Discover Most Popular Audiobooks in Mysteries & Thrillers, Historical

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Title: The Memorial Hall Murder

Author: Jane Langton

Narrator: Mark Ashby

Format: Unabridged

Length: 7 hrs and 13 mins

Language: English

Release date: 11-21-12

Publisher: Audible Studios

Ratings: 3 of 5 out of 2 votes

Genres: Mysteries & Thrillers, Historical

Publisher's Summary:

When a bomb kills the most popular man at Harvard, the entire faculty is suspect

An explosion rocks the foundations of Harvard Universitys stately Memorial Hall. Built a century ago to honor alumni who died defending the Union in the Civil War, the hall is a focal point of the campus. Now it is a crime scene. A corpulent body is found inside, decapitated by the blast. The dead man is Hamilton Dow, conductor of the school orchestra and one of the most beloved men on campus. The universitys president, James Cheever, couldnt be more pleased.

Dow had opposed every one of Cheevers attempts to improve and enlarge Harvard, and this terrible accident means that Cheevers path to complete domination of the campus is clear. But was it an accident? Homer Kelly, Harvard professor and occasional sleuth, is not so sure. Cheever was not the only man on campus who wanted Dow dead, and as Homer looks for the culprit he finds a terrible secret behind the bombing that turned the Civil War memorial into a tomb.

Members Reviews:

Good Reading from a Fine Writer

I have read many of Jane Langton's books over the years and re-read a fair number. In terms of the thoroughness with which she describes the scene of the crime as well as the massing of characters and distinctiveness of situation, it is somewhat different from her customary efforts. It is certainly the book most deeply rooted in the clerical seminary which over the years came to think of itself as the premiere institution of secular higher learning in the country if not the world. Whatever the extent to which others might question the validity of the self-congratulatory attitude, the author accepts the claim but invents for the reader a rather different image of its administrative leadership and the efficiency of its lower echelon of employees. The major focus of this amusing although suspenseful view of campus life is a Great Hall in which not only is music produced but because of the nature of the vast building and the largess of its principle faculty occupant hospitality is given to myriads of odd activities and people who find shelter in its multiplicity of small offices. The book opens on an explosion which has taken place in the Great Hall, beheading the benign conductor of the orchestra, and forcing closure of some of the offices in the rabbit warren which is the basement floor. The reader soon learns that while the world believes that orotund figure to be dead, he is, in truth alive but injured and trapped in a dark cell of a room which has been labelled by searchers as unoccupied. Major element of suspense number one, will he survive the wait to be found. Major element of suspense number two: will the villain or villains who created the explosion strike again. This question can be subsumed under the more explanatory query: will Homer Kelly, who, with his wife and fellow visiting faculty member at Harvard, are on the scene, find the otherwise doomed Orchestra Leader and will they discover and bring to justice the miscreant (or miscreants) responsible for the crime before they strike again..if that is their intention.

There is more detailed examination of the setting than became customary for the author in later books and less emphasis on the heroes heroine, nonetheless, I found it interesting (as I did on my initial reading a decade or two ago) and did experience the sense of urgency for the hero to get on track which is the author's intent.

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Title: The Darling Dahlias and the Confederate Rose

Author: Susan Wittig Albert

Narrator: Peggity Price

Format: Unabridged

Length: 9 hrs and 2 mins

Language: English

Release date: 11-19-12

Publisher: Recorded Books

Ratings: 4.5 of 5 out of 55 votes

Genres: Mysteries & Thrillers, Historical

Publisher's Summary:

Best-selling author Susan Wittig Albert offers this third charming mystery set in the Depression-era town of Darling, Alabama. In the wake of the upcoming Confederate Day celebration, the Dahlias set out to solve a rash of mysterious occurrences. They' re ready to tackle the secret code embroidered on a family heirloom and suss out why one local resident is acting quite strange - yet nothing prepares them for one of their own being accused of stealing county funds.

Members Reviews:

1930's Alabama ladies in troubles again!!

