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Title: A Night to Remember

Author: Walter Lord

Narrator: Richard Davidson

Format: Unabridged

Length: 5 hrs and 46 mins

Language: English

Release date: 07-08-11

Publisher: Recorded Books

Ratings: 4.5 of 5 out of 107 votes

Genres: Fiction, Historical

Publisher's Summary:

She was called the ship that God himself couldnt sink, yet on her maiden voyage, the ship Titanic brushed an iceberg and sank less than three hours later, carrying 1,503 men, women, and children to their death. In this dramatic and historic recreation of the bravery and agony that marked that fateful night, author and historian Walter Lord paints a portrait of the last hours of the Titanics first and final voyage.

Members Reviews:

Interesting

What made the experience of listening to A Night to Remember the most enjoyable?

very interesting topic

What was one of the most memorable moments of A Night to Remember?

Not having to hear the names Rose or Jack

What about Richard Davidsons performance did you like?

no issues with the narration

Great story, bad narration.

There are two available recordings for this book, one read by an American and the other an Englishman. Go with the Englishman, he pronounces names and titles correctly not to mention captures the voice of the crew much better than Davidson.

No Rose. No Jack. No problem!

Although this book was written in the 1950s the facts are scientifically accurate as opposed to many of the other stories that were being passed around at that time,

He does not over dramatize this event nor does he sugar coat it. Nonetheless it did leave me feeling dreadfully sad for these poor souls and quite angry for the useless loss of life. In retrospect we now know these lives could have easily been saved.

This book was the source material for a movie of the same name starring Kenneth Moore. I highly recommend this book as we owe so much to those who died on Titanic. Many laws and regulations changed due to this disaster. Every time you get on a boat and you see all those life boats remember that it was because they died we have an excellent chance of getting back to shore dry, safe and sound.

In addition Richard Davidson's performance is so perfect I felt proud to be British!

The mighty ship

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

I would recommend this audiobook because it is the history of an ocean liner that went down on its maiden voyage and the loss of the lives of many a passenger

What did you like best about this story?

All the love and effort that was put into building the ship for comfort and luxury so the passenger enjoy their voyage

What about Richard Davidsons performance did you like?

Wonderful job of narration

enjoyed

I really enjoyed the book. Was a good book to listen to. I couldn't stop listening

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Title: Fortress of Spears: Empire III

Author: Anthony Riches

Narrator: Saul Reichlin

Format: Unabridged

Length: 13 hrs and 45 mins

Language: English

Release date: 05-27-11

Publisher: Hodder & Stoughton Audiobooks

Ratings: 4.5 of 5 out of 85 votes

Genres: Fiction, Historical

Publisher's Summary:

In the enthralling third volume of Empire, Anthony Riches takes the legions deep into north Britannia, where the survivors of the rebellion still hope for revenge.

The Romans have vanquished the rebel alliance, leaving Calgus, Lord of the Northern Tribes, the prisoner of the chieftains he once led. But the new Roman leader will not let them rest. He forms an audacious plan to capture Dinpaladyr, the Selgovaes' fortress of spears, and return it to the hands of a trusted ally.

Marcus Aquila - burning for revenge on an enemy army that has killed one of his best friends - is part of the select group of infantry chosen to go north with the Petriana cavalry and take the fort before the rebel army can reach it. He believes his disguise as Centurion Corvus of the 2nd Tungrians is still holding.

But he is just a few days ahead of two of the emperor's agents, sent from Rome to kill him. Pitiless assassins who know his real name, and too much about his friends.

Members Reviews:

All action with a great historical bent.

Blood and guts a little overplayed for my liking ,but a very good story. I can't wait to read the next one.

Great book, terrible narrator

That says it all, its a sham the earlier books has such a great narrator

Great Story

It is a Great Story and am looking forward to reading the rest of them

Quality book

Awesome book just the narration that is annoying , the accents for the characters are not consistent, Scottish sounding barbarians ? And all accents are different than the former books , other than that it's a pukka book

history to life

I'm running out of things to say about this series of books, characters like friends I care about, gut wrenching battles, gaudy humour of the barracks, even romance a rare commodity from this genre of writers. but the audible experience has been greatly enhanced by the narrator, whom I hope is reading the next book.

