Discover the New Releases Audiobooks in Mysteries & Thrillers, Historical

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Title: The Four Last Things

Author: Andrew Taylor

Narrator: Ric Jerrom

Format: Unabridged

Length: 11 hrs and 1 min

Language: English

Release date: 07-05-05

Publisher: Audible Studios

Ratings: 3.5 of 5 out of 49 votes

Genres: Mysteries & Thrillers, Historical

Publisher's Summary:

Little Lucy Appleyard is snatched from her child minder's on a cold winter afternoon, and the nightmare begins. It is as if the child had disappeared into a black hole with no clues to her whereabouts...until the first grisly discovery in a London graveyard. More such finds are to follow, all at religious sites. In a city haunted by religion, what do these offerings signify?

©1997 Andrew Taylor; (P)2014 Audible, Inc.

Members Reviews:

Great!

Creepy, true, but also a great story. Each character is so well developed. And the narrator is fantastic. I really liked it and can't wait to listen to the next book by Andrew Taylor.

A facinating look at an ugly subject

This is my first book review. My decision to finally get involved in passing on my opinion on this book is prompted by the other reviewers comments on the quality of the writing and more particularly the purported graphic content of this book and the ugliness of its portrayal.

I would suggest that there is no way that an author can portray the essential brutality of child abduction in an enjoyably way. Rather as this author conveys it is heart wrenching and we would hope that the cruelty of the act its self is beyond the pail of normal human behaviour.

There is in-fact very little gore. However the author does delve into the deviant mind of what we assume to be a paedophilic character. The author does not sanction his characters behaviour by indulging in the lurid sensationalism one would find in Pulp Fiction. Much in this book is left to the imagination.

I will purchase the other books in this series. As Im interested in seeing how this series extends backwards in time casting light on the routs of child abuse.

For the reality of child abduction, I suggest that the reviewer, who rated this book so poorly, reads or listens to The Jigsaw Man the autobiography of Paul Britton. Particularly focus on the Jamie Bulger abduction for a real portrayal of the ugly side of human nature.

Background noise

Great story and voice acting, but so many other voices persisted in the background that it was difficult to listen to on headphones. A little disappointing.

Draws you in like a nightmare

Every parent's nightmare is that their child is abducted. This novel gives us two points of view on that horrific scenario: that of the mother and the abductor. But this isn't the usual inside-the-head-of-a-psychopath rendering. Eddie, the abductor, has "issues", but one could argue that he truly means no harm. Sally, the mom, also has issues; with her vocation, her husband, herself, her daughter. It's a complex story of two emotionally fragile people. There is indeed a twist at the end. Although it's clear early enough who is the real perpetrator of terror, the why is the tease and then the twist. Fortunately this author doesn't belabor the point and only gives you enough to make you wonder at what a small world it really is. I enjoyed the narrator very much, although there were many times when he dropped his voice a bit too low. Otherwise, his soft vocals added to the reflectiveness of this novel and I was never confused by which character was speaking. Overall, I really enjoyed this. It was the second time I listened to the novel. Yes, it's creepy but not it's not gratuitous.

Disappointing

First of all, the narrator badly needed to be equalized.

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Title: The Judgement of Strangers

Author: Andrew Taylor

Narrator: Ric Jerrom

Format: Unabridged

Length: 10 hrs and 9 mins

Language: English

Release date: 07-05-05

Publisher: Audible Studios

Ratings: 3.5 of 5 out of 26 votes

Genres: Mysteries & Thrillers, Historical

Publisher's Summary:

It is 1970. David Byfield, a widowed parish priest with a dark past, brings home a new wife to Roth. Soon the murders and blasphemies begin. But does the responsibility lie in the present or the past? And can Byfield, a prisoner of his own passion, break through to the truth before the final tragedy destroys what he most cherishes?

©1998 Andrew Taylor;

Members Reviews:

The Judgement of Strangers

This is an interesting novel, in that it explores some dark themes while keeping a rather spritely pace and worldview.

Terrible sound editing

Loved the story but it was hard to take the abrupt changes in volume and the obviously sloppy editing.

