36 Righteous Men

Narrator Amielynn Abellera voices a heart-pounding thriller in which two homicide detectives chase a serial killer while trying to avert the literal end of the world. James Manning and Covina Duwai are trying to solve a series of bizarre murders. As part of those endeavors, they learn that the killings are linked to an ancient legend that heralds the apocalypse, which will be brought about by a physical manifestation of the devil. Abellera shines as the lead detective Covina, but her unusual cadence for the other characters is jarring and filled with needless pauses. Nonetheless, action scenes find Abellera ratcheting up the tension, making for an exciting listen. An unusual thriller blends unique elements with a capable narration. J.M.M. � AudioFile 2020, Portland, Maine

Starred review from September 30, 2019
Set in 2034, when global warming has pushed humankind to the brink of extinction, this un-put-downable apocalyptic thriller from Pressfield (The Profession) is steeped in Jewish eschatology—specifically the legend of the Thirty-Six Righteous Men, whose existence justifies the purpose of humankind in the eyes of God and prevents God from destroying the entire race. But when a serial killer begins murdering the Righteous, New York City police detectives James Manning and Covina “Dewey” Duwai set out to stop the killer before he triggers an end-of-the-world event of biblical proportions. While many narrative elements are noteworthy—the character depth, the powerful political and social commentary, the nonstop action, the breakneck pacing—it’s the author’s meticulously described and alarmingly realistic near-future Earth that will chill readers to their core. This dystopian cautionary tale stands as Pressfield’s most ambitious work to date. Agent: Sterling Lord, Sterling Lord Literistic.