Listen to Best Full Audiobooks in Mysteries & Thrillers, Modern Detective

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Title: A Red Herring Without Mustard

Subtitle: A Flavia de Luce Novel

Author: Alan Bradley

Narrator: Jayne Entwistle

Format: Unabridged

Length: 10 hrs and 47 mins

Language: English

Release date: 02-08-11

Publisher: Random House Audio

Ratings: 4.5 of 5 out of 1166 votes

Genres: Mysteries & Thrillers, Modern Detective

Publisher's Summary:

Award-winning author Alan Bradley returns with another beguiling novel starring the insidiously clever and unflappable 11-year-old sleuth Flavia de Luce. The precocious chemist with a passion for poisons uncovers a fresh slew of misdeeds in the hamlet of Bishops Laceymysteries involving a missing tot, a fortune-teller, and a corpse in Flavias own backyard.

Flavia had asked the old Gypsy woman to tell her fortune, but never expected to stumble across the poor soul, bludgeoned in the wee hours in her own caravan. Was this an act of retribution by those convinced that the soothsayer had abducted a local child years ago? Certainly Flavia understands the bliss of settling scores; revenge is a delightful pastime when one has two odious older sisters. But how could this crime be connected to the missing baby? Had it something to do with the weird sect who met at the river to practice their secret rites? While still pondering the possibilities, Flavia stumbles upon another corpsethat of a notorious layabout who had been caught prowling about the de Luces drawing room.

Pedaling Gladys, her faithful bicycle, across the countryside in search of clues to both crimes, Flavia uncovers some odd new twists. Most intriguing is her introduction to an elegant artist with a very special object in her possessiona portrait that sheds light on the biggest mystery of all: Who is Flavia?

As the red herrings pile up, Flavia must sort through clues fishy and foul to untangle dark deeds and dangerous secrets.

Critic Reviews:

Flavia is incisive, cutting and hilarious . . . one of the most remarkable creations in recent literature. (USA Today)

Members Reviews:

An excellent addition to the series!

I loved the first two books in this series, and enjoyed this one even more. There are mysteries beyond each individual book that seem to be revealing themselves, and each contains a variety of interrelated stories surrounding colorful characters who become old friends. The story is sometimes very dark, sometimes very funny, as is Flavia herself. She can be a spoiled brat, a helpful neighbor, a sensitive soul, and a morbid sneak. All of these elements of her personality are captured perfectly by Jane Entwistle, the narrator. Although Flavia is a young girl from an aristocratic family of 1950s England, I find her easy to relate to and her world easy to imagine with the vivid descriptions by the author. Although the narration is from the perspective of a child, I don't see the series as children's books, though I think I would have loved them as a young teen. I'm looking forward to hearing about future developments in the fourth book.

Best One Yet...

...and I enjoyed the first two immensely. Jayne is the perfect narrator for Flavia, a character that could be ruined so easily if given the wrong voice. Entwhistle's narration gives depth and insight into this unique, precocious, engaging young girl.

Excellent Adult and Family Fare

Mr. Bradley, in his 70's, has caught the flair of a 12-year-old girl for local adventure, impish pranks, and self-analysis. If you can catch him on a book tour, do so.

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Title: The Last Detective

Subtitle: An Inspector Peter Diamond Investigation

Author: Peter Lovesey

Narrator: Simon Prebble

Format: Unabridged

Length: 11 hrs and 31 mins

Language: English

Release date: 12-01-10

Publisher: Blackstone Audio, Inc.

Ratings: 4 of 5 out of 502 votes

Genres: Mysteries & Thrillers, Modern Detective

Publisher's Summary:

Detective Superintendent Peter Diamond is the last detective: a genuine gumshoe, committed to door-stopping and deduction rather than fancy computer gadgetry. So when the naked body of a woman is found floating in the weeds in a lake near Bath with no one willing to identify her, no marks, and no murder weapon, his sleuthing abilities are tested to the limit. Struggling with a jigsaw puzzle of truant choirboys, teddy bears, a black Mercedes and Jane Austen memorabilia, Diamond persists even after the powers-that-be have decided there's enough evidence to make a conviction.

Members Reviews:

Pleasantly surprised -- loved Inspector Diamond!