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Title: Quarterdeck

Subtitle: Thomas Kydd, Book 5

Author: Julian Stockwin

Narrator: Christian Rodska

Format: Unabridged

Length: 10 hrs and 14 mins

Language: English

Release date: 04-18-11

Publisher: Audible Studios

Ratings: 4.5 of 5 out of 120 votes

Genres: Fiction, Historical

Publisher's Summary:

Thomas Kydd was promoted to acting lieutenant at the bloody Battle of Camperdown in October 1797. Now he must sit an exam to confirm his rank or face an inglorious return before the mast.

Members Reviews:

The Hero Advances

I like the stories of Kydd's continuing climb. Entertaining, and with the right narrator. Rodska is excellent.

Very fun book

Pure entertainment with a little history thrown in by a talented writer! In the tradition of Obrien and Forester - he tells some fun tales that make us root for Tom Kidd!

Terrific

I enjoyed details and surprises and much history connections to British and American events places persons times subjects habits food

Well worth a read but more sedate . . .

I'm becoming a real fan of this series but this book marks a change of pace for Kydd and Renzi. Moving up to the lofty heights of the Quarterdeck they are now faced with a myriad challenges of a different nature. I think that it's a positive that the author decided to spend time on this difficult transition for Kydd but it does result in less of the action that is so integral to the other books. My only criticism would be that it seemed to be largely a series of encounters in which Kydd proves that he doesn't match the initial impressions of others. It remains however an enjoyable read and still shows just how excellent the author's knowledge of his subject is. On top of that the narration from Christian Rodska maintains his now customary excellent standards.

So, in summary, a satisfying read, I'll continue with the series but simply a bit less exciting than the others.

A great listen

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

I am gradually working through the Kidd series. This one is more of Kidd's problems before being elevated to officer status. Never the less it is a very good listen.

Have you listened to any of Christian Rodskas other performances? How does this one compare?

I have listened to many of Christian Rodska's narrations and this is by far the best yet. All his characters are quite different, even the different American characters.

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Title: A Separate Peace

Author: John Knowles

Narrator: Spike McClure

Format: Unabridged

Length: 6 hrs and 34 mins

Language: English

Release date: 03-07-11

Publisher: Recorded Books

Ratings: 4 of 5 out of 146 votes

Genres: Fiction, Historical

Publisher's Summary:

Even though the war had thrown a shroud over the outside world, Phineas and Gene remained untouched by it. In the summer of 42, the Devon school was a lot like Camelot, fairly bursting with adventure and promise. As much as Gene resisted it, there had been something eternal and unforgettable about that summer. And by the time he understood what life without Phineas could beit was too late.

Members Reviews:

Good Story, Poor Narration

What did you like best about A Separate Peace? What did you like least?

A Separate Peace was a very diverse story. Gene, the main character, made his "separate peace" with the world. I didn't like the random darkness quite so much, but I suppose that's much of literature.

What other book might you compare A Separate Peace to and why?

Candide. The innocence to realism transitional archetype.

Would you be willing to try another one of Spike McClures performances?

No. At least in this reading, he was very monotone. It practically sounded like he was saying "and then... and then... and then..."

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

Maybe, probably not.

Wish I had actually read this in high school

What did you like best about this story?

The characters are complex and well-developed.

Was there a moment in the book that particularly moved you?

The scene where Gene is outside Finny's hospital window.

Any additional comments?

We all were supposed to read this when I was in the 10th grade and like so many other books, I didn't bother and just read Cliff's notes and faked my way through. My loss. This is a good book with deep, emotional themes about coming to understand yourself and who you are.

LOVE IT

This story takes you away to a different time and place ... i truly loved it ... i just hated the ending ...

hi

My only issue is I wish he would read faster other wise it was good

Good story, Worst narration ever! Read the book!

Would you try another book from John Knowles and/or Spike McClure?

I would consider another book by this author but will stay away from anything with Spike McClure.

What didnt you like about Spike McClures performance?

This was the absolute worst narration of any of the almost 100 books I've enjoyed. The guy had no sense of what he was reading. The voices were terrible! Did he not know where these characters were supposed to be from? His inflection was unbearable. This story could have been an opportunity for a great performance. He gave no personality to the characters.

Any additional comments?

My daughter had to read this book for school. Don't know why, it is far from a classic. But the story is decent. She asked if she could download this and listen to it over the weekend. I figured if she had to read it I would also so we could discuss it later as I was not familiar. She could not finish listening as it was ruining the story for her. I did not have the time to read it, thus audiobooks existence, and was barely able to complete the story. If not for discussing with her I would have quit. Save your time and money and read the book.

