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Summary
Critics are calling I AM PILGRIM:"Unputdownable." -Booklist "The best book of 2014." -Suspense Magazine "The next Girl with the Dragon Tattoo." -The New York PostA breakneck race against time...and an implacable enemy.An anonymous young woman murdered in a run-down hotel, all identifying characteristics dissolved by acid. A father publicly beheaded in the blistering heat of a Saudi Arabian public square. A notorious Syrian biotech expert found eyeless in a Damascus junkyard. Smoldering human remains on a remote mountainside in Afghanistan. A flawless plot to commit an appalling crime against humanity. One path links them all, and only one man can make the journey.Pilgrim.
If you know me, you know that when I really enjoy a book, I can't help but rave about it! So, even though this book has been out for a year and it's been on my wishlist for almost as long, I finally got around to listening to it during a long car trip with my husband last weekend. Let me just say, I can't believe I waited this long! This is hands down one of the best thrillers I've listened to in a while, and the narrator absolutely killed it! If you're a fan of gripping thrillers, you've got to give this one a listen. Trust me, you won't regret it! 😊
This book has been a struggle for me, and I've had multiple moments where I wanted to give up within the first 200 pages. In my opinion, the author's writing style disrupts the flow of the plot. It feels more like a biography than a thrilling mystery. So far, the book has focused excessively on character development, to the point of going overboard. Despite the positive reviews, I'm finding myself incredibly bored with the slow pace of the story. In my opinion, the novel could have easily been condensed to 400 pages instead of 600, depending on how the rest of the story unfolds. I'm not impressed.
UPDATE... I've reached my breaking point. There is far too much pointless narrative that takes away from the main plot. Every time I think the author is finally going to delve into the meat of the story, they go off on tangents. For example, there's a detailed description of a man so terrified that he simultaneously defecates and experiences an erection, which is explained in excessive detail. It's baffling. The author also overstates the impact of 9/11, assuming that we all need a reminder of its significance. It feels like the author is trying to convey their own beliefs and spends too much time doing so within the narrative. The initial premise of the book held promise, but the author's style and poor editing have made it a struggle for me to finish. With proper editing and a tighter storyline, this novel could have been a great 350-page read instead of the 600 pages of meaningless narrative. It takes a whopping 240 pages to get to any substantial dialogue, as the never-ending and unnecessary background information takes precedence. As one reviewer aptly put it, "But over 1,400 five-star reviews? Easily explained. Green Acres and Gilligan's Island are still one of the most watched TV shows in history." I cannot recommend this book to anyone.
The story gets a little disorienting with its time jumps, which can be a bit jarring. There are moments of convenient coincidences that make it challenging to fully immerse oneself in the story. Some of the dialogue feels a tad too much like a typical Hollywood action movie. Additionally, the forensic science in a few instances stretches believability.
However, despite these flaws, it remains an enjoyable and engaging story. It may not earn a spot on my list of all-time favorites, but it's definitely a good time.
This book has a lot going for it. It centers around a highly intelligent and accomplished American spy who relies on his intellect rather than physical strength. It's a multi-faceted and non-political novel, which is a nice change of pace.
Christopher Ragland does a solid job narrating, although there are a few instances where his accents could use some improvement. However, he doesn't detract from the overall quality of the story.
I'll definitely be giving this book another listen in the future, as I'm certain I missed some important plotlines. Nonetheless, this is an exceptional effort. It's filled with suspense and cleverness, making it a must-read for espionage enthusiasts!
This book is such a pleasant surprise! As someone who admires Terry's work in screenwriting, I couldn't help but fall in love with this amazing thriller. It's brilliantly written and keeps you engaged from start to finish. The characters are richly developed, the storyline is full of excitement, and the language flows effortlessly. I highly recommend diving into this enjoyable adventure!
Once you finish reading this, brace yourself for the possibility of feeling disappointed by any book you encounter. Personally, I consider this to be the greatest espionage novel ever penned.
"I Am Pilgrim" by Terry Hayes is an incredibly well-crafted debut novel that seamlessly combines elements of a murder mystery and a thrilling spy/terrorism plot. While the initial part of the book may feel a bit slow, the gripping ending more than compensates for it. The story begins with a gruesome murder scene in a New York hotel, where a woman's body is found disfigured beyond recognition. Scott Murdoch, a former intelligence operative known by various aliases, finds himself drawn into the investigation due to the striking resemblance between the crime scene and a book he had written on investigative techniques. As the plot unfolds, we learn about Scott's background, his recruitment into a covert branch of U.S. intelligence, and his subsequent attempts to live a normal life. On the other side of the world, a young boy in Saudi Arabia witnesses his father's execution, leading him down a path of vengeance and eventually becoming a formidable terrorist known as the Saracen. The murder investigation eventually intertwines with the terrorist plot, forcing Scott to use all his skills to prevent a catastrophic attack. The narrative brilliantly weaves together elements from the characters' pasts, various locations, and the series of murders, creating a suspenseful and engaging storyline. The tension builds up so effectively that I found myself unable to put the book down, even staying up until 4 am to finish it. What I especially appreciated was the plausibility of the story, making it all the more chilling. I became invested in Scott's character, code-named Pilgrim, as his complexity and empathy made him likable. However, I also couldn't help but feel for the Saracen, who, had it not been for his tragic childhood, could have become a remarkable individual. The book culminates in an intense showdown between the two protagonists, leaving readers on the edge of their seats as they await the ultimate outcome. The narration by Christopher Ragland deserves high praise, as he skillfully gives each character a distinct voice, making it easy to follow the dialogue. His performance truly enhances the storytelling experience, comparable to listening to a captivating tale told by a masterful storyteller. If you enjoy audiobooks that keep you enthralled from start to finish, I highly recommend giving this one a listen. Terry Hayes and Christopher Ragland have done an exceptional job.
What three words would you use to describe I Am Pilgrim?
This book is entertaining, enlightening, and compelling.
What did you like about Christopher Ragland’s performance?
Ragland's performance is superb and outstanding. His reading has a great cadence, timing, and intonation that adds depth to the story and makes it more compelling. He does a great job with women's voices, making them sound authentic. The only minor issue I had was with his attempts to sound like a dangerous operative in his mid-thirties, as his voice feels more suited for a younger character. However, this did not detract from the overall quality of his narration, which is far superior to other narrators.
Did you listen to this book in one sitting?
No, but it's a book that deserves to be savored and enjoyed.
Any other comments?
I absolutely loved this book. Highly recommend it!
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