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Title: A Killer Plot

Subtitle: Books by the Bay Mystery Series #1

Author: Ellery Adams

Narrator: Karen White

Format: Unabridged

Length: 11 hrs and 6 mins

Language: English

Release date: 08-11-15

Publisher: Tantor Audio

Ratings: 4 of 5 out of 407 votes

Genres: Mysteries & Thrillers, Modern Detective

Publisher's Summary:

Olivia Limoges is the subject of constant gossip. Ever since her mysterious return to the small coastal town of Oyster Bay, North Carolina, Olivia has kept to herself, her dog, and her unfinished novel. With a little cajoling from charming writer Camden Ford, she agrees to join the Bayside Book Writers to break her writer's block and even make a few friends. But when townspeople start turning up dead with haiku poems left by the bodies, anyone with a flair for language is suddenly suspect. And it's up to Olivia to catch the killer before she meets her own surprise ending.

Critic Reviews:

"The seaside setting is fun, and the interactions between the year-round locals and the summer residents are insightful." (RT Book Reviews)

Members Reviews:

My new favorite Cozy Mystery Series!

What made the experience of listening to A Killer Plot the most enjoyable?

The narration by Karen White was spot on, but my favorite part of the book was the relationship with Olivia and Haviland (her dog). All the times that Olivia speaks to Haviland and narrates that way was a technique I loved. You really feel like they are a crime fighting due together, and you grow to love them both and cheer them on at each stop.

What was one of the most memorable moments of A Killer Plot?

This book had a lot of great scenes that I went back to re-listen to (just because the performance was THAT good), and I loved the scene where Olivia and Cosmo were driving to the airport and Olivia finally shares the story of what happened to her parents when she was a child. It was a big moment where you finally understood Olivia.

What does Karen White bring to the story that you wouldnt experience if you just read the book?

She brings the characters to life perfectly, and she does a wonderful job of making you feel like you can visualize and be there inside the book. Each character has a distinctly different voice so you know exactly who is speaking (even when there are lots of characters in one scene). I love how she narrated Dixie and captured all of her sass, and I felt very attached to Olivia and Haviland by the end of the book. Karen White makes you invest in the characters

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

I would want to, yes. It's a little long for one sitting but I like that I can savor it over the course of a couple of days.

Any additional comments?

I loved everything about this book! Olivia as a character is strong but what I love is that she isn't like some other typical cozy mystery heroines who make really glaringly dumb choices,. Olivia gets results without overstepping her boundaries, and it makes the book a whole lot more realistic that way, which in turn draws you in even more. You feel connected to Olivia and get to take this journey with her as she gets to know the town folk of Oyster Bay little by little. I also love her relationship with Haviland (her dog), they are a crime stopping duo together, and that dynamic is something I never got from other series. I can hardly WAIT to get into the other books in this series.

Poodle Had Potential

While I loved Olivia's devotion to her poodle Havilland, I didn't connect with the main character. The author showed talent and humor, so I would try another book by Ellery Adams.

I liked the dog.

Would you recommend this book to a friend? Why or why not?

No.

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Title: Devil's Bridge

Subtitle: Alexandra Cooper, Book 17

Author: Linda Fairstein

Narrator: Barbara Rosenblat

Format: Unabridged

Length: 10 hrs and 33 mins

Language: English

Release date: 08-11-15

Publisher: Penguin Audio

Ratings: 4 of 5 out of 290 votes

Genres: Mysteries & Thrillers, Modern Detective

Publisher's Summary:

In her 17th Alexandra Cooper thriller, New York Times best-selling author Linda Fairstein takes listeners where they have never been before: inside the mind of NYPD Detective Mike Chapman.

The Manhattan waterfront is one of New York City's most magnificent vistas, boasting both the majestic Statue of Liberty and the George Washington Bridge - the world's busiest span for motor vehicles. But in Devil's Bridge, Detective Mike Chapman will discover the peril that lurks along this seemingly benign expanse as he takes on his most personal case yet: the disappearance of Alex Cooper.

Coop's sudden disappearance is fraught with terrifying complications: scores of enemies she has made after a decade of putting criminals behind bars, a recent security breach with dangerous repercussions, and a new intimacy in her relationship with Mike. Now the police commissioner himself is wary of the methods Mike will use to get Coop back...if he even can.

