Free Range Institution

A Mick Murphy Key West Mystery

By: Michael Haskins

Narrated by: Dave Cruse

When journalist Liam "Mick" Murphy lies to the chief of police in order to get a story, he uncovers a conspiracy to smuggle a cheap, lethal, cocaine-based drug through Key West. Before long, local authorities, federal agents, and drug-cartel hit men are looking for Murphy because of what they think he knows. With help from an eclectic group of friends, including an old black-ops acquaintance from Central America, Murphy sets out to prove who's behind the smuggling plot and distance himself from the violence that has spawned havoc on the island. This fast-paced story twists and turns like a hurricane wind. Listeners will enjoy a roller-coaster ride through Key West's backstreets and bars as only a local can show them.

©2012 Michael Haskins (P)2016 Kimberly Poppke

Murphy's Law

Mick Murphy was having a good day. It didn't last long because things really started going downhill for him quickly. To start with, he saw a friend fall to his death, and being a journalist, he did what came naturally.

This fast paced, well written thriller takes Murphy on a wild ride through Key West. The characters are well developed and make for a compelling story.

The narration really gives life to Mick and his friends. It's smoothly done and well voiced.

Twists and turns!

Well-written. Held my attention throughout.

Dave Cruse did a great job narrating.

I was given this free review copy audiobook at my request and have voluntarily left this review.

Wide Range Imitation!

Free Range Institution by Michael Haskins is ten and a half hours of good fun, with a twisty plot, sharp surprises, a quirky setting, and interesting characters whom one would like to encounter again. The audiobook is lighthearted fare for long drives on interstate highways, which is where I listened to it. Narrator Dave Cruse has had a long career in radio broadcasting, and he read the book's narrative and descriptive passages well, as I expected he would. Free Range Institution is his first audiobook, and he produced solid vocal characterizations across a wide range. He can pass for a self-doubting, middle-aged, white American man, an old Irish former priest, and an African-American federal law enforcement officer. He's also a surprisingly sexy wise Latina. I couldn't give his narration five stars, because I'm a Simon Vance snob. But given the same material, I think I'd enjoy a steady diet of Dave Cruse's narration to a steady diet of Scott Brick's, and that's worth four stars.

Kept me captivated

I enjoyed listening to this book. I was drawn into the book from the very beginning and couldn't stop listening. I was never able to figure out what was happening next and it kept me wanting more.

The narrator did a wonderful job. You will not be disappointed in this book.

A page turner thru Key West locales and characters

If you could sum up Free Range Institution in three words, what would they be?

A thrill ride

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

From the opening lines, this book grabbed my attention and didn't let up. Start with well described locations, clearly drawn characters, add in a dash of drug running and cover it with some political corruption and you've got a classic page turner.

What about Dave Cruse’s performance did you like?

Dave Cruse does a wonderful job of giving voice to the myriad of characters that populate this mystery-thriller set in Key West. Being from the south myself, it's refreshing when a narrator can deliver characters that showcase the subtleties of the southern voice.

Did you have an extreme reaction to this book? Did it make you laugh or cry?

The book cover says mystery, but this book is more of a thriller. With more than a few jaw dropping "Wow I didn't see that coming" moments.

Any additional comments?

I look forward to more from Mick Murphy and more from Mr Dave Cruse.

Good Narration

The setting of Key West was well described, and drew me to this book. The story flowed, and had some quirky characters, and good twist to figure out. The narration was enjoyable. Given audio for my voluntary review and my honest opinion