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Title: The Good Friday Murder

Subtitle: A Christine Bennett Mystery, Book 1

Author: Lee Harris

Narrator: Dee Macaluso

Format: Unabridged

Length: 6 hrs and 34 mins

Language: English

Release date: 12-21-12

Publisher: Audible Studios

Ratings: 4 of 5 out of 28 votes

Genres: Mysteries & Thrillers, Modern Detective

Publisher's Summary:

Christine Bennett has left the cloistered world of nuns for the profane world of New York State, where murder and madness are often linked. At a town meeting, Christine volunteers to investigate a 40-year-old murder case long since closed. Now she'll move heaven and earth to exonerate a pair of retarded savant twins, now senior citizens, of their mother's murder on Good Friday in 1950.

Members Reviews:

Polite procedural cozy

Gentle, slow paced and undemanding, this has the feel of a 70s-80s publication rather than the stated 1990-ish date, mostly due to the language around disability and religious vocation.The former nun's vocation is not central to the story; in fact, the novel is not at all overtly religious but just uses a few cultural elements of Roman Catholicism in its setting. I think anyone with a love for the area around the Hudson would like some of the description, and the author manages to get some period "feel" in the sections reflecting back on the 40 year old crime. There is a slight, PG romance thread.

Although the outcome turns on one almost deus ex machina element, the story mostly rings true as an amateur sleuth procedural, if you don't get hung up on details like civilians having easy access to police files. I'd download more from this series should they be revived by Audible.

The narrator is in a couple of section a little "breathy" but otherwise seems an excellent match for the main character, whose just-turned-30 and just-out-of-convent voice comprises 95% of the novel.

Good mystery series beginning

So this is going to be awkward. Somehow, this book was very good almost in spite of itself! It was never a fast-action, edge of your seat sort of book. There was a budding romantic relationship between the policeman who helped Christine, who was just several weeks out of the convent, deal with the crime aspect--so a bit of a stretch there. There was a touch more religious aspect than seemed necessary, one of the key characters was not introduced until the last quarter of the book (surely a good mystery no-no), and it was sort of unbelievable how Christine just knocked on doors, called people and got whatever info she wanted about a 40 year old crime.

This book is like "The Little Engine That Could." It just keeps chugging, and does the job beautifully against all odds. I felt I should have given this book fewer stars for all the ways it felt kind of amateurish. Except that I couldn't, because I was glued to it the whole time. (Narrator could have been better, even that did'nt stop my interest).

I think the things that held this book together were all about the subject matter. A pair of now elderly male twins, who were perhaps amazing autistic savants, had been accused of their mother's murder 40 years previously, after only a cursory police investigation. Christine undertakes to find out whether they were innocent, though reader please note, not necessarily to find who was guilty instead (though that naturally goes with it, but a distinction should be made to understand some of what made the book a little unusual).

The author left me almost in tears as she depicted what the life of these brilliant young men had been, as a result of public ignorance about this condition, and that of others who are different.

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Title: The Grub-and-Stakers Spin a Yarn

Subtitle: The Grub-and-Stakers, Book 4

Author: Charlotte MacLeod

Narrator: Lory Reyes

Format: Unabridged

Length: 7 hrs and 2 mins

Language: English

Release date: 11-19-12

Publisher: Audible Studios

Ratings: 4 of 5 out of 24 votes

Genres: Mysteries & Thrillers, Modern Detective

Publisher's Summary:

A corpse in a yarn store leads to a very crafty mystery.

When word gets out that Dittany Monk, the sleuthing gardener of Lobelia Falls, is expecting twins, every knitter in town races to Miss Jane Fuzzywuzzys Yarnery to begin work on a complete wardrobe of hats, booties, and tiny sweaters. One customer, however, has even more urgent business: the man with the gunshot wounds in his back.

