Discover Most Popular Audiobooks in Mysteries & Thrillers, Modern Detective

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Title: Lullaby Town

Subtitle: An Elvis Cole - Joe Pike Novel, Book 3

Author: Robert Crais

Narrator: James Daniels

Format: Abridged

Length: 5 hrs and 9 mins

Language: English

Release date: 02-16-10

Publisher: Brilliance Audio

Ratings: 4 of 5 out of 32 votes

Genres: Mysteries & Thrillers, Modern Detective

Publisher's Summary:

Hollywood's newest wunderkind is Peter Alan Nelson, the brilliant, erratic director known as the King of Adventure. His films make billions, but his manners make enemies. What the boy king wants, he gets, and what Nelson wants is for Elvis Cole to comb the country for the airhead wife and infant child the film-school flunkout dumped en route to becoming the third biggest filmmaker in America.

It's the kind of case Cole can handle in his sleep - until it turns out to be a nightmare. For when Cole finds Nelson's wife in a small Conneticut town, she's nothing like what he expects. The lady has some unwanted - and very nasty - mob connections, which means Elvis could be opening the East Coast branch of his P.I. office...at the bottom of the Hudson River.

Critic Reviews:

"This story is pure pleasure from the very first page." (Kirkus Reviews)

Members Reviews:

Elvis vs the Mafia

Starts with a Hollywood angle then moved to the Mafia. Went with the Mafia, then back to the normal Hollywood angle/normal life. All this with Pike overlook. Well done

Fantastic book

I enjoyed this book from start to finish. This is my third Robert Crais book and the best so far.

Great

Not disappointed, as usual Elvis and Pike do their thing. Always a great read want more! A good ending, whew!

Very good reading

I liked this book because it's easy reading and just flows along with out going so over the placement good book of you like a lot of action

Always enjoy a Robert Crais Novel with Elvis Cole

The Elvis Cole character has just the right mix of personality that makes one love him and want to cheer him on. The mystery has several levels of interests and twists to keep the reader involved.

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Title: Gator A-Go-Go

Subtitle: A Novel

Author: Tim Dorsey

Narrator: Oliver Wyman

Format: Unabridged

Length: 10 hrs and 45 mins

Language: English

Release date: 01-26-10

Publisher: HarperAudio

Ratings: 4.5 of 5 out of 253 votes

Genres: Mysteries & Thrillers, Modern Detective

Publisher's Summary:

That's right: Serge and Coleman do spring break! It's been a long time coming, but they're at the party now - and youll never look at a Frisbee the same way again. One spring break location obviously isn't enough for Serge, so he must hit them all, traveling through various historic locales, spewing nuggets of history at anyone who won't run away and dispensing his own signature brand of Sunshine State justice. Along the way, he and his sidekick, Coleman, attract a growing following of the nation's top college students and a mysterious gang that leaves a trail of young bodies in their wake.

Are the kids safer under Serge's protection? Or does being with him put them in more peril? The classroom and the pot brownies never prepared them for this.

Which raises more questions: Who's the guy studying satellite photos? Where did the protected witness go? When did Coleman get all those trophies? Why are the Feds hot on everyone's trail? How did the burnt corpse end up by the pool? What's the best way to keep beer cool on the beach?

Then there are the coke smugglers gone legit and a pair of the most dangerously sexy bartenders to ever mix a rum runner. Throw in some dirty dancing contests, illicit drugs, rockin' tunes, screamin' sports cars, bungee rides, pawned class rings, and church breakfasts, and you've got a potent concoction that keeps the hotel's concierge up all night stopping people from falling off the balconies. Want even more? Serge says, "You got it!" After years of quiet, a legendary Miami kingpin from the anything-goes '80s is suddenly back in the news, along with one of the state's most psychotic homicidal monsters, every bit as criminally insane as Serge - except without the morals. And the mysteries continue to mount....

