City of the Sun

A Novel

By: David Levien

Narrated by: Scott Brick

Jamie Gabriel gets on his bike before dawn to deliver newspapers in his suburban Indianapolis neighborhood. He is twelve years old. Somewhere en route, he vanishes without a trace.

Fourteen months later, Paul and Carol Gabriel are on the verge of abandoning all hope. Crushed by frustrating dead ends and exhausted by a police force that cannot (or will not) find their son, the Gabriels finally stumble upon a name–an elusive private investigator who may represent their last chance for answers.

Frank Behr is an enigmatic mountain of a man, a former cop who is reluctant to help–he knows better than to promise the Gabriels a good result. But Paul’s plea for closure stirs up old personal demons that Behr can no longer ignore. Going against everything he fears, Behr enters into an uneasy partnership with Paul on a quest for the truth that is, in turn, dangerous . . . and haunting.

Richly textured and crackling with suspense, CITY OF THE SUN weaves a moody narrative that hinges on the bond between a damaged detective and a lost father. David Levien masterfully peels back the layers of his gripping story, taking listeners on an investigation like no other.

Critic reviews

"CITY OF THE SUN is one of the best books I've read in years. Compelling doesn't begin to describe it. All consuming is more like it. A gripping, lightning-paced trip to the dark side of town that will leave you shaken, and the better for it. A great read!"
–Christopher Reich, New York Times bestselling author

“Here’s what to expect when reading City of the Sun: relentless suspense that will not let you out of its grasp, and a cast of characters who are so utterly real you’ll forget you’re reading fiction. David Levien’s novel is moody, riveting, and special.”
–Harlan Coben, New York Times bestselling author of The Woods

“City of the Sun is hard, mean, beautiful, touching–a dazzling novel. With this book, David Levien has placed himself among the best writers in the field. Elvis Cole and Joe Pike would be proud to call ex-cop Frank Behr their friend.”
–Robert Crais, New York Times bestselling author of The Watchman

“One of the toughest, most gut-wrenching, and most believable suspense novels I’ve ever encountered. If David Levien pulled any punches, I was too dazed to notice.”
–Lincoln Child, New York Times bestselling author of Deep Storm

“Crackles with raw intensity…complex and heartbreaking. Fans of Michael Connelly’s Harry Bosch will be particularly delighted.”
–Publisher’s Weekly (starred review)

“Veteran screenwriter David Levien imagines with icy, almost sadistic precision in his thriller City of the Sun.”
–Entertainment Weekly

“A nerve-jangling novel that places ordinary people in extraordinary circumstances.”
–Carol Memmott, USA Today

“A remarkably assured exercise in grabbing you by the throat and shaking you until the very end.”
–Kirkus

“Levien is obviously schooled in suspense…A rare thriller.”
–The Daily News

Almost Great

With inferior material, Scott Brick's highly dramatic narration can become a distraction; with really good material, he can make the story soar. The latter is the case here. Levien's story is a good one and the plot development, the writing and the characters are superb thriller material.
Three quarters of the way through I thought this was a five star book. Once the story turned to Mexico and the denouement, it went a bit flat. It often happens in the thriller genre that endings get a bit too fantastic or otherwise lose their center.
It would have been quite an achievement for Levien to satisfy the set-up here, especially with the emotionally explosive material, the kidnapping of a 12 year old by some bad people. Still a good tale and riveting listen, but the story is clicking on all cylinders while in Indianapolis, and veers off track once it moves south.
The PI Frank Behr is a superb character; I hope he returns.

What Happened to Jamie?.....4 STARS~

PLOT: a missing paper boy has the parents bring in private eye Frank Behr.

Paul and Carol Gabriel have never given up hope their "missing" son Jamie would be found. As their marriage totters on the brink Paul brings in private detective /ex cop Frank Behr. Behr has tragedy of his own including a failed marriage and son that was accidentally killed. Behr searches clues and reports that are several years old.The trail leads to a south of the border child trafficking ring. This is a very good story. The details about the low life scum who deal in this trade are part of what makes you stay glued to the over all story. Frank Behr has a personal life down in the toilet most of the time and so his personal demons often surface as his own choices. The middle of the story drags a bit but the end is well worth the "keep going" to see how it is resolved. I give it 4 STARS over all and 5 STARS for Scott Brick who gives life to Frank Behr.

enthralling but tough

We'll written and exciting, but theme tough for me as a parent. even so, I recommend it highly.

I COULD NOT PUT THIS DOWN

Wow!!!!WOW!!!! Can this guy write!!! every sentence seemed to be loaded with action and suspense. I couldnt put it down. One of the best I have heard in a long time

Another GREAT David Levien Novel!

I love this Frank Behr series. This was a really good book. I could not stop listening. I can't wait to read the next two novels.