Download Best Full Audiobooks in Mysteries & Thrillers, Modern Detective

Please open https://hotaudiobook.com ONLY on your standard browser Safari, Chrome, Microsoft or Firefox to download full audiobooks of your choice for free.

Title: Death's Jest-Book

Author: Reginald Hill

Narrator: Shaun Dooley

Format: Unabridged

Length: 17 hrs and 17 mins

Language: English

Release date: 01-14-13

Publisher: Recorded Books

Ratings: 4 of 5 out of 36 votes

Genres: Mysteries & Thrillers, Modern Detective

Publisher's Summary:

Three times DCI Pascoe has wrongly accused deadpan joker Franny Roote. This time hes determined to leave no gravestone unturned as he tries to prove that the ex-con and aspiring academic is mad, bad, and dangerous to know. But over his investigation looms the huge form of DS Andy Dalziel.

Members Reviews:

Breath-taking

I have listened to many Reginald Hill novels and this is one of the most complex. At least it is the most complex of the Dalziel and Pascoe series.Stories within stories, "Death's Jest-Book" keeps the reader riveted to his/her headset not sure what is going to happen next. Pascoe is obsessed with ex-con now academic Franny Roote (how's that for a name), "Weildie" struggles with his concern (love) for a male prostitute police informer, DC Bowler finds a new girl of his dreams with dreadful consequences, Then add to this maelstrom crooked lawyers, strange investigative journalists and sexy women and you begin to sense the nature and depth of this book. I didn't read the prequel "Dialogues of the Dead" but from what other commentators say, it helps the reader understand and appreciate 'Jest-Book'. However, I still found this one of Hill's best books. Shaun Dooley also does a marvelous job transforming the myriad of characters to life.

AWESOME NARRATOR!! Yummy voice!

I just started...only into chapter 2 will give update when finished. Just wanted ALL AUTHORS and whoever picks the narrators to know this ones a gem.

Disappointed and bored

I had read the Woodcutter previously and thoroughly enjoyed it, I am not convinced it is a boring book or the narrator's voice is more 'soothing' than 'narrative', but I find my mind wandering and I have been unable to listen to the book for more than 5 mins at a time, unfortunately this book is not for me, and it could be purely that alone - the narrator does a good job with accents etc, but I've only read quarter of it and have decided to return it.

Please open https://hotaudiobook.com ONLY on your standard browser Safari, Chrome, Microsoft or Firefox to download full audiobooks of your choice for free.

Title: Lowcountry Bribe

Author: C. Hope Clark

Narrator: Karen Commins

Format: Unabridged

Length: 13 hrs and 39 mins

Language: English

Release date: 12-03-12

Publisher: Bell Bridge Books

Ratings: 3.5 of 5 out of 12 votes

Genres: Mysteries & Thrillers, Modern Detective

Publisher's Summary:

A killer wants to make certain she buys the farm.

Threats, a missing boss, a very dead co-worker, a high-level investigation, and a sinister hog farmer: Lowcountry Ag Department manager Carolina Slade is a bean-counting civil servant in hot water.

Carolina Slade is a by-the-book county manager for the Department of Agriculture - a civil servant who coordinates federal loans for farmers in the coastal lowcountry of South Carolina. When one of her clients, a hog farmer named Jessie Rawlings, offers her a bribe, Slade reports Jessie to her superiors. The next thing she knows, she's besieged by Resident Agent-In-Charge Wayne Largo from the Feds' IG Office in Atlanta. He and his partner have come to investigate Slade's accusations, and if possible catch Jessie in the act of handing over money.

However, the IG isn't telling Slade everything. The agents are also investigating the disappearance of Slade's boss the year before in connection to possible land fraud. And when the sting on Jessie goes bad, the case is put on hold and Wayne is called back to Atlanta, leaving Slade to fear not only for her life and job, but for her childrens' safety.