THE DARLING DAHLIAS AND THE CONFEDERATE ROSE by Susan Wittig Alberts is the third book in this series of 1930's Alabama ladies garden club mysteries. In this book, in honor of the upcoming Confederate Day celebration, the ladies have planned to plant their 'Confederate Rose' bushes all around the town cemetery. Of course the Confederate Rose is actually an hibiscus bush. and not a rose bush at all. Interestingly, not much else happening in the town right now, is exactly how it seems either!

This time the ladies are caught up in an embezzling scheme, depression era losses and jobs, phone line gossip, an intricate cross stitch pillow with a Civil War spy code, and crazy diet pills. Just a typical season for these ladies who always seem to get themselves caught up in 'small town living' with 'big time problems'! This series is always fun . It is also informative, with information about life, recipes, and some real news of a by gone era. Thoroughly enjoyable times, with ladies that I'd love to meet!

Getting to Know the Dahlias

The Darling Dahlias are back with a new mystery ... with more than one mystery, as it turns out. In the previous two Dahlia books, Miss Rogers is just the prim and proper spinster librarian who insists that all of the plants be referred to by their proper Latin names. In Confederate Rose, we learn more about Miss Rogers and her past -- a past that not even she knows much about. In the meantime, shenanigans are up in local government, and the Dahlias must band together to save one of their own.

Susan Wittig Albert once again delivers a charming story about folks who are doing the best they can with what they've got during the heart of the Depression. The stories of the Dahlias' friendships, as well as what neighbors do to help neighbors, make the Darling Dahlias series a pleasure.

Really like this series

interesting characters and setting. Small southern depresion-era town life rings true. Lots of fun little details.

Love, love, love

Where does The Darling Dahlias and the Confederate Rose rank among all the audiobooks youve listened to so far?

The whole series is in the top 10.

Who was your favorite character and why?

Liz because she has spunk!

What does Peggity Price bring to the story that you wouldnt experience if you just read the book?

She gives such wonderful voice to the characters. There are many women characters in this story and each is very distinct.

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

No, I listen in the car.

Any additional comments?

I would love for the audible book to be available as soon as the book is released and not have to wait for it.

Good, easy listening

Nice little who dunnit. Great summer read or just when you don't want to tax your brain.

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Title: The Walnut Tree

Subtitle: A Holiday Tale

Author: Charles Todd

Narrator: Fiona Hardingham

Format: Unabridged

Length: 6 hrs and 38 mins

Language: English

Release date: 10-30-12

Publisher: HarperAudio

Ratings: 4 of 5 out of 103 votes

Genres: Mysteries & Thrillers, Historical

Publisher's Summary:

"I was in Paris the day the French Army was mobilized."

In 1914, while visiting her friend Madeleine, Lady Elspeth Douglas's life is thrown into chaos when war breaks out and the Germans quickly overrun Belgium, threatening France. Having just agreed to marry Alain, Madeleine's dashing brother, Lady Elspeth watches him leave to join his unit, and then she sets out for England, only to find herself trapped on the French coast.

Caught amid a sea of stranded travelers, terrified refugees, and wounded men overflowing the port of Calais, the restless Elspeth - daughter of a Highland aristocrat whose distinguished family can trace its roots back to the court of Mary, Queen of Scots - decides to make herself useful, carrying water to weary soldiers near the Front. It is an act of charity that almost gets her killed when enemy shells begin to explode around her.

To her rescue comes Captain Peter Gilchrist, who pulls her away from the battle and leads her to safety. But before they can properly say good-bye, Elspeth and Peter are separated.

Back in London, surrounded by familiar comforts, Elspeth is haunted by the horrors she witnessed in France. She also cannot forget the gallant Peter Gilchrist, even though she has promised herself to Alain.

Transformed by her experience, Elspeth goes to London and enrolls in a nursing course, where she meets a fellow nurse in training, Bess Crawford. It is a daring move, made without the consent of Elspeth's guardian, her cousin Kenneth, a high-handed man with rigid notions of class and femininity.

Yet Elspeth Douglas is a woman with a mind of her own, which - as she herself saysis a blessing and a curse. She is determined to return to the battlefields of France to do her part . . . and to find the man she has no right to love, no matter how far Cousin Kenneth may go to stop her. But before she can set things right with Alain, he goes missing and then Peter is gravely wounded. In a world full of terror and uncertainty, can the sweetness of love survive or will Elspeth's troubled heart become another casualty of this terrible war?

