Ron Larocque

Stalins' Paranoia still Persists today!

Revisado: 05-06-20

I listen to Lee & Jeremys' book once a year since I found it. I always cry at the end, laying in the dark listening! It is a compelling story of a courageous man(Captain Robert Trimble), trying to do what is right, and being thwarted at every turn by Russian lies and bureaucracy. Not much has changed there, today with Putin in charge! Then it was the NKVD, now it is KGB, but the ideology is the same. You feel Captain Trimble's frustration as he is repeatedly lied to, even as the evidence is damning and incontrovertible. His adventures are almost unbelievable, as they were covert to begin with. And could not be even discussed. One wonders why the Great powers let Stalin have his way all the time. What a great listen(READ), of non-stop action and covert maneuvers. It's hard to even call them(Russia), our Allies after WWII. It didn't take long for the COLD War to officially start, if you are familiar with the 'Gousenko' Incident which happened here in Ottawa. What a wonderful man your dad & grandfather must have been, the way he handled himself against such adversity. I give this book the highest recommendation I can give. What an amazing story, one that should be taught in high school curriculums. Narration was 5 Star all the way. Thank you for undertaking this labour of LOVE Lee & Jeremy! - Ron Larocque, Ottawa, Canada.

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Arthur Outwits the GESTAPO!

Revisado: 04-07-18

What made the experience of listening to The Lost Airman the most enjoyable?

Arthurs' humble beginnings and his connection to family. His upbringing and principles which he lived by. Born in the Bronx, and shot down after only his second mission, Arthur was lucky he knocked on a door that welcomed him. I can't imagine being alone behind enemy lines and injured as well!(Arthur hurt his back, badly when he parachuted out of his doomed plane.) But his personal courage and resourcefulness helped him evade the Nazis with the help of his resistance friends. He was taken in and looked after by the amazing French resistance agent; Marcel Taillendier. Arthur had to masquerade as a deaf mute and the Gestapo and Vichy Police tried to trip him up at every turn. The Resistance seemed to be just one step ahead of the Gestapo moving Arthur from hiding place to hiding place!

What did you like best about this story?

This story was incredible. Arthur was actually captured by the Gestapo, beaten and tortured and thrown in a cold prison cell. His friend and resistance leader Marcel said: 'They won't have him!' Marcel had formed a special bond with Meyerowitz and broke him out of the prison and spirited him away! They had the most harrowing escape over the Pyrenees one could ever imagine.!

Have you listened to any of Jonathan Todd Ross’s other performances before? How does this one compare?

The narration was perfect! I will seek out other projects by this great reader for certain

If you were to make a film of this book, what would the tag line be?

It should be a film! It's so incredible I listened long into the night & after I caught my breath I listened again a couple of weeks later. I think of movies like O.S.S. with Alan Ladd and they can't compare with Arthurs REAL adventures! I think I would title the movie: " I Fought with the Resistance!"

Any additional comments?

As I listened in the dark in bed, I was captivated by this great book and just had to continue with the story to see what would happen next! By far one of the best I have ever had the privilege to listen to! Hollywood could not write a story as exciting as Arthurs true story was!-Ron Larocque, Ottawa, Canada.

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Pick a Saint, any Saint & Enjoy the Ride!

Revisado: 03-14-17

What made the experience of listening to The Saint in Miami the most enjoyable?

I am really adamant about choice of narrator! I have to really close my eyes and listen and really like the voice before I choose. That being said, I think John Telfer was born to read these! He could play 'The Saint' on radio if they remade the series! I absolutely LOVE his voice. I am a reader of Charteris, so I like some of his books more so than others, but when Telfer reads them they are almost all equally enjoyable!

What did you like best about this story?

I loved when Simon Templar charged thru the Everglades in the huge caterpillar tractor to get to the hidden complex of the bad guys!

Which scene was your favorite?

Probably same as above & when the enemy Sub was sunk!

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

Just kind of listened with a smile on my face as The Saint went about his business in dealing with the baddies and the head of the local law enforcement.(Of course his semi-literate sidekick is always a hoot!)

Any additional comments?

I thought I would do this as I listened to samples of the next SAINT I will listen to. John Telfer sounds like a cross between Roger Moore & Ian Ogilvy(Return of The Saint). It's like John McDonough being the PERFECT voice for the children's series "Freddy The Pig" by Walter R. Brooks. They were both born to do those particular series.

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Favourite pick from AUDIBLE of all! So Far!

Revisado: 05-31-15

Would you listen to Operation Kronstadt again? Why?

I have listened and re-listened many times, as this true story is exciting from the opening chapter to the end!

What did you like best about this story?

Gus Agar(VC winner), and his mates booting it up and down the Gulf of Finland taking on Battle Cruisers; destroyers and all comers. Full steam ahead against overwhelming odds! And Paul Dukes trials and tribulations behind enemy lines trying just to survive another day!

What about Gideon Emery’s performance did you like?

Just seems to be the perfect voice for the genre.(Espionage and action behind enemy lines).

Did you have an extreme reaction to this book? Did it make you laugh or cry?

I love "BIGGLES" adventures stories by W.E. Johns, and this was like an extremely well written Biggles, but it actually happened.!

Any additional comments?

Highly recommended for fans of espionage and true tales of courageous acts. Also I am really careful about selecting any audiobook based on narrator's voice, and Gideon Emery deserves the 5 stars+ - Ron L.

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The REAL "Rat Patrol"!