Once again Linda Fairstein proves why she is "one of the best crime fiction writers in America today" with her most intense Alexandra Cooper novel yet.

Critic Reviews:

"The Queen of Intelligent Suspense." (Lee Child)

"A champion teller of detective tales." (USA Today)

"Alex Cooper is a fascinating heroine...based on the equally fascinating life of her creator." (O, The Oprah Magazine)

Members Reviews:

Disappointing and painful

Would you try another book from Linda Fairstein and/or Barbara Rosenblat?

Definitely

What was most disappointing about Linda Fairsteins story?

I have read or listened to the entire Alex Cooper series. I couldn't wait for this latest installment to become available and could not believe how difficult it was to listen to the end.

Did Barbara Rosenblat do a good job differentiating all the characters? How?

Barbara Rosenblat is one of my all time favorite narrators. I did find that there were some lapses in Mike Chapman's delivery when Ms. Rosenblat's performance seemed to tire and to lapse into "Alex" mode.

What character would you cut from Devil's Bridge?

Tough one. Perhaps a little less Chapman...

Any additional comments?

Love this series and can only hope that the author doesn't go down the rabbit hole of having an intricate relationship between two of her main characters become so banal that it destroys the series.

Aweful !!

Way too much history lesson and not enough story! I kept hoping it would get better !!

NY History & Mystery

As always, well researched book interweaving NY history with mystery. Mike Chapman, recurring character was the main focus. Prefer prosecutor Alexandra Cooper as the lead. Dragged a little the last 2 hours. B. Rosenblatt an outstanding narrator. Makes the book. MJ

Best One Yet!

I listened to Barbara Rosenblat's inspired performance of this gripping story. Her narration is so smooth, that I can focus entirely on the plot and not on the narrator.

Devil's Bridge is told chiefly in Mike Chapman's voice. This one really had me on the edge of my seat. As usual, I picked up some MYC trivia along the way!

Fairstein has gone too far

I have read a lot of fairstein's books always being able to ignore her politics and enjoy reading a story set in New York City.

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Title: Badlands

Author: C. J. Box

Narrator: January LaVoy

Format: Unabridged

Length: 8 hrs and 57 mins

Language: English

Release date: 07-28-15

Publisher: Macmillan Audio

Ratings: 4.5 of 5 out of 742 votes

Genres: Mysteries & Thrillers, Modern Detective

Publisher's Summary:

Edgar Award-winning, New York Times best-selling author C. J. Box is back with a masterpiece of suspense set in a time and place that listeners won't soon forget.

Twenty miles across the North Dakota border, where the scenery goes from rolling grass prairie to pipeline fields, detective Cassie Dewell has been assigned as the new deputy sheriff of Grimstad - a place people used to be from but were never headed to. Grimstad is now the oil capital of North Dakota. With oil comes money, with money comes drugs, and with drugs come the dirtiest criminals hustling to corner the market.

In the small town resides 12-year-old Kyle Westergaard. Even though Kyle has been written off as the "slow" kid, he has dreams deeper than anyone can imagine. He wants to get out of town, take care of his mother, and give them a better life. While delivering newspapers, he witnesses a car accident and takes a mysterious bundle from the scene. Now in possession of a lot of money and packets of white powder, Kyle wonders if his luck has changed.

When the temperature drops to 30 below and a gang war heats up, Cassie realizes that she may be in over her head. As she is propelled on a collision course with a murderous enemy, she finds that the key to it all might come in the most unlikely form: an undersized boy on a bike who keeps showing up where he doesn't belong. Because a boy like Kyle is invisible. But he sees everything.

Members Reviews:

Huge C.J. Box fan; this book, however, not so much

Would you listen to Badlands again? Why?

No, once was enough. Just didn't hit the normal C.J.Box mark all of his other novels have.

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

Have listened to all of his books so far, and certainly willing to listen to the next. I do prefer the Joe Pickett series, but even the other mystery/thriller, The Highway was a better listen.

Which scene was your favorite?

No particular scene stands out.

Any additional comments?

I've typed, erased, and re-typed my comments, not really being able to put in words why this book fell short for me. I think the marriage of characters brought forward from the Highway to the story of a small town gone boom-town just didn't work. Perhaps not enough development of the good guys, only the bad. There wasn't anything truly unique about the story, but at the same time C.J.B. did still write a good book. Just not a great one. I think I finished it more out of loyalty rather than thorough enjoyment.