A poignant, compelling tale brimming with adventure, danger, and love, The Walnut Tree is an enchanting holiday gift and a wonderful companion to Charles Todd's acclaimed Bess Crawford series.

Members Reviews:

For what it is it's a very nice little book

What it ISN'T is a Charles Todd mystery like the Ian Rutledge/Beth Crawford series.

It is a nice little romance/adventure story written in a style which ought to appeal to someone looking for a light and easy read with a good story and not to much tedious attention to details. It should especially appeal readers who are dipping a tentative toe into historical fiction from that era.

For those of you old enough to remember the Cherry Ames books Lady Elspeth is Cherry Ames reincarnated. Back in the day when I was a young and enthusiastic reader (still enthusiastic BTW) developing my reading tastes and cutting my literary teeth on historical fiction I went through the Cherry Ames books like a hot knife through butter.

For those of you who don't remember them google Cherry Ames and you will see what I mean.

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Title: Island of Bones

Subtitle: Crowther and Westman, Book 3

Author: Imogen Robertson

Narrator: Jenny Sterlin

Format: Unabridged

Length: 14 hrs and 52 mins

Language: English

Release date: 10-11-12

Publisher: Recorded Books

Ratings: 4.5 of 5 out of 103 votes

Genres: Mysteries & Thrillers, Historical

Publisher's Summary:

England, 1783: In Island of Bones, Crowthers haunting past is at last revealed. For years he has pursued his forensic studies - and the occasional murder investigation - far from his family estate. But an ancient tomb there will reveal a wealth of secrets. When laborers discover an extra body inside, the lure of the mystery brings Crowther home at last. Fans of both historical fiction à la Anne Perry and the intricate forensics of Tess Gerritsen will be delighted by Robertsons latest.

Members Reviews:

This series is now on my favorites list

I like these characters. I appreciate that their relationship isn't predicated on teetering constantly on the edge of romance. I enjoy that they appreciate each other for their skills, for what each one brings to the investigation. I like that they have families and friends that continue to exist even when the story focus moves away from them. The author has created an interesting cast that is rather large, but she handles their numbers rather deftly (although I'm tempted at times to keep notes so I don't get confused - who was that? A trick I have to employ with Dickens.) Emotions ring true. People are imperfect and make mistakes. Even our heroes make mistakes, sometimes awful ones. Villains are seldom complete monsters, more often complex with real hurts and motivations of their own.

The author seems to know a lot about the history of this time, and cares enough about it to be consistent, and to employ elements and events large and small in her story lines. I get an impression of a lot of research, of an encyclopedic command of the details. Characters have conversations studded with topics and terms showing real familiarity with period skills and news of the day, world events are pressing on their minds, they are plagued by the limits of period science and belief, they are completely creatures of the world that Robertson has recreated. It is a treat to spend some time in that world looking around corners, noticing the little treasures and delights scattered in your path all for the sake of atmosphere and immersion in the time period.

I recommend this book without hesitation.

Above other mystery writers

If you could sum up Island of Bones in three words, what would they be?

Wonderful Character Development

What did you like best about this story?

Great visual depiction

What three words best describe Jenny Sterlins voice?

OK, but limited lower (mens) voices

Did you have an extreme reaction to this book? Did it make you laugh or cry?

NO. Neither

Any additional comments?

I've read many mysteries taking place from the medieval times to Victorian. Robertson, is one of my top 3...Ariana Franklin, C.J. Sansome.. in their ability to make you feel you are actually with the characters and you experience what they do. The subtle nuances of historical detail...dress, transportation, food, language, etc. are spot on.

Post American Revolution England - Mystery Series

This installment -the third in the series allows the reader to learn more about Crowther's hidden past. The mystery was fantastic! This was an audible book and once again the narrator, Jenny Sterlin, did a wonderful job.

The atmosphere is beautifully described by the author. This author has created a series with characters lively and complex. This book goes beyond mystery as it grips the reader in the tangled web of family secrets.

