Pete Larkin returns to narrate Point and Shoot, the final segment of Duane Swierczynski's Charlie Hardie trilogy. The degree to which Swierczynski has built on each book is such that this trilogy is best read or listened to in order, beginning with Fun & Games then Hell & Gone. Doing so on audio will not only help listeners to understand the plot fully; they will also better appreciate the excellence in Larkin's portrayal.
This third outing opens with Charlie in a satellite in space. His job is to guard the satellite for a year in exchange for his family's safety. So when a man who looks exactly like Charlie and claims to be there to rescue him breaches the satellite, Charlie has to decide if he should chance teaming up with this doppelganger or "point and shoot."
Swierczynski created a delicate balance with his Charlie Hardie series. Tipped one direction or the other, the blend of science fiction, crime fiction and comedy would come across as utterly absurd. Instead, it's engaging and entertaining, even while the readers and listeners know it's completely impossible. Emphasizing something differently or missing a bit of humor could upset that balance. But Larkin walks this thin tightrope with style and panache, maybe even juggling flaming batons as he goes. Down to the smallest details, like Swierczynski's choice of movie quotes to open each chapter, Pete Larkin connects with the story so his listeners can, too. --Jen Forbus of Jen's Book Thoughts