THE GUARDS

Bruen's first novel in this series introduces Jack Taylor—failed Garda officer, barely functioning alcoholic, and accidental private investigator. But far from being depressing or hopeless, Jack has humor, intelligence, and a basic decency that make him an entirely sympathetic character. With his thick brogue, narrator Gerry O'Brien easily becomes Jack. His range allows him to convincingly move from Jack's drunken, sometimes-maudlin, musings and pub conversations to his witty humor and clear-headed investigative insights. O'Brien expertly delivers this first-person account of a reluctant hero who is struggling with both inner demons and pathological criminals. His performance is so natural that it’s no surprise he’s become the voice of Jack Taylor in this popular series. M.O.B. © AudioFile 2010, Portland, Maine [Published: JUNE 2010]