Keep Quiet

March 24, 2014
The latest standalone novel from New York Times best-selling author Scottoline explores the relationship between father and son in the aftermath of a deadly hit and run. Jake Buckman worries that he can't compete with girls, Facebook and Jay-Z for the affection of his 16-year-old son, Ryan. "No father could," he tells himself, "least of all an accountant."  In a bid to win over his son, Jake allows Ryan to drive his Audi one dark night. Ryan hits a jogger with the car and his father, foreseeing the potential of his son ruined by a vehicular manslaughter charge, decides they should run. Their secret seems safe, if excruciating to bear, until an unlikely bad guy, a "dweeby IT guy who codes all day" demands $250,000 in exchange for photo evidence that proves Ryan killed the jogger. Before Jake can pay, the IT guy turns up dead. The pace of the novel accelerates from here through under-age and extra-marital sex, set-ups and cover-ups, and more murdersâboth attempted and completed. Twists and turns of the high drama plot come at the expense of character development but excitement builds nonetheless. Agent: Molly Friedrich, Friedrich Literary Agency.

Every parent's worst nightmare is brought chillingly to life by narrator Ron Livingston in this engaging mystery. When Jake allows his 16-year-old son, Ryan, to drive past the curfew of his learner's permit, he has no idea of the harrowing repercussions he will unleash on himself, his happy family, and their future. Livingston deftly captures the story's many characters--parents, teachers, other adults, and Ryan's classmates. However, his best characters are sensitive, boyish Ryan and genial Doctor Dave--or, at least, that's how he seems at first. As the terror grows, Livingston's measured approach keeps the story believable. The surprise conclusion and epilogue also contribute to the riveting listening experience. S.G.B. © AudioFile 2014, Portland, Maine

May 15, 2014

A casual decision by a father--letting his teenage son drive on a lonely stretch of road--has horrific consequences for his family. When tragedy strikes Jake Buckman and his 16-year-old son, Ryan, they realize just how much split-second decisions can shape the future and how much they'll have to fight to keep their family intact. This fast-paced thriller keeps the reader engaged until the very end. Narrator Ron Livingston is less successful in making transitions between the narration and the two main male characters. His performance is muddy and overwrought at times. VERDICT Overall, recommended with slight reservations. For thriller and family drama listeners. ["Scottoline (Don't Go) has written another winning novel of unparalleled suspense. Fans of psychological suspense and family dynamics will want to snap this one up," read the starred review of the St. Martin's hc, LJ Xpress Reviews, 3/21/14.]--J. Sara Paulk, Wythe-Grayson Regional Lib., Independence, VA

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