Members Reviews:

Love Tim Dorsey

Honestly this is one of the authors you either love or hate you cant actuly be on the fence. In my opinoin I think he is amazing!!

My favorite Serge adventure to date!

I can't get enough of the fast paced humorous style of these books and I think this one has the strongest storyline. I also have to say I'm a big fan of Oliver Wyman, with his big number of different voices. It's probably not for everyone (my girlfriend's not a fan) but I absolutely love this serie!!

Yet another masterpiece

A brilliant author, a masterful narrator, and characters you have to love. Serge and Coleman are back and as good as ever.

Had more of a rustic feel to it.

What did you love best about Gator A-Go-Go?

New characters. Even though they probably won't stay in the series it's nice to see Serge making new friends.

Did the plot keep you on the edge of your seat? How?

Oh yeah. Tim can keep a story moving.

What does Oliver Wyman bring to the story that you wouldnt experience if you just read the book?

Much more animated and diverse with voices.

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

I can't take in a book or audio book in one sitting!

Any additional comments?

If you don't believe the stuff Tim writes about Florida, you've never been here.

Great

What a fun listen. All expat floridians and floridaphiles will really get a kick out of this book.

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Title: Thereby Hangs a Tail

Subtitle: A Chet and Bernie Mystery

Author: Spencer Quinn

Narrator: Jim Frangione

Format: Unabridged

Length: 9 hrs and 25 mins

Language: English

Release date: 01-05-10

Publisher: Recorded Books

Ratings: 4.5 of 5 out of 1126 votes

Genres: Mysteries & Thrillers, Modern Detective

Publisher's Summary:

Spencer Quinn follows the critical success of his "New York Times best-selling Dog on It with this second mystery starring hapless private investigator Bernie and his four-legged partner Chet, a K-9 school dropout.

While Bernie continues his struggle to pay the bills, Chet - with his sharp nose and even sharper teeth - keeps bringing down the perps. Told from Chet's perspective and featuring the humorous ramblings of a dog, Thereby Hangs a Tail is another winner.

Members Reviews:

I laughed out loud throughout this book

Because I'm not a dog, I can't say for sure that the author and reader of this delightful story have perfectly nailed what goes on in a dog's mind. But it sure sounds like it. The reader, Jim Frangione, is fantastic. Everything about Frangione's delivery portrays Chet, the engaging animal who tells the story, just as I imagine Chet would sound to another dog.

This book is the second in the series. I suggest starting with the first in the series, but it's not impertive to do so. The second book is even funnier than the first. I hope this series continues for many dog years to come.

with Tail wagging ....

Having thoroughly enjoyed the first Chet & Bernie mystery, I was delighted to find the second, and I was not disappointed. Again, the character of Chet comes through and rings true -- dog lovers will recognize the mannerisms and behaviors in their own dogs. And even if he tends to repeat himself or wonder off into wild tangents, well, dogs do that! The mystery was a bit better this time, too.

The ending leaves you hanging

My son is not a big reader, but on a recent trip I coaxed him into listening to Thereby Hangs a Tail. Later I listened as he told his girlfriend about it. He as animated and enthusiastic about Chet and the story. As he told her, Chet is the best. Spencer Quinn has done a masterful job of telling this story from Chet's point of view. The mystery is better than in Dog On It. I can't wait until the next one comes out. I am a Chet and Bernie fan, and so is my son.

can't wait for the next adventure

Enjoyable through and through--a tale well told. The narrator is so convincing that I began to think he really was Chet!

Excellent & Refreshing

I love audio books - yet at times there are some that drone on.......

This charming 'tale' does NOT do that! (nor the other book of this charming team!)

At a time in my life as a Mother with grown children facing life's challenges - while having an weekend without grandkids to keep me busy - these 2 books kept me wrapped in a world that was easy to feel every moment.

The story I will not leave spoilers about - but as I sat calmly in my favorite chair getting some much needed knitting time - I literally laughed outloud several times - had a few choked tear moments - had an actual crying spat - and when it was done ..............