Author C. Hope Clark, the granddaughter of a Mississippi cotton farmer, holds a BS in Agriculture from Clemson University and has 25 years' experience with the US Department of Agriculture. Now an award-winning writer, she manages FundsforWriters.com, a weekly newsletter service she founded that reaches almost 50,000 writers including university professors, professional journalists, and published mystery authors. Writer's Digest has recognized the site in its annual 101 Best Web Sites for Writers for a dozen years. Hope is married to a 30-year veteran of federal law enforcement, a Senior Special Agent, now a private investigator. They live in South Carolina, on the banks of Lake Murray. Hope is hard at work on the next novel in her Carolina Slade Mystery Series. Visit her at www.chopeclark.com.

Members Reviews:

This author is a good new find...

I enjoyed this one as much for its setting in the low country of South Carolina as for the story and characters, which were both a little different and quirky - just my kind of read. Who would have thought there was a story in a country bumpkin (!), a government mortgage lender and an Inspector General's investigator? Hope to see more of these characters as their relationship develops (or not).

Annoying narrator

I'm a little over an hour into the story, which I'm liking, but I'm not sure I will finish listening because this narrator has the most annoying voice. Thank heavens there is very little dialogue in the children's voices.

I had hope

BUT, what could have been a pretty good story, was marred by whining, and once again a protagonist that starts off competent etc, and then dissolves into a victim.

I don't know if the author had intended for her protagonist to be such a whiner, but the narrator certainly portrayed her as such.

Unless you can stand a whiny victim, don't bother with this book.

Please open https://hotaudiobook.com ONLY on your standard browser Safari, Chrome, Microsoft or Firefox to download full audiobooks of your choice for free.

Title: Relics

Subtitle: A Faye Longchamp Mystery, Book 2

Author: Mary Anna Evans

Narrator: Cassandra Campbell

Format: Unabridged

Length: 10 hrs and 42 mins

Language: English

Release date: 11-15-12

Publisher: Blackstone Audio, Inc.

Ratings: 4.5 of 5 out of 53 votes

Genres: Mysteries & Thrillers, Modern Detective

Publisher's Summary:

Faye Longchamp, back in school to pursue her archaeological aspirations, has landed a job as chief archaeologist for a rural development project, so she heads to the hills of Alabama with Joe, her Cherokee assistant. Shes looking forward to a legitimate dig and hopes to uncover the mystery of the Sujosa, an ethnic group of mysterious origin. The Sujosa have lived in Alabamas most remote hills for centuries and have shown an impressive immunity to many diseases, including AIDS.

Late one night, Faye awakens to find the house in flames. She saves herself and one of her housemates, but her friend Carmen, the project historian, never had a chance. The suspicious death leads Faye to a different sort of investigation. Then within days, a teenage boy jumps from a cell phone tower that, when completed, will connect the Sujosa with the outside world. Now Faye must use her professional and personal skills to identify the killer and discover the long-buried secret of the Sujosa, as well.

Critic Reviews:

"Faye Longchamp, girl archaeologist, isin charge of finding the origins of an ethnic group of people in the Alabama hills.... Soon, Faye is fighting for her own life against someone who doesnt want the secrets of the Sujosa revealed. A fascinating look at contemporary archaeology but also a twisted story of greed and its effects." (Dallas Morning News)

"Evans second archaeological mystery is every bit as good as her debut,Artifacts. Faye makes a compelling heroine, and shes supported by an interesting array of suspects. Transcripts of Dr. Martinezs interviews scattered throughout the narrative provide important clues for the discerning reader." (Publishers Weekly)

"The locale is wonderfully described and beautifully etched for the reader. A compelling read that holds the reader's attention throughout." (Midwest Book Review)

Members Reviews:

Better Than the first

This is quickly becoming one of my favorite mystery series. It's filled with mystery, action, and wonderful characters. The plot is believable and and has a fast pace. I look forward to the next book in this series.

Archaeology/murder

This book will be fun for readers who enjoy their mysteries and love digging in the dirt, the past and the what -ifs. The author creates past lives that ring so true you will keep listening. Then you will be sorry when the last page is read.

Please open https://hotaudiobook.com ONLY on your standard browser Safari, Chrome, Microsoft or Firefox to download full audiobooks of your choice for free.

