A Cool Breeze on the Underground

By: Don Winslow

Narrated by: Joe Barrett

Length: 9 hrs and 52 mins

Publisher's summary

“One of America’s greatest storytellers.” (Stephen King)

Neal Carey is not your usual private eye. A graduate student at Columbia University, he grew up on the streets of New York, usually on the wrong side of the law. Then he met a PI who introduced him to the Bank, an exclusive institution with a sideline in keeping its wealthy clients happy and out of trouble. They pay Neal’s college tuition, and Neal gets an education that can’t be found in any textbook, from learning how to trail a suspect to mastering the proper way to search a room.

Now it’s payback time. The Bank wants Neal to put his skills to work in finding Allie Chase, the rebellious teenage daughter of a prominent senator. The problem is that she’s gone underground in the London punk scene. To get her back, Neal has to follow her into a violent netherworld where drugs run rampant and rage is the name of the game.

©1991 Don Winslow (P)2008 Blackstone Audio, Inc.

Critic reviews

"A fresh voice, immensely likeable....Winslow shows he's got what it takes to hook a reader....Where he goes next with Neal is anyone's guess, but it's bound to be a great ride." (Mystery Scene)
"A flair for language, quick wit, and detail complete a winning first novel." (Library Journal)
"Winslow keeps his plot moving quickly despite many twists and turns." (Pittsburgh Press)

Rich characters; conclusion disappoints.(spoilers)

I really liked this book, the characters and the plot, up to the very end. I could almost believe many of the people and things that happened, but I found the final switcharoo completely unrealistic. I also have my doubts that Neal Carey would simply walk away from a girl whom he obviously had such strong feelings for. I understand that this is the first book in the Neal Carey series. I hope the later ones are better.

Excellent listen

Would you listen to A Cool Breeze on the Underground again? Why?

Yes, would listen and read the book also

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

Yes, trying to figure out how Neal is going to make his next move.

Have you listened to any of Joe Barrett’s other performances before? How does this one compare?

Enjoyed all of his performances

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

Yes, but unfortunatly it was not so

Any additional comments?

Going through fiction titles and picked and picked Don Winslow by accident. How have I not
listened to him or read his books.

pretty good

This author has a good premise for a great book, unfortunatly I'm afraid too much was left unsaid. The finished story left entirely too much undone, too many unanswered questions. Also, trying to cram so much in left me too confused on some of the who's who whole listening; I'm a seasoned listener for years now and can usually follow along, not so much on this one.

Entertaining but...

Not Winslow's best. It does get good towards the end but drags in several places. I don't think I'll continue with the series.

Great book

This book has many stories with in a story. GREAT BOOK. Worth reading. It keeps your attention throughout the book.

Refreshing

My first but definitely not last read of Don Winslow. All of the action, excitement, and plot twists one would expect but the literary construction and funny tongue in cheek humor were unexpected bonuses.

Good listen

I enjoyed the book . It was the right length. I just felt that title did not exactly match the content but overall I Will recommend.

How to be a expert Con/PI

What made the experience of listening to A Cool Breeze on the Underground the most enjoyable?

The characters are what I enjoyed most about this story, Neal a child living on his own with a a junky most is adopted by the street smart dwarf who shows him the tricks of survival and the con.

What was one of the most memorable moments of A Cool Breeze on the Underground?

I enjoyed the conclusion the best in your face you dirty abusing politician. Lost of twists and turns and back door dealing.

Which character – as performed by Joe Barrett – was your favorite?

I actually enjoyed Colin.

Was there a moment in the book that particularly moved you?

When Neal was shot.

Any additional comments?

I purchased this book as the deal of the day, I was glad I did. I have never listened to this author in the past and it was worth more than I paid which was a treat.

Great luck finding Don Winslow

This is my second Don Winslow book and I'm about to buy a few more. His fast paced storytelling coupled with memorable characters and the extraordinary knowledge you'll gain in all manner of offbeat subjects makes him my favorite author.

Early Winslow, unpolished

You can tell this is one of Winslow's early works. He needed more practice. So did the narrator. Not worth the time.