Compelling story

This is the second part of Andrew Taylor's trilogy located around a village called Roth and spanning over 40 years in time. Although this part stands alone as an excellent and compelling story I think you'd get more out of it if you'd heard 'The Office of the Dead' first as it sets the scene for the 'The Judgement of Strangers' and, in the latter, there are oblique references to the past that will be much clearer if you know the back story.

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Title: Dead Man's Ransom

Author: Ellis Peters

Narrator: Roe Kendall

Format: Unabridged

Length: 7 hrs and 31 mins

Language: English

Release date: 01-27-05

Publisher: Blackstone Audio, Inc.

Ratings: 4.5 of 5 out of 120 votes

Genres: Mysteries & Thrillers, Historical

Publisher's Summary:

Canny as ever, Brother Cadfael suspects that more than a little evil is afoot, and before long his suspicions are confirmed. How Cadfael determines that the man's death was not a natural one is the stuff from which the best and most satisfying suspense stories are made.

In this case Ellis Peters's sleuthing Benedictine bases his indictment for murder on literally a single thread. Of extraordinary softness and hue, this filament will bind together the destinies of an unusual trio of young lovers. The unraveling of their tale yields a powerful subtext that explores the nature of love, identity, and divided loyalty.

A stunning conclusion and a memorable cast of characters, including the debut of the irrepressible Sister Magdalen, are sure to engage every devotee of medieval suspense.

Members Reviews:

Star-crossed lovers and nuns who go forth to battle

This 12th century mystery series by Ellis Peters take place in a fog of civil war, where the English and Welsh were raiding each otherâs borders and supporting one or another claimant to the English throne: Empress Maud or King Stephen. In spite of the ongoing violence, the author suffuses her novels with a deep sense of peace and contentment in the monastic life. A monk from the Benedictine Abbey of Saint Peter and Saint Paul at Shrewsbury, Brother Cadfael, the ex-Crusader-turned herbalist is her solver of murders and mysteries of the heart. Ellis weaves a rich tapestry of his daily life on the war-torn Welsh border.

This ninth novel in a series of 21 mysteries, "Dead Man's Ransom," begins in February of 1141 with disastrous tidings for the people of Shrewsbury. King Stephen has been captured by the forces of Empress Maud, and their own sheriff, Gilbert Prestcote has fallen into the hands of Welshmen allied to the Empress.

Aline, wife of Hugh Beringer, Shrewsbury's deputy sheriff is nervously waiting for her husband to return from battle. She tells Brother Cadfael:

"Those who go forth to the battle never return without holes in their ranks, like gaping wounds."

Luckily Hugh (one of this series' long-running characters) does return and soon he has a hostage of his own: a high-ranking Welshman named Elis ap Cynan who was captured during a raid on a nearby convent.

Hugh Beringar dispatches Brother Cadfael into Wales to negotiate an exchange of prisoners: Elis for Sheriff Gilbert Prestcote.

Meanwhile, back at the castle, Elis and Prestcote's daughter, Melicent fall in love with one another, even though Melicent knows her father will never consent to her betrothal to a Welshman.

When the hostage swap goes horribly wrong, Brother Cadfael must solve a murder, and unite not one, but two sets of star-crossed lovers.

One of my favorite characters, the doughty Sister Magdelan (formerly Avice of Thornbury--seeThe Leper of Saint Giles (The Chronicles of Brother Cadfael Book 5)) plays an important role in "Dead Man's Ransom." After saving her convent from Welsh raiders, she teams up with Brother Cadfael to unite the young lovers. All in a day's work for my two favorite Peters' characters.

This is one of my favorite Cadfael episodes

I admit, I'm a Cadfael fan. I've bought every one of the books and I have all but two of the unabridged audio cassette sets. This is one of my favorite Cadfael episodes.

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Title: The Falcon at the Portal

Subtitle: The Amelia Peabody Series, Book 11

Author: Elizabeth Peters

Narrator: Samantha Eggar

Format: Abridged

Length: 6 hrs and 26 mins

Language: English

Release date: 12-27-99

Publisher: Phoenix Books

Ratings: 4 of 5 out of 44 votes

Genres: Mysteries & Thrillers, Historical

Publisher's Summary:

A newly discovered pyramid, Egypt's rising nationalist movement, and family complications confront the brilliant Amelia Peabody in her latest encounter with crime. Edwardian England's most dashing and daring archaeologist, Amelia must clear the name of her beloved niece's new husband while solving a series of mysterious murders - and dodging bullets at the same time!

