The Star of Istanbul

A Christopher Marlowe Cobb Thriller, Book 2

By: Robert Olen Butler

Narrated by: Ray Chase

The first World War is underway; Germany has allied with the Ottoman Empire, and the Turkish caliphs have declared jihad on the British Empire. Meanwhile, U.S. President Woodrow Wilson hesitates to enter the fray. Aboard the passenger liner Lusitania, war correspondent and American spy Kit Cobb has been assigned to shadow a German intellectual and possible covert agent who is believed to have information vital to the war effort. During the voyage Cobb is smitten with famed actress Selene Bourgani, who inexplicably seems to be working for the Germans.

Cobb soon realizes this simple actress is anything but, as she harbors secrets that could pour gasoline on a world already in flames. From the doomed voyage of the Lusitania to the darkest corners of London to the powder keg that is Istanbul, Cobb must venture deep behind enemy lines and use all the cunning in his possession to uncover Bourgani's true motives.

©2013 Original material © 2013 Robert Olen Butler. Recorded by arrangement with John Hawkins and Associates, Inc. (P)2013 HighBridge Company

Great read

Fascinating adventure from another age. At the same time, not so different than today’s adventures. Loved it.

The narrator is simply painful

What disappointed you about The Star of Istanbul?

I couldn't get beyond the " over acting" approach used by the narrator. The intonation was just all wrong--using his voice to impart unwanted content and flavor which detracted from the prose. I have had the very same reaction to Scott Brick--so if you like Mr. Brick, you'll like Mr. Chase. This approach completely spoils the story for me.

Would you ever listen to anything by Robert Olen Butler again?

Yes with a different narrator

What didn’t you like about Ray Chase’s performance?

He quite simply destroys the best efforts of the author-- no one could read this to ones self and impart the unwanted, unwarranted, and really off putting cadence and tone of Mr. Chase. Please Mr. Chase read it straight!--save the histrionics for your next acting audition.

Any additional comments?

There should be such a thing as a narrators school.