Strangers on a Train

De: Patricia Highsmith

Narrado por: Bronson Pinchot

In Patricia Highsmith's debut novel, we encounter Guy Haines and Charles Anthony Bruno, passengers on the same train. But while Guy is a successful architect in the midst of a divorce, Bruno turns out to be a sadistic psychopath who manipulates Guy into swapping murders with him. As Bruno carries out his twisted plan, Guy is trapped in Highsmith's perilous world - where, under the right circumstances, anybody is capable of murder.

The inspiration for Alfred Hitchcock's classic 1951 film, Strangers on a Train launched Highsmith on a prolific career of noir fiction and proved her mastery of depicting the unsettling forces that tremble beneath the surface of everyday contemporary life.

©2015 Patricia Highsmith (P)2015 Blackstone Audio, Inc.

Great story, weird accents

I really enjoyed the story, and very much enjoy Pinchot's performance...EXCEPT FOR THE UNPLACEABLE ACCENTS. Around Chapter 10, I finally sped it up to 1.35 and that was so much better. The first half of the story only feels like it's dragging, because once the real conflict begins, the psychological horror is non-stop.

Better than the movie

I love the Hitchcock movie and often rewatch it. But the book is richer and darker and is worth a listen. The suspense is still there, especially if you think you know what happens. One disappointment: Bruno never says “criss-cross”!

Too Dark

It was too dark for me! It made me depressed. The narration was good and suspenseful.

an uncomfortable book that's just not enjoyable

it's not poorly written or anything, it just falls into that "Murphy's Law" category of books where things just endlessly get worse to the point you just lose interest and want to throttle the main character for stupid decisions and things they say. The performance is good, but every character has a southern draw to it despite mostly taking place in New England. To put it simply, if you like to connect with a character and be invested in them, avoid this book.

Amazing

Fantastic Patricia Highsmith and a great reading by Mr. Pinchot. Lost nothing by goosing speed 25%!

Decent into madness.

The protagonist is snared into the twisted double-murder plan of a man he meets on a train. From this chance meeting we see our character go to incredible and dark lengths to rid himself of him.

An excellent story with outstanding narration!

I absolutely loved this story. The characters were so very well written and thought out. The story moved along at a perfect pace. Bronson Pinchot gave an exceptional performance! His voicing of the characters was so wonderful that I feel like I know these people. I highly recommend this audiobook, outstanding.

ENTERTAINING BOOK WITH A SATISFYING ENDING.

What made the experience of listening to Strangers on a Train the most enjoyable?

I LIKED TO LISTEN TO THE INTERACTION OF BRUNO WITH EVERYONE ELSE IN THE BOOK.

What did you like best about this story?

I THINK I LIKED THE ENDING, THE READER, AND THE TENSION THAT BRUNO CAUSED GUY. THE WAY BRUNO NEVER GOES AWAY. HE KEEPS HAUNTING GUY.

What about Bronson Pinchot’s performance did you like?

LOVED IT. ESPECIALLY THE WAY HE READ BRUNO.

If you were to make a film of this book, what would the tag line be?

IT IS ONE. BY THE SAME NAME. DIRECTED BY ALFRED HITCHCOCK.

Wow! Listen just to hear Bronson Pinchot read!

Bronson Pinchot is a genius. This is the first book I’ve heard read by him, and I wish Patricia Highsmith were alive to hear him. He brings the book and the characters to life—especially the character of the despicable yet pathetic Bruno. I have read this book before snd liked it very much, but Pinchot breathes life into it like you wouldn’t believe. The book itself is very good, and the character of Bruno is a fascinating repulsive yet tragic character. But really, for me the highlight was just listening to Pinchot’s amazing performance.

Great reader, disturbing book

Don't listen for the plot -- as another reviewer says, there are few surprises. Much of the action takes place internally, within Guy's head, and in the developing relationship between the two men. The story is really about the psychology of the two murderers; the train, New York society, and the murders create the framework. It's clear why Highsmith has a reputation for creating disturbing characters.
I found the reader to be excellent. To me, the querulous alternating with belligerent tone he uses for Charlie is perfect. He does use some accents and voice modulation for the different characters, but does so skillfully, whereas other readers' accents are sometimes a distraction.
In short, a skillful performance of an interesting work, but not one designed to be uplifting.