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The Academy: A Short Story Audible Audiobook – Unabridged

Robert Dugoni (Author), Emily Sutton-Smith (Narrator), Brilliance Audio (Publisher)
4.5 4.5 out of 5 stars 10,701 ratings
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Quitting her job as a high school science teacher to join the Seattle Police Department was an easy decision for Tracy Crosswhite. Years earlier, what should have been one of the happiest days of her life instead became her worst nightmare when her younger sister, Sarah, disappeared. After the murder trial, while her family disintegrated, Tracy turned her heartbreak and her lingering questions into a passion for justice.

But people don't just become world-class detectives. If Tracy wants to uncover the truth about what happened to her sister, first she must be forged in the fires of the Police Academy, where not everyone wants her to succeed.

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  1. Listening Length
    1 hour and 6 minutes
  2. Author
    Robert Dugoni
  3. Narrator
    Emily Sutton-Smith
  4. Audible release date
    December 27, 2015
  5. Language
    English
  6. Publisher
    Brilliance Audio
  7. ASIN
    B01E69WTJU
  8. Version
    Unabridged
  9. Program Type
    Audiobook
  10. See all details
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Product details

Listening Length 1 hour and 6 minutes
Author Robert Dugoni
Narrator Emily Sutton-Smith
Whispersync for Voice Ready
Audible.com Release Date December 27, 2015
Publisher Brilliance Audio
Program Type Audiobook
Version Unabridged
Language English
ASIN B01E69WTJU
Best Sellers Rank #1,879 in Audible Books & Originals (See Top 100 in Audible Books & Originals)
#7 in Fiction Short Stories
#24 in Police Procedural Mysteries
#27 in Women Sleuth Mysteries

Customer reviews

4.5 out of 5 stars
4.5 out of 5
10,701 global ratings

Customers say

Customers find the storyline engaging and fabulous. They also describe the characters as great, strong, determined, and compassionate. Readers describe the introduction as excellent and well-adopted to the purpose. They appreciate the quick pace and intelligent character. However, some find the length too short and the entertainment value funny, while others say it's not particularly engrossing.

AI-generated from the text of customer reviews

Select to learn more
StorylineCharactersIntroductionPacingWriting styleCharacterEntertainment valueLength
237 customers mention "Storyline"232 positive5 negative

Customers find the storyline engaging, noteworthy, and a good read. They also say the author has a storyteller's way with words, and the book is a great start and backstory to the Tracy Crosswhite series. Customers say the tale can easily be read and enjoyed in less than an hour, and that no word is wasted.

"...I've classified it as general fiction: a realistic, descriptive account of modern life, though in the milieu of people who work at combating crime,..." Read more

"...I really enjoyed his writing style and level of details...." Read more

"...While the B-storyline is a good introduction, it was a little over polarized. Foul language is present but not excessive...." Read more

"...Outstanding!" Read more

76 customers mention "Characters"71 positive5 negative

Customers find the characters in the book great, ambitious, and strong. They also say the author characterizes women well. Readers also mention that the plot has been well thought out and closely reflects the reality of the book.

"...intelligent woman with genuine character, a lot of guts, and compassionate instincts, as well as some believable emotional baggage from the horrific..." Read more

"...Tracy is an ambitious and strong woman who is a hero. If you enjoy reading series with powerful female leads, this is a must-read!..." Read more

"This short story certainly gives you a lot of character development in a short time...." Read more

"...It was just a brief reminder of how exceptional Tracy is." Read more

54 customers mention "Introduction"51 positive3 negative

Customers find the introduction excellent, great, and perfect. They also mention that it links up nicely with the novel and introduces a few more characters. Readers also say it's able to keep the ending from being obvious.

"...Dugoni's writing is clear and well adopted to his purpose, textured but not excessively ornate or descriptive; his storytelling is absorbing and..." Read more

"...rather it is a prequel to "My Sister's Grave" and it works wonderfully...." Read more

"...This fast-paced little story is a good introduction to the series for those who have yet to read any of Dugoni's books...." Read more

"...the narration is simple and to the point.the ending is nice and leaves a good starting point for the series...." Read more

21 customers mention "Pacing"21 positive0 negative

Customers find the pacing of the book quick and interesting.

