The Red Book cover

The Red Book

Billy Harney • Book 2

4.54 ABR Score (23.4K ratings)
★ 4.28 Goodreads (19.5K) ★ 4.67 Audible (3.9K)
8h 35m Released 2021 Thriller

Why Listen to This Audiobook?

Ballerini makes Billy Harney sound like a man who knows he's being set up but can't stop walking into it anyway.

  • Great if you want: Chicago crime fiction with institutional corruption and real stakes
  • Listening experience: propulsive and tense — short chapters keep it moving relentlessly
  • Narration: Ballerini's gravelly delivery perfectly fits a detective who trusts no one
  • Skip if: you haven't read book one — Billy's history matters here

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About This Audiobook

Detective Billy Harney navigates the treacherous waters of Chicago's police force, where loyalty and corruption intertwine in deadly ways. When a drive-by shooting threatens to ignite citywide riots, Harney finds himself caught between his instincts for justice and the political pressures demanding a quick resolution. As a member of the elite Special Operations Section, he discovers that the simple answers his superiors want may be hiding a conspiracy that reaches deep into the heart of the department. With his father's legacy as former chief of detectives weighing on him and his twin sister Patti also serving on the force, Harney must decide how far he's willing to go to uncover the truth.

Edoardo Ballerini delivers a masterful performance that captures the gritty atmosphere of Chicago's streets and the tension within its police precincts. His nuanced vocal work brings distinct life to each character, from corrupt officials to street-smart cops, while maintaining the rapid-fire pace that Patterson's thriller demands. Ballerini's delivery amplifies the story's suspenseful moments and makes the complex web of police politics accessible to listeners. The audio format enhances the investigative elements, allowing Harney's internal conflicts and split-second decisions to unfold with cinematic intensity.