Amarillo

By: Bill Durham

Narrated by: Michael Butler Murray

In the Texas Panhandle town of Amarillo, New York attorney Max Friedman is assigned to represent a nightmare client. Joe Wagner is a violent man, dangerous both to family and friends. As Max builds his defense case for murder, he reveals a reason for Joe's violence. But is it a justification? The characters whom Max meets during the course of his investigation include Smith Dixon, a career criminal trying to change the course of his life; Carl Puente, a gambler desperate for a big score; Carl's brother-in-law Freddie Odom, a family man drowning in alcoholism; legendary police detective Champ Phillips; Angel, a pool hall owner who both frightens and attracts Max; and Bailey, a wolf-dog hybrid who is the bouncer at the pool hall.

©2010 William C. Durham (P)2016 William C Durham

Impeccable Attention to Detail

What an accomplishment! Murray turns in a stellar performance of Durham's literary brilliance. Great team!

Nice Visit But Wouldn't Wanna' Live There

Amarillo apparently isn't at the end of the world, but you can see it from there. Regardless, I enjoyed NYC attorney Max Friedman's visit to the place. Oddly the small town adopts him quickly without reservation. There's a first.

Yet Bill Durham makes it reasonably believable along with his quick brush-stroked characters.But then Durham drags us into a conundrum. You know, one of those questions with a number of completely contradictory but reasonable answers. And each of the answers opens a deadly door.

And... and... Michael Butler Murray does a generally good job of making this legal/courtroom adventure work. I say generally because he reads Max Friedman's NYC accent only when the plot specifically reminds us of the lawyer's origins. And then it slips away. Pity.

But I quibble. All-in-all this forgettable story entertained me through hours of chores and commute. Which is what I wanted, and got.

East Meets West

Would you consider the audio edition of Amarillo to be better than the print version?

Didn't read the print.

What other book might you compare Amarillo to and why?

Reminded me of books written by James Lee Burke.

Have you listened to any of Michael Butler Murray’s other performances before? How does this one compare?

No

Was there a moment in the book that particularly moved you?

Bailey getting shot. Loved almost all the characters
Max talking about his encounters with his gym teacher.

Any additional comments?

Great character development. One problem...I thought that if a client insisted on testifying, his lawyer had to let him.

High Plains Excellence

Would you recommend this audiobook to a friend? If so, why?

I am recommending this book to everyone. The descriptive writing is remarkable. Those who grew up on the Plains will recognize and appreciate the landscape and the characters immediately. Those who have never been to the Panhandle of Texas will have a good look/listen to the lay of the land being described in detail so sharp it is as clear as a High Pains sky.

What was one of the most memorable moments of Amarillo?

I like the first impressions of Max, the New York attorney, who finds himself in Amarillo by accident.

What does Michael Butler Murray bring to the story that you wouldn’t experience if you just read the book?

I like this narrator and feel he did an excellent job.

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

I have listened to this book twice. The first time was shortly following a surgery and on a pretty hefty dose of narcotics. I remembered liking it very much, but had some gaps in memory, and decided to listen again.I listened to it almost non-stop over two days. It was more remarkable than I remembered.

Any additional comments?

I am perplexed about the negative review regarding "language". I find the language to be mild for the subject matter, and no worse than tv, movies, or most books. It would not have been as realistic without the language used.

I really like this book and recommend it highly.

Amarillo

Mr. Murray did a wonderful job reading this story. I enjoyed the voices he gave to each character.