Boulevard

“Plot twists and turns plus an unusual denouement make Schwartz an author to watch. Mystery fans who enjoy reading about the mean streets of LA (à la Robert Crais, Michael Connelly, T. Jefferson Parker) will devour this.”

Library Journal

“Porter sprinkles disturbing details matter-of-factly into his reading, and as incongruities begin to coalesce, listeners realize something isn’t quite right. Porter’s reading of Glass’ thoughts and words betray nothing but nagging wonder, and his delivery noticeably tightens when horrific plot twists take over and the final bloodfest nears with palpable inevitability. Porter steers through the jolting conclusion, finishing the suspenseful novel with a fitting calmness. A compelling and comprehensively spooky reading.”

Booklist (audio review)

“The plot of Boulevard is a ride befitting the haunting setting. It’s a blind-folded ride through the streets of Los Angeles in a car with no breaks. You can’t see what’s coming at you but you experience the rush of the ride as it’s happening. Schwartz does an outstanding job of developing place and plot. His characters are dimensional and human…I listened to Boulevard on audio from Blackstone Audio narrated by Ray Porter. The combination of book and narrator was exceptional. One of Porter’s strengths is taking on the role he is reading, chameleon-like. While I’ve enjoyed him reading other crime novels, they don’t impede my ability to envision him as Hayden Glass. He exuded Hayden’s anger and frustration. I think Porter also accentuated the darkness of the novel’s tone. Schwartz and Porter brought Hayden Glass and his Los Angeles to life.”

Jen’s Book Thoughts blog