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Title: Fires of Alexandria

Author: Thomas K. Carpenter

Narrator: Elizabeth Klett

Format: Unabridged

Length: 9 hrs and 15 mins

Language: English

Release date: 09-07-12

Publisher: Thomas K. Carpenter

Ratings: 3.5 of 5 out of 74 votes

Genres: Mysteries & Thrillers, Historical

Publisher's Summary:

The greatest mystery of the ancient world remains the identity of whoever set fire to the Great Library in Alexandria.

One hundred years later, Heron of Alexandria - the city's most renowned inventor and creator of Temple miracles - receives coin from a mysterious patron to investigate the crime. Desperate to be free of the debts incurred by her twin brother, she accepts and sets in motion a chain of events that will shake the Roman Empire and change the course of history forever.

Members Reviews:

A fun way to get into this time of history.

What made the experience of listening to Fires of Alexandria the most enjoyable?

Listened to the audio version. This book has plenty of intriguing action-- definitely an impossible revision of history, but does make you aware of the some of the tensions of the day. Very good desert chase scenes and excellent creativity with respect to the inventiveness of the protagonist. She invents basically the forerunner of a steam locomotive.

A little bit far-fetched, but fun and interesting. This book is more for adults--- though not too bawdy.

Who was your favorite character and why?

Heron is one gutsy woman! She perseveres in extremely painful difficult impossible circumstances.

What about Elizabeth Kletts performance did you like?

Elizabeth is a really good reader! Her pace allows you to be creative with the emotions and she doesn't try to over engineer it.

Awesome!

This was a phenomenal book! The history, inventions, mystery, and intrigue were amazing! I've always been intrigued by this time period and the technological advances of in this area of the world. This was everything I could've asked for and more! A must read! Narration was excellent.

Ancient Rome & Egypt, Inventions, & a Genius

An early inventor and mathematician, Heron of Alexandria, born in 10 AD, lived and worked about 100 years after the reign of Alexander the Great . . . in this fictional tale of the "creator of temple miracles", Heron is a woman, who has assumed the identity of her dead twin brother, an interesting twist on a real historical figure . . . as I listened to the story, I became more and more enthralled with the characters and the strange and mysterious beliefs of the ancient Romans . . . steeped in idolatry and pagan worship, and always seeking the next "miracle" . . . which Heron worked to give them by way of her ingenious engineering skills . . . ancient Alexandria was both a fascinating and a sad place . . . women had no place in the ancient world . . . but to be used by men . . . thus Heron's disguise . . . the investigation of the fires that had burned Alexandria more than 100 years prior, during the reign of Alexander the Great was very interesting . . . as was the history of the Library of Alexandria . . . all in all, some of the book was far fetched, bordering on fantastic . . . the war machines and some of Heron's other inventions stretched the imagination . . . but it made me like the story all the more . . . the next book is Heirs of Alexandria . . . and I can't wait to see what Heron is up to next!

Great novel with strong heroine

This is the start to a great series. The author imagines that a real person, the brilliant inventor Heron of Alexandria, was actually a woman in disguise.

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Title: Blackwattle Creek

Subtitle: Charlie Berlin, Book 2

Author: Geoffrey McGeachin

Narrator: Peter Hosking

Format: Unabridged

Length: 7 hrs and 53 mins

Language: English

Release date: 07-27-12

Publisher: Bolinda Publishing Pty Ltd

Ratings: 4 of 5 out of 156 votes

Genres: Mysteries & Thrillers, Historical

Publisher's Summary:

It's September 1957, two days before the VFL grand final, and Detective Sergeant Charlie Berlin, former bomber pilot and ex-POW, finally has some time off. But there's no rest for Charlie, a decent but damaged man still troubled by his wartime experiences. A recently widowed friend asks a favour and he's dropped into something a hell of a lot bigger than he bargained for when he discovers a Melbourne funeral parlour has been burying bodies with parts missing. A Hungarian émigré hearse driver points Berlin in the right direction but it quickly becomes obvious anyone asking the wrong questions is in real danger. With his offsider beaten and left for dead, witnesses warned off, Special Branch on his case, and people he doesn't know watching his every move, Berlin realises even his young family may be in danger.

His pursuit of the truth leads him to Blackwattle Creek, once an asylum for the criminally insane and now a foreboding home to even darker evils. And if Berlin thought government machinations during World War II were devious, those of the Cold War leave them for dead.

