Free Range Institution

A Mick Murphy Key West Mystery

By: Michael Haskins

Narrated by: Dave Cruse

When journalist Liam "Mick" Murphy lies to the chief of police in order to get a story, he uncovers a conspiracy to smuggle a cheap, lethal, cocaine-based drug through Key West. Before long, local authorities, federal agents, and drug-cartel hit men are looking for Murphy because of what they think he knows. With help from an eclectic group of friends, including an old black-ops acquaintance from Central America, Murphy sets out to prove who's behind the smuggling plot and distance himself from the violence that has spawned havoc on the island. This fast-paced story twists and turns like a hurricane wind. Listeners will enjoy a roller-coaster ride through Key West's backstreets and bars as only a local can show them.

©2012 Michael Haskins (P)2016 Kimberly Poppke

Murphy's Law

Mick Murphy was having a good day. It didn't last long because things really started going downhill for him quickly. To start with, he saw a friend fall to his death, and being a journalist, he did what came naturally.

This fast paced, well written thriller takes Murphy on a wild ride through Key West. The characters are well developed and make for a compelling story.

The narration really gives life to Mick and his friends. It's smoothly done and well voiced.

Twists and turns!

Well-written. Held my attention throughout.

Dave Cruse did a great job narrating.

I was given this free review copy audiobook at my request and have voluntarily left this review.

Kept me captivated

I enjoyed listening to this book. I was drawn into the book from the very beginning and couldn't stop listening. I was never able to figure out what was happening next and it kept me wanting more.

The narrator did a wonderful job. You will not be disappointed in this book.

Wide Range Imitation!

Free Range Institution by Michael Haskins is ten and a half hours of good fun, with a twisty plot, sharp surprises, a quirky setting, and interesting characters whom one would like to encounter again. The audiobook is lighthearted fare for long drives on interstate highways, which is where I listened to it. Narrator Dave Cruse has had a long career in radio broadcasting, and he read the book's narrative and descriptive passages well, as I expected he would. Free Range Institution is his first audiobook, and he produced solid vocal characterizations across a wide range. He can pass for a self-doubting, middle-aged, white American man, an old Irish former priest, and an African-American federal law enforcement officer. He's also a surprisingly sexy wise Latina. I couldn't give his narration five stars, because I'm a Simon Vance snob. But given the same material, I think I'd enjoy a steady diet of Dave Cruse's narration to a steady diet of Scott Brick's, and that's worth four stars.

FREE RANGE INSTITUTION

This is a great storyline. I liked the book but I think you have to pay extra close attention to keep up with everyone. I wish Mick and the police worked together more than against each other. It had a good storyline. I'll listen to it again later. I loved the narrator. Dave Cruse does a great job narrating this book.