Pleasant and Entertaining

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

Top 40 but I have downloaded probably over 600 books so top forty is a good position for me.

What did you like best about this story?

I live in the South and years ago I spent a day driving through the badlands and very much enjoyed the experience. The book's title is what drove me toward clicking the pre-release button and I was rewarded by the book.

What does January LaVoy bring to the story that you wouldnt experience if you just read the book?

She has a style in this story that makes the author's work just stand out.

Any additional comments?

I could visually see a picture of the events taking place as I listened. The young boy Kyle's voice was well presented with his speaking disability and because of his being a pre-teen my instinct was to picture and feel his situation.

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Title: First Deadly Conspiracy - Box Set

Subtitle: McRyan Mystery Series, Books 1-3

Author: Roger Stelljes

Narrator: Johnny Peppers

Format: Unabridged

Length: 26 hrs and 2 mins

Language: English

Release date: 07-01-15

Publisher: Roger Stelljes

Ratings: 4 of 5 out of 208 votes

Genres: Mysteries & Thrillers, Modern Detective

Publisher's Summary:

The first three books of the New York Times and USA Today best-selling McRyan Mystery series:

Fans of mysteries, thrillers, and suspense will enjoy these fast-moving stories of murder, greed, and treason, the cast of colorful characters, and their setting in and around historic St. Paul, Minnesota.

First Case: Murder Alley: novella

In an emotionally charged investigation full of unexpected twists and turns, Mac McRyan will need to follow a convoluted trail of evidence, secrets, and hidden agendas to help solve a murder mystery that is his First Case.

The St. Paul Conspiracy

A complex murder investigation with repercussions far beyond an ordinary serial killer case - national and political security concerns lie at the root of this tangled, fast-paced, gritty crime novel. The Merit Award winner for Commercial Fiction for the Midwest Independent Publishers (MIPA) Book Awards and a Minnesota Book Awards nominee.

Deadly Stillwater

Two girls gone... A complicated, brazen daytime kidnapping is just the beginning in a case of betrayal and revenge that will ultimately strike at the soul of the St. Paul Police Department. From the searing streets of St. Paul to the murky waters of the St. Croix River, Deadly Stillwater is a book you won't be able to pause until its last gripping minute. Midwest Book Awards winner - Genre Fiction for the Midwest Independent Publishers (MIPA) Book Awards.

Members Reviews:

3.5 stars OK Series

Mostly enjoyable mystery series. All three, including the novella prequel, have well developed plots, interesting characters, and satisfying conclusions. Mac MacRyan is a smart, young detective that uses his mind more than his braun to solve mysteries. The interplay among him and the three detectives on his team is light yet serious when necessary. The stories have the required supportive boss with the supportive political hierarchy above him. The plots are involved but not so complex as to confuse the reader.

I'm going for the next in the series.

The issue I found distracting was the great deal of descriptive explanation or background interspersed by often repetitive narrative.It made me feel that the story was being told to me rather than the characters playing their part of the story.

Johnny Peppers was very good with the delivery of the story

Great loved it

Very entertaining. Well read and written would recommend reading can't wait to read the rest

Sensational Police Procedurals

Loved the 3 books together. Mac is a great main character with Dick Lick his off sider who makes you laugh - I cringe at the descriptions of his 'Brown" suits.

The stories are easy reading with enough intrigue to keep you going and turning the pages. They are great classic police procedurals and I enjoyed them so much I have wish listed the next two instalments.

One hell of a story

Enjoyed the story very much. Highly recommend. Keeps you interested throughout. This was a very good series of books .

McRyan

I enjoyed this series thusfar and look forward to hearing more from this author bravo

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Title: Fallen Palm: A Jesse McDermitt Novel

Subtitle: Caribbean Adventure Series, Volume 2

Author: Wayne Stinnett

Narrator: Nick Sullivan

Format: Unabridged

Length: 8 hrs and 5 mins

Language: English

Release date: 06-12-15

Publisher: Down Island Press

Ratings: 4.5 of 5 out of 157 votes

Genres: Mysteries & Thrillers, Modern Detective

Publisher's Summary:

Jesse McDermitt lives on an isolated island in the Florida Keys where he runs a charter fishing business. Retired from the Marine Corps for six years, he wants nothing more than to relax, fish, dive, and enjoy the laid-back lifestyle of the islands.