Title: Friday the Rabbi Slept Late

Subtitle: A Rabbi Small Mystery, Book 1

Author: Harry Kemelman

Narrator: George Guidall

Format: Unabridged

Length: 6 hrs and 35 mins

Language: English

Release date: 11-14-12

Publisher: Recorded Books

Ratings: 4.5 of 5 out of 480 votes

Genres: Mysteries & Thrillers, Modern Detective

Publisher's Summary:

Young and unassuming Rabbi David Small sorts through puzzling pieces of mysteries with logic straight from the Talmud. In Friday the Rabbi Slept Late, a shocking discovery on the temple grounds threatens to ruin both the diligent rabbi and the entire Jewish community at Barnards Crossing. Unaware that his congregation is grumbling about his rumpled appearance and absent-minded manner, Rabbi Small spends long hours poring over scholarly books. But he is forced to face his congregants discontent when the police discover a young womans body outside the temple - and her handbag in his car. Suddenly Rabbi Small must study motives and uncover the killer, or lose more than his followers. Best-selling author Harry Kemelman fills his shrewdly plotted mysteries with likeable and cunning characters who could be your next door neighbors. Personally approved for this unabridged recording by the authors estate, veteran narrator George Guidall expertly brings the harried rabbi and his mutinous congregation to life.

Members Reviews:

I slept late too, because i was up late listening.

Would you listen to Friday the Rabbi Slept Late again? Why?

I would listen to it again- I WILL listen to it again. It's a fun little mystery that set the tone for the whole series.

Who was your favorite character and why?

Rabbi Smalls is such an interesting character- not always likable, but his insights into the Jewish religion are always interesting. I learned lots about the true nature of a rabbi's duties with this series.

Which character as performed by George Guidall was your favorite?

Rabbi Smalls, again- though I thought he did a fine job with all the characters.

Any additional comments?

Check the series out if you like mysteries with a surprise ending. This is the first one and sets the tone. It may be a bit dated (1964) but it's good fun. All the clues are there and it's still a surprise when you find out who the killer is.

Warm and gentle and clever

Terrific narrator tells the simple whodunnit with sensitivity and warmth.

Sure it's a bit dated but the politics are the same.

An enjoyable listen free of any of the nastiness of modern day murder writing. No swearing, no drugs. Kind of like "happy days" in a book.

Sad that t

It ended and off to get part 2 right now

nice lightweight mystery, old but new to me

This is a nice, lightweight mystery that is a little dated (written in 1964), but not in any way that detracts from the story or the writing. I had heard about the series of the rabbi sleuth many years ago, and it was nice to actually enjoy it now -- with one of my favourite narrators George Guidall, who did a wonderful job. The protagonist is only rabbi in a small New England town, and the mystery of the murdered woman is tied in with conflicts among the synagogue board members, office politics, and town gossip among the Jewish and non-Jewish residents. That helps it all ring true, with believable characters (for the mid-sixties suburbs).

A Jewish Middle Class Madmen!

A great little mystery with interesting characters. The narrator was very straight forward but gave just enough personality to the characters. My comparison to Madmen was based on the 1960's attitudes in this male dominated novel.

Please open https://hotaudiobook.com ONLY on your standard browser Safari, Chrome, Microsoft or Firefox to download full audiobooks of your choice for free.

Title: The Grub-and-Stakers Pinch a Poke

Author: Charlotte MacLeod

Narrator: Lory Reyes

Format: Unabridged

Length: 6 hrs and 46 mins

Language: English

Release date: 11-06-12

Publisher: Audible Studios

Ratings: 4.5 of 5 out of 22 votes

Genres: Mysteries & Thrillers, Modern Detective

Publisher's Summary:

Catch a falling star....

Lobelia Falls was abuzz about the Scottsbeck drama competition. The Grub-and-Stake Gardening and Roving Club intended to win it with a dramatization of "The Shooting Of Dan McGrew". The house lights went down, the footlights went up... and someone tried to make opening night the leading man's final curtain!

To keep the villain from stealing the show, Dittany Monk quickly switched from her onstage part as the "tiny tot" to her role as wily sleuth. Now the hunt was on for a would-be murderer with a taste for melodrama. This is #3 in a Dittany Henbit Monk & Osbert Monk Mystery.

