The Deserter

By: Nelson DeMille, Alex DeMille

Narrated by: Scott Brick

Length: 20 hrs and 5 mins

Publisher's summary

Audio bonus! The audio download edition includes an exclusive interview with Nelson DeMille, Alex DeMille, and Scott Brick!

This instant New York Times best seller and “outstanding” (Publishers Weekly, starred review) thriller features a brilliant and unorthodox Army investigator, his enigmatic female partner, and their hunt for the Army’s most notorious — and dangerous — deserter.

When Captain Kyle Mercer of the Army’s elite Delta Force disappeared from his post in Afghanistan, a video released by his Taliban captors made international headlines. But circumstances were murky: Did Mercer desert before he was captured? Then a second video sent to Mercer’s Army commanders leaves no doubt: The trained assassin and keeper of classified Army intelligence has disappeared.

When Mercer is spotted a year later in Caracas, Venezuela, by an old Army buddy, top military brass task Scott Brodie and Maggie Taylor of the Criminal Investigation Division to fly to Venezuela and bring Mercer back to America - preferably alive. Brodie knows this is a difficult mission, made more difficult by his new partner’s inexperience, by their undeniable chemistry, and by Brodie’s suspicion that Maggie Taylor is reporting to the CIA.

With ripped-from-the-headlines appeal, an exotic and dangerous locale, and the hairpin twists and inimitable humor that are signature DeMille, The Deserter is the first in a timely and thrilling new series from an unbeatable team of True Masters: the number one New York Times best seller Nelson DeMille and his son, award-winning screenwriter Alex DeMille.

©2019 Nelson DeMille and Alex DeMille (P)2019 Simon & Schuster Audio

20 hours isn’t long enough

Scott Brody is my new favorite character.
I wasn’t ready for the book to end!

Good read

Good plot, nicely timed and constructed narrative. Good story. Hoped for more elaborate ending, but nonetheless - time well spent.

too much john corey

I wanted to try Demille again as I’ve read most of his—especially those narrated by Scott Brick. I was dismayed that the dialogue and smart ass personality of the hero, Scott Brody, was the same as john corey. also that Taylor was too righteous. I was not entertained.

Up to the usual standard

Nelson DeMille is my most favourite author and with Scott Brick reading, one is pulled into the story immediately.
This collaboration was seamless. Sometimes a reader can tell which author added what because the styles changed, I could not.
Extremely well done, loved the characters, the story line and even the tale of the villain. In fact, I wanted him to be able to face his oppressor, however, the outcome was satisfying.
Since younger DeMille is a screen writer, I’m looking forward to the film. In fact, I’d love to see them all.
I was introduced to Nelson DeMille in an airport one day, someone suggested Plum Island and I’ve been an avid collector ever since. Then audible came and I’ve reread whatever I could. You are the best!

Exceeded Expectations

I don't give 5 star reviews often. I was skeptical about this one when I heard it was a father/son collaboration. I'm a fan of Scott Brick and the main character in The Deserter is absolutely Scott's wheelhouse. He crushes it. The story was really well paced and I found myself wanting to listen to it whenever I had free time. I appreciated the dialog felt fresh and modern. I will absolutely pick up the next book if they are able to bring this trio back for an encore.

Mediocre

Long, rambling path to a fairly predictable ending. Lead character seemed to be a rehash of prior book characters. OK, but certainly not a great listen.

Good story, drags a little at times

I enjoyed this audio book but it took a bit to get interesting. I'm glad I stuck with it though.

overall, I enjoyed it

I am a huge fan of this author. The storyline is highly relevant to current events. I enjoyed the characters. When at home, I read the book in between listening to the book in the car. I found reading helped me understand a little more of what was happening because the story is a little complicated. The plot line was very good, and the complexity makes it interesting. Without the book on occasion, I would have needed to back the story up and listen to large parts again. As other reviews have stated, the story could have been a little bit shorter and the humorous quips could have been fewer in number. They stopped being as funny five or six hours into the story. I can foresee listening to this again.

good book

well written and narrated
current accurate portrayal of petropolitics and the human factor in government

Awesome

Awesome listen. I look forward to the series. Loved it from the first word to the last.