After reading a few of the reviews, I was worried about taking a chance with this series debut, as others found the protagonist, Inspector Diamond, completely irredeemable. I was pleasantly surprised. Yes, Diamond is pompous, irascible and a bit of a Luddite -- but I thoroughly enjoyed him and can't understand why others found him so unlikeable. I also enjoyed the wonderful English setting -- it is good to see Bath as the setting for murder and mayhem and not another period romance. I will definitely be downloading others in this series!

A nice little cliche...

In that Diamond is so unlikeable that he becomes likeable. I enjoyed the story, loved the narration and will read more Diamond stories.

A great English detective story!

Would you listen to The Last Detective again? Why?

Yes, after a while, of course. This would be a story to listen again to for the details and to catch the foreshadowing I missed the previous listen.

But after listening to this first installment in the series, I will be acquiring more Inspector Diamond books.

Who was your favorite character and why?

Inspector Diamond, especially after I learned of his very common job dissatisfaction level.

Which scene was your favorite?

Many scenes with Diamond & his joy of food, such as when he finishes Mathew's cake. My most favorite scene I can't say because it would be a spoiler for that enjoyable moment. But the book is GP in my opinion & I like Inspector Diamond.

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

I enjoyed the author's style of having a person of interest tell his side of the story as if giving a statement.

Any additional comments?

Simon Prebble is excellent.

So very entertaining

I couldn't quit listening. Stayed up way too late. Not only did I not turn it off when I should have. I set and reset the timer every night. The interest and enjoyment kept me awake. On to the next! Simon Prebble is so very good to listen to and I was pleased to find more books read by him. Double fun.

A well kept secret

What did you love best about The Last Detective?

good writing, interestin characters, good plot

What did you like best about this story?

as above

What does Simon Prebble bring to the story that you wouldnt experience if you just read the book?

Simon Prebble is an excellent performer. He brings drama, subletly, richness toi characters in a very pleasing style and voice

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

all good

Any additional comments?

no

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Title: Busy Body

Author: M. C. Beaton

Narrator: Penelope Keith

Format: Unabridged

Length: 6 hrs and 14 mins

Language: English

Release date: 10-12-10

Publisher: Blackstone Audio, Inc.

Ratings: 4.5 of 5 out of 349 votes

Genres: Mysteries & Thrillers, Modern Detective

Publisher's Summary:

Agatha Raisin has never been one for forced holiday cheer, but her friendly little village of Carsely has always prided itself on its traditional Christmas festivities. But this year the bells will not be ringing out, as Mr. John Sunday, an officer with the Cotswold Health and Safety Board, has chosen Christmas as the time to crack down on safety hazards all around the community. But he goes too far when he rules that there cannot be a Christmas tree atop the church tower this year.

Mr. Sunday is soon found face down in the petunias, very much dead. Agatha is instantly on the case, but with so many people having threatened the life of the victim, it's almost impossible to know where to start!

Members Reviews:

Agatha is Agatha

Agatha Raisin does not disappoint. Yes, this is light fare, but Agatha helped by the agency, the Vicker's wife, Charles, Roy, and ex-husband James gallivant through the pages doing not quite what we expect of them. It is like a visit with old friends. Perhaps not as well plotted as some of the earlier novels.

Penelope is just as much fun

Being a fan of "To the Manor Born", I feel Penelope has been cast perfectly as a narrator of some of the Agatha books. Yes, Donada Peters is wonderful, and I thoroughly enjoy all of those she has narrated--but I heartily disagree with those who have given Penelope's versions such low marks.

Very undisciplined book

This book is not well edited and reads like a late draft rather than a completed manuscript. All the same, if you like Agatha Raisin, you'll like this one as well. I will say that M.C. Beaton must hate to end a story because this has ending after ending after ending to get through. I don't mind much because it stretches the stories out. It's a shame that Beaton did not take more time to develop characters along the way, though, as the story could have been fleshed out in a much more satisfying way. Unlike "As the Pig Turns" (the next in the series), this does "feel" like it was written by M.C. Beaton.

disappointing

This is my first M.C. Beaton book and I am finding it very disappointing. I like the narrator fine and the author writes well, but the main character comes across to me as really petty and sad! She seems primarily to be a person disappointed in life. Listening to it feels like listening to someone complain, which is tiresome and depressing! I like books where the main character faces adversity and is a flawed human being, yes, but this woman's personality does not seem balanced by any real liveliness, wit, or spiritedness, which is what I look for in a heroine. It seems every few minutes mention is made of her envy, fears of seeming old, competitiveness, jealousy - her inner monologue is a catalogue of slights and rejections, etc. She seems driven by fear and envy mostly. I like listening to books with main characters I can pull for, and as much as I'd like to, I can't pull for this woman. I won't be finishing the book.

