The Toymaker

By: Chuck Barrett

Narrated by: Scott Brick

Former NTSB Investigator Jake Pendleton faces a dilemma as the line blurs between right and wrong. After his judgment comes into question, Jake is entrusted to his new mentor, an eccentric old man who sees beyond Jake’s flaws. A man who makes ‘toys for spies.’ A man known as The Toymaker.

Jake’s first assignment reunites him with Gregg Kaplan in a daredevil mission to rescue a fellow agent held captive in Yemen. He risks his life to stop the first attack of an al Qaeda mastermind. But now, with no one to trust but himself, can Jake stop the terrorist from destroying what is most precious to the free world? Unfortunately, more trouble comes his way as a killer from his past threatens something more important to Jake than his own life, leaving him to make the hardest decision any man ever has to make—Who to sacrifice.

©2012 Chuck Barrett (P)2013 Audible Inc.

this should be called book 2.

this book starts up as if the reader has read the prior story. However it is not label this book too. There are many references to past events that do not make sense to a new reader.

Remarkable story narrators and characters

Follow intellect, courage, main character wise beyond his years, intuitive and a fantastic student of his wise older teacher, enable an admiral respected by all. The story is fantastic and I respect the need of this team to break the red tape and get the job done. This needs to be part of our system. Thank you audible as it is free with membership. I will read the entire series.

Can't stop

If you could sum up The Toymaker in three words, what would they be?

Once you start hearing you can not stop.

Did the plot keep you on the edge of your seat? How?

Yes, many subplots make it interesting

Any additional comments?

Can't say this is a great book, but it is fun to listen to, a very good way to make the commute to work go by fast.

Better than expected!

I’m more of a sci-fi military type fan than a more realistic thriller like this. But this one caught me off guard. I love the way it’s written. Bouncing between different perspectives of the same events. Let’s you feel each encounter from all sides involved. Very well narrated as well. Like another reviewer said, I would have liked to hear more diversity in each character’s voices. But that’s about the only negative thing I can say. That and the fact I wished I would have known this was book 2. Lol. But I look forward to checking out the first in the series as well as the others that came after. Thanks for a good experience.

I don't get all these bad reviews...

STORY (espionage thriller) - Okay. The Toymaker is not going to win any awards and some of the points in negative reviews I've read are valid -- there is testosterone-driven action, stereotypical characters, motives of revenge and a dramatic narrator -- but boring? I must have read a different book. I would say just the opposite. It's fast-paced and exciting from beginning to end with terrorists, neat gadgets and lots of twists and turns. It's also not hard to follow what's going on, so it's an enjoyable, easy listen.

PERFORMANCE - I don't understand why so many people complain about Scott Brick. It's true that he overdramatizes a bit, but I'm totally fine with it. I like his voice, and he definitely doesn't deliver a boring or monotone performance.

OVERALL - There's no sex or violence, and the violence is not gory or graphic. I recommend the book to anyone who's looking for an easy but exciting listen. It's not perfect, but I was thoroughly entertained.

Fun Read!

Yes. It has all the cliche’d spy/espionage/action story lines. It does have a lot of action going on and a lot of movement and different locations. But that’s why I enjoyed it!!!

Not my kind of tale.

Is there anything you would change about this book?

Yes - I would try writing the plot without so many of the major characters being driven by revenge.

How would you have changed the story to make it more enjoyable?

This appears to be an effort to write a novel that will be similar to those of Cussler, Ludlum, Baldacci and the like. However, most of the "good guys" were as unlikeable as the "bad guys". If readers are not bothered by the focus on revenge, then perhaps it is acceptable...but it is not for me. I would tackle the same plot without the almost total reliance on revenge.

What does Scott Brick bring to the story that you wouldn’t experience if you just read the book?

Scott Brick is a master at presenting many different characters, and I actually bought this because he is the reader. He is, in my opinion, one of the best readers of all, for audio books.

Could you see The Toymaker being made into a movie or a TV series? Who should the stars be?

It probably would be chosen; it's gory enough that the special effects folks would have a great time. I can't imagine any star I admire that I would want to see in this film.

Any additional comments?

As a result of this novel, I will be avoiding not only this series, but any books I see that are by this author. I love books full of international intrigue, craft, and philosophy, but the revenge thing really got in the way for me.

Solid spy novel!

After a steady diet of fantasy I needed to change venues- this book was very satisfying. Good character development, believable storyline- emphasis on technology was not as overwhelming, woven well into the storyline. Overall left me with an appetite for another in the series.

Fantastic ride!

For a fast trip around the Middle East, Europe and the US, come take a ride in this tale. From terrorist bombings and kidnappings to taking care of unfinished business, this book has it all. Very enjoyable read. 5 stars.

Ooops! I started with book 2.

Spy vs. Spy vs. Spy. Got a kick out of part of the story being set in the tiny town where I live currently. The descriptions were even accurate. Like the "toy" maker premise. Just wasn't enough to equal a more-than-mediocre read.