A Review of ‘The Safe Man’

Written by John Edward Betancourt

Key Art from ‘The Safe Man’ Courtesy of Audible.

There was a time, where short stories were perceived by Hollywood, as nothing more than motion pictures in waiting. Which isn’t a bad thing by any means. For it meant that any producer that optioned one, genuinely believed that it could easily become a two-hour feature and bring joy to audiences everywhere. So, for ages on end, short stories becoming movies were all the rage, and it was a move that was popularized by Stephen King’s work as well, since so many of his short works went on to become hit pictures or a grandiose miniseries on television. But while there’s a lot of joy to be found in this formula for movie making, it had its flaws.

Because not every short story translated well to film, resulting in some serious misfires that could have been avoided had they been adapted via a better format. But alas that likely didn’t exist at the time. But now, in this era of peak entertainment, that’s changing. Because there are creatives eager to take short stories and turn them into television shows because of the potential they have, and the world of audio entertainment… well that has unlocked all kinds of possibilities for short stories. Since they can go places that television and film cannot go and ignite our imaginations along the way, and it just so happens… that a wonderful short story from writer Michael Connelly, has been properly realized as an Audible Original.

For The Safe Man, a short story written by Connelly in 2012 and co-written by him with Terrill Lee Lankford for this Audible Original, can now unleash a far more intense vibe than the original source material, courtesy of several wonderful factors. Such as its cast. For Titus Welliver and Jack Quad play the lead roles in this tale, Paul Robinette and Brian Holloway, respectively, and their infinite skill set as actors, adds a delightful realism to a story that is grounded in supernatural concepts and so much more. But they are essential to this tale since they sell the gravity of the moment, and the emotions that one would expect to accompany some of the twist and turns present here. But while the top-tier voice acting present here would likely have been enough to make this worth our while, there are other elements that impress.

Because the audio design, is rich in nature and allows for the listener to just lose themselves in the moment. Which only enriches the experience through and through. But of course, none of those elements matter without a good story, and since Mister Connelly is the writer of this new iteration of his own tale, the writing is indeed… top notch. In fact, what Michael has done here, is nothing short of extraordinary. Since it offers purists of the original story, one that revolves around Brian being hired by Paul to open a mysterious safe, which in turn leads to sinister doings that surround and terrify Paul… what they crave. But it also features some beautiful twists for newcomers and new story elements, enhance what the purists already know. 

Since Mister Connelly and Mister Lankford are able to expand upon so much here, and flesh out the characters like never before, adding new, critical moments that further enhance the richness of the story, and so much more that we won’t spoil here. So, you can enjoy all the wonder this riveting and compelling Audible Original has to offer in the comfort of your own home, car, or wherever you consume your audio with comfort, and we certainly hope you check this one out. Because The Safe Man really is quite the treat and a fine reminder of why this era of peak entertainment is so incredible. Because now stories such as these can reach their true potential, courtesy of a few enhancements and a little care from passionate storytellers that want to take us on a powerful journey.

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