The victim stumbles out of a bullet-ridden car, dripping blood all over the freshly cleaned sidewalk, and dies with a peculiar phrase on his lips: "The raveled sleeve!" Before Miss Jane can offer advice on how to rescue an unraveling sweater, her unfortunate customer expires. To ensure her twins can be raised in a safe hometown, Dittany will have to get the yarn-store murder sewn up.

Members Reviews:

Fun book!

Fun book. Light reading but well written and enjoyable.

readable

I got a number of this series for about $1.99 each. If I hadn't already purchased them, I doubt I would have searched out others after I read the first one. The stories are good--but the dialog (especially the stilted supposedly Edwardian/Victorian sections) are unnecessary and annoying. If you can get past that--a fairly enjoyable read.

Cute Beach Read

These are the last of the McLeod's to add to my electronic collection. Not as good as the other 3 series, but funny and easy reads. Suspect Charlotte had tongue in cheek a lot with the "Grub and Stakers."

fun mystery!

Fun 'cozy' mystery. Crazy characters. And, a tangential yarn-shop-related element. :) Hard to pinpoint the time when it takes place, which is fun.

Five Stars

So much fun I've already re-read it once and may once more this winter.

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Title: Dead Hot Mama

Author: Victoria Houston

Narrator: Jennifer Van Dyck

Format: Unabridged

Length: 8 hrs and 55 mins

Language: English

Release date: 10-24-12

Publisher: Audible Studios

Ratings: 4.5 of 5 out of 18 votes

Genres: Mysteries & Thrillers, Modern Detective

Publisher's Summary:

It's ice-fishing season in Loon Lake and Doc Osborne is trying to convince Police Chief and fishing pal Lew Ferris to give it a chance. But fish aren't the only things lurking below the surface. The bodies of two snowmobilers have just been pulled out of nearby Two Sisters Lake. And a beautiful woman's corpse turns up in a snowdrift. Is it payback for a drug deal gone bad? Or is it something more sinister?

Members Reviews:

Best Yet, But . . .

This is the fifth in the Loon Lake Fishing series. In this outing, Christmas is approaching as is a storm sure to dump several inches, if not feet, of snow on Loon Lake. Doc Osborne and Chief Ferris are looking forward to some down time only to be called out to one of Osborne's neighbor's home to investigate what looks like murder.

This entry in the series is by far the most complicated. What looks like a "simple" murder soon becomes much, much more - the harvesting of bodies for parts and tissues. The relationship between Osborne and Ferris does not advance in this book, but does not retreat either.

The one issue I had with this book was that the ending seemed very rushed. I can say no more without giving away too much of the ending, but suffice it to say Houston gave up a potentially nail-biting, page-turning ending to speed to the end of the book by tying up loose ends in short stilted paragraphs.

Good Author and great books!

I discovered Victoria Houston when I was looking for Wisconsin authors. I read one and this book was my last read of 9. I really enjoyed her books and there were interesting characters in addition to the main characters. Good stories that encourage a person to continue long past bedtime.

Good, easy read

I really like the Loon lake Series , the characters are likable and for the most part believable

Its an easy read, its realaxing to read and these books in this series really put me in a great mood

In my youth I grew up in the North-woods and can relate to some of the land marks and lakes referenced in the book and great memories flash back in my mind

I have to say this Loon lake that the story is taken place in and the other books, sure seems to be a haven for crime and criminals I sure wouldn't want to live there even though its in the middle of paradise

Reading this book I think I really shouldn't like it, I'm not into fishing and not a ...

Reading this book I think I really shouldn't like it, I'm not into fishing and not a fan of hunting. But it is so well written and the storyline has me wanting to read more. The characters feel like real people.

Doc and Lew do it again

It's Christmas time in Loon Lake but that doesn't stop the work for Chief Ferris. A body is found in front of Doc's cabin buried in the snow then two more snowmobilers are found dead. Nothing unusual about snowmobiler's going through the ice but the unusual thing is that their legs are missing. Chief Ferris with the help of Doc and Ray put the pieces of the puzzle together to form a chilling discovery going on in their own backyard.

