Audiobook Review: The Coldest Case by James Patterson

The Coldest Case is an action-packed experience you won’t want to miss! Check out the audible original audiobook by James Patterson.

The Coldest Case by James Patterson is an Audible original and is only officially available in audiobook format. Which, to be honest, is exactly how it should be. While the plot is good and the ending works, the stellar cast and carefully implemented audio effects make this story stand out. The presentation is packed with great acting and theatrical turns, starring Aaron Paul, Krysten Ritter, Nathalie Emmanuel, Beau Bridges, Alexis Bledel, and Mark-Paul Gosselaar.

The story is a prequel to one of Patterson’s best-selling books, The Black Book, and is labeled as book 0.5 in the Black Book series. You certainly don’t have to read The Black Book to enjoy The Coldest Case (I’m proof of that), and similarly, you don’t have to listen to the prequel to enjoy reading The Black Book (I am 100% making that assumption based on the fact that the book was released first). In truth, the whole experience feels like a fun, episodic, fictional podcast and stands perfectly on its own.

Unlike most audiobooks, because there is no written component, there is no narrator, only characters reading their lines. The James Patterson audiobook is more like an audio-drama than a traditional book – instead of “she said” or “he said,” characters are all assigned to a separate actor/actress, so you’re always aware of which character is talking. Also, there’s no direction or narration of action; everything is contained within sound effects or a character’s lines.

If you’re in need of new audio entertainment, I can’t stress what a great selection The Coldest Case is. It’s fast, fun, and filled with familiar voices. It’s an audio adventure worth taking!