River Wild: A Thriller

Written by Denis O’Neill

Narrated by Jamie Renell

Based on the blockbuster movie starring Meryl Streep and Kevin Bacon. To help heal a marriage on the rocks, river-rafting expert Gail, her husband Tom, and their son embark on a white water adventure in Montana. Along the way, they encounter two inexperienced rafters supposedly looking for their friends downriver. Little do they know that the men are escaped convicts whose bid for freedom has a body count. Things take a turn when the young family learns that they are now the captives of two armed killers, and it becomes clear that there is much more at stake than a marriage. Desperate to evade both the police and federal marshals, the men force the family down the river and into the mouth of a deadly class 5 white-water rapid. Careening towards mortal peril, Gail and Tom must bond together to save their family from the brutality of nature and the savageness of man. This high-stakes thriller is both a testament to the power of mother nature and a classic adventure story that is perfect for fans of CJ Box and Craig Johnson. Denis O’Neill, the screenwriter for the movie The River Wild, brings the striking beauty of the film into his writing and ratchets up the danger that races forward to a breathtaking conclusion.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Everand Productions
• Release date: Aug 24, 2021
• ISBN: 9781094425788

Denis O’Neill

Denis O’Neill is an author, screenwriter, producer, and nature enthusiast who holds a master’s degree in journalism from Boston University. He worked on staff and as a freelance writer/producer for Boston’s public television station, WGBH-TV. He began publishing articles and short stories in Sports Illustrated, the Boston Globe Sunday Magazine, Fly Rod & Reel, Antiques, American Photographer, and others. His original screenplay, The River Wild, was produced in 1994, directed by Curtis Hanson, starring Meryl Streep, Kevin Bacon, David Strathairn, and John C. Riley. A Shot at Glory, directed by Michael Corrente and starring Robert Duvall, was released in 2001. He lives in Los Angeles.

Reviews for River Wild

[Maneet · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

A fast paced page turner. Exciting and interesting. Makes you want to finish the book without stopping

[Shelby Schwing · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

I loved the book but wish the author’s personal bias did not play a part. Isnt it the creative mind that keeps all possibilities open.

[Jeanetta du Preez · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

I am not a fan of thrillers and also not of crued language, but you can expect it if there are escaped convicts in the story.
I do however enjoyed that the "good" people could believe in each other and came through for each other inspite of the circumstances.

[Sharon Czudak · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

Very much enjoyed it, made a nice change from the psychopathic thrillers I usually listen to! Well written and well narrated. Thank you!

[Tim Ballweber · Rating: 3 out of 5 stars]

They should learn how to properly pronounce the name of the capital of montana.

[lexingtonand86 · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

This book isn’t like any other book written after a movie. It’s actually very well written, I loved the plot twists I would highly recommend it even if you have already seen the movie

[Jerry Weis · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Riveting! As a book version of the movie, I didn’t have high expectations. But the story stands on its own, with fun twists and turns. Fascinating characters, thrilling sequences, unbearable suspense, and a fast-moving plot. I couldn’t stop listening!

[Joyce Harout · Rating: 1 out of 5 stars]

Super predictable. I was bored within 30 minutes. Not for me.

[Hessah · Rating: 3 out of 5 stars]

A rafting thriller with a fugitive that was surprisingly enjoyable. I had moments of doubts but they were squashed away.

[Cindy McBrearty · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Lots of adventures, success through May trials and set babks

[Yvette Bonett · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

Great story! Tense, gripping and fast paced. Had also watched the movie with Meryl Streep, Kevin Bacon & David Strathairn. All great actors and were the perfect cast! Audiobook Narrator did a really good job too!

[mvogt1 · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Great suspense novel. Kept a good pace and my attention, which is not that easy.

[john langworthy · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

The story moves along at a quick pace in the events were realistic. It showed the evil the good and the resilience of people..

[Lara Pretorius · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Very glad this was not a dud! I highly recommend a listen if you are scraping the Everand barrel will you wait for your selected titles to become available ? narrator did a great job!

[Riley Hungate · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

If you enjoyed the movie, you’ll enjoy this; however, I must admit that the excitement from the movie is nowhere near captured in this audiobook. Bravo to the author and narrator for their splendid work… but no one is ever going to compare to Meryl and Kevin lollll

[B Hickerson · Rating: 3 out of 5 stars]

This book was well written, but it didn't do it for me. I found myself zoning out bc it was less of a multilayer plot with strong character development and more of an action movie in words. I'm not an action movie fan, so it was just a bad match. So if you like non-stop action, this is the book for you!

[Ginger Jackson · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

Nonstop excitement. I couldn't put it down in some parts.

[afo28 · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

This was a “Paige Turner”. I really enjoyed all of the twists and turns. I always love us story about a strong woman.

[Vicki Tucker · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Better than the movie, of course! Enjoyed the back stories and extra details.

[Cia Leest · Rating: 1 out of 5 stars]

This story could be really suspenseful, but it didn't work for me. I think it's all the details and amateur philosophy that threw me off.

[Felicia Ross · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

Great book. Kept my interest from beginning to the end.

[B.A. Sandy Sanford · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

I remember the movie and the book was just so much better. I like that it was modernized.

[Katherine Smith · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

The book was a joy to read. Kept my interest until the end

[Tishjuan Taylor · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Kept me glued in. Excellent book, you can definitely feel like you are right in there with the characters.

[Nita · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

I loved this book. Held my interest 100 percent and narrating was great. If you’re a rafter, you’ll especially love it!

[Melissa Brewer · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Great descriptions compelling suspenseful a terrific book I would definitely recommend it

[Karen Duling · Rating: 2 out of 5 stars]

Too slow of a plot. Maybe if I knew more about rafting? No big surprises.

[Ani C · Rating: 3 out of 5 stars]

The story was tense and well written but the narrator was too placid. His voice too even for an intense story like this. His 'screams' weren't screams at all. Not enough emotion.

[PDB BearPottery Art · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Great book! Now I want to see if the movie did it justice.

[Laurel Girard · Rating: 3 out of 5 stars]

I’m 2/3done and all I can think is “ how can this kid be so absolutely stupid? They’ve been threatened, injured, all but abducted and kidnapped and the kid doesnt seem to get that this guy,Deek (sounds like an unsuccessful criminal) is going to use them to get them out of the rapids, the river, and back home.