Richly evocative of the period, Blackwattle Creek is a rattling good tale with a dry wit and a sobering core.

Members Reviews:

super noir

this selection of books by Geoffrey McGeachin are excellent noir detective tales. evocative of the era. well drawn characters. interesting stories. give us more!

Is anything as it appears? A Cold War mystery.

This is a pretty good mystery, although the plot seems to stretch credibility at times. The story is well-told, although, even as police procedural, it unfolded more slowly than I would have liked. The action takes place in Australia during the days of H-bomb testing and hysteria about the spread of communism (as if it were a virus.) I liked the way the craziness was brought down to a personal level. The parallels between the Nazis and Detective Sergeant Berlin's antagonists are all too obvious. Nevertheless, I wonder whether zealots ever had as much influence over Western governments at this story suggests. In any case, whether by design or by luck, the world has somehow managed to survive another 60 years.

I found the reader, Peter Hoskings, to be very good and easy to listen to.

Australia. A Charlie Berlin thriller.

It's September 1957, two days before the VFL grand final, and Detective Sergeant Charlie Berlin, former bomber pilot and ex-POW, finally has some time

off. But there's no rest for Charlie, a decent but damaged man still troubled by his wartime experiences. A recently widowed friend asks a favour and he's

dropped into something a hell of a lot bigger than he bargained for when he discovers a Melbourne funeral parlour has been burying bodies with parts missing.

A Hungarian émigré hearse driver points Berlin in the right direction but it quickly becomes obvious anyone asking the wrong questions is in real danger.

With his offsider beaten and left for dead, witnesses warned off, Special Branch on his case, and people he doesn't know watching his every move, Berlin

realises even his young family may be in danger. His pursuit of the truth leads him to Blackwattle Creek, once an asylum for the criminally insane and

now a foreboding home to even darker evils. And if Berlin thought government machinations during World War II were devious, those of the Cold War leave

them for dead.

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Title: Let Loose the Dogs

Subtitle: A Murdoch Mystery, Book 4

Author: Maureen Jennings

Narrator: David Marantz

Format: Unabridged

Length: 11 hrs and 28 mins

Language: English

Release date: 06-19-12

Publisher: Audible Studios

Ratings: 4.5 of 5 out of 39 votes

Genres: Mysteries & Thrillers, Historical

Publisher's Summary:

In Let Loose the Dogs, Murdochs life and work overlap tragically. His sister, who long ago fled to a convent to escape their abusive father, is on her deathbed. Meanwhile, Harry Murdoch, the father whom Murdoch long ago shut out of his life, has been charged with murder and calls on his estranged son to prove his innocence. But, knowing his father, what is Murdoch to believe?

Members Reviews:

No. 4 in the Murdoch Series, Toronto 1895.

In the fourth book in this series, Detective Murdochs family insinuate themselves into his life. His sister, who joined a convent years ago and whom he hasnt seen for 20 years, is dying and asks for him to come. Then, at about the same time, he is called to the jail to meet his father, whom he hasnt seen in 22 years and who he hoped might be dead. His father, always with an abusive temper who destroyed his own family, has been convicted of murdering another man because he thought this man cheated on him in a dog betting ring, (which dog could kill the most rats.) He insists to Murdoch that,no matter how bad he was as a father and husband, he did not commit the murder. Murdoch is ready to believe his father a liar, given the past, but as he investigates, he begins to think that someone else may have killed the victim. This is a very good book in which we also see more of Murdoch with his new romantic interest.

Needs to cut the fat and focus.

I watched the Canadian TV series before finding the book. Loved the TV series..... the book not so much. I wish the written word were as focused as the show.

Enthralling!

Best in the series so far. There is so much to enjoy in these Murdoch Mysteries, I will definitely be reading this one in particular over again.

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Title: Vices of My Blood

Subtitle: A Murdoch Mystery, Book 6

Author: Maureen Jennings

Narrator: David Marantz

Format: Unabridged

Length: 10 hrs and 9 mins

Language: English

Release date: 06-19-12

Publisher: Audible Studios

Ratings: 4.5 of 5 out of 32 votes

Genres: Mysteries & Thrillers, Historical

Publisher's Summary:

The compelling new novel by Canadas answer to Anne Perry.