All I want is another book to know what these 2 are doing next!

* I wrote this review for both books - as I listened to them back to back within just a few hours of each other*

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Title: White Butterfly

Subtitle: An Easy Rawlins Mystery

Author: Walter Mosley

Narrator: Michael Boatman

Format: Unabridged

Length: 7 hrs and 1 min

Language: English

Release date: 11-25-09

Publisher: Audible Studios

Ratings: 4.5 of 5 out of 322 votes

Genres: Mysteries & Thrillers, Modern Detective

Publisher's Summary:

The police don't show up on Easy Rawlins's doorstep until the third girl dies. It's Los Angeles, 1956, and it takes more than one murdered black girl before the cops get interested. Now they need Easy. As he says: "I was worth a precinct full of detectives when the cops needed the word in the ghetto." But Easy turns them down. He's married now, a father -- and his detective days are over. Then a white college coed dies the same brutal death, and the cops put the heat on Easy: If he doesn't help, his best friend is headed for jail. So Easy's back, walking the midnight streets of Watts and the darker, twisted avenues of a cunning killer's mind....

©1994 Walter Mosley; (P)2009 Audible, Inc.

Members Reviews:

honest and open

There was an almost brutal honesty about the people and times of this book that made me whince a few times .. and when it was over I wanted more

The series goes from height to height

Once again, the irreplaceable Michael Boatman makes Mosley's characters jump to life. This is a long, sad tale, with twists on twists that you will not see coming. The best Easy Rawlins story so far, and it's only number three.

In addition to mountains of plot, this book takes us deeper into the life of Easy Rawlins, showing us the kind of man he is, both strong and flawed. He can be exasperating in his weakness and stubbornness, but for a black man in 1950s Los Angeles, caginess was the price if you wanted to survive, let alone get ahead in a hostile world.

Easy is So Smooth

Where does White Butterfly rank among all the audiobooks youve listened to so far?

I am a fan of Walter Mosley, his stories capture the essence of the time. I read this book out of sequence, but Mosley is an expert at character development. I felt like I was riding in the car with Easy. At times I could feel the heat of Los Angeles and smell the odors of the city.

Did the plot keep you on the edge of your seat? How?

The love hate relationship Easy has with LAPD gives an interesting spin on the dynamics of the hunt for the killer.

What about Michael Boatmans performance did you like?

Michael Boatman's performance was right on the money.

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

I stayed up late two nights to listen to the whole book.

great book!!

vivid descriptions and well thought out plot makes the characters and situations seem so plausible. Mosely gas done it again.

Redundant Action

Most fighting, fucking and farting book I've read to date. Easy and Mouse are drunks.

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Title: Tombstone Courage

Author: J. A. Jance

Narrator: Hillary Huber

Format: Unabridged

Length: 9 hrs and 59 mins

Language: English

Release date: 11-17-09

Publisher: HarperAudio

Ratings: 4.5 of 5 out of 229 votes

Genres: Mysteries & Thrillers, Modern Detective

Publisher's Summary:

With grit, courage and dogged determination, Joanne challenged the status quo - and won. Now, as newly elected Sheriff of Cochise County, Arizona, she must battle the prejudice and hostility of a mistrustful, male-dominated police force - and solve a grisly double homicide that threatens to tear the sleepy desert community to pieces. For the two bodies baking in the harsh Southwestern sun are connected by sinister threads that reach back generations - and by devastating family secrets of greed, hatred and shocking abuse that could destroy the innocent along with the guilty.

©2006 J. A. Jance; (P)2009 HarperCollins Publishers

Critic Reviews:

"The pace is unflaggimg...Joanna is engaging and credible" (Publishers Weekly)

Members Reviews:

Novice sheriff

In the second book of the series, Joanna Brady has won her election, and now has to face her unwelcoming colleagues. She is overwhelmed with her responsibilities, as well as the stress of being a new widow and working single mom. Sounds like real life to me. I like the fact that Joanna realizes that there is a lot she doesn't know, and is willing to admit it, and try to learn from others. But she also doesn't let others push her around!

