Tuesday, October 26, 2010

Audio Book Giveaway and Review: DON'T BLINK by James Patterson and Howard Roughan; Read by David Patrick Kelly

CLOSED.
Thanks to the thrill-loving folks at
Hachette Book Group,
I have been authorized to
 give away three (3) audio book copies of
DON'T BLINK
by James Patterson and Howard Roughan.

Rules for entering this giveaway
are at the bottom of this post.



Publisher: Hachette Audio
Category: Fiction, Suspense & Thrillers

Format: Audio Book
Subformat: CD (Audio)
Edition: Unabridged
Publish Date: 9/27/2010
Price: $34.98/$39.98
ISBN: 9781607882343
Pages: 0

Description (from the publisher):
New York's Lombardo's Steak House is famous for three reasons--the menu, the clientele, and now, the gruesome murder of an infamous mob lawyer. Effortlessly, the assassin slips through the police's fingers, and his absence sparks a blaze of accusations about who ordered the hit.

Seated at a nearby table, reporter Nick Daniels is conducting a once-in-a-lifetime interview with a legendary baseball bad-boy. Shocked and shaken, he doesn't realize that he's accidentally captured a key piece of evidence. Ensnared in the city's most sensational crime in years, Nick investigates for a story of his own. Back off--or die--is the clear message as he closes in on the facts. Heedless, and perhaps in love, Nick endures humiliation, threats, violence, and worse in a thriller that overturns every expectation and finishes with the kind of flourish only James Patterson knows.

Click here to listen to an excerpt.

My Rating:  3.5 stars out of 5 - More thrilling than predictable.

My Thoughts:  I think Patterson is generally a love 'im or hate 'im kind of author. Some readers can't get enough; others can't get far enough away. Myself, I actually sit on the fence. I crave a good thriller now and then, but generally rush through them so fast that I feel rather empty and let down once I'm done. And I feel guilty the whole time I'm reading them because I can't put them down but think I should be doing something more worthwhile. Then there's the fact that they can be formulaic - you KNOW the main character will survive no matter how nail-biting the tension. So, I end up not reading as many thrillers as I'm really interested in.

Audio books have been the perfect solution for me.  I get my thriller fix while driving to and from work - no reason to feel guilty because I CAN'T be doing anything else; and I can't rush through them because I'm not the one doing the reading!

I had a great time listening to the audio book version of DON'T BLINK by James Patterson and Howard Roughan. The authors don't blaze any new trails here, but they do assemble all the essential componants of a good thriller with an entertaining and humorous flair. The authors serve up a wise-cracking hero who can't help but find himself in desperate trouble; gruesomely horrible bad guys (and plenty of them); innocents held hostage; suspenseful twists and turns; and the hint of romance to provide a ray of hope and sunshine.

If you like Patterson, you're sure to enjoy DON'T BLINK. If you're new to his writing, this is a great place to begin.

The audio book runs approximately 7 hours. One caveat:  if you listen while you're driving, be aware that the last half of the last CD contains traffic noises - horns blowing, sirens, etc. - that sound convincingly like the real thing!


About the authors (from the publisher):
James Patterson is one of the bestselling writers of all time, with more than 170 million books sold worldwide. He is the author of the top-selling detective series of the past twenty years--the Alex Cross novels, including Kiss the Girls and Along Came a Spider, both of which were made into hit movies. Mr. Patterson also writes the bestselling Women's Murder Club novels, set in San Francisco, and the new series of #1 New York Times bestsellers featuring Detective Michael Bennett of the NYPD. He won an Edgar Award, the mystery world's highest honor, for his first novel. He lives in Florida. Click here to visit his website. 

James Patterson's lifelong passion for books and reading led him to launch a new Web site, ReadKiddoRead.com, which helps parents, grandparents, teachers, and librarians find the very best children's books for their kids.

Howard Roughan cowrote Honeymoon and Sail with James Patterson and is the author of The Promise of a Lie and The Up and Comer. He lives in Connecticut with his wife and son. Click here to visit his website.

RULES FOR ENTERING THE GIVEAWAY:

• Leave an original comment on this post telling me you would like to win. Include an email address with your comment so that I can contact you if you do win. Use a spam-thwarting format such as geebee.reads AT gmail DOT com or geebee.reads [at] gmail [dot] com

You must leave an email address in order to qualify. If I can't contact you, you can't win!

• You can earn an extra entry by being or becoming a Follower or Subscriber of this blog and telling me about it in a separate comment.