Revisado: 02-25-13

Would you listen to The Phantom Major again? Why?

I have listened to it more than once already. It is exciting from start to finish. Always discover something interesting on re-listening.

Who was your favorite character and why?

It would have to be Major David Stirling of course.He had an iron will and incredible nerve facing overwhelming odds and harsh conditions every mission. However his demeanor was of a gentle giant who gained respect of his men;whom he treated with respect. After all,they were'irregulars' so the officer-non-com buisness was relaxed because of the hardships etc. all of the men faced. Each mission Major Stirling left the quiet,patient reserved part at home and set out across the desert to really cause the enemy maximum damage!

Which character – as performed by Robert Whitfield – was your favorite?

There were many incredible individuals under Major Stirlings' command who stood out by their brave and resourceful acts. Not ony British,but allied troops as well.

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

Just about every chapter. For example,as the commandos beetled back out from blowing up everything in sight with the enemy in hot pursuit,I think,anyone would find exciting .This was the true story of the formation of the SAS and their operations,"stirring it up", across North Africa during those years(1941-42) where things were at an impass because for every bit of ground gained,Rommel who was brilliant,would counter-attack and ground would be lost. These Commandos were a constant source of worry for the Germans,as their hit and run tactics were really effective and disrupted the enemies plans more often than not.

Any additional comments?

As mentioned in some of my other reviews,I take my time choosing,and VOICE is everything for me. I immediately loved Robert Whitfields voice,and will seek out other projects he is involved in. - Ron L.

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A must listen for WW 2 history fans!

Revisado: 02-25-13

What made the experience of listening to Raiders: World War Two True Stories the most enjoyable?

I love tales of bravery,sacrifice,and ingenuity from the men and women of that generation who gave all for freedom and love of country. These six,individual stories were excellent listening,with top flight narration by Mark Meadows. Britain and the Allies had only had a series of setbacks and depressing news,while trying to cope with the constant Lufwaffe attacks on the Homefront for more than two years and Churchill knew some positive news stories were critical by this time. The establishment and training of the "Commandos" is a great story in itself,but as Mark Meadows reads them,you feel you are there with the attaking forces! The initial success of the Raids was a much needed moral booster for England,and set some standards for D Day which would follow. I purchased this audiobook in January,and have listened to it three times already,loving every minute of it. First class all the way.

What other book might you compare Raiders: World War Two True Stories to and why?

Anyone that likes these types of stories would enjoy any of William Breuers' books;and also, 'The Brenner Assaignment' by Patrick O'Donnell; "The Forgotten 500 " by Gregory Freeman;'The Jedburghs' by Will Irwin and "The Phantom Major"@ by Virginia Cowles,to name a few.(@-Reviewed separately).

What does Mark Meadows bring to the story that you wouldn’t experience if you just read the book?

I listen very carefully to books I place in my wish list and take my time deciding. Sometimes favourite subject matter is not as well narrated as I would like,and the VOICE is everyting to me. I place Mr. Meadows up there with the best,especially for this genre.

Did you have an extreme reaction to this book? Did it make you laugh or cry?

It actually did give me chills,as some of the Commandos;as was to be expected,lost there lives in the Raids. Usually some prior background facts of certain commanders and other individuals were given;as when an officer that played Rugby for England who was well known was killed. I could only think of the family and friends who would never see them again.

Any additional comments?

Just a "shout out " to AUDIBLE for seeking out these kind of true WW 2 stories which I love. There seem to be many new and interesting choices each month. Cheers to all the fans of this branch of history, I read and use your reviews to help choose,quite often! - Ron Larocque,Ottawa,Canada.

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No one but John McDonough could pull this off!

Revisado: 12-14-11

Where does Freddy and the Flying Saucer Plans rank among all the audiobooks you’ve listened to so far?

I grew up loving Mr. Brooks,Freddy the Pig series and have collected most of them. This is one of my favourite stories,as Samuel Jackson the Mole is introduced. But,come on,it has a bit of everything we love! Spies;Freddy in various disguises;Jinx the cats' humourous jabs at Freddy;Uncle Bens' inventions,to name a few. It has Walter Brooks humour at his best. The plot and sub plots are excellent;the Flying saucer Plans being pursued by spies;Samuel looking for his lost treasure;Jinx tangling with 'Grisli' and the cannibal ants;as well as Freddy riding Cy!

What did you like best about this story?

Brooks humour and the fast-paced adventure!

What does John McDonough bring to the story that you wouldn’t experience if you just read the book?

John McDonough captures all the little nuances of the characters personalities. First one I listened to I thought,this is what I knew FREDDY would sound like!

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

Yes and I did.....Then I listened to it again the next night!

Any additional comments?

Just a tip of the hat to whoever thought to choose John McDonough to do these fabulous stories! I don't believe anyone could have done them as well as he! - Ron L.

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If you like WW2 history-Highly Recommended!

Revisado: 11-15-10

I love World War 2 history to begin with,and this is a great story. I have absolutely no issues with Patrick Lawlors' narration,really enjoying his work actually. This story is 10 hrs. plus long,and I found listening to 2 or 3 hrs. over several nights worked really well. The courage and ingenuity of those individuals behind enemy lines makes for riveting listening. I really enjoyed and appreciated background info and summaries of what some of the principle characters did after the War. A totally satisfying listen and I felt well worth the price. Highly recommended. I would also recommend "The Forgotten 500",by Gregory Freeman,and narrated by Patrick Lawlor as well.

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