This is no JP Beaumont

What could have made this a 4 or 5-star listening experience for you?

The overall story is interesting, but the pace is too slow.

Would you be willing to try another book from J. A. Jance? Why or why not?

I picked up this series because I thoroughly enjoyed the JP Beaumont series and completely exhausted Audible's offerings in this category. So I really wanted to like this series, but this second book in the series is pacing even more slowly than the first. I'm 3 hours into the book and we still don't have a murder yet...

How could the performance have been better?

I find that the narration overall is fine, except for the voice of the daughter, which is grating on a level of fingernail-against-chalkboard. Every single line that the narrator delivers from the daughter comes out as a whine. It makes me wish the lead character would talk with her daughter about her attitude.

Joanna takes charge - sort of

This second book in the Joanna Brady series is good and well worth the read. There were some bits of the mystery that didn't hold water, but we got the know the characters better. As a United Methodist pastor, I really appreciate the inclusion of a fictional colleague in the cast. The title of the story is sort of added at the last minute, but that seems to be the style these days.

Great Story

Great story, can't wait to listen to the rest of them!

Love JA Jance's work!

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Title: Plum Pudding Murder

Subtitle: A Hannah Swensen Mystery

Author: Joanne Fluke

Narrator: Suzanne Toren

Format: Unabridged

Length: 9 hrs and 10 mins

Language: English

Release date: 09-24-09

Publisher: Recorded Books

Ratings: 4 of 5 out of 281 votes

Genres: Mysteries & Thrillers, Modern Detective

Publisher's Summary:

The Cookie Jar's busiest time of the year also happens to be the most wonderful time...for Christmas cookies, Hannah's own special plum pudding - and romance! Holiday orders are high, and Hannah's slated to provide dessert at the Reverend Knudsen's upcoming nuptials. She's busy as can be and loving it. She also gets a kick out of "Lunatic Larry Jaeger's Crazy Elf Christmas Tree Lot", a kitschy carnival taking place smack-dab in the middle of the village green. Larry thinks he's crazy like a fox with his wild business schemes, but this time, the entrepreneur may have bitten off more than he can chew.

Rumor has it that Larry's in the red - an idea that takes a sinister turn when Hannah discovers the man himself dead as a doornail in his own office. It seems quite a few people would have liked to fill Larry's stocking with coal and then bash him with it - including his bitter ex-wife, his ex-partner's daughter, a woman he was wooing, and the Crazy Elf Tree lot's extremely exasperated investors.

Members Reviews:

Plum Pudding Murder

As usual I was not disappointed in Ms. Fluke's newest book. Didn't know until the very end who dunnit!! I like her books and the narrater is great. The caracters just get better and better.

wonderful as usual

I love all her books! This is not a serious thought provoking book but the characters are fun and the plot is interesting. These are the perfect books as long as you are looking for a cheerful mystery full of good food. My advice for anyone needing a smile is to bake some cookies, brew some coffee and listen to this book.

What a Mistake

I'm not familiar with Joanne Fluke's work, but I am 2.5 hours into this book and I want to pull my hair out. I find her writing inane and frustrating. I keep hoping something will happen. Give me a plot, an interesting character, good editing, something! I am from MN and thought a holiday mystery would be fun this time of year, but this audio has left me angry for spending a credit on a whim.

Mystery & Recipes - a great combo

I love baking and reading mysteries and the Hannah Swenson series never disappoints. I thought I knew who did it and was surprised by the real murderer

Enjoyable

I have enjoyed reading about the adventures of the Swensen girls for some time now and this was the first time I chose to use the Audible version and I was not disappointed.