Busy body,There goes the bride

Love agatha all of her stories. Do not like the new reader. Miss Donata Peters. She is Agatha!

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Title: Johannes Cabal the Detective

Author: Jonathan L. Howard

Narrator: Robin Sachs

Format: Unabridged

Length: 12 hrs and 51 mins

Language: English

Release date: 07-13-10

Publisher: Random House Audio

Ratings: 4.5 of 5 out of 657 votes

Genres: Mysteries & Thrillers, Modern Detective

Publisher's Summary:

Johannes Cabal, necromancer of some little infamy, returns in this riotously clever and terrifically twisted tale of murder and international intrigue.

In this genre-twisting novel, infamous necromancer Johannes Cabal, after beating the Devil and being reunited with his soul, leads us on another raucous journey in a little-known corner of the world. This time hes on the run from the local government.

Stealing the identity of a minor bureaucrat, Cabal takes passage on the Princess Hortense, a passenger aeroship that is leaving the country. The deception seems perfect, and Cabal looks forward to a quiet trip and a clean escape, until he comes face-to-face with Leonie Barrow, an enemy from the old days who could blow his cover. But when a fellow passenger throws himself to his death, or at least that is how it appears, Cabal begins to investigate out of curiosity. His minor efforts result in a vicious attempt on his own lifeand then the gloves come off.

Cabal and Leoniethe only woman to ever match wits with himreluctantly team up to discover the murderer. Before they are done, there will be more narrow escapes, involving sword fighting and newfangled flying machines. There will be massive destruction, not to mention resurrected dead.

Steampunk meets the classic Sherlockian mystery in this rip-roaring adventure where anything could happen - and does.

Critic Reviews:

For anyone whose taste edges towards the intelligent and macabre, this book is a gift...a Lemony Snicket for adults. (Fangoria)

Members Reviews:

A Decent Successor to the First

Do not be deceived by the title--it is actually mostly a detective story. :) Okay, I jest a bit, but after Book 1, I expected I suppose more supernatural twists.. more fantastical stuff. As it was, we were treated to a bit in the beginning and a bit at the end, but most of the book was a steampunk detective story.

Parts of the book were slow, but Howard keeps it going with interesting turns here and there. What's interesting is that while my wife doesn't really appreciate a book along the lines of the first one, I was able to recommend this one to her (she loves detective stories). She's in the midst of it now, just getting to the detective bits.

Anyways, in terms of characters, Cabal is Cabal--the 'bad' guy you've come to know and.. enjoy reading about. I like the mild interweaving of some of the story from the first book; but it's not enough so that you have to read it first (hence my wife can listen w/o doing so).

By far, for me, the most enjoyable part of the book was the last bit. Was it the prologue? I don't remember how it was framed, but it was fun--more Cabal style. That's what I look for in Cabal books.

Sachs is a different reader than the first book, but he manages a close enough continuity in voice that Cabal is still Cabal. He does the various accents quite well; I think I detected some intentional hiding and showing of a mild German accent for Cabal, which was masterful. Very well done; I look forward to more books read by Sachs.

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Title: Boundary Waters

Author: William Kent Krueger

Narrator: David Chandler

Format: Unabridged

Length: 10 hrs and 52 mins

Language: English

Release date: 05-18-10

Publisher: Recorded Books

Ratings: 4.5 of 5 out of 1170 votes

Genres: Mysteries & Thrillers, Modern Detective

Publisher's Summary:

Drawing strong comparisons to the work of James Lee Burke and Tony Hillerman, William Kent Kruegers Cork OConnor mysteries never fail to please fans.

The Quetico-Superior Wilderness: more than two million acres of forest, white-water rapids, and uncharted islands on the Canadian/American border. Somewhere in the heart of this unforgiving territory, a young woman named Shiloh - a country-western singer at the height of her fame - has disappeared.

Her father arrives in Aurora, Minnesota, to hire former sheriff Cork O'Connor to find his daughter, and Cork joins a search party that includes an ex-con, two FBI agents, and a 10-year-old boy. Others are on Shiloh's trail as well - men hired not just to find her, but to kill her.