Russ, his former Sergeant and old friend, dies unexpectedly in a mysterious scuba diving accident and Jesse becomes suspicious. His friend's son comes to south Florida to ask Jesse if he would take him to a remote reef to spread his father's ashes and the two men discover that Russ was murdered. They agree to hunt down the psychotic killer together, unaware that their manhunt will lead them to a Caribbean terrorist cell.

Meanwhile, a beautiful woman has returned to the Keys on a manhunt of her own, distracting Jesse with the idea that he could finally leave his warrior past behind. Surviving a powerful hurricane puts everything on hold as a top secret government agency tries to recruit him into their fold.

Members Reviews:

Fallen Palm

Very well written story. Interesting with romance, mystery and a bit of military thrown in. Would highly recommend it.

Much better suspense novel than I espected!

Fallen Palm is the second novel in the 9 novel (so far) Caribbean Adventures/Jesse McDermitt series. It is set in the middle Florida Keys near the town of Marathon. McDermitt is a retired US marine in early 40s who charters his boat for a living. He has built a house on a very small private island he owns. The repeat characters include his first mate Jimmy and an old Marine buddy along with his daughter who run a bar/restaurant. The genre of this novel is suspense thriller. The novel has characteristics of detective, Homeland Security, and military thrillers. The series is definitely worthwhile. Narrator Nick Sullivan who is among the best adds to the quality of the audiobooks in the Caribbean Adventures series.

A fun read.....

some great characters (especially the dog), and a genuinely good story about life in general, but, the ending comes up suddenly, with some tough twists. Overall, very good.

Very disappointed

Would you try another book from Wayne Stinnett and/or Nick Sullivan?

The other books I have listened to in this series have been great. The ending in this book was so uncalled for and not in keeping with the other story lines...

What was most disappointing about Wayne Stinnetts story?

The violence in the ending did not go with the rest of the books I have listened to in this series. It did not add to the storyline at all.

Have you listened to any of Nick Sullivans other performances before? How does this one compare?

He is a good narrator and is very believable.

Could you see Fallen Palm: A Jesse McDermitt Novel being made into a movie or a TV series? Who should the stars be?

This book series would make a great TV show. A younger Tom Selleck (sp ?) would have been really good as Jesse. Maybe Matt Damon..

Another exciting story

I liked this book as well as his first one. I'm following the whole series. This one is also well written and action packed. One part is sad without giving any spoilers. Good story.

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Title: Crazy Mountain Kiss

Subtitle: A Sean Stranahan Mystery

Author: Keith McCafferty

Narrator: Rick Holmes

Format: Unabridged

Length: 10 hrs and 41 mins

Language: English

Release date: 06-09-15

Publisher: Recorded Books

Ratings: 4.5 of 5 out of 214 votes

Genres: Mysteries & Thrillers, Modern Detective

Publisher's Summary:

It's April, but there's still snow on the Montana mountains the day a member of the Madison River Liar and Fly Tiers club finds a Santa hat in the chimney of his rented cabin. With the flue clogged, and desperate to make a fire, he climbs up to the roof only to find the body of a teenage girl wedged into the chimney. When Sheriff Martha Ettinger and her team arrive to extract the body, they identify the victim as Cinderella "Cindy" Huntingdon - a promising young rodeo star who has been missing since November.

Was Cindy murdered? Or was she running for her life? And if so, from whom? Cindy's mother, Etta, hires private detective Sean Stranahan to find out. Jasper Fey, the girl's stepfather, believes moving on is the only way to heal. But Etta's not willing to let it go, and neither are Sean or Martha, who find clues to the death in the mysterious legends of the Crazy Mountains.

The fourth book in McCafferty's mystery series features a brisk, savvy plot and charming yet authentic characters - perfect for fans of C. J. Box and Craig Johnson.

Members Reviews:

Mountain of a tale

Keith McCafferty has quickly become one of my new favorite authors. He's like the metaphorical love child that would materialize if Richard Russo, Adrian McKinty & Louis L Amour could merge. But he is distinctly his own man, and an excellent writer.

Can't believe how attached I've become to Sean, Martha and Sam, especially, but also Harold, Katie, Walt & the docs. Even when events break your heart. Sad to be starting the final book (so far) of the series...These are "can't- put- downers".