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Title: A Place of Execution

Author: Val McDermid

Narrator: Paddy Glynn

Format: Unabridged

Length: 14 hrs and 34 mins

Language: English

Release date: 09-21-09

Publisher: Brilliance Audio

Ratings: 4.5 of 5 out of 305 votes

Genres: Mysteries & Thrillers, Modern Detective

Publisher's Summary:

Decades later he finally tells his story to journalist Catherine Heathcote, but just when the book is poised for publication, Bennett unaccountably tries to pull the plug. He has new information which he refuses to divulge, new information that threatens the very foundations of his existence. Catherine is forced to re-investigate the past, with results that turn the world upside down.

A Greek tragedy in modern England, A Place of Execution is a taut psychological thriller that explores, exposes and explodes the border between reality and illusion in a multi-layered narrative that turns expectations on their head and reminds us that what we know is what we do not know.

Members Reviews:

Truly amazing

One of the best books I have ever read or listened to. I found myself simultaneously wanting to listen to the whole thing in one sitting and rationing the story because it was so good. I had seen the 1st half of the miniseries and decided to read the book before seeing the 2nd half because I was so drawn into the story. I knew that there would be a plot twist, but I never quite guessed the ending. It kept me on my toes and interested the whole time. I immediately downloaded another Val McDermid book. I hope it is half as good!

Great book

Would you listen to A Place of Execution again? Why?

Yes. The story line was great. Some of the best writing I found, since I started reading Reginald Hill. Paddy Glynn was a very good narrator.

Did the plot keep you on the edge of your seat? How?

It definitely kept me guessing and I was guessing a lot. I listen while I work in the service industry & It kept me company.

Which scene was your favorite?

It wasn't a scene as much as the journey through multiple scenes.

Intricate village mystery, court drama, procedural

In 1963 there is a village called Scarsdale where time still exists in a feudal system as it has for hundreds of years. The Squire still owns the land and reigns supreme in general as an overlord. Only this squire has inherited his position and isn't from the village, making him an unpopular outsider. When his teenaged step daughter goes missing his reluctant cooperation with investigators makes him even more loathsome to everyone, especially George Bennett, lead detective on the case.

This is a village mystery holding hands with a police procedural. George Bennett is new to the area, his wife pregnant with their first child, but he can think of little else beyond the case. In fact the case will shape his destiny. The picturesque village is a tight knit community, an extended family in reality. They don't trust the cops, or anyone else for that matter. They're in a tough position because the distrust is innate, but they want to find Alison's killer and bring them to justice.

WOW!!!

One of the 5 best mysteries that I have ever read or listened to and I am 72 years old! The plot, the characters, and the narrator were all perfect. Obviously it is not a run of the mill mystery. you can get info on the story elsewhere.

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Title: Walking Shadow

Subtitle: A Spenser Novel

Author: Robert B. Parker

Narrator: Daniel Parker

Format: Abridged

Length: 5 hrs and 51 mins

Language: English

Release date: 09-01-09

Publisher: Phoenix Books

Ratings: 3.5 of 5 out of 75 votes

Genres: Mysteries & Thrillers, Modern Detective

Publisher's Summary:

Spenser is investigating the Port City Theater Company, where the director claims he's being stalked. When an actor is shot dead during a performance, all clues lead to the local Chinese Mafia, whose roots run deep in this drab waterfront city. With Hawk and ex mobster Vinnie assisting, Spenser eventually triumphs in one of his most compelling adventures.

Crack another case with

.

©1995 Robert B. Parker; (P)2009 Phoenix

Critic Reviews:

"In fine form here, Parker's sardonic Boston PI Spenser, last seen in Paper Dolls , encounters danger, venality and plenty of comic material in this brisk tale spanning the worlds of experimental theater and illegal immigration." (Publishers Weekly)

"This is a tough, cleverly plotted novel in which each character's essence is revealed as Spenser sorts through the tangle of apparent motives." (Booklist)

"An irresistible new crime novel that will captivate both longtime and soon-to-be-devoted Spenser lovers." (Kirkus Reviews)

Members Reviews:

IF YOU LIKE SPENSER, DON'T BOTHER!