Don't miss the rest of the

series.

©1999 Elizabeth Peters; (P)1999 NewStar Media Inc.

Critic Reviews:

"Amelia Peabody is Indiana Jones, Sherlock Holmes, and Miss Marple, all in one." (The Washington Post)

Members Reviews:

Do NOT buy this version!!

Would you try another book from Elizabeth Peters and/or Samantha Eggar?

I adore Elizabeth Peters. I am annoyed and upset that I wasted a credit on an unabridged version. What a waste of money and time. I know the story very well and kept thinking the recording was skipping.

You didnt love this book... but did it have any redeeming qualities?

This is an abridged version (which I somehow failed to realize before I purchased it). Waste of money. I do not understand why they are even put out at all unless it is to be dishonest. Very disappointed. Save your money.

Any additional comments?

PLEASE DO NOT BUY THIS VERSION.

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Title: Electra

Subtitle: Dane Maddock Origins, Book 6

Author: David Wood, Rick Chesler

Narrator: Jeffrey Kafer

Format: Unabridged

Length: 5 hrs and 30 mins

Language: English

Release date: 04-24-15

Publisher: Gryphonwood Press

Ratings: 4.5 of 5 out of 51 votes

Genres: Mysteries & Thrillers, Historical

Publisher's Summary:

In 1937 Amelia Earhart vanishes somewhere over the Pacific, giving rise to one of history's most confounding puzzles.

When searchers believe they have found the location of Earhart's crash-landing, Navy SEALs Dane Maddock and Bones Bonebrake are sent on a covert mission to locate Earhart's crashed Electra aircraft and recover its contents. But nothing is ever easy for Dane and Bones. They soon find themselves facing off against mercenary forces, deadly creatures, and nature itself. Join Dane and Bones on another action-packed adventure as they head out in search of Electra!

Members Reviews:

Electra

Excellently written. This book was impossible to put down and I've found the complete set addictive.

Very interesting historical fiction

This book is one of the first ones I have listened to in a while that got me thinking about the subject and doing research. Is it true about Amelia Earhart? Read this book for yourself and follow along on the adventure. While it is fiction, it was fascinating to stop and think about it. I enjoyed the narration and the plot - bravo!

This audiobook was given by the author, narrator, or publisher at no cost in exchange for an unbiased review via Audiobook Boom.

Enjoyable Story & Good Narration

Electra was a nice change from what I have been listening to for review lately. Good Story, well written and nicely narrated. I recommend this one !

"I was provided this audiobook at no charge by the author, publisher and/or narrator in exchange for an unbiased review via AudiobookBlast dot com".

I'm a Dane and Bones fan

I love the butt kicking that goes on in these books. The action and adventure these guys get into is wild and fun. I'm definitely going to continue on with the series and see where they end up!

Wish it was longer

I enjoyed the how detailed the book provided but I wish it was longer

It was almost like they off their rushed through the book I would have thought this was and abridged version. I would recommend this book to others and I will read the rest of the series but my only complaint is that it was short

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Title: The Moses Stone

Subtitle: Chris Bronson, Book 2

Author: James Becker

Narrator: Graeme Malcolm

Format: Unabridged

Length: 10 hrs and 24 mins

Language: English

Release date: 03-25-14

Publisher: Recorded Books

Ratings: 4 of 5 out of 17 votes

Genres: Mysteries & Thrillers, Historical

Publisher's Summary:

An ancient code. A sinister secret. A deadly chase for the truth...

In Morocco, an English couple discovers a clay tablet covered in ancient writing. One day later, they are dead. Called to North Africa to investigate, detective Chris Bronson follows a trail of clues that plunge him into a mystery that has gone unsolved since biblical times. For the stone he must find is older and far more dangerous than he could ever have imagined...

