overall Performance: 5 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 5 Narration Rating: 5 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 5 Story Rating: 5 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 5

    " This is truly an intense, thrilling audiobook and was perfect for a recent roadtrip! The trio of narrators was a perfect fit to create the suspense filled world of Harry Bosch and his relentless pursuit of justice. The narration provided by Peter Giles, Titus Welliver, and Christine Lakin is superb from start to finish. Each character's dialogue comes alive due to their distinct tones and vocal performances that bring a sense of realism to the story. As Harry Bosch investigates his latest case he deals with personal demons while still holding onto his own unique brand of justice. Desert Star is an expertly crafted piece of storytelling read by three wonderful narrators that brilliantly capture the tension and emotions at stake with every turn. Michael Connelly has done it again! "

    — Art N., 12/21/2022
  • Overall Performance: 5 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 5 Narration Rating: 5 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 5 Story Rating: 5 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 5

    " Desert Star captured my attention from start to finish. Not only does this thrilling story have a captivating plot and characters, but it is also narrated by three amazing actors, Peter Giles, Titus Welliver, and Christine Lakin. Each one brings their own unique flavor to the story and helps bring the story to life. The narration really shines on this book. Peter Giles has an authoritative presence that makes him perfect for narrating the suspenseful scenes while Titus Welliver provides a deep, gruff voice for some of the more grizzled characters in the story. Christine Lakin adds her own unique flair with her smooth, calming tones. This trio of talented narrators/actors work together beautifully to create a truly immersive listening experience. Summing up, Desert Star is an incredible audiobook that blends storytelling with excellent production values and top-notch narration from some great actors. If you're looking for thrilling mystery with plenty of suspense then look no further – Desert Star delivers on all fronts! "

    — Sara K., 12/16/2022
  • Overall Performance: 4 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 5 Narration Rating: 5 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 5 Story Rating: 4 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 5

    — Sm., 12/10/2022
  • Overall Performance: 5 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 5 Narration Rating: 5 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 5 Story Rating: 5 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 5

    " Desert Star is brilliantly narrated by Peter Giles, Titus Welliver, and Christine Lakin, and it really is an incredible audiobook experience! This thrilling novel had me hooked from the very beginning to the very end! It kept me on the edge of my seat with constant suspense as I followed Detective Hieronymus "Harry" Bosch on another one of his exciting investigations. The great narration by the acting team helped to further intensify certain scenes throughout the book, making it even more captivating to me. What I found most impressive about Desert Star was how every little detail was so carefully crafted together into a cohesive plotline that never failed to surprise or shock me throughout its entire run time. Desert Star is definitely an audiobook worth listening to - you won't regret it! "

    — Karloff88, 12/8/2022
  • Overall Performance: 5 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 5 Narration Rating: 5 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 5 Story Rating: 5 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 5

    " The audiobook version of Desert Star is a remarkable experience IMHO. I found it to be an engaging and captivating tale that delivers a compelling story with great attention to detail. The narration by Peter Giles, Titus Welliver, and Christine Lakin adds depth and nuance to the novel – each brings their own flavor to their respective characters' lines. They capture the emotions of each character perfectly and it really made for a fun listening experience on my daily jog. I highly recommended this book if you're looking for a thrilling detective novel with complex characters and plenty of intrigue and suspense throughout. The narrators do an excellent job with each character while staying true to Michael Connelly's writing style. Furthermore, there is plenty of background information given regarding law enforcement procedure that adds veracity to the story without weighing it down too much. A 5 star title for sure! "

    — Aries, 11/30/2022

About Michael Connelly

Michael Connelly, author of suspense thriller and detective mysteries, was named a Grand Master by the Mystery Writers of America in 2023. He has written several #1 New York Times bestsellers and numerous titles that made the New York Times and USA Today bestseller lists. He has won most every award given in the mystery and thriller genres, including the Anthony Award for Best Novel and the Barry Award for Best Novel. He is a former newspaper reporter who also won numerous awards for his journalism.

About the Narrators

Peter Giles, a film, television, and voice actor, is best known in the audiobook industry for his superb narration of Michael Connelly's thrillers.

Titus Welliver, an Earphones Award–winning narrator, is an actor best known for his starring role as Harry Bosch on the Bosch television series, as well as roles in the television’s Deadwood, Lost, Sons of Anarchy, and The Good Wife. He has also starred in numerous movies, including Argo, Man on a Ledge, Gone Baby Gone, and The Town.

Christine Lakin is an Earphones Award–winning narrator and acclaimed television actress, best known for her roles as Alicia “Al” Lambert on the hit family comedy Step by Step and as Joan of Arc on Showtime’s Reefer Madness.