Authors: John Mankiewicz, Jamie Napoli, Daniel Pyne, Katie Pyne, Aaron Lipstadt
Narrators: Jon Hamm, Ana de la Reguera, Alia Shawkat, Omar Epps, Erin Moriarty, Sosie Bacon, John Slattery
Listening Time: 4 hrs 21 mins
Publisher: Audible Originals
📊 Dad Score™
| Category | Rating | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Plot Impact | 🔥🔥🔥 | Classic detective setup. Short, satisfying, and carried by tone and vibe rather than big twists. |
| Narrator Power | 🎙️🎙️🎙️🎙️ | Full cast magic. Jon Hamm fits the role like a trench coat. |
| Chore Compatibility | 🧹🧹 | Best for light chores. You’ll want to pay attention to the dialogue. |
| Tear Risk | 🧱 | No emotional gut punches here. Just hard-boiled vibes and snappy narration. |
| Final Verdict | 👍 Worth a re-listen when you’re in a noir mood. Solid, nostalgic, and smooth. |
🧠 The Story
This one’s dripping in noir—from the detective narration to the jazz-club pacing. Set in the 1950s, it scratches that “gumshoe with a grudge” itch. Think trench coats, low lighting, cynical monologues, and someone definitely hiding a gun under a newspaper.
At one point I weirdly wished it was Christmas and I was wearing a robe, drinking coffee, staring at snow. So yeah—this audiobook has a mood.
Pace: Steady—not too fast, not too slow. Like sipping something strong and dark.
Type: Mystery / Detective
Themes: Corruption, class tension, good guys doing bad things for the right reasons.
🎙️ The Narrator Power
This is how you do a full-cast audiobook. It works because it was written to work that way.
Jon Hamm nails the lead—he’s got the voice, the attitude, and the emotional restraint of a man who’s been punched in the ribs and didn’t flinch.
Everyone else? Spot on. Voices were distinct, performances had feeling, and I could actually follow who was talking without checking the cast list.
Would I listen to another book by these folks?
Absolutely.
🎧 The Listening Experience
This is one of those Audible Originals that actually hits right. Production is top-notch. Crisp sound, good pacing, clean transitions. It felt like a radio drama for people who hate being told what to feel.
Can you do chores while listening?
Yes—but not anything complicated. If you’re snaking a drain or assembling IKEA furniture, save this one for later. It’s good enough to deserve your attention.
🔁 Would I Listen Again?
Yeah. Probably next winter.
It’s not an every-year classic, but it’s short enough and good enough to revisit when you’re in the mood for something noir and polished.
🧠 Final Thoughts
Check this one out if:
- You’re into noir detective stories
- You like full-cast narration with actual chemistry
- You think Jon Hamm could pull off a fedora and mean it
- You’re in between big series and want something shorter but satisfying
- You just want something cool, clean, and free (yep—it’s included with Audible)
Bonus Tip: Just found out it’s the second in the series, but it stands on its own.
No homework required.