"...ornate or descriptive; his storytelling is absorbing and nicely paced. I read the tale in one sitting, and I think most readers will want to...." Read more

"...The pace of the main storyline was fast...." Read more

"...This fast-paced little story is a good introduction to the series for those who have yet to read any of Dugoni's books...." Read more

"...34;The Academy" is a fast read, but the lack of size doesn't mean the Dugoni flavor and style is missing...." Read more

14 customers mention "Writing style"11 positive3 negative

Customers find the writing style clear, realistic, and crisp. They also say it flows at a great pace with enough detail without bogging down. Readers also appreciate the authentic and compelling backdrop for law enforcement training.

"...I've classified it as general fiction: a realistic, descriptive account of modern life, though in the milieu of people who work at combating crime,..." Read more

"...I really enjoyed his writing style and level of details...." Read more

"...and demanding environment of law enforcement training, providing an authentic and compelling backdrop for the narrative...." Read more

"...This lively short tale can easily be read and enjoyed in less than an hour. It is good. It is sometimes funny. Parts are even a bit sad...." Read more

13 customers mention "Character"13 positive0 negative

Customers find the character strong-inside, intelligent, and attractive. They also say she has loads of self confidence and skill.

"...(but not exclusively) Tracy herself; she's a strong-inside, intelligent woman with genuine character, a lot of guts, and compassionate instincts,..." Read more

"...She shows courage. She is full of charisma. She has loads of self confidence and skill, and she is also attractive...." Read more

"...Tracy was written as a strong, self-confident woman who knows herself...." Read more

"...The way she is written you get a sense of pride and confidence in what she does...." Read more

15 customers mention "Entertainment value"6 positive9 negative

Customers are mixed about the entertainment value of the book. Some mention it's funny, while others say it'll end abruptly.

"...This book...not so much. In fact, it seemed like a pretty lame effort...." Read more

"...It is good. It is sometimes funny. Parts are even a bit sad...." Read more

"...when I got this that it was a short story and was very disappointed when it ended so abruptly. I will definitely look for a full Tracy book." Read more

"This is the first short story I've read and it was quite funny...." Read more

35 customers mention "Length"9 positive26 negative

Customers find the book too short.

"I loved this but it was too short. Meaning I want to read more. Great story, strong characters, tense action. I recommend this book!" Read more

"Good story line but too short. I was left thinking - What is next?..." Read more

"...the book is short and crisp. Its a simple story of a female leaving a lucrative job and joining the police force...." Read more

"...As usual, the short story was too short, but it was an excellent read." Read more

The start of a great series
5 out of 5 stars
The start of a great series
I love the Tracy Crosswhite series, and "The Academy" is a Novella and prequel to the series. It introduces Tracy from the beginning of her journey when she left her job as a chemistry teacher to join the police academy. Tracy is an ambitious and strong woman who is a hero. If you enjoy reading series with powerful female leads, this is a must-read! I'm ready to jump into the following short story that gives us more background into Tracy's past.
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Top reviews from the United States

Werner A. Lind
5.0 out of 5 stars Quality short fiction is not dead!
Reviewed in the United States on June 11, 2017
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Three years before this short story, set in Washington state, opens, small-town high school chemistry teacher Tracy Crosswhite lost her beloved younger sister, a presumed homicide victim. (Her body was never found, but a paroled rapist was convicted of her murder.) Burdened by grief, their father killed himself a couple of years later. Tracy's reaction to this double tragedy has finally become the catalyst driving her to quit her teaching career at the age of 25, and apply for a position on the Seattle police force. She's not without some inherent qualifications for that job. Not only is she tall and strong (5' 10" and an in-shape 130 lbs.), she started shooting competitively at the age of 15 and holds three consecutive Washington State shooting championships. But a police academy is a grueling training environment. Will she have what it takes to stick it out, and to pass the requisite tests? Well --given that this is a prequel e-story to the author's popular Tracy Crosswhite novel series, whose title character is a Seattle cop, most readers won't consider that seriously in question. But that isn't a spoiler, because the meat of the story is in the journey, not the destination. And there will be plenty of suspense along the way, even if the end is surmised.