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Title: Madame Tussaud

Subtitle: A Novel of the French Revolution

Author: Michelle Moran

Narrator: Rosalyn Landor

Format: Unabridged

Length: 15 hrs and 27 mins

Language: English

Release date: 02-22-11

Publisher: Tantor Audio

Ratings: 4 of 5 out of 472 votes

Genres: Fiction, Historical

Publisher's Summary:

The year is 1788, and a revolution is about to begin.

Marie Tussaud has learned the secrets of wax sculpting by working alongside her uncle in their celebrated wax museum, the Salon de Cire. From her popular model of the American ambassador Thomas Jefferson to her tableau of the royal family at dinner, Marie's museum provides Parisians with the very latest news on fashion, gossip, even politics. Her customers hail from every walk of life, and when word arrives that the royals themselves are coming to see their likenesses, Marie never dreams that the king's sister will request her presence at Versailles as a royal tutor in wax sculpting. Yet when a letter with a gold seal is delivered to her home, Marie knows she cannot refuse---even if it means time away from her beloved Salon and her increasingly dear friend Henri Charles.

As Marie becomes acquainted with her pupil, Princess Elisabeth, she is taken to meet both Marie Antoinette and King Louis XVI, who introduce her to the glamorous life at court. From lavish parties with more delicacies than she's ever seen to rooms filled with candles lit only once before being discarded, Marie steps into to a world entirely different from her home on the Boulevard du Temple, where people are selling their teeth in order to put food on the table.

Meanwhile, many resent the vast separation between rich and poor. In salons and cafes across Paris, people like Camille Desmoulins, Jean-Paul Marat, and Maximilien Robespierre are lashing out against the monarchy. Soon, there's whispered talk of revolution. Will Marie be able to hold on to both the love of her life and her friendship with the royal family as France approaches civil war? More important, will she be able to fulfill the demands of powerful revolutionaries who ask that she make the death masks of beheaded aristocrats, some of whom she knows?

Critic Reviews:

"Moran is a sprightly and gimlet-eyed writer, so this should be fun - and a possible breakout." (Library Journal)

Members Reviews:

Couldn't stop listening to this book

Would you listen to Madame Tussaud again? Why?

I would absolutely listen to this book again. I loved this book. The main character of this book is in the unique position of being having a talent that appealed to both the royalty and the common people and that talent gave her insight into both sides of the revolution. I have read other books on this time period in France and ended up with knowledge of what happened but never really understood how or why it happened the way it did. Michelle Moran weaves a very absorbing story using the actual people and events of the time. I couldn't stop listening to this book. I was driven to get to the end, but was sad when I reached it. I loved the fact that at the end of the book she reveals what eventually happened to the main characters in their actual lives. It gave the book a kind of closure. I thought that the reader, Rosalyn Landor, was wonderful.

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Title: Imperial Woman

Subtitle: The Story of the Last Empress of China

Author: Pearl S. Buck

Narrator: Kirsten Potter

Format: Unabridged

Length: 17 hrs and 46 mins

Language: English

Release date: 02-22-11

Publisher: Oasis Audio

Ratings: 4 of 5 out of 342 votes

Genres: Fiction, Historical

Publisher's Summary:

The story of Tzu Hsi is the story of the last empress in China. In this audiobook, Pearl S. Buck recreates the life of one of the most intriguing rulers during a time of intense turbulence.

Tzu Hsi was born into one of the lowly ranks of the Imperial dynasty. According to custom, she moved to the Forbidden City at the age of 17 to become one of hundreds of concubines. But her singular beauty and powers of manipulation quickly moved her into the position of Second Consort. Tzu Hsi was feared and hated by many in the court, but adored by the people. The Empresss rise to power (even during her husbands life) parallels the story of Chinas transition from the ancient to the modern way.

Pearl S. Bucks knowledge of and fascination with the empresss life are contagious. She reveals the essence of this self-involved and infamous last empress, at the same time she takes the listener through Chinas struggle for freedom and democracy.

Members Reviews:

China - a new look

Would you listen to Imperial Woman again? Why?

Certainly. It is completely enjoyable listening. You are swept along thru Chinese culture and its people.

What other book might you compare Imperial Woman to and why?

All Pearl Buck's books. She is the enchanter of Chinese story telling.

Have you listened to any of Kirsten Potters other performances before? How does this one compare?

Yes I have. Ms Potter's style and voices are so perfectly suited to cary the english speaking listener into China that it makes you feel like YOU are the "Old China Hand".