As the expedition ventures deeper into the wilderness, strangers descend on Aurora, threatening to spill blood on the town's snowy streets. Meanwhile, out on the Boundary Waters, winter falls hard. Cork's team of searchers loses contact with civilization, and like the brutal winds of a Minnesota blizzard, death - violent and sudden - stalks them.

Critic Reviews:

Kruegers writing, strong and bold yet with the mature mark of restraint, pulls this exciting search-and-rescue mission through with a hard yank. (

Publishers Weekly)

Members Reviews:

Somewhat of a disappointment

I listened to Iron Lake and really enjoyed it. I enjoyed this one too, but the "bad guy" was so obvious I found it annoying. The issue wasn't with the plot so much--there was no reason that the characters should have known who was behind the "troubles"; so less of a hole in the plot than just not as much fun to try to figure out who-done-it. Also, a small thing, but I found the vocal inflection the narrator used to introduce chapters annoying. It seemed not to suit a suspense novel.

Kruegers words and Chandlers voice a real win

I didn't think there could be a better series of rural life mysteries than those written of Sherif Walt Longmire by Craig Johnson. If this "Iron Lake" series continues to be as excellent as the first 2 in the series I'm going to revise my opinion.

Johnsons characters are well written and character development is excellent, however Krueger also draws his story arcs with subtleness and excitement that narrator David Chandler interprets with style. Many male narrators-Dick Hill comes quickly to mind here-have little ability to give a woman's voice a sense of realism. Chandlers smooth delivery is well tempered and without the constant sense of unrealistic hyper excitement that Hill seems to give every story.

I've just purchased several more of this nicely long series and I do believe it's on its way to becoming a true favorite for me.

Start with the first in the series-it builds nicely and though you can read these as stand alone, a real richness seems to develop with each episode. Maybe they will make a TV series out of these books as they did with Longmire...one can hope.

An Engaging But Violent Wilderness Outdoor Mystery

Ok so to be honest I was surprised by the level of violence in this entry in the Cork O'Connor Series. Krueger really makes his villains evil--so prepare yourself for some nasty dealings. I know that the contrast is needed to show just what a great guy Cork is--but really some parts were over the top.

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Title: Sanibel Flats

Subtitle: Doc Ford #1

Author: Randy White

Narrator: Dick Hill

Format: Unabridged

Length: 12 hrs and 8 mins

Language: English

Release date: 05-10-10

Publisher: Tantor Audio

Ratings: 4 of 5 out of 656 votes

Genres: Mysteries & Thrillers, Modern Detective

Publisher's Summary:

Its cool gulf breezes lured him from a life of danger. Its dark undercurrents threatened to destroy him. After 10 years of living life on the edge, it was hard for Doc Ford to get that addiction to danger out of his system. But spending each day watching the sun melt into Dinkins Bay and the moon rise over the mangrove trees, cooking dinner for his beautiful neighbor, and dispensing advice to the locals over a cold beer lulled him into letting his guard down.

Then Rafe Hollins appeared. How could he refuse his old friend's request---even if it would put him back on the firing line? Even if it would change forever the life he'd built here on Sanibel Island?

Members Reviews:

A+++ South Florida Adventure

I really enjoyed this book, it was pretty much a dream line-up of plot elements: a secret agent (even if retired), south florida, central america, mayan history, revolutionaries, marine biology, and even a little painting.

I found it to be well written, and the twist at the end surprised me, which these days doesn't happen often. Doc Ford is a likeable character, super smart, funny, interesting, and the descriptions of Sanibel and sea life are wonderful. A++!

*On a side note, which has nothing to do with the author or the story, which I found to be top quality--I listened to the audio version, and I utterly loathed the narrator's performance. Look, I know it's not easy to embody several different characters with one voice, but geeze he butchered it. His voice didn't fit with the character of Doc, his interpretation of Tomlinson was very annoying, and any of the female voices were pure characacture. I intend to read this again sometime, and will continue with this series, but I will definitely go the old school paper route.

Author seems to have a sexual double standard.

I liked the mystery part. I liked that the main character was a marine biologist. I liked the Tomlinson character. My main beef was with his double standard.