At 44 pages, this is at the longish end of the "short" story spectrum, and follows Tracy from her application interview through her time at the Academy. It provides a clear, realistic picture of some of the procedures and personality dynamics in modern police training, with some insight into the special challenges that women recruits have to undergo. Dugoni's writing is clear and well adopted to his purpose, textured but not excessively ornate or descriptive; his storytelling is absorbing and nicely paced. I read the tale in one sitting, and I think most readers will want to. His characterizations are excellent, living and three-dimensional, especially (but not exclusively) Tracy herself; she's a strong-inside, intelligent woman with genuine character, a lot of guts, and compassionate instincts, as well as some believable emotional baggage from the horrific family tragedies she's experienced. If she were an actual person (and she easily could be!) she's the kind of lady I'd be proud to have for a friend --or, if I'd ever had a son, for a daughter-in-law.

Although the Tracy Crosswhite series as such is mystery-crime fiction, this story isn't really that; we're strictly in the sphere of police training here, with no actual crime being investigated. I've classified it as general fiction: a realistic, descriptive account of modern life, though in the milieu of people who work at combating crime, or are training to. It's clearly intended as an appetizer for the series, though, furnishing an introduction to the protagonist and a sense of what drives her. Personally, I haven't raed the series opener; but that's only because I'm not looking to get sucked into another ongoing series, right now. If your immediate reading plans are more open, and you like a mystery series with this type of heroine, I'm guessing this one would be a good bet!

There's no actual sexual content here (though there's some sexual harassment); Tracy's not looking for a relationship at this time in her life. However, there is a sprinkling of bad language --mostly not too rough, but including a couple of f-words, a p-word (and no, it's not "piss") and a misuse of Jesus' name. On the whole, I considered the speaking styles in the bounds of realism for the way many of these characters would talk. (The obscenity, and most of the "crude vulgarities" --which made another character feel "nauseated"-- come from just one character, and reflect the fact that his personality IS crude and nauseating. Few if any readers would adopt him as a role model.)
19 people found this helpful
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Bee
4.0 out of 5 stars Bite sized story
Reviewed in the United States on January 21, 2024
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I love a short story to break up the longer books I’m reading. I tried this because I wanted to see what the author’s style was like.

I really enjoyed his writing style and level of details. The story is very girl power and I’m curious to read more about Tracy to see how things play out for her as a new recruit in hopes of becoming a detective to find out who killed her sister.
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Ray Moon
5.0 out of 5 stars A Good Introduction to the Terry Crosswhite Series
Reviewed in the United States on September 23, 2020
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A discussion of the selection committee for the next class of recruits for the Washington State Police Academy opens this novel. The process of selecting candidates to interview would have been over two hours earlier but for an edict from on high to find more qualified female applicants. They finally selected one that they felt would not make it through training. One committee member brings up another candidate, Terry Crosswhite. After some misogyny, she also is selected.

What follows is about 24 pages with a fewer number of scenes for the high points through her academy training. One of the interviewers and a training officer is Seattle Homicide Detective Nolasco. Much of this short story centers on their budding relationship that continues through subsequent novels. This relationship shows her “don’t give an inch” character. The other side of Terry’s character is illustrated as she takes the other female candidate, Jennifer, under her wing. Terry shows her empathy and drive to help others in need. These aspects of her character carry on throughout the series.

The pace of the main storyline was fast. The author wove a storyline captured my attention and compelled me to want to see Terry and Jennifer succeed. This is the major criteria for a high star rating. While the B-storyline is a good introduction, it was a little over polarized. Foul language is present but not excessive. The only violence occurred during an improper frisking training session. The violence was short and sweet.