Additional props must be given to Rick Holmes, who does an amazing job with all characters. And to the publisher for sticking with a great narrator throughout the series.

Great as always

The story is not as strong as the other books in the series, but well narrated and thoroughly enjoyable.

Always a Good Read

Luv the Sean Stranahan series. I recommend this series to anyone who loves a good mystery.

Terrific story

Where does Crazy Mountain Kiss rank among all the audiobooks youve listened to so far?

Top 20

Who was your favorite character and why?

Sean, Jim, Martha. Sean and Martha relationship, Jim, always willing to help.

Which scene was your favorite?

Sean & Jim cave trip.

If you were to make a film of this book, what would the tag line be?

Edge of your seat, with a smile.

Any additional comments?

Rick Holmes was as always great!

Another winner

This series just keeps getting better. This book has plenty of twists and turns to keep you on the edge of your seat. I highly recommend this book and the entire series.

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Title: The Edge of Dreams

Author: Rhys Bowen

Narrator: Nicola Barber

Format: Unabridged

Length: 9 hrs and 53 mins

Language: English

Release date: 03-03-15

Publisher: Audible Studios

Ratings: 4.5 of 5 out of 536 votes

Genres: Mysteries & Thrillers, Modern Detective

Publisher's Summary:

Molly Murphy Sullivan's husband, Daniel, a captain in the New York City police force, is stumped. He's chasing a murderer whose victims have nothing in common - nothing except for the taunting notes that are delivered to Daniel after each murder. And when Daniel receives a note immediately after Molly and her young son, Liam, are in a terrible train crash, Daniel and Molly both begin to fear that maybe Molly herself was the target. Molly's detective instincts are humming, but finding the time to dig deeper into this case is a challenge. She's healing from injuries sustained in the crash and is sidetracked by her friends Sid and Gus' most recent hobby: dream analysis. And when Molly herself starts suffering from strange dreams, she wonders if they just might hold the key to solving Daniel's murder case.

Rhys Bowen's characteristic blend of atmospheric turn-of-the-century history, clever plotting, and sparkling characters will delight readers in The Edge of Dreams, the latest in her best-selling Molly Murphy series.

Members Reviews:

Good Story; annoying narration

I enjoy this series but wish the narrator did a better job with the male voices. They all sound like they have a lisp! This story is about a serial killer; Molly gets involved with husband Daniels' case after nearly being killed herself in an accident. Its a pretty good plot and evolves with a few twists. I do find it amusing that Molly is always able to find things the police don't; its odd that the cops are that inept. Still the character of Molly and her various friends do make for an enjoyable story. The series was better before she was married although Daniel was a bit better this time in that he let her help with the case. I hope that trend continues because its very tiresome when he complains about it so much. He is kind of an overbearing bore!

Another hit in the Molly Murphy-Sullivan series

I could not stop listening to this book and finished it in one day. I love these mysteries and can't wait for the next the next one.

I love this Series !

From the first book I was captivated. The narration is excellent, All-around I highly recommend this book and the entire!

Molly Murphy never disappoints

Another interesting murder mystery in the series. Rhys Bowen books are like your favourite chocolate -- you know what you're going to get and its never disappointing

One of the best

The Molly Murphy series is wonderful! There is always a great plot, and the characters are so interesting! I certainly hope the series continues and the next book comes soon.

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Title: Motive

Subtitle: An Alex Delaware Novel, Book 30

Author: Jonathan Kellerman

Narrator: John Rubinstein

Format: Unabridged

Length: 11 hrs and 32 mins

Language: English

Release date: 02-10-15

Publisher: Random House Audio

Ratings: 4 of 5 out of 955 votes

Genres: Mysteries & Thrillers, Modern Detective

Publisher's Summary:

The number one New York Times best-selling author Jonathan Kellerman writes razor-sharp novels that cut to the quick. Now comes Motive, which pits psychologist Alex Delaware and homicide cop Milo Sturgis against a vicious criminal mind - the kind only Kellerman can bring to chilling life.

Even having hundreds of closed cases to his credit can't keep LAPD police lieutenant Milo Sturgis from agonizing over the crimes that don't get solved - and the victims who go without justice. Victims like Katherine Hennepin, a young woman strangled and stabbed in her home. A single suspect with a solid alibi leads to a dead end - one even Alex Delaware's expert insight can't explain. The only thing to do is move on to the next murder case - because there's always a next one.