***SPOILER ALERT***

Several men in the book, including the main character, get a pass for some pretty objectionable behavior like lying, stealing, trafficking in stolen pre-Columbian art, arms dealing and even murder. And the main character has sex with a married woman and that's okay because she didn't like her husband. And he has sex with one woman that he has a friendly relationship with and within the hour is getting it on with a good-looking stranger, but that's apparently okay too. And hey, I'm not opposed to casual sex. But if the hero gets to have casual sex, then the women should be equally entitled to it. But then one of the women he has slept with is revealed to be having sex with men other than the main character...NOT because she's horny or into casual sex like the main character is, but because SHE IS BEING BLACKMAILED into it. Does our hero give her sympathy and help her out? He was willing to help his friend who was breaking lots of laws. But no. This woman gets a cold shoulder and presumably he cuts her off from his friendship.

It left a bad taste in my mouth.

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Title: Rolling Thunder

Subtitle: A John Ceepak Mystery

Author: Chris Grabenstein

Narrator: Jeff Woodman

Format: Unabridged

Length: 8 hrs and 11 mins

Language: English

Release date: 05-04-10

Publisher: Audible Studios

Ratings: 4.5 of 5 out of 962 votes

Genres: Mysteries & Thrillers, Modern Detective

Publisher's Summary:

Theres more fireworks down the Jersey shore in Chris Grabenstein's sixth fast-paced John Ceepak mystery, Rolling Thunder.

A prominent citizen suffers a heart attack on opening day of a brand new boardwalk roller coaster in the seedy seaside resort town Sea Haven, New Jersey. Initially ruled a tragic accident, it isnt long before there are suspicious hints of foul play, especially after another dead body is discovered: a stunning young beach beauty.

Fortunately for mystery lovers, the straight-arrow cop John Ceepak and his wise-cracking young partner Danny Boyle are on the case, a detective/sidekick duo critics have compared to Rex Stout's Nero Wolfe and Archie Goodwin.

Critic Reviews:

"Full of unpredictable twists and turns. There's plenty of fizz in the chemistry between the two protagonists to keep the novel and the reader spinning." (Boston Globe)

Members Reviews:

Very Enjoyable First Audible Book

Picked this out of a list of legal thrillers for my first audible book. I enjoyed the combination of humor and mystery very much. I did not have to concentrate too much on the characters to keep everything straight, so its a good book for a drive in traffic. Very good narration.

Family Dysfunction on the Jersey Shore

A great story about the corruption of money and power and the complications of family. The story climaxes with a surprise ending that is as dramatic as any story in the series. The continued progression of Danny, from immature kid to solid adult cop seems complete.

this story features the O'Malley family. Along with a few other middle-aged men the patriarch of the family is one of the movers and shakers of Seahaven. Their casual use of young women with little going for them but their youth and their bodies is at the center of the story.

The O'Malley family are owners of an amusement park and a miniature golf course; this family is one hot mess. They share all the family warmth and loyalty of scorpions in a fish bowl. Four sons at four different corners of the family and cultural spectrum and a daughter with huge mental and psychological issues; all of whom despise at least one of their parents. this is the family that despite their affluence, no one would want to be a part of.

As always officers Ceepak and Boyle are there at the end save the day. Danny's continued growth is subtly altering the relationship between the two officers. They are growing closer to being real peers. Ceepak is still the driving force of the partnership; but Danny Boyle is becoming more of a real partner in the team. As usual, this is another five star selection. Ceepak and Boyle deliver once again. this is a five star listen.

Can't wait for the next one

Having become a fan of Danny and Cepak, I couldn't wait for this new one to be released. I wasn't disappointed! I find myself laughing out loud while listening. The narrator is exceptional and helps increase the enjoyment of this book. Sheer fun. Can't wait for the next one.

Another fun installment in the series

I really enjoy this series - it's a lot of fun. It can be tough for an author to write humorous murder mysteries (many have tried, few succeed), and Grabenstein seems to have hit the mark well.

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Title: Dark Blood

Author: Stuart MacBride

Narrator: Stuart MacBride

Format: Unabridged

Length: 12 hrs and 30 mins

Language: English

Release date: 04-29-10

Publisher: HarperCollins Publishers Limited

Ratings: 4 of 5 out of 177 votes

Genres: Mysteries & Thrillers, Modern Detective

Publisher's Summary:

READ BY THE AUTHOR HIMSELF! Stuart MacBride who read his previous book for HarperAudio Blind Eye was a complete success and we have no doubt that this will be another triumph by MacBride. With his ability to set the scene and goings on of Detective Sergeant Logan McRae this is a must have audiobook.