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

No. The chapters were arranged so as to present perfect stopping points.

Any additional comments?

Don't miss this book. And that goes for all of Pearl Buck's stories. With good readers, you are swept INTO the story, you become one with the story. It makes you feel as though you belong.

History made interesting

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

Yes, interesting peroid in Chinese history, fasinating culture and people.

Any additional comments?

Went out and rented "The Last Emperor" just to see the clothing described in the book.

The Last Empress and the Destruction of China

This is the story of Tzu Hsi, a woman who rose from obscurity to rule first as regent to her son, the boy emperor, then ultimately as the last Empress of China from 1861 to 1908. Her death heralded the end of the old China. The empire collapsed only three years after her death, in 1911.

First chosen as one of many concubines to the young emperor no more than a child himself she manipulates herself into position as his favorite, cultivates his favor until he depends on her completely. Still in love with her childhood sweetheart, a single night of love produces a son, the next emperor.

Intelligent, highly (self) educated Tzu Hsi makes herself essential to her debauched, physically weakened, opium-addicted husband. His early death leaves her regent to her son. She is forced to preside over the destruction of Chinese culture. Her fight against white imperialism is hopeless. As the representative of the last Dynasty, she tries to find her way while the China she has known is assaulted by wave after wave of western imperialist pirates under the guise of missionaries, traders, and ambassadors.

Once the rape of China begins, she is powerless to stop it.

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Title: Pearl in the Sand

Author: Tessa Afshar

Narrator: Laural Merlington

Format: Unabridged

Length: 10 hrs and 38 mins

Language: English

Release date: 02-07-11

Publisher: Oasis Audio

Ratings: 4.5 of 5 out of 564 votes

Genres: Fiction, Historical

Publisher's Summary:

Striking beauty comes at a price. Rahab paid it when at the age of 15 she was sold into prostitution by the one man she loved and trustedher father. With her keen mind and careful planning she turned heartache into success, achieving independence while still young. And she vowed never again to trust a man. Any man. God had other plans. Into the emotional turmoil of her world walked Salmone, a prominent leader of Judah, held in high esteem by all Israel. A man of faith, honor, and pride. An enemy. What is a woman with a wrecked past to do when she wants to be loved, yet no longer believes it possible? The walls of Jericho are only the beginning. The real battle for Rahab will be one of the heart.

Members Reviews:

A woman's heart revealed

I wish I'd have been able to listen to this book before I married. I've never read or watched anything that gave such an honest and in depth portrayal of a love story that reached across courtship and deeply into the complications of marriage. For anyone who is or has been married, I would recommend this as a good way to understand your partner and their complex thoughts and fears that contribute to the health of that relationship.

The story was good and well told. It held my interest throughout and I finished the book in a short time as a result. It gave me a lot to think about as well, shining light into some very harsh passages in the Bible which, at a surface level, appear to be God-sanctioned ethnic cleansing. These parts of the Bible have given its detractors ammunition as examples of a wrathful God.

This book used historical context to underline the will of God in detroying the Canaanite civilization as something terrible, but also just. Their society devalued the weak, the alien, the poor, and the young. It also emphasized God's anger at those who persecute the weak and are cruel to children. The citizens of Jericho had a nasty habit of sacrificing their children to their gods. This book took the view that God couldn't abide that sort of thing forever, so He used the nation of Israel to destroy it.

The narrator was very good at portraying the characters, and I also liked her accent, as it went well with the story. The fly in the ointment was the frequent sounds of swallowing and gulping. That should have been sound edited, as it was annoying and distracting. Even with this one detraction, this was still a very worthwhile listen.

Pearl in the sand

Amazing! Tessa Afshar in an incredible historical, biblical fiction writer. This is the story of Rahab, a harlot turned mighty woman of God. If you have ever felt ashamed of your past or had regrets of past choices, then this book is for you. I feel as if God spoke to me through her words.

Excellent book!

This is such a great book. The author re-tells the story of Rahab and makes you think about what her life may have been like. It is such a great story of God's love for us and His amazing grace to us while we are still in our sin. I love the story of Rahab because it offers such hope. I have listened to this book twice already and highly recommend it.

Very Good Story

I enjoyed this book very much. It was very compelling. It made me want to read the Biblical account of her life also.

Good story

Didn't like being able to hear the reader swallow. Didn't like having music between chapters. Liked the story line .