Members Reviews:

Over the The Top Silly

Would you try another book from Charlotte MacLeod and/or Lory Reyes?

I have read all the Peter Shandy books by Charlotte MacLeod, some more than once, and some of the Sarah Kelling books. This one was not in that league. I will not try another Grub-and-Stakers book nor will I select another by that narrator.

What was most disappointing about Charlotte MacLeods story?

I could not develop an interest in any of the many characters nor did I care about who was behind the attempts to murder. Some parts were humerous but most were just silly. I just could not get involved in much of the story.

Did the narration match the pace of the story?

I did not care for the narration. Her defects likely were mostly the result of the story. It would be a challenge to present all of the characters with their unusal names. She did have clear separation between the characters even when many were interacting together. I would not have made the voice selections she did for some of the characters. There were w few times when I thought that she too was not interested in the story.

Was The Grub-and-Stakers Pinch a Poke worth the listening time?

I can certainly understand that some will like the book, however it was not worth the time for me.

Please open https://hotaudiobook.com ONLY on your standard browser Safari, Chrome, Microsoft or Firefox to download full audiobooks of your choice for free.

Title: Just Desserts

Subtitle: Savannah Reid, Book 1

Author: G. A. McKevett

Narrator: Dina Pearlman

Format: Unabridged

Length: 7 hrs and 58 mins

Language: English

Release date: 10-18-12

Publisher: Audible Studios

Ratings: 3.5 of 5 out of 482 votes

Genres: Mysteries & Thrillers, Modern Detective

Publisher's Summary:

Finding herself in over her head with a case involving a politician's infidelities, Memphis-born karate expert Detective Sergeant Savannah Reid is told that she must turn in her badge because she is overweight.

Members Reviews:

Confusing title for a great book

The title led me to expect a series similar to Joanne Fluke's Hannah Swensen series (which I enjoy), but this was really closer to a Southern version of Sue Graftons Millhone series (but not as dark).

I loved this book and have already downloaded the next three in the series. Im especially excited to have found a new series with a good number of books as its always a bummer to find books I love only to find there are only a few in the series.

What was so great? The plot was complex enough to be interesting without being convoluted. The characters were also very likable and interesting. Best of all for me was the humor. I didnt laugh out loud most of the time like I do reading an Evanovich Stephanie Plum book, but there was enough clever, real humor to keep the story from being too dark.

The relationships had a real feel to them too, versus the overdramatized version of relationships you often see in books so it felt like I was getting to know real people.

Also, having lived in GA for some years I was pleased that the narrator didnt over do the Savannah accent. She did a really decent job of it and overall she did an excellent job bringing out the main characters personality. For me the sign of a good narrator is when I forget someone is reading to me and I just recognize characters, which happened right away in this book. Savannah is someone Id love to know so it was great fun being part of her life for a few hours. Hopefully youll feel the same if you try the book!

Sweet

Savannah Reid is my kind of heroine! She's comfortable with her body, won't let others push her around, and is warm, loyal, and loving to her friends and family. She is also really funny! Loved hearing some familiar 'southernisms' coming out of her mouth. Dina Pearlman did her usual great job as a narrator - good accents without going over the top. A great start to a fun series.

Want to read more about Savanah

Would you recommend this audiobook to a friend? If so, why?

I would recommend this to a friend that enjoys mysteries

What did you like best about this story?

Exciting plot line

Which character as performed by Dina Pearlman was your favorite?

I enjoyed all. Savanah's character was performed well

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

I laughed often while listening to this book

A delightful cozy read

Any additional comments?

Welcome to Savannah's world -- cops, criminals and confections, oh my! She manages it all with sweet southern sass. She is genuine and does not let the machinations of others keep her down. She picks herself up and flings herself into the next round of investigative work with passion. Dina Pearlman narrates the story beautifully, particularly Savannah's sassy southern accent and sarcasm.

Great read!!

I'm really liking this series! It is fun but also keeps you on the edge of your seat!!

Please open https://hotaudiobook.com ONLY on your standard browser Safari, Chrome, Microsoft or Firefox to download full audiobooks of your choice for free.

