The Charm School Audiobook, by Nelson DeMille Play Audiobook Sample

The Charm School Audiobook

The Charm School Audiobook, by Nelson DeMille Play Audiobook Sample
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Read By: Scott Brick Publisher: Grand Central Publishing Listen Time: at 1.0x Speed 16.67 hours at 1.5x Speed 12.50 hours at 2.0x Speed Release Date: October 2009 Format: Unabridged Audiobook ISBN: 9781600248160

Quick Stats About this Audiobook

Total Audiobook Chapters:

42

Longest Chapter Length:

86:31 minutes

Shortest Chapter Length:

06:31 minutes

Average Chapter Length:

35:37 minutes

Audiobooks by this Author:

40

Other Audiobooks Written by Nelson DeMille: > View All...

Publisher Description

"True master" and #1 New York Times bestselling author Nelson DeMille presents a chilling, relentlessly suspenseful story of Cold War espionage perfect for fans of the hit FX show The Americans (Dan Brown).



Something very strange -- and sinister -- is going on in the Russian woods at Borodino. In a place called Mrs. Ivanova's Charm School, young KGB agents are being taught by American POW's how to be model citizens of the USA. The Soviet goal -- to infiltrate the United States undetected. When an unsuspecting American tourist stumbles upon this secret, he sets in motion a CIA investigation that will reveal horrifying police state savagery and superpower treachery.

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"The unlikely premise of this thriller is so scary and diabolical that it draws you into the book like a magnet. What if there was a school in Russia that trained Russians how to be Americans? What if those "Americans" were mainstreamed into our society to "report back" to Russia? What if the instructors @ this supposed "Charm School" were POWs from the Vietnam War? This is a 536 page book that I could not put down. I loved the fact that the characters' behaviors were impossible to predict. Also, the politics in both Russia and the United States was intricately complicated and held consequences for both the operatives and innocent victims. I really liked that nothing was ever as it seemed. This was a great exercise for the brain in addition to be entertaining. I can't wait to try another by this author. Thanks to Rick Cohler for the rec! I would enjoy this book being made into a film. There was a film running inside my head the entire time I was reading it."

— Elizabeth (5 out of 5 stars)

Quotes

  • “A harrowing journey to the heart of totalitarian darkness…A chilling, compelling, disquieting, and ultimately devastating tale of police state savagery and superpower treachery.”

    — Washington Post
  • “An exciting, well-written story with a lot more action than spy-novel fans are accustomed to…This story gets high marks in suspense, action, and overall readability.”

    — San Diego Union-Tribune
  • “Highest marks go to The Charm School, which just might be the thriller of the year. It is relentlessly suspenseful, generating excitement on every page and presenting an honest, unflinching portrait of the Soviet Union and its people. The Charm School makes the grade.”

    — Atlanta Journal-Constitution
  • “A first-class thriller.”

    — St. Louis Post-Dispatch
  • “The plot is so good and gripping that putting the book down is almost a physical impossibility.”

    — Boston Herald
  • “[A] highly charged espionage thriller…Riveting reading.”

    — Publishers Weekly
  • “[A] chilling vision of modern Russia…Hair-raising.”

    — Library Journal

The Charm School Listener Reviews

Overall Performance: 4.5 out of 54.5 out of 54.5 out of 54.5 out of 54.5 out of 5 (4.50)
5 Stars: 23
4 Stars: 12
3 Stars: 2
2 Stars: 1
1 Stars: 0
Narration: 4.66666666666667 out of 54.66666666666667 out of 54.66666666666667 out of 54.66666666666667 out of 54.66666666666667 out of 5 (4.67)
5 Stars: 4
4 Stars: 2
3 Stars: 0
2 Stars: 0
1 Stars: 0
Story: 4 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 5 (4.00)
5 Stars: 3
4 Stars: 2
3 Stars: 0
2 Stars: 0
1 Stars: 1
Write a Review
  • Overall Performance: 2 out of 52 out of 52 out of 52 out of 52 out of 5 Narration Rating: 4 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 5 Story Rating: 1 out of 51 out of 51 out of 51 out of 51 out of 5