• Blog about this contest and provide me with the link to the post in a separate comment, and I'll give you yet another entry.

• Tweeting about this contest and providing me the link in a separate comment will get you one more entry. I've added a Retweet button at the bottom of every post.

• Stumble this blog, Digg it, or Technorati Fave it, whatever, and leave a separate comment for another entry.

• Winners must provide a U.S. or Canadian street address. Hachette is unable to deliver to P.O. Boxes.

• PLEASE NOTE: One win per household. If you win this title in another contest hosted at another blog, Hachette will only send one copy per household address.

Deadline for entry is 11:59 p.m. EST on Friday, November 19, 2010.

• Winners will have 48 hours to respond to my email announcing that they have won; if I don't hear from a winner, I will draw another name.

• Winners are determined using the sequence generator at Random.org.

Thank you to Anna
at Hachette Book Group
for making this giveaway possible.

GOOD LUCK EVERYONE!
THIS CONTEST IS NOW CLOSED.

82 comments:

Jo-Jo said...

I also love listening to thrillers on audio...please enter me!
joannelong74 AT gmail DOT com

Lori L said...

I think audio books are the way to go to enjoy Patterson too - all the action without focusing on other aspects.
shetreadssoftly(at)gmail(dot)com

Autumn said...

I listened to The Postcard Killers and loved it. I'm sure this one will be just as good

autumn.crochet (at) gmail. com

Autumn said...

I'm a follower via GFC

autumn.crochet (at) gmail. com

Autumn said...

I tweeted http://twitter.com/#!/GalvezBookGirl/status/28812331720

autumn. crochet (at) gmail. com

debbie said...

I am a big fan of james patterson, I would love to have this.
twoofakind12ATyahooDOTcom

debbie said...

I am a email subscriber.
twoofakind12 AT yahoo DOT com

Just Mom said...

Your comment about the traffic noises made me laugh. Once I had a train toy in the back of my car and as I bounced over a set of real railroad tracks, the toy went off....I about had a heart attack thinking a train was bearing down on me! I'm listenign to Swimsuit now - one of his creepier books, please enter me for this one!

theroundfile at live dot com

Just Mom said...

+1 I am a follower!
theroundfile at live dot com

Ruthie said...

I love thrillers. Please enter me, thanks.

ruthiekb72@yahoo.com

Ruthie said...

Email subscriber

ruthiekb72@yahoo.com

Anonymous said...

I adore James Patterson and I adore mysteries. I would love to win.
mom1248(at)att(dot)net

Anonymous said...

I follow and I subscribe.
mom1248(at)att(dot)net

janetfaye said...

I love the title of this book and I would like to win.

janetfaye (at) gmail (dot) com

Sandee61 said...

I'm a fan of James Patterson, whether its reading his books or listening to one. I like listening to audio books, when I'm doing my household chores or driving. Thanks for the entry in your giveaway! I'm also a subscriber to your blog which I enjoy very much.

Blessings,
Sandee61

Muzzley56[at]aol[dot]com

Unknown said...

I am a follower and email subscriber. I would love to win this book because I love James Patterson books. Please enter me in contest. Tore923@aol.com

Bons said...

Your review on Patterson in general is so spot on. I have friends who would "never" touch a Patterson book, (like me with Dan Brown). I just purchased the audio "Worst Case" by Patterson. Love the suspense that comes thru audios with Patterson's books. My husband is now trying this out as he flys twice every other week. Please consider me for your free "Don't Blink" give away. I'd be glad to review it on LibraryThing.com as well under Bons! bonniedeni@hotmail.com
Thanks greatly.
Bons

Bons said...

I do follow Sea of Books!
(I'm a nut for reading reviews)

Bons said...

Hey, check out my facebook post:
http://www.facebook.com/#!/profile.php?id=1392551125
Any James Patterson fans out there? this site is giving away a "Don't Blink" audio. I finished the "Worst Case" audio last month. Love the suspense while I'm sitting in traffic! It's like Calgon....take me away!
go here: http://aseaofbooks.blogspot.com/2010/10/audio-book-giveaway-and-review-dont.html?utm_source=fe...

Bons said...

I've posted this give-away on a site on LibraryThing.com as well!
http://www.librarything.com/topic/55160&newpost=1#lastmsg

under Bons comment for 10-27-10

Denny, Alaska said...