This short story is not a prequel. It was published two months before the first novel in the series, My Sister’s Grave. If you have not read any of the Terry Crosswhite series, you do not have to read The Academy first. I read the first seven novels before I read this short story. For me it was like a desert of a rich red velvet cupcake with a thick, creamy dark chocolate frosting. I enjoyed it even out of sequence. If you decide to read this short story as an introduction to the series, you can’t go wrong either. I rate this short story with five stars.
11 people found this helpful
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Melissa Manno
5.0 out of 5 stars A Binge Read
Reviewed in the United States on March 13, 2024
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Better than Netflix’s best! Couldn’t look away…read in one sitting. After having read most of the Tracey Crosswhite series, this short story completes the picture. Outstanding!
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JulieReadzInTheRockies
5.0 out of 5 stars The start of a great series
Reviewed in the United States on May 1, 2024
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I love the Tracy Crosswhite series, and "The Academy" is a Novella and prequel to the series. It introduces Tracy from the beginning of her journey when she left her job as a chemistry teacher to join the police academy. Tracy is an ambitious and strong woman who is a hero. If you enjoy reading series with powerful female leads, this is a must-read! I'm ready to jump into the following short story that gives us more background into Tracy's past.
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JulieReadzInTheRockies
5.0 out of 5 stars The start of a great series
Reviewed in the United States on May 1, 2024
I love the Tracy Crosswhite series, and "The Academy" is a Novella and prequel to the series. It introduces Tracy from the beginning of her journey when she left her job as a chemistry teacher to join the police academy. Tracy is an ambitious and strong woman who is a hero. If you enjoy reading series with powerful female leads, this is a must-read! I'm ready to jump into the following short story that gives us more background into Tracy's past.
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Ezara
3.0 out of 5 stars Baseline start for the series
Reviewed in the United States on January 3, 2023
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This short story certainly gives you a lot of character development in a short time. Not much storyline but as a starting point for the series it will be helpful to know.
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Top reviews from other countries

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Nan
5.0 out of 5 stars The acadamy
Reviewed in Canada on March 16, 2024
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Good book.
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Achim T.
5.0 out of 5 stars short but exiting story
Reviewed in Germany on February 26, 2024
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I liked the story. Short but exiting.
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Christine
5.0 out of 5 stars Filling in 25th the gaps
Reviewed in Australia on August 18, 2019
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Like almost all Robert Dugoni's work and this short story was no exception. Although what occurred during Tracy Crosswhite's police training is alluded to in some of the other novels, it was good to read the actual story, done with humour.
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Richard Latham
5.0 out of 5 stars Great beginning, who could not want to see how the story unfolds?
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on September 26, 2016
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Everything you could want in a short story that is a prequel to an increasing popular series.
Readers starting here, with no great commitment of time or resources will be compelled to read on to learn about Tracy's quest.
It is good to find a new author; especially one who is as assurred as Robert Dugoni, it allows you to immediately feel at home and relax into their work. Some writers are like brand new shoes at first; a little uncomfortable and left in them too long you may suffer some discomfort. Not so here; comfy slippers and like listening to a favourite grandparent share a tale.
Having been drawn to his books by his reviews alone I felt it about time I read them myself. As is my choice I prefer to read in some chronological order so this was a very good place to start.
Why Tracy would leave a successful career as a teacher. Can the death of a relative really be sufficient motivation to seek to become a cop and investigate that crime if ever the opportunity arose. While the authorities may welcome a female officer could her own crusade for truth and justice prevent her from progressing in her new career.
Well we begin here at the police academy minus all the jokes the films brought us. These few short pages firmly establish her character and motivation, perhaps also pointing to some weakness and quilt she may need to overcome.
If she's strong enough to graduate will she be mentally prepared and fit to survive the journey to becoming a detective.
Great beginning, who could not want to see how the story unfolds?
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Henry M
3.0 out of 5 stars Une bonne nouvelle
Reviewed in France on October 25, 2015
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Une bonne nouvelle de Dugoni, sans plus. Les personnages sont attachants, il n'y a pas de grosse surprise, mais c'est bien écrit, et bien ficelé.
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