This time the victim is Ursula Corey: a successful, attractive divorcée who's been gunned down - not a robbery but an execution, a crime that smacks of simple, savage revenge. And along with that theoretical motive come two strong contenders for the role of perp: the dead woman's business partner/ex-husband and her divorce lawyer/secret lover. But just as Alex and Milo think they're zeroing in on the most likely suspect, a bizarre new clue stirs up eerie echoes of the unsolved Hennepin murder. And the discovery of yet another crime scene bearing the same taunting signature raises the specter of a serial killer on a mission, whose twisted method is exceeded only by his manipulative and cunning madness.

Critic Reviews:

"The combination of Alex Delaware [and] Detective Milo Sturgis... makes for the most original whodunit duo since Watson and Holmes." (

Forbes)

"John Rubenstein is acclaimed for his narrations of Kellerman's psychological thrillers featuring Dr. Alex Delaware.... [T]he quality of the writing and narration hasn't changed.... The team of Kellerman and Rubenstein should never be broken up." (

AudioFile)

Members Reviews:

Not the best, but Rubinstein reading helps

it wasn't a great Alex Delaware story and kind of just ended. If you've already got most of the series, it's not a waste, but it's not a great portrayal of Alex or Milo.

Excellent Novel. One of His Best

The narration was excellent per usual I Kellerman novel. The story had a lot of twists and turns. It was in many ways not as dark as his other novels and fun to follow as events and clues morphed Ito other clues. Anyone who is a Kellerman fan will enjoy this novel.

Great Comeback

After the so-so 'Killer' this one is a recovery that is worthy great sports legends; one close to biblical proportions. Okay, okay, I've been told a million times not to exaggerate and yet here I go doing it again. Some of the earliest of Kellerman's Alex Delaware novels were weak in plot and hopelessly complicated before he got his rhythm and produced some of the best works of both the Psychological and or the Police Procedural genre. Lately though the Delaware novels have been hit or miss; the last one being almost totally a miss.

Motive was a well written, if not particularly original work the plot being strongly similar to that in a couple of his previous novels; Bones, Compulsion and Twisted. Milo catches a murder case that seems to be a slam dunk, a perfect setup; but as it happens the prime suspect has a really good alibi.

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Title: Veronica Mars: Mr. Kiss and Tell

Subtitle: An Original Mystery by Rob Thomas

Author: Rob Thomas, Jennifer Graham

Narrator: Rebecca Lowman

Format: Unabridged

Length: 10 hrs and 8 mins

Language: English

Release date: 01-20-15

Publisher: Random House Audio

Ratings: 4.5 of 5 out of 1407 votes

Genres: Mysteries & Thrillers, Modern Detective

Publisher's Summary:

In the second book in the New York Times best-selling mystery series, Veronica Mars is back with a case that will expose the hidden workings of one of Neptune's most murderous locations.

The Neptune Grand has always been the seaside town's ritziest hotel, despite the shady dealings and high-profile scandals that seem to follow its elite guests. When a woman claims that she was brutally assaulted in one of its rooms and left for dead by a staff member, the owners know that they have a potential powder keg on their hands. They turn to Veronica to disprove - or prove - the woman's story.

The case is a complicated mix of hard facts, mysterious occurrences, and uncooperative witnesses. The hotel refuses to turn over its reservation list and the victim won't divulge who she was meeting that night. Add in the facts that the attack happened months ago, the victim's memory is fuzzy, and there are holes in the hotel's surveillance system, and Veronica has a convoluted mess on her hands. As she works to fill in the missing pieces, it becomes clear that someone is lying - but who? And why?

Members Reviews:

Could not finish audio book, will be reading it.

Would you recommend this book to a friend? Why or why not?

I would recommend that they read the book. The narrator is too monotonous.

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

Couldn't finish listening. Will read the book instead

How did the narrator detract from the book?

Yes. Unfortunately, narrator is monotonous and boring. Sounds like the science teacher in The Wonder Years.

Was Veronica Mars: Mr. Kiss and Tell worth the listening time?

No, I will be reading it

What! No Kristen Bell?! This feels so wrong....

What didnt you like about Rebecca Lowmans performance?