    — C.B., 7/29/2023
  • 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

    — Gregory Tesoriero, 9/10/2022
  • 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

    — 8/19/2020
  • 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

    — Scott, 8/11/2017
  • Overall Performance: 5 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 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

    — penelope, 6/26/2016
  • Overall Performance: 4 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 5

    " Kind of similar to Up Country in that a soldier goes back to where he originally fought and makes an enemy in that counry. It was intersting to think about the American training school for the KGB agents. "

    — Samantha, 2/16/2014
  • Overall Performance: 4 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 5

    " Good story if somewhat farfetched. "

    — Eric_W, 2/16/2014
  • Overall Performance: 4 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 5

    " Read on recommendation of friend, enjoyed it but haven't read a Demille since. Probably should. "

    — Abby, 2/2/2014
  • Overall Performance: 5 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 5

    " My whole family read this book and we all loved it! "

    — Teresa, 1/23/2014
  • Overall Performance: 5 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 5

    " One might have to be of a certain age to appreciate the historical significance of DeMille's "The Charm School." But one of any age will recognize the brilliance behind the story-telling and writing. Melding the Vietnam War with the Cold War and creating a thriller that keeps us glued to each page results in a masterpiece. "

    — Maynard, 1/14/2014
  • Overall Performance: 4 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 5

    " Classic DeMille, adventure and interesting characters and insight to the USSR right before the fall. "

    — Tawn, 1/13/2014
  • Overall Performance: 5 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 5

    " Gripping book. Read it twice. Easy read. "

    — Ben, 1/11/2014
  • Overall Performance: 4 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 5

    " This is a great book. I love a nice long book that I can count on being fascinating from cover to cover. I should read it again because it's chock full of info. "

    — Carmen, 1/11/2014
  • Overall Performance: 5 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 5

    " I LOVED this book. When someone asks for a recommended DeMille book, I tell them to read Charm School first! "

    — Pauline, 12/30/2013
  • Overall Performance: 5 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 5

    " One of the best DeMille books. Could the charm school really have happened? Yes I think so. "

    — Jude, 12/18/2013
  • Overall Performance: 5 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 5

    " this is the bk. that got me hooked on De Mille "

    — Connie, 12/15/2013
  • Overall Performance: 5 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 5

    " Great book. I found myself thinking about it long after I had finished the book. The author's insightful writing is nothing short of amazing. An absolute MUST. "

    — Lisa, 12/14/2013
  • Overall Performance: 3 out of 53 out of 53 out of 53 out of 53 out of 5

    " DeMille takes on the CIA/KGB in this thriller. "

    — Chris, 12/4/2013
  • Overall Performance: 4 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 5

    " Good read if you can move yourself back to the cold war and the mind-set of governments. "

    — Bob, 11/30/2013
  • Overall Performance: 4 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 5

    " Another very good read. Learning a lot about Russia and its politics,drama that keeps this book an exciting read "

    — Lynne, 11/12/2013
  • Overall Performance: 4 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 5

    " Classic spy tale with several twists and turns. This was my first Demille book and i have read every other one he has written. "

    — Bob, 10/20/2013
  • Overall Performance: 5 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 5

    " One of the best books I have read in this genre. "

    — Joy, 9/24/2013
  • Overall Performance: 5 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 5

    " Excellent read, fun and informative regarding the Cold War. "

    — Sean, 9/21/2013
  • Overall Performance: 5 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 5

    " One of the best books I've ever read. Post-election I couldn't put it down. A definite must read if you like a good thriller. "

    — Zach, 7/27/2013
  • Overall Performance: 5 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 5

    " best cold war spy book ever. "

    — Veronica, 6/8/2013
  • Overall Performance: 5 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 5

    " This is a complex tale filled with fascinating characters and plot element that could only come from a brilliant literary mind. It's quite an addictive story that I enjoyed immensely! "