Title: Dick Francis's Bloodline

Author: Felix Francis

Narrator: Martin Jarvis

Format: Unabridged

Length: 9 hrs and 17 mins

Language: English

Release date: 10-02-12

Publisher: Recorded Books

Ratings: 4 of 5 out of 148 votes

Genres: Mysteries & Thrillers, Modern Detective

Publisher's Summary:

The next great best-selling mystery from the grand master of the genre...

When race caller and television presenter Mark Shillingford calls a race in which his twin sister, Clare, an accomplished and successful jockey, comes in second when she could have won, he believes the worst: that she lost on purpose, and the race was fixed. That night, Mark confronts Clare with his suspicions, she storms off after an argument - and its the last time Mark sees her alive. Hours later, Clare jumps to her death from the balcony of a London hotel...or so it seems.

Devastated and guilty over her death, Mark goes in search of answers. What had led Clare to take her own life? Or was it not suicide at all?

Members Reviews:

Fast action packed without graphic sex & violence

Felix Francis has matured in his writing. He sticks with the plot, introducing plot complications, characters, and clues in a timely matter. He inserts explanations where needed so the reader isn't scratching his head about why a character seems to be overreacting. His last book was good but over long and could have used a sharper pencil. This one is sharply written and doesn't get bogged down.

It is reminiscent of his father's work in that his main character is someone you might like to hang out and is a hard worker that things happen to and who must find out why before he is killed. Felix Francis' characters in this book seem to have the same good characteristics and a bit more depth. I look forward to his next book.

Very.slow.pace.

Would you try another book from Felix Francis and/or Martin Jarvis?

Regrettably, no.

What was most disappointing about Felix Franciss story?

Just didn't seem realistic. Characters were too thinly sketched and not likeable. The plot had too many holes .

How did the narrator detract from the book?

I liked his baritone voice and crisp elocution, but he was not right for the main character (too old, too strong) and the women seemed like airheads (this is tough for all the male narrators).

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

Disappointment- kept hope it would pick up.

Any additional comments?

I was a huge Dick Francis fan, but stopped reading his later works when the quality fell off. I knew his writing was a family affair, so when I saw Felix got 4 stars for Bloodline, I decided to give him a try. I'm sorry to say he doesn't have his father's touch. His "hero" began the book with a huge ethical lapse, and did not have the expected reaction to his sister's death, making him very unsympathetic He didn't ask the logical questions one would have after a sibling's presumed suicide, and it was frustrating that he seemed to miss obvious clues. The supporting characters behaved in arbitrary ways. His love interests (both of them) acted so suspiciously that I assumed they were being set up as conspirators or victims. Unlike Dick Francis, who would introduce new villains as the thriller progressed, Felix followed the "Law of Economy of Characters" so that the killer had to be one of the characters previously introduced. Once our hero identified the killer by sight, he was described only as "the man", which was really frustrating because it could have been 2 or 3 minor characters (either of them would have satisfied the plot).

Please open https://hotaudiobook.com ONLY on your standard browser Safari, Chrome, Microsoft or Firefox to download full audiobooks of your choice for free.

Title: A Taste for Murder

Author: Claudia Bishop

Narrator: Justine Eyre

Format: Unabridged

Length: 8 hrs and 26 mins

Language: English

Release date: 08-20-12

Publisher: Blackstone Audio, Inc.

Ratings: 3.5 of 5 out of 27 votes

Genres: Mysteries & Thrillers, Modern Detective

Publisher's Summary:

This is the first book in a delightful series featuring two sleuthing sisters.

Hemlock Falls is a pretty little town in upstate New York. Sarah Quilliam, with her talent for business, runs the Inn at Hemlock Falls, while her sister, Meg, keeps the guests happy with her culinary abilities. But when it comes to murder, the Quilliam sisters have to rely on other skills - spotting clues, solving crimes, and catching culprits.

The History Days festival is the highlight of the year in Hemlock Falls, and the reenactment of the 17th-century witch trials is the highlight of the festival. But this year the mock execution becomes all too real when a woman is crushed under a pile of stones. The victim has been identified as a guest at the inn, but the killer remains unknown - so far.