Members Reviews:

Fast paced, interesting and fun read!

Becker's books pull me in almost immediately and never lose their hold. Many times things that happen are either too predictable or too convenient for the characters to be believable. However, it's a thriller and not real life, so I don't let those things slow me down. I really enjoy that his books are based in history with the facts at the end. I can't wait to read the next one!

What a Ride!!

Its my first James Becker book and believe me I just loved the ride. The archaeology and fiction were blended perfectly to make it an absolute roller coaster. No plot revelations here but do get ready for a journey across some fabulous locations with lots of history to learn and some very interesting revelations. Absolute stunner!! Already picked up my next James Becker novel The Messiah Secret..

Four Stars

Fairly good book.

fascinating, interesting story.

The story is fast paced, interesting and compelling. I could hardly put it down. The historical facts surrounding the story add greater understanding of the history it is explaining. I can hardly wait to read another in the Chris Bronson saga.

Pleasant story

A pleasant story but very difficult to follow at times. Interesting, in that you learn a bit of history while reading it.

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Title: Compulsion

Author: Meyer Levin

Narrator: Chris O'Brien

Format: Unabridged

Length: 14 hrs and 58 mins

Language: English

Release date: 02-27-13

Publisher: Audible Studios

Ratings: 4.5 of 5 out of 13 votes

Genres: Mysteries & Thrillers, Historical

Publisher's Summary:

The basis of the award-winning film starring Orson Welles, Compulsion gives a shocking fictionalized account of the Leopold-Loeb murder case - in which two young graduates of the University of Chicago kidnapped and killed a child for the intellectual challenge.

Members Reviews:

More Than Amazing

I have known about this book for decades but just got to it. I have been intrigued with the Leopold and Loeb case since my school days and I am so glad I listened. Not only is this incredibly well written but the narration is as good as it gets. The summation of the lawyers at the trial could be the most emotional piece of writing and narrating I have experienced in a novel.

Did anyone listen to this prior to release?

What would have made Compulsion better?

A keen-eared editor/proof reader ("proof listener?").

How did the narrator detract from the book?

I couldn't rate the story itself as I had to stop about 45 minutes into the book. Within those first 45 minutes the narrator repeated his last line on 3 different occasions (that I could catch); twice using the same tone as before, and once changing it. It really sounds more like a first draft of an audiobook prior to any serious editing than a polished production. I'm returning it. Willing to give it another shot if they ever touch this version up.

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Title: The Printer's Coffin

Subtitle: The Blake and Avery Mystery Series, Book 2

Author: M. J. Carter

Narrator: Sam Dastor

Format: Unabridged

Length: 12 hrs and 38 mins

Language: English

Release date: 11-07-16

Publisher: Isis Publishing Ltd

Ratings: 5 of 5 out of 3 votes

Genres: Mysteries & Thrillers, Historical

Publisher's Summary:

London, 1841. Mr Jeremiah Blake and Captain William Avery, recently returned from India, are invited by Viscount Allington to examine the particulars of a grisly pair of murders. Two printers from the seditious gutter presses have been brutally dispatched in distinct but similar circumstances. Fearing the deaths will stoke the fires of Chartism sweeping the capital, Allington hopes Blake and Avery's determination to uncover the truth will solve these crimes and help restore civic order. But there are others who seem equally determined that the pair shall fail....

Members Reviews:

Wonderful

A brilliant follow up to The Strangler Vine. I await Blake and Avery's next adventure

Excellent.

Having read the first book,The Strangler Vine, I wasn't sure whether to read or listen to this, the second.

It was very good. Characters brought to life and well read by the narrator.

Highly recommended, but make sure that you can concentrate on the plot. Not for listening to whilst doing lots of other things.

Increasingly Compelling

In less exotic and historically dramatic surroundings than the first book in this series, The Printer's Coffin is certainly no less engaging. In fact, I would go so far as to say that in some respects this instalment is actually superior to the first in that it is slicker and without the carbuncle of the apparently obligatory romantic entanglements of many novels of the same genre.

I'm growing more fond of the pairing of the two characters. Avery may be more disappointed in life but still has an optimistic and endearing innocence and Blake's continued gruff mystery engages the reader and shows a deft control of the our relationship with the characters.