In his forties, the Reverend Charles Howard still cut an impressive figure. A married Presbyterian minister in Torontos east end, Howard was popular with the congregation that elected him, especially with the ladies, and most particularly with Miss Sarah Dignam. Respected in the community, Howard, as Visitor for the House of Industry, sat in judgment on the poor, assessing their applications for the workhouse. But now Howard is dead, stabbed and brutally beaten by someone he invited into his office. His watch and boots are missing. Has some poor beggar he turned down taken his vengeance?

Murdochs investigation takes him into the arcane Victorian world of queer plungers - men who fake injury all the better to beg - and the destitute who had nowhere left to turn when they knocked on the Reverend Howards door.

Critic Reviews:

"Jennings brings to life a violent but vital society of astonishing contradictions." (The New York Times Book Review)

Members Reviews:

No. 6 in the Murdoch Series, 1895 Toronto

In the sixth book of the series, Detective Murdoch is called to a church where there is the body of the dead minister in his office with a letter opener sticking out of his neck. The police are summoned by one of the church ladies who have come to get ready for a prayer meeting. She is extremely upset and the rumor is that she has thrown herself at the minister despite the fact that he is married. His wife is not well liked in the congregation. So was the minister killed by someone in his congregation who had it in for him? Or was he killed by a thief? His new boots and his silver watch are missing. At the same time there is a group of queer plungers roaming around who fake accidents and then collect money from the charity of strangers who witness the accident. Murdoch catches three such plungers and gets them to assist him in finding out whether or not a homeless person is involved in the murder. Also, there is the possibility that one of the families the minister turned down for the workhouse has it in for him, and this theory is compounded when one of those families is killed by carbon monoxide, along with others in their house, because of a blocked chimeney. Murdoch puts himself into the workhouse and a homeless shelter over-night to try to track down the thieves at least who stole the boots and watch of the dead minister. This is again a very compelling book.

Addictive listening!

I find myself hoping for long commutes to listen all the time! I love the series

Murdoch Mysteries

Noit you PG television show, but an adult themed read. Good summer reading. I recommend.

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Title: The Return of Captain John Emmett

Subtitle: A Laurence Bartram Mystery, Book 1

Author: Elizabeth Speller

Narrator: Matthew Brenher

Format: Unabridged

Length: 14 hrs and 2 mins

Language: English

Release date: 05-29-12

Publisher: Dreamscape Media, LLC

Ratings: 4 of 5 out of 46 votes

Genres: Mysteries & Thrillers, Historical

Publisher's Summary:

In the aftermath of the Great War and a devastating family tragedy, Laurence Bartram has turned his back on the world. But with a well-timed letter, an old flame manages to draw him back in. Mary Emmett's brother John - like Laurence, an officer during the war - has apparently killed himself while in the care of a remote veterans' hospital, and Mary needs to know why.

What connects a group of war poets, a feud within Emmett's regiment, and a hidden love affair? Was Emmett's death really a suicide or the missing piece in a series of murders? As veterans tied to Emmett continue to turn up dead, and Laurence is forced to face the darkest corners of his own war experiences, his survival may depend on uncovering the truth.

Critic Reviews:

"Elegant, engrossing read." (

Publishers Weekly)

Members Reviews:

Love, Lies, Revenge, War and Truth.

So many of the historic mysteries I have tried miss the mark for me because the authors give their characters modern voices. These historic characters speak in current day slang and have a completely modern day point of view. It is a frequent failure in the historic genre for me.

This book does not make that mistake. These characters are amazingly accurate for their time. I know this because my grandparents were born in the late 1880s and I knew them well. For me Laurence could have been my grandfather. They had the same backgrounds, education, histories and experience of WWI battlefields. The voice the author gave Laurence Bartram was accurate. Careful, precise, overly polite, exhaustively educated and thoughtful--as was my grandfather. My only disagreement was that I do not believe that those that survived WWI battlefields go back to their previous lives and pick up living as usual. Many if not all people are changed forever by war.