Claudia Bishop is the author of the popular Hemlock Falls mystery series as well as two novels in the Casebooks of Dr. McKenzie mysteries. Under the name Mary Stanton, she is also the author of an eight-volume childrens fantasy series, Unicorns of Balinor.

Critic Reviews:

[A] great cozy series. (Books n Bytes)

Members Reviews:

I'm not sure about this one

There are several things wrong in this book. 1. The lead character Quill and the sheriff have absolutely no chemistry. He tolerates her and treats her like a child.

2. Quill is a bit immature and lacks managerial skills neede to run an Inn.

3. Although Quill is the lead character she is weak and her character is never really fleched out.

4. Meg the chef at the Inn intentionally sabatoges her food for a disagreeable customer.

5. She also refuses to follow the guidelines made by the Department of health.

6. The plot was a bit slow and seemed to go around in circles for a while.

I like the idea of the world created so I might get the next book to see if any of these flaws are worked out.

Disappointment

Sometimes a good narrator can rescue a weak book, or a good book will shine through despite a weak narrator. Sadly, this one seemed to me therefore to have been the worst of both worlds. I really thought the premise of the book sounded clever. Cozies can be tricky, because it is easy to cross the line to sappy or outright silly. And that's pretty much how I viewed this one. Bought it on sale, just to see. A Taste For Murder may be someone else's taste, but it was not mine. I'm sorry, but it was pretty bad--at the groaner level.

I noticed that the author has also written children's literature. Oddly, I suspect that may be where her real talent is. I had the sense that she probably does a wonderful job with that genre. I would not hesitate to get her work there if the chance or need arose.

Please open https://hotaudiobook.com ONLY on your standard browser Safari, Chrome, Microsoft or Firefox to download full audiobooks of your choice for free.

Title: Syndrome E

Author: Mark Polizzotti (translator), Franck Thilliez

Narrator: Gildart Jackson

Format: Unabridged

Length: 13 hrs and 18 mins

Language: English

Release date: 08-16-12

Publisher: Blackstone Audio, Inc.

Ratings: 4 of 5 out of 978 votes

Genres: Mysteries & Thrillers, Modern Detective

Publisher's Summary:

The classic police procedural meets cutting-edge science in this huge international best seller. Already a runaway bestseller in France,Syndrome Etells the story of beleaguered detective Lucie Henebelle, whose old friend has developed a case of spontaneous blindness after watching an extremely rareand violentfilm from the 1950s. Embedded in the film are subliminal images so unspeakably heinous that Lucie realizes she must get to the bottom of itespecially when nearly everyone who comes into contact with the film starts turning up dead.

Enlisting the help of Inspector Franck Sharkoa brooding, broken analyst for the Paris police who is exploring the films connection to five murdered men left in the woodsLucie begins to strip away the layers of what is perhaps the most disturbing and powerful film ever made. Soon Sharko and Lucie find themselves mired in a darkness that spreads across politics, religion, science, and art while stretching from France to Canada, Egypt to Rwanda, and beyond. And just who is responsible for this darkness will blow listenersminds, asSyndrome Eforces them to consider: What if the earliest and most brilliant advances and discoveries of neuroscience were not used for good but for evil?

With this taut US debut, Thilliez explores the origins of violence through cutting-edge and popular science in a breakneck thriller rich with shocking plot twists and profound questions about the nature of humanity.

Franck Thilliez is the author of several best-selling novels in his native France. Syndrome E is his first novel to be translated into English in the United States.

Critic Reviews:

Blending science and neurology into the intrigue of his excellent thriller, Thilliez takes us into the maze of the human brain, with all the evils it can unleash. (

Elle, Paris)

A tour de force. A captivating plot that keeps the reader in his seat until the final moments. (

Le Monde)

Franck Thilliez leads his story like a beating drum, multiplying the reverberations without ever losing track of the psychological development of his charactersA reflection on the origins of violence that is as playful as it is erudite. Essential reading!" (

Metro, Paris)

Members Reviews:

Bizarre and Disturbing

STORY (mystery) - Syndrome E is an enjoyable book, but not something you want to listen to as you're trying to fall asleep! As the summary suggests, it's based around a violent film containing subliminal images which cause strange behavior in others. A young female cop and an older male detective work together to solve the mystery of the film and the murders it has inspired. Most of the story takes place in France and Belgium, but there are trips to Canada and Egypt to follow leads. There are scenes in the film which are gruesome, and there are mutilations involved with the murders. I wouldn't have been able to listen to these murders as they occurred but, thankfully, they are all described after the fact with just a brief description of the atrocities.

