The Dirty Streets of Heaven cover art

The Dirty Streets of Heaven

A Bobby Dollar Novel, Book 1

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The Dirty Streets of Heaven

By: Tad Williams
Narrated by: Joe May
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About this listen

The Dirty Streets of Heaven is the first in a new set of fantasy-fuelled thrillers from the author George R. R. Martin cites as one of the major inspirations behind Game of Thrones: Tad Williams, international best-selling author of The Dragonbone Chair.

Bobby Dollar isn’t your average angel! Sure, he takes the occasional trip to Heaven, but his job as an advocate - arguing the fate of the recently deceased - keeps him pretty busy on Earth, and he's more than happy to spend the rest of his time propping up the bar with his fellow immortals. Until the day a soul goes missing, presumed stolen by "the other side".

A new chapter in the war between heaven and hell is about to open. And Bobby is right in the middle of it, with only a desirable but deadly demon to aid him.

©2012 Tad Williams (P)2012 Hodder & Stoughton Epic Epic Fantasy Fantasy Horror Modern Detectives Mystery Scary Fiction Paranormal Suspense

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Critic reviews

“When I heard that Tad Williams was writing an urban fantasy novel, I got all tingly. Now I've read it, and it's even better than I'd dared to hope. It's snarky, fast-paced, and above all, original. You should be tingly, too.” (Patrick Rothfuss)
“’Tad Williams' ... famous four-book trilogy was one of the things that inspired me to write my own seven-book trilogy. [ I ] said, "My god, they can do something with this form," and it's Tad doing it.” (George R. R. Martin)
“Exhilarating action, fascinating characters, and high stakes will leave the reader both satisfied and eager for the next installment.” ( Publishers Weekly)
“Williams has managed to create something really special with The Dirty Streets of Heaven that manages to breathe new life into the urban fantasy genre while at the same time retaining the magic of his earlier novels, an incredible start to a promising series.”( SF Book website)
“Williams has managed to create something really special with The Dirty Streets of Heaven that manages to breathe new life into the urban fantasy genre while at the same time retaining the magic of his earlier novels, an incredible start to a promising series.”( SF Book website)
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Angels and Demons who fight for your soul when death comes!
I enjoyed this offering on the whole and it kept me interested throughout, first time with this author and would like to read more, saying that would like to have had more interaction with other characters, you are in Bobby Dollars head on his own a lot of the time and although his inner thought processes are witty and entertaining. enjoyed the banter and interactions with other characters more.. on the whole a good read..

A different spin..

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Tad Williams set himself quite a task writing a detective noir novel set in heaven, but I think he pulls it off quite nicely. The narration is spot on, getting just the right level of humour in the darkness, and the writing is rich with one-liners and smart descriptions. Overall, pretty damn fine - on to the next one ...

$Bobby

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I loved this audio book, the story is fast paced and kept my attention all the way through.



I know I have enjoyed the book when at the end I wished the book could have been longer.



If like me you enjoy the current crop of urban fantasy then you will enjoy this book.

Fast paced fun listen

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I really enjoyed listening to this book. I've read several other Tad Williams and liked them, this was far less serious. I don't usually like "frivolous" books and I'm not sure I would have enjoyed this so much if I hadn't been listening to it. The narrator was excellent, he was just the right "voice" for Bobby Dollar and was very good at differentiating the characters. Because the reader is so important, I nearly didn't buy this audiobook after reading the criticism of his reading (particularly his portrayal of the Solihull sisters - which truthfully was awful but they play a very very small role in this book). We're probably talking about 10 bad minutes out of an book that lasted 14 hours, the rest of which was just excellent. The book itself was gripping and well plotted, you really felt you got to know Bobby Dollar - and he's an engaging character.

Not too serious but an enjoyable listen

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When I started reading this I thought it was going to be a bit like a boring whodunnit, written to a forfmula. I persisted, because I had paid for it! How glad I was. By the time I reached the end, I was searching Audible's store to find a sequel. I hope it's on its way. I can hadly wait.

More, please.

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Caught my attention from the first word. Well performed. Looking forward to the next instalment. There is something of the Harry Dresden but with a new and fresh premise.

Very pleased I found this

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Despite some early action, the start feels very slow but stick with it. The narrator grows on you and you eventually get sucked into the world. the protagonist is a nice take on your typical hardboiled gumshoe.

Worth sticking with it

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Would you consider the audio edition of The Dirty Streets of Heaven to be better than the print version?

I cannot say for sure as I have only heard the audio book. But it is VERY WELL READ by Joe May. His performance almost seems like half the fun and thrill of the book, so my answer would most likely be "yes", had I read the book in print.

What was one of the most memorable moments of The Dirty Streets of Heaven?

The characters are so complex and human, while being angels (and some of the demons). The most memorable part as such I will not reveal hear. That would be a spoiler. But lets just say it has to do with a pig and "reversed curse" :)

Also a crazed (or is he) dude, who arranges a very unique auction. For a very special item.

Which scene did you most enjoy?

Just the protagonist himself. So selfaware, "human" and cynical considering that he, Bobby Dollar (real name: Robert Deloreal) - he is one of the most interesting main protaginist (telling his story in first person) I read about for a long while.

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

Laugh. A lot.

Any additional comments?

Very different from most of Tad William's fantasy book until now. This is a very different kind of fantasy. No knights or kings here. Just angels, demons and God! :)

I look forward to the next book in this triology! :)

ANGELS N DEMONS go crazy. Very innovative and fun!

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I absolutely loved the narrator. Every single character had a distinct voice and his voice was excellent. This guy was BORN to narrate this book! The story is excellent too. Not your typical urban fantasy. Its gritty and very, very funny and Bobby Dollar's voice (his voice, not the narrators) and his cynical, sardonic world view is just amazing. Cant wait to read the rest of the series. Would highly recommend.
Seriously, this narrator is amazing. Wow, where did they find this guy?!

Beautiful story, excellent narrator!

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Would you recommend this audiobook to a friend? If so, why?

I would highly recommend this to anyone with an interested in the afterlife (and who has not!)

Who was your favorite character and why?

Bobby Dollar is the reluctant angel questioning his existential existence, and the point of it all.

What do you think the narrator could have done better?

Narrator did a fine world weary gumshoe and a foxy demon, but I laughed throughout the Sollyhull scene as the Narrator completely failed to do a Birmingham accent! It drifted from scottish to Irish and even Northern. I guess you have to be English to spot that little falw though

Thought provoking heaven n hell gumshoe story

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