Hostage in Havana

By: Noel Hynd

Narrated by: Dick Hill

From best-selling ABA author Noel Hynd comes this new series set against the backdrop of Havana, an explosive capital city of faded charm locked in the past and torn by political intrigue. U.S. Treasury Agent Alexandra LaDuca leaves her Manhattan home on an illegal mission to Cuba that could cost her everything. Accompanying her is the attractive but dangerous Paul Guarneri, a Cuban-born exile who lives in the gray areas of the law. Together, they plunge into subterfuge and danger.

Without the support of the United States, Alex must navigate Cuban police, saboteurs, pro-Castro security forces, and an assassin who follows her from New York. Bullets fly as allies become traitors and enemies become unexpected friends. Alex, recovering from the tragic loss of her fiance a year before, reexamines faith and new love while taking readers on a fast-paced adventure. Readers of general market thrillers, such as John le Carre, David Baldacci, and Joel Rosenberg, will eagerly anticipate this first installment.

©2011 Noel Hynd (P)2011 Zondervan

Pretty good story

Would you try another book from Noel Hynd and/or the narrator?

Yes

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

Yes, there were exciting segments where you didn't want to stop until that threat/challenge was resolved.

Do you think Hostage in Havana needs a follow-up book? Why or why not?

yes because the main perp was never apprehended

Narrator made a huge difference

Again, Hynd's LaDuca stories are great, but not for listening too. I'd much rather read and skip over the parts where he uses too much detail. And, Hill was a poor choice for a book with such a strong female lead.

A good PG espionage/suspense novel.

The message of this novel for me is that the politics of Cuba/America is still locked somewhere between 1960's & 1970's. I enjoyed the action & politics, the characters, & the narrator. The story was told in such a way that if it were a film I would rate it PG. Yes, I recommend this book & if it is representative of the author 's style, I would buy another book in the series. I am happy to find another espionage writer who sticks with the story without throwing in explicit sex or gore.
I was comfortable with the narrator as I have listened to him before. His voice for the female lead was appropriate & not distracting. Also, Dick Hill's narration gave credence to the descriptive passages & male characters.

Enjoyable, a bit predictiable, but entertaining.

Would you listen to Hostage in Havana again? Why?

Maybe, sometimes when I'm working my focas shifts a little and I miss some of what I'm listening to but I usually go back and pick it up. Some of the books I've listened to a second time are more enjoyable because I pick up on those lost segments.

What was your reaction to the ending? (No spoilers please!)

I wanted more details. The details throughout the book were excellent but I found the ending lacking.

Which character – as performed by the narrator – was your favorite?

Hard to pick just one,but I think Paul was my favorite.

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

Yes and I almost made it.

Any additional comments?

I received my Kindle Fire for Christmas and discovered Audible almost immediately. I don't think I will ever read a book again. It is so wonderful to be able to listen to a great book while doing something else and not having to limit reading to the so prescious leasure time we have. Thanks Audible, you are my expensive habit.

Nothing to write home about

What could have made this a 4 or 5-star listening experience for you?

A better narrator and (much) more substance to storyline. I found it to be pretty predictable and I stayed one jump ahead most of the time.

What was most disappointing about Noel Hynd???s story?

Narrator

How did the narrator detract from the book?

Didn't do a good job differentiating the characters. Also, I've listened to many stories where the narrator did both male and female characters but this guy just couldn't pull it off. I found his voice irritating no matter which character he was voicing.

Any additional comments?

To be honest, I couldn't get through the entire read. I may attempt to finish it someday . . . but I doubt it.