Richard Knox has served his time, so why shouldnt he be allowed to live wherever he wants? Yes, in the past he was a violent rapist, but hes seen the error of his ways. Found God. Wants to leave his dark past in Newcastle behind him and make a new start.

Or so he says.

Detective Sergeant Logan McRae isnt exactly thrilled to be part of the team helping Knox settle into his new Aberdeen home. Hes even less thrilled to be stuck with DSI Danby from Northumbria Police the man who put Knox behind bars for ten years supposedly here to keep an eye on things.

Only things are about to go very, very wrong.

Edinburgh gangster Malk the Knife wants a slice of the development boom Donald Trumps golf course is bringing to the Granite City, whether local crime lord Wee Hamish Mowat likes it or not. Three heavies from Newcastle want a quiet word with DSI Danby about a missing mob accountant. And Richard Knoxs dark past isnt done with him yet

Members Reviews:

Great with caveats

Five minutes into this book I was completely captivated. MacBride is a master storyteller, both as a writer and as a narrator. Imagine a dark, Scottish Carl Hiaasen read by Robin Williams with the characters brought to hilarious life in a variety of UK accents. Actually, don't bother imagining. Just get the audiobook....unless.

Unless you are put off by incessantly crude language. Unless it will drive you a little crazy when you can't understand some of what is being said because it is couched in dialects and idiom which is occasionally incomprehensible. Unless you find daunting the prospect of a lesbian detective inspector with a pregnant wife and the sensibilities of a longshoreman. Unless you are offended by laughter coupled with vivid evocations of the grotesque or tragic.

On the other hand, if you really love good writing, you might want to tuck your reservations away somewhere and listen in spite of them. I have seldom encountered such memorable characters or an author who could so consistently bring a moment or place brilliantly to life with a single telling and original image. Or one who could read so incredibly well.

Loved it

I love Stuart Macbride's books - gritty and funny with some fabulous characters. But what makes these audiobooks special is Macbride's narration - he's brilliant (and makes me laugh out loud whenever he does DI Steel's voice). A real pleasure to listen to - so much so that I buy the audio versions even though I already own the print edition. I wish he'd go back and record the earlier books done with other narrators!

This series cracks me up

The story lines are good in this series, but the hook is really the funny characters and dialog. I've listened to 4 now and yet to be disappointed. Can be a little gritty at times, so not for those who prefer "clean and proper", but if you don't mind an R rating, definitely good stuff,

Perfect Narration

I read the first book in this series and then purchased the audio book of "Dark Blood" on a whim, primarily because the author is his own narrator.

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Title: Exclusive

Author: Sandra Brown

Narrator: Tanya Eby

Format: Unabridged

Length: 13 hrs and 21 mins

Language: English

Release date: 02-28-10

Publisher: Brilliance Audio

Ratings: 4 of 5 out of 746 votes

Genres: Mysteries & Thrillers, Modern Detective

Publisher's Summary:

Barrie Travis is a damn good reporter stuck at a low-budget television station when the First Lady calls herand offers her the opportunity of a lifetime. Stunned by the loss of her infant son, the presidents wife hints he may have been murdered. Barrie sets out to find the truth, fighting for the exclusive story with the help of Gray Bondurant, a mysterious former presidential aide. Soon they unearth White House secrets that, if exposed, could topple the presidency. And certain powerful parties want nothing more than to see the scandalous pastand a certain young reporterdead and buried.

Critic Reviews:

"Fast fun with a wild twist at the end. (Cosmopolitan)

"A plot-wise, entertaining yarn. (People)

Members Reviews:

Had promise but....

I have to say that I am pretty disappointed in this story. It started out great, with lots of potential. The main character is an intriguing woman, who's had a few embarrassments in the past, but with her mentor/friend, continues to try and forge ahead. She's built up as this independent woman who, although has had some setbacks, is a solid investigative reporter.

Then she meets with a man and the independent woman seems to just vanish in a flurry of unrestrained lust. That doesn't bother me, as long as it remains in the moment. But after that scene, her character becomes increasingly more cliche and irritating to deal with. I stopped listening because I honestly didn't care about her story anymore. This may sound harsh, but I was upset with what happened to the character. Perhaps its gets better after I stopped listening, and maybe I'll try it again, but for now, it simply doesn't grab my interest.