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Title: Dead Frenzy

Author: Victoria Houston

Narrator: Jennifer Van Dyck

Format: Unabridged

Length: 8 hrs and 47 mins

Language: English

Release date: 10-22-12

Publisher: Audible Studios

Ratings: 4 of 5 out of 28 votes

Genres: Mysteries & Thrillers, Modern Detective

Publisher's Summary:

For fishing pals, (or are they more than just pals?) Doc Osborne and Police Chief Lew Ferris, Loon Lake, Wisconsin, is usually a great place to seek out some mutual solitude in the trout stream. But lately, the town has been teeming with competitive bass fisherman and bikers, too many less-than-savory characters.

Meanwhile, there's an old murder case Doc's bent on solving even as he himself is stalked by a mysterious visitor.

Members Reviews:

Another Good One!

Victoria Houstion has such a way with stories. I love all her books and this was no exception. Ms. Van Dyke was a wonderful narrator. Would definitely listen to more written by her

The repeated quotes are getting old

This series is fun to listen to, but the same quotes are used in every book. This story was not as good as the others, however I will try the next book in the series and hope it gets better

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Title: Fever Moon

Author: Carolyn Haines

Narrator: Elisa Carlson

Format: Unabridged

Length: 10 hrs and 33 mins

Language: English

Release date: 10-11-12

Publisher: Audible Studios

Ratings: 4 of 5 out of 7 votes

Genres: Mysteries & Thrillers, Modern Detective

Publisher's Summary:

With the acclaimed novel Penumbra, Carolyn Haines branched out from the cozy Southern mysteries that made her name and moved into more ominous, more literary territory. She continues that exploration of the darker side of the South with Fever Moon. Set in New Iberia, Louisiana, during World War II, Fever Moon begins when Deputy Raymond Thibodeaux discovers Adele Hebert covered in blood and hovering over the brutally eviscerated body of Henri Bastion, a wealthy plantation owner. In the aftermath of the murder, Adele claims to be the loup-garou, a legendary Cajun shape-shifter that traditionally takes the shape of a wolf, and panic ensues in this small town that already has been livingunder the pressures of wartime rationing and poverty. Raymond is determined to restore order, but to do so he'll have to prove that Adele isn't a murderer or a monster.

In this dark and swirling literary thriller, Carolyn Haines tells the story of a town that is caught up in the frenzy of a murder and a killer who feeds its terror to suit his own purposes.

Members Reviews:

A Near Perfect Mystery with Strong, Smart Women

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

Without question. I've already recommended it to several friends, even those who don't particularly like mysteries. The narrator shifts focus between four protagonists. The two women protagonists are smart, strong, financially independent women who are holding out for love interests who will treat them as equals. The story gives each character nice depth and background, and the ancillary characters are equally fascinating and well-developed. Haines deals compassionately and earnestly with PTSD from both sexual violence and war.

This is a gorgeous period piece that emphasizes the experiences of strong women and compassionate men. There's also a gorgeous bit of north American history woven throughout, alongside the riveting period details of the deep, rural South during WWII.

Did the plot keep you on the edge of your seat? How?

The plot was paced perfectly and both the mystery and interpersonal storylines were gripping. By the middle of the book, I was deeply emotionally invested.

Which character as performed by Elisa Carlson was your favorite?

Elisa Carlson was a good narrator, but the recording quality left a lot to be desired.

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

Absolutely.

Any additional comments?

Finally, a book that can discuss rape, war, and gender dynamics easily, honestly, and respectfully. Haines deftly weaves her characters' survival histories into their interactions. Even better, we get happy endings for our beloved protagonists. Haines proves that you can tell the truth without derailing a story or bringing down the mood. She just showed whole, complex characters who had realistic life stories. I'm so impressed.