I'm a "fair weather" fan of Patterson's work. I find myself always wondering: how much did he write, and how much is the work of his co-author? Thanks for entering me in your giveaway!

denny(dot)gill(at)gmail(dot)com

Denny, Alaska said...

+1 I follow via GFC; thanks.

denny(dot)gill(at)gmail(dot)com

Risingsouth said...

My daughter and I love to listen to audio books. Count us in!

Risingsouth at verizon dot net

Risingsouth said...

I am a subscriber by e-mail.

Risingsouth at verizon dot net

Benita said...

I haven't read a Patterson book I didn't like. Thanks for the chance.

bgcchs(at)yahoo(dot)com

Benita said...

GFC Follower.

bgcchs(at)yahoo(dot)com

librarypat said...

I am a Follower.

librarypat@comcast.net

librarypat@comcast.net said...

I am a Subscriber.

librarypat@comcast.net

librarypat said...

I find I don't like to read Patterson's books. The short chapter format feels choppy to me. However, I have enjoyed listening to many of his books. This sounds like another good one.

librarypat@comcast.net

misskallie2000 said...

I love Patterson and can't get enough of his books.. Would love to win this one since I have not read. I enjoy audio books as this allows me to work in my yard or around the house while I am cleaning. Makes the chores not so bad. lol
Thanks for this opportunity to enter giveaway.

misskallie2000 at yahoo dot com

misskallie2000 said...

I am an old GFC Follower and email subscriber

misskallie2000 at yahoo dot com

misskallie2000 said...

Blogged/shared on FB(@Brenda Hill)

misskallie2000 at yahoo dot com

misskallie2000 said...

FB Link where I blogged.
http://www.facebook.com/permalink.php?story_fbid=164679936883541&id=1424713340#!/permalink.php?story_fbid=101822393219314&id=1424713340

misskallie2000 at yahoo dot com

misskallie2000 said...

Tweet
http://twitter.com/misskallie2000/status/28964438025

misskallie2000 at yahoo dot com

grannyvon said...

I am a big James Patterson fan and would love to win this audiobook. My eyesight is not what it once was and audiobooks are the best route for me. Thanks for the chance to WIN! ybutler@oppcatv.com

grannyvon said...

I follow on GFC and and subscribe by e-mail Thanks for the extra entry. ybutler@oppcatv.com

rubynreba said...

I have read James Patterson books before but have never had an audio book of his. I'd love to listen to this.
pbclark(at)netins(dot)net

rubynreba said...

I have read James Patterson books before but have never had an audio book of his. I'd love to listen to this.
pbclark(at)netins(dot)net

rubynreba said...

I am a follower.
pbclark(at)netins(dot)net

Cheryl L said...

I would like to listen to this audio book in my car commute to work. Thanks for the opportunity,

ccrlund AT gmail.com

Cheryl L said...

I subscribed to your email updates!
ccrlund at gmail.com

Linda Kish said...

I love James Patterson's books.


lkish77123 at gmail dot com

Emma said...

I am a subscriber by email.augustlily06(AT)aim(DOT)com.

Emma said...

I like James Patterson's books.DON'T BLINK sound wonderful.Please enter me in the giveaway. augustlily06(AT)aim(DOT)com.Thank you.

Anonymous said...

I want to win this audio book because I really enjoy the James Patterson books.
susanbillietaylor [at] gmail [dot] com

Anonymous said...

I subscribe by email to this blog.
susanbillietaylor [at] gmail [dot] com

Julie said...

I'm like you with the thrillers. I know that they're somewhat predictable, but they're so much FUN to read! Like you, I often run through them very quickly. But I think a good, fun read is always welcome. AND I really like Patterson!

Thanks for the chance to win!

Julie @ Knitting and Sundries

knittingandsundries(at)gmail(dot)com

Steve Capell said...

I love James Patterson books so this audio book would be perfect for my audio library. Thanks for the opportunity.

steven(dot)capell(at)gmail(dot)com

Unknown said...

Last year before my cataract surgery, I couldnot enjoy reading until I was given an audio book. Now I am hooked. I've been hooked on Patterson since Roses are Red. Wow. Two pleasures in one. Bonnie
newdaw at gmail(dot)com

linda604b said...

This would be a great win. I can listen to the book while cooking dinner.

Me... said...

I love Patterson. It's been awhile since I've read anything by him, been busy with all my other books. Personally, I've never done an audio book, but I have a long drive coming up in December and I think this would help!
daq_17 at hotmail dot com

Ginny said...