    — Carlos99, 8/7/2012
  • Overall Performance: 3 out of 53 out of 53 out of 53 out of 53 out of 5

    " A pretty decent book that takes a while to get going. Once it picks up steam it's very good but boy does it take its sweet time getting there! "

    — Steve M., 7/3/2012
  • Overall Performance: 5 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 5

    " This was a very effective Russian cold war thriller that managed to hold my interest throughout. A very engaging read that I found to be very fun and intriguing. "

    — Ellen C.B., 4/2/2012
  • Overall Performance: 4 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 5

    " This was another great book by DeMille. The main character has the typical DeMille sarcastic wit. The book was a little outdated since it was written in the 80s and is about the Cold War. Still worth reading. "

    — John, 3/17/2012
  • Overall Performance: 5 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 5

    " This is one thrilling spy novel that grabs you and does not let go. I'm glad I chose to listen to the audiobook. The narrator took an awesome story and managed to make it even more exciting. "

    — K.D., 3/16/2012
  • Overall Performance: 4 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 5

    " The plot of this book is great but I found myself not really caring much for the characters. Good story but I dinged it 1 star for that. "

    — Tom H., 2/4/2012
  • Overall Performance: 5 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 5

    " This was my first Demille book and I was hooked. The Charm School was a place captured Vietnam pilots were sent to teach Russians to be American spies. "

    — Sandra, 9/19/2011
  • Overall Performance: 5 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 5

    " I remember reading Charm School (along with everyone else it seems) one summer. Just when I thought I couldn't stand another moment of suspense, the second part of the book started. Excellent writing and fantastic plotting. This book made me a Nelson DeMille fan for life. "

    — Barbi, 2/28/2011
  • 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

    — William Stockwell, 2/14/2011
  • Overall Performance: 4 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 5

    " One of the better novels I've read. Really creepy and almost seems like it could have or could be plausable. "

    — Jeff, 1/6/2011
  • Overall Performance: 5 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 5

    " My favorite Nelson DeMille book ever (and I loved them all). This book is so believable, it's quite scary. Excellent story!!! "

    — Lisa, 4/6/2010
  • Overall Performance: 5 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 5

    " This is probably one of my favorite books ever... I love it, even though you should probably avoid it if you're not into NY Times Bestseller Buy-it-at-the-airport type books. "

    — Sholland, 3/21/2010
  • Overall Performance: 5 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 5

    " Very good book. Hooked me right of the bat, and kept me pulled in to the story right ill the end. "

    — Esther, 10/30/2009

About Nelson DeMille

Nelson Richard DeMille, a #1 New York Times bestselling author, was born in New York City. He was a first lieutenant in the United States Army (1966–69) and saw action as an infantry platoon leader with the First Cavalry Division in Vietnam. His first major novel, By the Rivers of Babylon, is still in print, as are all his succeeding novels. He attended Hofstra University, where he received a degree in political science and history. He is the author of By the Rivers of Babylon, Cathedral, The Talbot Odyssey, Word of Honor, The Charm School, The Gold Coast, The General’s Daughter, Spencerville, Plum Island, The Lion’s Game, Up Country, The Gate House, Night Fall, Wild Fire, and The Lion. He also coauthored Mayday with Thomas Block and has contributed short stories, book reviews, and articles to magazines and newspapers. A member of the Authors Guild, the Mystery Writers of America, and American Mensa, he holds honorary doctorates from Hofstra University, Long Island University, and Dowling College.

About Scott Brick

Scott Brick, an acclaimed voice artist, screenwriter, and actor, has performed on film, television, and radio. He attended UCLA and spent ten years in a traveling Shakespeare company. Passionate about the spoken word, he has narrated a wide variety of audiobooks. winning won more than fifty AudioFile Earphones Awards and several of the prestigious Audie Awards. He was named a Golden Voice by AudioFile magazine and the Voice of Choice for 2016 by Booklist magazine.