Good but a little clunky

The story is good, but it sort of bumps and clunks along in parts; a little awkward in its delivery. Still worth the read.

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Good

I did not enjoy this as much as the Bosch stories. It wasn't terrible, but I won't continue on with this series.

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A Little Formulaic..

..but not as "Cookie-Cutter" as I had feared. Michael Connelly is no James Patterson but writes a *ton* of Mystery novels and Legal Thrillers. This book admittedly includes familiar patterns (way too much dialogue over the phone, sex that doesn't go anywhere, and an insider/early-revealed perpetrator), but has enough of the unique to distinguish it from his 'usual' array of Procedurals.
Connelly's protagonist (Denver Investigative Reporter Jack McEvoy) uses his press credentials and connections with law enforcement to get the lowdown on a series of vicious crimes - in this book, a cop-killer who makes the murders look like suicides, but leaves Edgar Allen Poe quotes at the scenes. It's a bizarre M.O.

Yes, the "intrepid reporter" trope has been done before, but Connelly is quite good at it.. and his interpretation of the Newsroom has a couple of novel features - he's critical but not brutal towards the clickbait media, for example.
In addition, the characters are interesting (sometimes helpful; often hostile), the dialogue is realistic (albeit occasionally implausible), and the plot is sinuous (plenty of twists & turns).
In general, 'The Poet' is well-planned, gritty and well-written.

Unfortunately, Buck Schirner's narration lets the story down somewhat. His diction, timbre, cadence, and tone are creditable, but he reads far too slowly (listen at 1.20X for the optimal experience) and his voice-acting sounds like he's trying to portray a "central-casting" interpretation of the dramatis personae.. Hollywood Stereotypes overwhelm the performance.

This moderately unoriginal book is definitely still worth a download for fans of fast-paced Crime Fiction. It was a free offering as a monthly 'Editor's Pick', but I rate it 9 stars out of 10. You would be justified to spend a Credit on it.

[I personally won't be continuing in the 'Jack McEvoy' series but can suggest that you give this audiobook a try - it's a fine way to spend a couple of afternoons (and who knows.. it might grab you).]

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Fantastic thriller

I had a really good time listening to this book. Great story. Connelly is a master of thrillers.

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I really enjoy books by Michael Connelly

This is the first outing of reporter/investigator Jack McEvoy, and this story is as well structured as other Connelly's books. Again, great character development and a page turner of a plot.

The narration by Buck Schirner is very good.

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Good book

Drags a bit,but good solid drama.All kinds of twists and turns. Could have ended sooner

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Stick with it

The first ten minutes did not catch my attention, I must admit. Ended up great!

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Good story, mediocre ending

The Poet had potential, interesting story, good twists, but left loose ends that made me feel disappointed in the investment (time, not money) in this book. Think the author could have done better by his fans.

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The first Jack McEvoy book

I first encountered Jack McEvoy in “A Darkness More Than Night” where he is an L.A. Times journalist who interacts with detective extraordinaire, Harry Bosch. If my crush, Bosch, likes and respects McEvoy, then I would too, I decided.

In this book, McEvoy’s twin brother (a cop, himself) seems to have committed suicide in his home city of Denver. Jack (who at this time is a reporter for the Rocky Mountain News) is suspicious and starts looking into it. His amateur sleuthing gets him involved with an FBI investigation. The plot moves along well and, being a Connelly book, it’s never dull. However I think I was expecting the same level of intensity as a Bosch book, which is unrealistic for a book written from a reporter’s perspective.

The plot was fine, the red herrings were plentiful. Jack’s romantic dalliance seemed unrealistic, however, Michael Connelly has said that McEvoy "… is easily the most autobiographical character I have ever written about". That’s another reason I want to read the McEvoy books. Connelly was an L.A. Times reporter and I wanted to understand that perspective.

I’m not sure I bought the ending although it was surprising and well written. A bit unbelievable, but I’ll accept it. As for Jack, it’s good to get to know him a bit. I’m still interested to read the next one.

The audiobook narrator, Buck Schirner, was a new one for me. He was good! He did a lot of voices, but my favourite was the store owner, near the end, an old guy, and Schirner’s portrayal made me lol.

Recommended for fans of the Harry Bosch universe and fans of crime beat reporters.

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Great story

Captivating from beginning to end. Gives new meaning to "a surprise ending". This is the second Michael Connelly book I've read, and both were outstanding.

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