Shot Clock – A Deadly Play: A Race Against Time in the Shadowy World of Pro Basketball

1. About the Author: Andrew Bourelle

Andrew Bourelle is an American novelist and professor at the University of Nevada, Reno. He is well known for co-authoring bestselling thrillers with James Patterson, including Texas Ranger and The River Murders. Bourelle’s writing is characterized by fast-paced narratives, intense suspense, and a strong focus on emotional depth. In Shot Clock, he once again proves his skill by crafting a story that combines entertainment with deeper social themes like loyalty, sacrifice, and the price of fame.

2. About the Narrator: Emma Love

Emma Love is a professional audiobook narrator with a strong portfolio of collaborations with major publishers. She is known for her versatile voice work, seamlessly shifting between male and female characters and capturing emotional nuances with precision. In Shot Clock, she was praised by the author himself for embodying the strength and vulnerability of protagonist Caitlin Glass—a former basketball star turned police officer with scars that go far beyond the physical.

3. About the Book: Shot Clock

Shot Clock is a thriller/crime fiction novel set in the high-stakes world of professional basketball. Garrett Streeter, a rising NBA star playing in the Finals, learns his younger brother has been kidnapped. The price for his release? Garrett must throw the game. Meanwhile, Caitlin Glass—Garrett’s ex-girlfriend and now a dedicated police officer—embarks on a dangerous investigation to uncover the truth.

The story blends themes of sports corruption, organized crime, and personal sacrifice. It dives into moral gray areas, where characters must make impossible choices. While specific sales figures and awards haven’t been published, the book has received strong early praise from critics and advance readers.

Average rating on NetGalley: 4.3/5 from over 200 advanced readers.

4. Book Review: Shot Clock

Overall Review:

Shot Clock delivers a punchy, adrenaline-fueled experience that balances suspense with meaningful character development. Bourelle’s use of short, sharp sentences makes action scenes pulse with urgency—like watching a fast-cut thriller film. What truly stands out, though, is how he layers emotional complexity, especially in Caitlin Glass, who emerges as a rare and well-developed female lead in the action genre.

Kirkus Reviews wrote:

“Bourelle maintains a constant pace both on and off the court… a lean thriller that appeals to sports fans and non-fans alike.”

Personal take: Whether or not you enjoy basketball, Shot Clock pulls you in with its emotional stakes and moral dilemmas. If you love books that make your heart race, this one is a must-read (or must-hear).

5. Audiobook Review: Shot Clock

Emma Love’s narration transforms Shot Clock into an immersive audio experience. Her control over pace and tone helps maintain the tension throughout the story. Caitlin’s chapters are especially well-executed—Emma captures her internal conflicts and resilience with grace. The male characters, especially Garrett, are also voiced with subtle emotional depth.

Author Andrew Bourelle praised her performance as:

“She knocked it out of the park.”

NetGalley reviewers also noted:

“Narration was beautifully done.” – Elaine S

“Great character distinction between male and female voices.” – Sherry S

Audiobook Ratings Summary:

• Narration: 4.8/5

• Audio Production: 4.5/5

• Storytelling Rhythm: 4.6/5

Personal note: If you’re debating between the printed book and audiobook, I strongly recommend the audio version. Emma Love doesn’t just read the story—she performs it.

6. Who Should Read This Book?

Shot Clock is perfect for:

• Fans of fast-paced thrillers and crime fiction.

• Readers who enjoy James Patterson-style plots.

• Basketball enthusiasts—or anyone interested in the darker side of professional sports.

• Audiobook lovers seeking a suspenseful and emotionally rich story.

• Anyone looking for a binge-worthy, cinematic story experience.

7. Conclusion

Shot Clock is a sharp, emotionally charged thriller that explores the price of fame and the depths of sacrifice. With a tight plot, compelling characters, and outstanding narration by Emma Love, it’s a standout choice for your reading—or listening—list.

Let your pulse race with every shot, every choice, every second.

 

8. Where to Listen to the Audiobook

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You can listen on the following platforms:

• Audiobooks.com – Stream or download, with a free first book for new members.

• Audible – Free trial available with offline listening support.

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