The book is very well written and heavily based in history and research. The narration was calm, almost plodding, and precise. The book absolutely is a mystery-- but not your usual mystery. This is a slow sorting out and retelling of complicated events. To me a visit to the past. I enjoyed it very much. A sad, insightful story worth the effort if you are interested in WWI and its aftermath.

Fantastic Post WWI English Mystery

I purchased The Return of Captain John Emmett by Elizabeth Speller as an Audible book for my Kindle. I wasnt sure what to expect because this is a new author to me, and also the narrator of the audible book was one I had never listened to. The experience from this novel was nothing less than thrilling! Elizabeth Speller has created a character, Laurence Bartram, which touches the readers heart from the very start. The story is set in England, post WWI. Englands returned soldiers are facing their own horrors of surviving the war and having terrible experiences with shell-shock. Interwoven into this atmosphere is a mystery that kept me completely perplexed and on the edge of my seat until the very end. Laurence finds himself trying to investigate the death/suicide of an old school acquaintance. The mystery surrounding the death of Captain John Emmett takes Laurence to various locals in England and introduces lively characters along the way.

The narrator of this audible book, Matthew Brenher, was excellent in his portrayal of each characters individual voice.

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Title: The Curious Case of the Clockwork Man

Subtitle: Burton & Swinburne, Book 2

Author: Mark Hodder

Narrator: Gerard Doyle

Format: Unabridged

Length: 14 hrs and 37 mins

Language: English

Release date: 05-04-12

Publisher: Audible Studios

Ratings: 4.5 of 5 out of 18 votes

Genres: Mysteries & Thrillers, Historical

Publisher's Summary:

It is 1862, though not the 1862 it should be. Time has been altered, and Sir Richard Francis Burton, the king's agent, is one of the few people who know that the world is now careening along a very different course from that which Destiny intended. When a clockwork-powered man of brass is found abandoned in Trafalgar Square, Burton and his assistant, the wayward poet Algernon Swinburne, find themselves on the trail of the stolen Garnier Collection of black diamonds rumoured to be fragments of the Lemurian Eye of Naga, a meteorite that fell to Earth in prehistoric times.

His investigation leads to involvement with the media sensation of the age: the Tichborne Claimant, a man who insists that he's the long lost heir to the cursed Tichborne estate. Monstrous, bloated, and monosyllabic, he's not the aristocratic Sir Roger Tichborne known to everyone, yet the working classes come out in force to support him. They are soon rioting through the streets of London, as mysterious steam wraiths incite all-out class warfare. From a haunted mansion to the Bedlam madhouse, from South America to Australia, from séances to a secret labyrinth, Burton struggles with shadowy opponents and his own inner demons, meeting along the way the philosopher Herbert Spencer, Isambard Kingdom Brunel, Florence Nightingale, and Charles Doyle (father of Sir Arthur Conan Doyle).

Can the king's agent expose a plot that threatens to rip the British Empire apart, leading to an international conflict the like of which the world has never seen? And what part does the clockwork man have to play? Burton and Swinburne's second adventure, The Clockwork Man of Trafalgar Square is filled with eccentric steam-driven technology, grotesque characters, and a deepening mystery that pushes forward the three-volume story arc begun in The Strange Affair of Spring Heeled Jack.

Members Reviews:

Great story Great story teller

I have got to the stage now that what ever book Gerard Doyle chooses to read I am confident that I will love it. This story is Part 2 in an amazing story about the world in the 19th century that is a very different place due to a time traveller from the 22nd century who travelled back in Book 1 to change an historical event for his own selfish reason. The impact of this event was devastating and yet fascinating. Gerard's voice introduces us to so many solid characters that we are easily transported back to that now very strange time.

Enjoy!

Book one surprised, book two astounds

Would you listen to The Curious Case of the Clockwork Man again? Why?

I will be listening to the story again. It is simply too good not to do just that.

Characters are fantastic, narration is just brilliant.

What other book might you compare The Curious Case of the Clockwork Man to and why?

I have none. This series just stands out on its own.

You are quickly enveloped in this mystirous universe, with all it's weird cotraptions, inventions, characters.

The way Mark Hodder has used real people in a very different environment, and personalities just works wonders.

What does Gerard Doyle bring to the story that you wouldnt experience if you just read the book?

When I heard book one I was like "Damn, this will not be good".