The final solution to the mystery of the film is interesting but it's pretty far-fetched. I still had questions left unanswered in the end, and I'm not sure if the story is to blame or the fact that I was only able to listen to it in lots of short, disjointed sessions.

PERFORMANCE - The narrator is male with what I would call a French accent.

Please open https://hotaudiobook.com ONLY on your standard browser Safari, Chrome, Microsoft or Firefox to download full audiobooks of your choice for free.

Title: Undercover in High Heels

Author: Gemma Halliday

Narrator: Caroline Shaffer

Format: Unabridged

Length: 9 hrs and 10 mins

Language: English

Release date: 07-31-12

Publisher: Audible Studios

Ratings: 4.5 of 5 out of 191 votes

Genres: Mysteries & Thrillers, Modern Detective

Publisher's Summary:

Secret affairs, hunky gardeners, and housewives desperate enough to bare it all....welcome to Magnolia Lane, TV's newest hit show.

As the new wardrobe assistant, shoe designer Maddie Springer is in fashion heaven. But then a young starlet is found dead. Now it's up to Maddie to sift through a secretive leading lady, an actor on the verge of a nervous breakdown, a sexy cyber scandal, and one tabloid reporter who'll stop at nothing to get the story of the century. Not to mention her tangles with the infuriatingly sexy lead detective, Jack Ramirez. In a biz where lies and deception earn Emmys, Maddie will have to play the role of a lifetime to catch Hollywood's hottest killer. But if she doesn't watch her step, Maddie's 15 minutes of fame just may be her last.

Members Reviews:

Series starting to decline

Would you recommend this audiobook to a friend? If so, why?

I would maybe recommend it if a friend were looking for light reading and didn't mind the soap opera drama that the main character is constantly turning her life into (not to mention that this particular installment actually revolves around the set of a primetime soap opera). I enjoyed the first book, but as i keep reading further in the series, Maddie's little moments, crazy ideas, and melodramatic reactions to things, and continual misunderstanding of her love interest Ramirez, have been driving me more and more nuts, so I'm not sure how much more I can take. I may try book 4 before i lose patience with her.Maddie and her cast of friends are, if nothing else, certainly a delightful little escape from the usual mystery novel, which are often more dark and procedural.

Which character as performed by Caroline Shaffer was your favorite?

One of the craziest characters I've come across in any series is Mrs. Rosenblat, a ridiculously-dressed friend of Maddie's mother, who says she communicates with the other world through a spirit guide, and is always warning Maddie about the color of her aura. She is very well performed, and always makes me laugh. Shaffer's voicing makes her really come to life as a character.

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

Because I tend to do most of my listening on my way to and from work (combination hoofing it and bus), I usually don't get in more than an hour or two of a book a day. But the style of this series is a really easy listen, and often fast-paced. The first book kept me hooked for as long as I could, to the point of continuing to listen while at work, and I finished it in only 2 days. This one took me a couple more days, but it could easily be a one or two day listen over a weekend to entertain during chores and such.

Entertaining, but not outstanding

Continuing the series, I was entertained, sometimes amused, but not lol moments. I'll probably listen to another in the series. The main character is amusing. The reader is ok.

Fun! You will giggle and snort!

Predictable? Yep. Still a very enjoyable read. I am buying the rest of the series.

Honestly ... Unbelievable!

This book wasnt for you, but who do you think might enjoy it more?

Books 1 and 2 are fun and quirky.

What do you think your next listen will be?

I am going to try to listen to book 3

What does Caroline Schaffer bring to the story that you wouldnt experience if you just read the book?

The reader is good! Very happy sounding.

You didnt love this book...