The Listeners

by Christopher Pike

The Listeners is the fourth book I have read by Christopher Pike. This book involves FBI agent David Conner, a rogue agent if there ever was one. His boss, Ned Calendar, has found a particular case that he feels David will be adept at. This is the final case that the two will be working, as David is quitting the FBI and Ned is retiring. We are given David’s background, including some stories which help to develop him as a phenomenal agent who has great instincts for the job, while at the same time casting him as an individual who doesn’t do things “by the book.” We are also presented with stories highlighting tragedies which have befallen him. His unconventional tactics and behavior in response to these tragedies also provide evidence for why he is leaving the FBI. Back to the case at hand: Ned wants David to investigate a group involved with channeling “The Big Mind.” Lead by Professor Spear, they have provoked FBI attention due to their knowledge of government secrets. David is sent to investigate because of his unconventional attitude, and his potential for relations with some of the young girls in the group.
While David begins to infiltrate the group, undercover as a magazine reporter, Ned conducts his own investigation into Dr. Spear’s past. They discover disturbing details about the death of Spear’s wife, and their time in Africa with the Dogon tribe. We are introduced to many players in the story, primarily members of Spear’s group. Critical to the story are twins Vera and Lucy. David becomes involved with Lucy, but has no idea what kind of power the twins are capable of capturing.
The story is decent, truly saved by the development of some interesting characters. I was definitely attached to the characters, and this is the primary reason why I enjoyed the book. Overall, I thought the story itself was somewhat weak. Definitely an interesting premise, however, by the end I was dissatisfied with the flow of the story and the ending. While the plot was strong, as well as the character development, the downfall of the novel was definitely the topic and execution. I like Pike’s style, but this was definitely not one of his best books.
Rating: 3 out of 5 Bunsen Burners
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