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Title: Caveat Emptor: A Novel of the Roman Empire

Author: Ruth Downie

Narrator: Simon Vance

Format: Unabridged

Length: 10 hrs and 33 mins

Language: English

Release date: 01-27-11

Publisher: Tantor Audio

Ratings: 4.5 of 5 out of 640 votes

Genres: Fiction, Historical

Publisher's Summary:

Ruso and Tilla, now newlyweds, have moved back to Britannia, where Ruso's old friend and colleague Valens has promised to help him find work. But it isn't the kind of work he'd had in mind - Ruso is tasked with hunting down a missing tax man named Julius Asper. Of course, there's also something else missing: money. And the council of the town of Verulamium is bickering over what's become of it. Compelled to delve deeper by a threat from his old sparring partner, Metellus, Ruso discovers that the good townsfolk may not be as loyal to Rome as they like to appear.

While Tilla tries to comfort Asper's wife, an anonymous well-wisher is busy warning the couple to get away from the case before they get hurt. Despite our hero's best efforts to get himself fired as investigator, he and his bride find themselves trapped at the heart of an increasingly treacherous conspiracy involving theft, forgery, buried treasure, and the legacy of Boudica, the Rebel Queen.

Critic Reviews:

"Downie excels in bringing the ancient world to life as well as making the attitudes and customs of its inhabitants accessible to a modern audience." (

Publishers Weekly)

Members Reviews:

Ruth Downie doesn't dissapoint

This is the fourth book in the "Medicus" series. First I have to say one of the reasons I started this series was the narrator Simon Vance, I always enjoy his reading of a novel, especially historical novels. Each of these book are crime thrillers, set in the time of ancient Rome, during the reign of Emperor Hadrian. Also involving the invasion of the British Isles. I am a lover of historical novels and Ruth Downie does a wonderful job with her time lines and her story line. I would recommend, starting the series with book #1 "Medicus", to get the background on the characters, however each book can stand on it's own. I always find myself hating for each of these books to end. I also suggest, the anyone who has not listened to this narrator listen to a sample that Audible offers, then you will know if you like his style.(I suggest that will all books)

A trifle dreary

Ruth Downie does a great job of involving us in the lives of her characters, and her evocation of life in Roman Britannia is sure handed and masterful. If you have read previous books in this series, you will already be invested in Russo's life with his British wife, Tilla, and if you have not, it will not take you long to develop real affection for them.

Unfortunately, I found the plot for this book to be a bit plodding. It did not engage me consistently as I expect a murder mystery to do whatever its setting may be. In addition, the book fairly limps to its ending with very little in the way of satisfaction. As a result, despite the author's deft touch when it comes to creating very human characters, I found this a dreary listen at times and was ready for it to end.

As usual, Simon Vance's narration was superb.

money in Roman times

This book is set in second century A.D. In this book of the series Ruso and Tila have returned to Britannia from their visit to Rusos family in Gael. Gallus Petreius Ruso, medic is now retired from the Roman Army and starting off his married life with Tila. He obtains an assignment as an investigator by the procurators finances office. Ruso is hired to trace the nearby city of Verulamiums tax collector, who has disappeared with the citys tax money.

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Title: Charleston

Author: John Jakes

Narrator: George Guidall

Format: Unabridged

Length: 18 hrs and 25 mins

Language: English

Release date: 01-26-11

Publisher: Simon & Schuster Audio

Ratings: 4 of 5 out of 134 votes

Genres: Fiction, Historical

Publisher's Summary:

Charleston follows the lives, loves, and shifting fortunes of the Bells - saints and evil-doers mingled in one unforgettable family - from the American Revolution through the turbulent antebellum years to the Civil War and the savage defeat of the Confederacy. Delving into our country's history as only he can, Jakes paints a powerful portrait of the Charleston aristocracy who zealously guarded their privilege and position, harboring dark family secrets that threatened to destroy them all. Sweeping from the bitterly divided Carolina frontier of the 1770s through the tragic destruction of the city during the Civil War, Charleston represents America's premier storyteller at his very best.

Members Reviews:

Book is great-person reading is all wrong

Would you listen to Charleston again? Why?

No - could not get through it. Did not enjoy the narrator and felt he was all wrong for this book. His voice was way too old sounding and he didn't portray characters well. Love john Jakes books and have read them all. Also lived in Charleston.

What didnt you like about George Guidalls performance?

Every character sounded old and male.