I mistakenly did not listen to the sample narration before downloading, and I was bitterly disappointed. I love Robert B. Parker, and Spenser novels. This narrator is lispy and effeminate, and if you know Spenser and Hawk, it just doesn't work. It's a joke. If you love Spenser novels, you will be very upset. If this is your first, you will be cheated. Joe Mantegna is a good reader of Spenser novels-he has that tough guy voice. Choose one of those.

If I could give this no stars

I would. The narrator is every bit as bad as everyone else claims. Lispy, and he sounds like he might be 11 or 12 years old.

He's not Spenser, not Hawk and not even particularly good. Do yourself a favor and buy the book, then pray they put Joe Mantegna back to work on the next one!

terrible reader

Good plot but the reader is terrible. He sounds like David Sedaris, which gives a whole new interpretation to the Spenser crew. At first I thought it was a parody. It's amusing, then tiresome, and ultimately unfortunate, as this might be one of the more interesting books of the series. Yes, bring back Joe Mantegna, bring back anyone but this guy. I will say that his interpretation of Susan is better than others though.

Where have you gone, Joe?

Please, please, give us back Joe Mantegna. While the writing is as enjoyable as ever, the narration is quite disappointing after listening to Mantegna for so many other novels. While Rudnicki is vastly better than Burt Reynolds, no one does Spenser and his friends remotely as well.

Narrator ruined the story

Would you try another book from Robert B. Parker and/or Daniel Parker?

Yes, I like Robert B. Parker's books but I will not listen to any more narrated by Daniel.

What was your reaction to the ending? (No spoilers please!)

Typical Parker, ending with a twist.

What didn???t you like about Daniel Parker???s performance?

Made Spenser and all of the other characters sound adolescent. No inflection in his voice to help distinquish one character from another. Daniel may be more suited for books written for teenagers.

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Title: The Tomb

Subtitle: Repairman Jack #1

Author: F. Paul Wilson

Narrator: Joe Barrett

Format: Unabridged

Length: 15 hrs and 33 mins

Language: English

Release date: 07-07-09

Publisher: Audible Studios

Ratings: 4 of 5 out of 848 votes

Genres: Mysteries & Thrillers, Modern Detective

Publisher's Summary:

His latest project is recovering a stolen necklace, which carries with it an ancient curse that may unleash a horde of Bengali demons. Jack is used to danger, but this time Gia's daughter Vicky is threatened. Can Jack overcome the curse of the yellow necklace and bring Vicky safely back home?

Critic Reviews:

"F. Paul Wilson weaves spells with words." (Dean Koontz)

"A riveting combination of detective story and horror fiction....This thriller is fast-action fun!" (Publishers Weekly)

100 Must-Read Thrillers (International Thriller Writers)

Members Reviews:

Pretty good story

I bought this book because I read that the Repairman Jack series is similar to Lee Child's series. Well, I can see the similarities, and looking forward to reading further books in the series (when Audible makes them available). I don't think the plot is as good as in lee Child's books, though. It became pretty clear how everything will turn out a few hours before the end of the book. Still, the action sequences are good and Repairman Jack character is quite appealing.

Definitely worth a listen

A fascinating story in an unexpected setting???the author does a good job tying an old Hindu curse to modern day New York.

Even though some of the retrospective chapters might get a bit boring, there is enough action to keep the listener engaged and on edge.

It???s only a pity that the next stories in the series are not available on Audible, as I really wanted to listen to more of Repairman Jack???s adventures.

good fun read

this is an enjoyable book with a gritty likable anti-hero as the lead character. Fun and fantastic twists and turns keeps you interested. Very good reading as well

Solid start to what looks to be a great series!