I just finished this book last week, it was SO good! I'd love to win this & give it to my grandma as a surprise. She prefers audiobooks, so she'd be so happy!

Ginny said...

I'm a follower

scrappydesigns at gmail dot com

Sheila Deeth said...

The kids are grown--mostly flown--so the opportunities for travel are increasing; likewise the need for good audio books to listen to while traveling.

sdeeth at msn dot com

misskallie2000 said...

I love James Patterson and would love to win this audio-book.

Please enter me in the drawing and thanks for the opportunity to enter.

misskallie2000 at yahoo dot com

misskallie2000 said...

I am an old GFC Follower and email subscriber

misskallie2000 at yahoo dot com

misskallie2000 said...

Tweet
http://twitter.com/misskallie2000/status/725156347514880

misskallie2000 at yahoo dot com

JHS said...

Hubby loves Patterson, so would like to win this for him.

JHS
Colloquium

jhsmail at comcast dot net

Julie said...

I follow via GFC as jewelknits!

knittingandsundries(at)gmail(dot)com

Jennifer said...

HI, Patterson hasn't written a book yet that I could pass up reading. I'd love to win a copy.

BookNoise at gmail dot com

Anonymous said...

I have only read the Alex Cross series from Patterson and I think they are pretty good. This would be a change.

nkiyokod AT yahoo DOT com

Bcteagirl said...

I am trying to get more into audiobooks next year, and Patterson seems like a good place to start. Thank you for the contest!
teagirl1 at telus dot net

Bcteagirl said...

Tweet!
http://twitter.com/bcteagirl/status/1326140266385409

Cindy W. said...

I love James Patterson's work and would really love to win Blink. I'm traveling to Texas for Christmas and would love to listen to it on the way. Thanks for the chance to win.

Smiles,
Cindy W.

countrybear52[at]yahoo[dot]com

wmmahaney said...

I am new to reading James Patterson. Currently I have only read one of his books. This one sounds great.
wmmahaney(at)att(dot)net

mindy said...

james patterson is always wonderful thanks for the giveaway minsthins at optonline dot net

Mia J. said...

I am a big James Patterson fan and would like to be entered. Thank you.

mia at jacobsracing dot com

Janelle said...

Haven't heard a thriller in a long time, but love James Patterson. Count me in!
Thanks for a wonderful giveaway & chance to win!
Chanticlear1(at)gmail(dot)com

Janelle said...

I'm an email subscriber, too!
Thanks for a chance to win this wonderful giveaway!
Chanticlear1(at)gmail(dot)com

Jo-Jo said...

I blogged about your contest here.
joannelong74 AT gmail DOT com

bettycd said...

audio books are a great way to cope with commuting traffic - thanks on the headsup about the traffic noises at the end
tjandbcd at optonline.net

ps - bloggers run their blogger id's public and list a contact email there ... if we get lucky and win, it is readily available just not openly listed in threads. Scammers are not into working to harvest email addresses - they just move on to those blogs that require all posts to openly list the addresses. Use of a spam-thwarting format provides us little or no protection. Spammers who want to harvest emails have no problem sorting out the spam-thwarting formats. Please reconsider the unnecessary risk you put us at. If you draw a winner who does not have an email in their profile - disqualify them and draw someone who does. Thanks for considering

bettycd said...

following blog - GFC
tjandbcd at optonline.net

bettycd said...

RT
http://twitter.com/bettycd/status/3462850446106625
tjandbcd at optonline.net

Joanne said...

I would love to win

joanne3313 at gmail dot com

spynaert said...

i'd like to win
spynaert@gmail.com

janetfaye said...

I am email subscribed.

janetfaye (at) gmail (dot) com

Renee G said...

I would love to listen to this since one day a week I have about a 3 hour commute (round trip). I'll remember to listen to the last cd when I'm not driving however.
rsgrandinetti@yahoo(Dot)com

Renee G said...

I follow as Renee G on GFC.
rsgrandinetti@yahoo(DOT)com

Tara said...

I absolutely love James Patterson! I would be thrilled to own this audiobook!

TaraTagli at gmail dot com

Tara said...

http://chicagocouponconfessions.blogspot.com/2010/11/giveaways_19.html


I blogged about the giveaway!


TaraTagli at gmail dot com

Jeff said...

Ive started listening more to Audio Books and would love another good book to listen to!!

I would love to win! Thanks for the giveaway!

jeffintennessee at gmail dot com

Sunnymay said...

James Patterson writes compelling books and I'd love to hear his book on tape.