If You think the Premise of this Book Sounds Dumb

It is! Everything about this book is bad. The characters are weakly developed and the "love" story is stupid from the onset--particularly at the onset. The only reason that I finished listening to this novel is so that I could legitimately pan it. Don't waste your money.

2 stars. At best OK, but forgettable.

Nothing new or different.

Barrie is an investigative reporter looking into bad things done by the President. Gray used to be one of the Presidents advisors. He is helping Barrie.

Gray is smart and always right. Barrie argues with him on almost everything. The effect is similar to they are hiding, he tells her to be quiet, and she says loudly why. She also assumes incorrect things, frequently. I was annoyed with some of her actions.

There is too much pondering and dragging out the story. The interesting parts would make a much shorter story. There is nothing new or special. Its the kinds of things used in most suspense stories. Theres a twist at the end, but it raised a question about someones death instead of answering it. I did not like having this open ending.

Romance exists, but it wasnt well done. It was barely there.

The narrator had a snippy smartalecky tone to her voice which was ok for Barrie. But it did not fit Gray.

Genre: romantic suspense thriller

Ok story, terrible narrator

What didnt you like about Tanya Ebys performance?

Her delivery, tone, accents, voices, everything. Just not that great.

Any additional comments?

It was a good Sandra Brown book, with some good story development and twists, but the narration made it really, really hard to get through.

Very enjoyable listen.

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Title: Poppy Done to Death

Subtitle: An Aurora Teagarden Mystery, Book 8

Author: Charlaine Harris

Narrator: Therese Plummer

Format: Unabridged

Length: 8 hrs and 1 min

Language: English

Release date: 01-01-10

Publisher: Recorded Books

Ratings: 4.5 of 5 out of 529 votes

Genres: Mysteries & Thrillers, Modern Detective

Publisher's Summary:

Best-selling author and Sookie Stackhouse creator Charlaine Harris crafts the eighth riveting tale starring Aurora "Roe" Teagarden.

Roe's stepsister-in-law, Poppy, has achieved social distinction - she's been elected into the Uppity Women Book Club. Unfortunately, membership has its deadly consequences. Sordid stories of infidelity in Poppy's marriage lead to a rash of suspects, and Roe begins to question her own heart. But her passion for the truth will drive her on-into the path of the cold-blooded killer.

Critic Reviews:

"Roe is a genuine steel magnolia ... she knows what's proper and what a lady would do - and, mostly, she does it." (Booklist)

Members Reviews:

Aurora keeps getting better!

What made the experience of listening to Poppy Done to Death the most enjoyable?

I'm often rather harsh in my assessments of amateur detectives, but Aurora Teagarden doesn't get any flying arrows from me. I love this character. First of all she's a librarian. She's bright, she's funny, she's mature, and she's smart enough to know when to involve the professionals.

n this latest episode of the series, Roe as she's known, discovers the murdered body of her step-sister-in-law Poppy when Ms. P misses her induction into the Uppity Women club; that same day she accepts custody of her runaway 15 yr old half-brother Phillip, who arrives unannounced for Thanksgiving (she thought he was in California); she confronts her own feelings about parenting, extra-marital sex, and her current relationship to Robin Crusoe the author, all while trying to figure out why Poppy was murdered, and then why Poppy's house was trashed AFTER the police finished investigating the crime scene.

All the regulars are there, with new and introspective insights into their characters and motivations. It's an easy cozy read, but has plenty of meat to the plot.I didn't have that AHA moment until nearly the end, and that's the way I enjoy mysteries --- the plot building to a surprise ending, lots of suspects being ruled in/out one at a time.

What about Therese Plummers performance did you like?

It was very easy to distinguish the characters from her inflections and accents.

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

The ending.

Aurora Teagarden is Delightful

Aurora Teagarden is a delightful character and is well developed as are all of Charlaine Harris's characters. This book returned some characters who we had met in past books and expanded on the family dynamics between Roe, step family relationships, as well as old boyfriends. Roe really came to life for me in this book.

I want more Aurora Teagarden.......

These books are really fun. After reading all of Charlaine Harris's Sookie books and then all of the Harris's Harper Connelly books, I figured that the Aurora Teagarden series would naturally be next on the list. At first I really thought they were a bit cheesey, but Aurora started to grow on me. While it doesn't have any of the supernatural aspects of the other series and would be more of a PG rating, instead of the maybe PG-13 or R rating of the other series. This is a fun, quirky, easy read. The narrator is great & the character is lovable.