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The Dispatcher

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The Dispatcher

By: John Scalzi
Narrated by: Zachary Quinto
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About this listen

Winner, 2017 APA Audie Awards - Original Work

Zachary Quinto - best known for his role as the Nimoy-approved Spock in the recent Star Trek reboot and the menacing, power-stealing serial killer, Sylar, in Heroes - brings his well-earned sci-fi credentials and simmering intensity to this audio-exclusive novella from master storyteller John Scalzi.

One day, not long from now, it becomes almost impossible to murder anyone - 999 times out of a thousand, anyone who is intentionally killed comes back. How? We don't know. But it changes everything: war, crime, daily life.

Tony Valdez is a Dispatcher - a licensed, bonded professional whose job is to humanely dispatch those whose circumstances put them in death's crosshairs, so they can have a second chance to avoid the reaper. But when a fellow Dispatcher and former friend is apparently kidnapped, Tony learns that there are some things that are worse than death and that some people are ready to do almost anything to avenge a supposed wrong.

It's a race against time for Valdez to find his friend before it's too late...before not even a Dispatcher can save him.

©2016 John Scalzi (P)2016 Audible, Inc. Adventure Crime Fantasy Fiction Science Fiction Murder Disappearance Detective

Critic Reviews

"The hero of this book is narrator Zachary Quinto, who makes a potentially confusing story simple and compelling. With a voice that sounds trained, he reaches right through the speakers and grabs listeners, making them want—no, need—to listen." (AudioFile)

"Quinto has a perfect hardboiled noir manner, which is exactly what you’d want for Valdez." (Locus Magazine)
All stars
Most relevant  
I downloaded this book because it was free. one of the best I've listened to.

Very surprised by this one.

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A good listen and quite an original thought.
Have to love Zachary Quinto impersonations and emotions as he reads.

Felt like the story could have used a bit more meat, but as a short story it flows great.

Interesting ideas in a quick read

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Tony Valdez is a state-sanctioned dispatcher - he’s licensed to humanely kill people who would otherwise die of their injuries so that they can reappear unharmed in their beds at home. When a fellow dispatcher goes missing, Det. Langdon co-opts the reluctant Tony to help find him but as they delve into the murky depths of freelance dispatching, Tony may also be in danger. This fascinating sci-fi mystery is a masterclass in short-story writing: the plot was riveting but not rushed, the world-building interesting and comprehensive without being overbearing, and Langdon and Valdez were well-drawn believable characters. Actor Zachary Quinto narrates the audio superbly - his voice is so velvety!

Brilliant sci-fi / mystery short story!

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Story held me. Amusing. Loved Zachary Quinto’s narration. Would tell my friends about it. Wish there were more..

The Dispatcher

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Great story, kept me glued till the end, and Scalzi’s deft handling of science, spirituality, wit, and emotions served up a juicy treat!

The narrator Zachary Quinto did an excellent job, and his voice created a very likeable main character. All in all, 5 star Scalzi 😎😎😎

Scalzi does it again!!

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Excellent story, narration by Zachary Quinto was first class.I hope to get more books by this Author.

Best short story

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I loved this story. Nothing I would normally chose. Sci fi meets crime and mystery.

Sydney

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Story with a difference. I liked this short interesting science fiction mystery. Well narrated.

An Interesting Short Story.

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A splendid novella and a stellar performance. Wow that went fast!!! Can’t wait for #2

Superb in every way

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Brilliant rendering of a brilliant story. Writing a short story truly tests a skill set of any author - no matter what his/her previous success. Here is a master.

A Must Buy, Must Listen choice.

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