It's like Rebecca never watched the series, never kickstarted the movie, never watched the movie, and never listened to the first book. Seriously not a marshmallow....didn't even try.

What reaction did this book spark in you? Anger, sadness, disappointment?

Super disappointed and a little weirded out.

Any additional comments?

Snappy lines without Kristen Bell fall so short and sound rude instead of charming.I'll be following other's advice and returning this audio book. Reading the book, I can at least channel my inner Veronica Mars/Kristen Bell voice.

Darn!!

Rob Thomas!! Kirsten Bell!! Fix this!! :)

The narrator ruins the entire experience.

What did you like best about Veronica Mars: Mr. Kiss and Tell? What did you like least?

This is a five-star book with a zero-star performance. All the reviewers who complained about the monotonous voice of the narrator were NOT exaggerating. It's horrible. It's like she's been given a sedative and then asked to read. It is so disappointing because this audiobook could be amazing with Kristen Bell and at least tolerable with someone other than the narrator who was used. It's really bad. Sad and bad. I think this book should be re-recorded with Kristen Bell and everyone who had the misfortune of buying this version should get automatically get a copy.

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Title: As Chimney Sweepers Come to Dust

Subtitle: Flavia de Luce, Book 7

Author: Alan Bradley

Narrator: Jayne Entwistle

Format: Unabridged

Length: 10 hrs and 52 mins

Language: English

Release date: 01-06-15

Publisher: Random House Audio

Ratings: 4.5 of 5 out of 1034 votes

Genres: Mysteries & Thrillers, Modern Detective

Publisher's Summary:

Flavia de Luce - "part Harriet the Spy, part Violet Baudelaire from Lemony Snicket's A Series of Unfortunate Events" (The New York Times Book Review) - takes her remarkable sleuthing prowess to the unexpectedly unsavory world of Canadian boarding schools in the captivating new mystery from New York Times best-selling author Alan Bradley.

Members Reviews:

Doesn't live up to it's promise.

There was so much more Alan Bradley could have done with this book that I find it especially disappointing. Flavia is marvelous, as always, and I was really looking forward to reading about her in a school setting. The joys of having access to a whole new set of information, meeting kids her own age, making lifelong connections this could have been several books of watching Flavia grow in an environment that could hone her skills and with people who could challenge her in new ways. Instead, we got an uneven and choppy book that felt like filler rather than something that advanced Flavias story.

Flavia noticing things other people dont at home made sense a combination average village life dulling the senses of the adults around and an extraordinarily precocious child make for a perfect combination. Miss Bodycotes is, however, supposed to be home to a group of people dedicated to turning out, for lack of a better term, spies. And yet Flavia easily gets away with her tricks, no one has noticed the bits of the mystery that she does, and no one will really talk to her about whats going on when she's supposed to be part of an inner sanctum. Quite honestly, the story practically doesn't make any sense at all.

So why three stars when I really wanted to give it two? Because its Flavia. I really do adore the character and there are a few others introduced I thought were fun and interesting.

As for the performance Jane Entwistle always gets 5 stars. Her narrative style is terrific: pronunciation, pacing, and characterization are always top notch!

A little disappointing

Would you recommend this book to a friend? Why or why not?

Only if the friend had previously read the rest of the series. I don't think Flavia's character quirkiness is explained well enough.

Would you recommend As Chimney Sweepers Come to Dust to your friends? Why or why not?

I agree with several other reviews. There was something lacking in the flow. Too much "not now", "I can't tell you that", etc. The ending was abrupt, as well. What was the point of the school? Flavia was there for what, a week? Two? Frankly, it left me with more questions than answers.

Have you listened to any of Jayne Entwistles other performances before? How does this one compare?

Jayne Entwistle is perfect, as usual. Even though I own the books to read, it is much better to listen to Jayne's interpretation. She puts in the nuances and British accent that my mind can't quite do.

Do you think As Chimney Sweepers Come to Dust needs a follow-up book? Why or why not?

There should definitely be another book. Did Flavia actually learn anything at the school? Has she matured in any way? What is going to happen to Flavia when she returns to Buckshaw? How will the financial crisis be resolved? Will Feely and Daphne be nicer? Inquiring minds want to know.

Lovely Flavia. Fantastic job.

I love this character and I eagerly await every new installment.