Another outstanding read from John Jakes

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

Charleston ranks among the top of the audiobooks of my listening experience. John Jakes, once again has proven his story telling skills while integrating historical events of the time. As a former social science instructor with this era being my area of concentration, I noted some events not in the chronological order of history, yet he explains it well in his afterward and gives his reasoning behind the 'slips' of time. This is a nice companion piece to his "North and South" series giving a clear perspective of the people of Charleston, their beliefs and determination. I like the mention, on occasion, of the Main family that ties them together. I think it explains much regarding the severe hostility of post Civil War among Charlestonians and the south in general toward northerners. Though much time has passed, it is clear to see the effects of this bitter time in the south and explains so much of the feelings of the people which are understandable given the atrocities of pre, during and post Civil War days.I highly recommend "Charleston" to anyone who has had experience with the "North and South" series and wants to learn more of the area and its people/

Who was your favorite character and why?

Usually I don't have one character that stands out in a piece as it takes them all to make a story. However in this book, Alex emerges as one outstanding woman who would stand by her beliefs to the point of leaving her family and braving the trip and settlement in the north and taking the risks that were involved in publically conveying her story and encouraging others in freedom for all and women's suffrage. Her return to her home state during the war, knowing the hostility that she would and did face and given the choice remained through threat to her family and her personal life speaks of a conviction and determination that served her well. She was a true caring person for others, no matter their race or gender and kept to her beliefs no matter what.

Would you listen to another book narrated by George Guidall?

I probably would if it was a well known author that I liked. However I don't care for his style of reading.

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Title: An Object of Beauty

Subtitle: A Novel

Author: Steve Martin

Narrator: Campbell Scott

Format: Unabridged

Length: 7 hrs and 22 mins

Language: English

Release date: 11-23-10

Publisher: Hachette Audio

Ratings: 4 of 5 out of 854 votes

Genres: Fiction, Historical

Publisher's Summary:

Lacey Yeager is young, captivating, and ambitious enough to take the New York art world by storm. Groomed at Sotheby's and hungry to keep climbing the social and career ladders put before her, Lacey charms men and women, old and young, rich and even richer with her magnetic charisma and liveliness. Her ascension to the highest tiers of the city parallel the soaring heights - and, at times, the dark lows - of the art world and the country from the late 1990s through today.

Editorial Reviews:

Fans of Steve Martin might at first be disappointed when they note that the talented actor, writer, and musician doesnt narrate his latest work himself. But once they hear Campbell Scotts voice, their minor distress will be assuaged. Whether by nature or by practice, Scotts voice is a near replica of Martins a baritone with a slightly nasal quality that rarely rises or falls in pitch, but still inexplicably conveys incredible depths of emotion.

An Object of Beauty thoroughly entrenches readers in the subculture of the Manhattan art world by following Lacey Yeager, a young, morally ambiguous art dealer who will do anything to make her mark and make her millions in the fine art business. Narrator Daniel Franks is an aspiring art writer and friend and witness to Laceys life and accidental co-conspirator to a misdeed that could ruin both their careers. Yet, like most people in Laceys life, Franks is drawn into her web willingly, due to her uncanny ability to beguile men, from wealthy art collectors to FBI agents a skill that aids her speedy ascension in her career.

Thanks to Scotts pitch-perfect performance, Martins presence is felt and not missed throughout the reading. The subtle humor is sharp and the plot is driven forward by the desire to uncover where the boundaries of Laceys integrity lie if there are any. Part mystery, part intriguing character study, Martins latest creates a dilemma for the listener you dont like the protagonist, yet you cant help but want to know more about her and the sometimes seedy world in which she dwells.

Critic Reviews:

"Martin compresses the wild and crazy end of the millennium and finds in this piercing novel a sardonic morality tale." (Publishers Weekly)

"[A] clever, convincingly detailed depiction of NYCs art scene." (Booklist)

Members Reviews:

Gifted writer, characters and context feel true

I am really enjoying this book so far. Steve Martin is such an intelligent observer of human nature and human behavior, and he's a very good writer. It's hard to believe that a man can write women characters so convincingly, but as was the case with his last book, he manages to capture something elemental and true to female behavior, dress, ways of thinking. I'm not saying all women are like the main character in this novel (thank goodness!) but the main character rings true to me as a woman, as was the case with his last novel's female protagonist. He's a great observer of women's mannerisms and styles. I live in NY, and though I am not a scholar or collector of fine art, it seems to me he captures the NY art and gallery/auction scene as it was during this time period.