Not sure how I missed this series, but glad a friend recommended it recently! Good story, well developed characters (that you can actually care about), and very well paced, never a dull moment! Won't give anything away, other than to say I give this book my highest recommendation! Also worthy of note is the excellent narration by Joe Barrett - he may be my favorite narrator now, very reminiscent of the late, great, Frank Muller - and that is the highest praise I could give any narrator! Can't wait to start the next book, though I see Mr. Barrett is not the narrator this time around, too bad - will be listening to some of his other work in the near future!

Fascinating

Where does The Tomb rank among all the audiobooks youve listened to so far?

On the top ten. So high up on my list that I have decided to purchase all the Repairman Jack books. Jack is an amazing guy. I feel like he is about to become one of my best friends.

What did you like best about this story?

It is fiction based on past events. I am old enough to remember most of what happens in his book.

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

Neither but then I am not too emotional.

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Title: The Last Place

Author: Laura Lippman

Narrator: Barbara Rosenblat

Format: Unabridged

Length: 13 hrs and 4 mins

Language: English

Release date: 05-15-09

Publisher: Recorded Books

Ratings: 4 of 5 out of 316 votes

Genres: Mysteries & Thrillers, Modern Detective

Publisher's Summary:

In this seventh novel from Lippman's acclaimed series, Baltimore investigator Tess Monaghan has her hands full with five murder cases that have gone cold. Each has a domestic violence angle, and the cases also share a disturbing connection - one that points to Tess herself.

Critic Reviews:

"Favors for friends don't always turn out as expected, Tess Monagham learns in this harrowing encounter with obsession involving her own past. At the urging of best friend Whitney Talbot, Tess agrees to research how police inexperienced with murder cases handle domestic-violence-related investigations. Delving into the specifics of the five deaths she's been assigned, Tess begins to sense that a simple review of the facts won't suffice and that these aren't isolated incidents. [Lippman] contrasts the methods of the privileged with the ways ordinary folk must cope and how disastrous the results can be when the monstrous invades their lives." (Booklist)

Members Reviews:

Very enjoyable

My only problem with this book is that, unlike the others, you need to have read/heard the first one for it to make sence. That said, I think the narrator is top-notch and the book is suspensful, full of vivid characters and it takes Tess away from Baltimore which is different and interesting.

Silly factor

I thought the plot was worthy of a more serious treatment by both the author and the reader. Considering that the detective is supposed to be operating her own successful agency, some of her behaviors are extremely unprofessional, and even the former police officer with whom she partnered seemed unrealistically careless in his concluding actions. The treatment was just too frivolous to amount to a really satisfying crime novel. I just hate to see a good plot go to waste.

Maybe on the re-listen

If you could sum up The Last Place in three words, what would they be?

NOT LIKE OTHERS

If youve listened to books by Laura Lippman before, how does this one compare?

The pace was odd. Sometimes it would drag. Maybe if it was a shorter story!!! Odd fill in dialogue. Maybe it's me but!!! When I listen to it again it might click better.

Any additional comments?

The story sometimes dragged along. A little disconnected. Little disappointed.

Lippman Does It All!

I believe I've read or listened to all of her books. She is a stellar writer. Her characters are fully-fleshed out, distinct and believable. Tess is a great character and this story holds true to form with her being funny, wise-cracking and smart. A few times I laughed out loud. The plot is a good one and the locations take the reader around Maryland where one meets some interesting, colorful people. Her writing is never forced and well, just funny...witty, like this for instance: The average Baltimore driver gave the impression of a sleepwalker who had regained consciousness behind the wheel, baffled and disoriented. If you like that kind of wit, then this book may very well be for you. Sorry, quotation marks don't come out as quotation marks on here. The narrator is superb with all the characters, but especially Tess; her inflections and wise-cracks are perfect.

well-written and suspenseful

I really enjoyed this audiobook. Barbara Rosenblat did a fantastic job reading it. Although there was a great deal of suspense, I have to say it was one of those books that you don't actually want to finish because the journey was so enjoyable.