The plot's intrigue is nicely judged. It is set with enough historical detail to be plausible but not enough for it to become a lecture-like.

I know if it's a good book when I want to stand at a writer's elbow and chivvy them along to complete the next in the series and this is one of those times. Come along, Ms Carter!

Well read and interesting

Would you listen to The Printer's Coffin again? Why?

Yes. The narration is good and the story is intriguing.

What was the most interesting aspect of this story? The least interesting?

The characterisation is fun and enjoyable to listen to.

What does Sam Dastor bring to the story that you wouldnt experience if you had only read the book?

The characters come to life

Another superb book by M J Carter

Miranda Carter weaves an evocative story with colourful if disturbing images of Dickensian London. Jeremiah Blake and William Avery come together to discover the perpetuator of bizarre killings.

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Title: Masters of Rome

Author: Robert Fabbri

Narrator: Peter Kenny

Format: Unabridged

Length: 12 hrs and 59 mins

Language: English

Release date: 02-01-15

Publisher: Isis Publishing Ltd

Ratings: 4 of 5 out of 19 votes

Genres: Mysteries & Thrillers, Historical

Publisher's Summary:

Britannia, 45 AD: Vespasian's brother, Sabinus, is captured by druids. The druids want to offer a potent sacrifice to their gods not just one Roman Legate, but two.

They know that Vespasian will come after his brother and they plan to sacrifice the siblings on midsummer's day. Vespasian must strive to save his brother whilst completing the conquest of the south-west of the haunted isle, before he is drawn inexorably back to Rome and the heart of Imperial politics.

As Messalina's time as Empress comes to a bloody end, Claudius' three freedmen each back a different mistress. But which woman will be victorious? And at what price for Vespasian?

Members Reviews:

Worst performance by a narrator ever

Is there anything you would change about this book?

I can't really rate the book, because the narrator was virtually unintelligible.

How would you have changed the story to make it more enjoyable?

I would have had my 12 year old read it to me.

How did the narrator detract from the book?

He spoke so rapidly, I thought maybe he had a bus to catch. His enunciation was terrible, he went from a whisper to a scream all in the same sentence. Worst performance I've ever endured (actually I couldn't endure it, I only lasted 2 hrs).

If this book were a movie would you go see it?

Probably not.

Any additional comments?

If I were the author of this book, I would be devastated by the narrator's performance of my novel.

Rattling good story and great performance

I had not realised that this is part of a series of books about Roman Legate Vespasian but coming in half way did not affect my enjoyment of the book. It starts with Roman occupation of Britain where Vespasian and his comrades are battling wily chieftains and supernatural druids. There are some great battles, really engaging action and a good bit of humour. The second half of the book moves to Rome where Vespasian gets involved with the court intrigues of Emperor Claudius. I found this equally engaging and will be back to sample more of the author's work.

I am genuinely baffled by the previous reviewer's negative comments about Peter Kenny's performance and can only think he had the speed set to double. Kenny is a brilliant performer and in this, as in his other work, his diction is perfect. His characterisations are also superb, especially the character of Claudius. I actually found this book by looking for more of Kenny's work, and I was not in any way disappointed.

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Title: The Printer's Coffin

Subtitle: The Blake and Avery Mystery Series, Book 2

Author: M. J. Carter

Narrator: Sam Dastor

Format: Unabridged

Length: 12 hrs and 38 mins

Language: English

Release date: 11-07-16

Publisher: Isis Publishing Ltd

Ratings: 5 of 5 out of 3 votes

Genres: Mysteries & Thrillers, Historical

Publisher's Summary:

London, 1841. Mr Jeremiah Blake and Captain William Avery, recently returned from India, are invited by Viscount Allington to examine the particulars of a grisly pair of murders. Two printers from the seditious gutter presses have been brutally dispatched in distinct but similar circumstances. Fearing the deaths will stoke the fires of Chartism sweeping the capital, Allington hopes Blake and Avery's determination to uncover the truth will solve these crimes and help restore civic order. But there are others who seem equally determined that the pair shall fail....

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