Audiobook Review: Whites of Their Eyes

Whites of Their Eyes (Benjamin Pratt and the Keepers of the School, 3) by Andrew Clements read by Keith Nobbs, February 21, 2012. 4 discs (8 hours *I think*). Source: Audiobook Jukebox/Publisher.

Andrew Clements delivers the latest in his adventure-filled school series.

This could be the last great Memorial Day weekend on Barclay Bay, and Ben knows it. This time next year, he might not be able to stand in the yard of the Oakes School and watch the harbor shake off winter—boats buzzing just beyond the bulkhead and families spreading picnics in the fields. If the school gets torn down and replaced by an amusement park, the town will never be the same. But that’s only if the school gets torn down. Ben and Jill are determined to keep that from happening. And the evil janitor Lyman has taken note. He’s following their every move—and undoing their progress along the way. Good thing Ben and Jill have a secret weapon. (Who knew that annoying Robert Gerritt would be such a spy wiz?) But Lyman has a secret weapon as well: a vicious guard dog. These kids are smart, but can they outsmart Lyman—and his beast—as the clock tick, tick, ticks toward total demolition?

Story

So, with each book of Benjamin Pratt and the Keepers of the School I am finding myself more entrenched in the series and the fates of the characters. What really makes this series is that it has all the elements that make a great read, a mystery and quest to save something dear to the MCs, suspense and action that draws the readers in, and writing that pulls it all together and makes for exceptional reading.

It was definitely an interesting plot move to have Ben and Jill team up with Robert. Especially since Ben and Robert don't exactly see eye to eye. While I was a bit unsure of how this new turn would go, I think that it was a good move, although mainly because it forced both Ben and Robert to cope with their rivalry and learn to work with one another. I'm really looking forward to seeing how their alliance will play into the next book in the series.

While I really liked that the story made a lot of forward progress in Whites of Their Eyes. The thing that makes this book so good is the writing and Mr. Clements ability to create such an exciting, well written book. I listened to this one pretty much non-stop because I just had to know how it would end.
Since the plot moved forward, I really do not having anything to complain about for this book.

Narration

So, I was definitely nervous going into listening to Whites of Their Eyes because had read the first to books in the series. My biggest fear was that the reader, Keith Nobbs, wouldn't be able to capture the Ben's voice. My fears were unfounded since Mr. Nobbs did an excellent job.

The things I liked most about Keith Nobbs' narration of Whites of Their Eyes would have to be his reading of Ben's character. I actually thought he did a great job and that he really captured Ben's personality quite well.
The other things I liked about his narration was that his narration was lively and never dull. Which made it fit in perfectly with the feel of the story and the author's writing.
The only bad thing about the narration was...oh, who am I kidding. I wax quite taken with the narration of this book and cannot think of anything that did not please me.
Final Verdict: Whites of Their Eyes a truly enjoyable book. Cannot wait to see what will happen in book four.

Whites of Their Eyes earns 4.5 of 5 pineapples.
Benjamin Pratt and the Keepers of the School
We the Children
Fear Itself
Whites of Their Eyes