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Title: Paradise City

Subtitle: A Joe Gunther Mystery, Book 22

Author: Archer Mayor

Narrator: William Dufris

Format: Unabridged

Length: 8 hrs and 57 mins

Language: English

Release date: 10-02-12

Publisher: Blackstone Audio, Inc.

Ratings: 3.5 of 5 out of 20 votes

Genres: Mysteries & Thrillers, Modern Detective

Publisher's Summary:

Joe Gunther and his team at the Vermont Bureau of Investigation are alerted to a string of unrelated burglaries across Vermont. Someone, in addition to flatscreens, computers, and stereos, has also been stealing antiques and jewelry. Meanwhile, in Boston, an elderly woman surprises some thieves in her Beacon Hill home and is viciously murdered. The Boston police find that not only is the loot similar to what's being stolen in Vermont, but it may have the same destination. Word is out that someone powerful is purchasing these particular kinds of items in the "Paradise City" of Northampton, Mass....

Gunther, the Boston Police, and the vengeful niece of the murdered old lady convene on Northampton, eager to get to the bottom of the mystery and find the "responsible parties" - although each is motivated to mete out some very different penalties.

Members Reviews:

The Names of the Streets are Real

Archer Mayor's mysteries featuring Joe Gunther are "regionals" depicting life and crime in Brattleboro and other locales of the upper Connecticut River Valley of Vermont, along the Interstate 91 "ski-way." This installment takes Joe south down I-91, into the Western Massachusetts part of the Valley--which happens to be the region where I happily hang out. The action centers on Northampton, the self-proclaimed "Paradise City" of the book's title, which is generally regarded as the fine arts and fine dining center of Western Mass. (Snobs from Boston need not comment on that statement, thank you.)

I enjoyed reading the portrayals of Northampton, Amherst, Greenfield, and other haunts of my stomping grounds. Most of the places described are real--from Coolidge Cafe to the Summit House, from the abandoned Strategic Air Command post hidden inside Mount Tom to Amity Street and Potwine Lane, the accuracy of the locations was fun (at least for a "local" like me). The art and jewelry gallery that is crucial to the story is fictitious, but certain (noncriminal) elements of it were recognizable in real establishments.

Even though the "taste of home" kept me reading, I found the overall story less than compelling. I also found it very hard to follow the characters. We are introduced in rapid succession to Billie, Willie, Mickey, Bobby, Tony, Jimmy, Dan, and Ed, to name a few. One's a victim, some are cops, and the rest are bad guys. We also have Mina, Anna, Donna, Nancy, Sammie, and Lou. It was a relief to meet Li Anming, an artisan "smuggled in" from China and kept as slave labor, re-setting and re-crafting stolen jewelry; her character at least I was able to recognize readily.

I remember reading a couple of the early Gunther books, and that I enjoyed "Borderlines" and "The Skeleton's Knee." But the series never grabbed me, and there are 15 or 16 books in between "Knee" and "Paradise" that I never read; so it's partly my own lack that I didn't know the characters (beyond Joe Gunther himself) who are series regulars. But even discounting the regulars, the rather flimsy plot seemed overburdened with players. It's a fairly short read with some interesting scenes.

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Title: Better Off Undead

Subtitle: Bloodhound Files, Book 4

Author: D. D. Barant

Narrator: Johanna Parker

Format: Unabridged

Length: 8 hrs and 27 mins

Language: English

Release date: 09-28-12

Publisher: Tantor Audio

Ratings: 4.5 of 5 out of 184 votes

Genres: Mysteries & Thrillers, Modern Detective

Publisher's Summary:

Dark magic, unknown enemies, monsters of every stripe - FBI profiler Jace Valchek has seen it all. In this bizarre parallel universe, shape-shifting werewolves and blood-thirsty vampires don't even warrant a raised eyebrow. That is, until Jace has to face what life might look like as one of them....

It starts off as just another run-of-the-mill assignment: to track down the rogue don of a mafia werewolf family before he upsets the delicate balance of the underworld. But Jace wasn't counting on being bitten...and soon she's fighting the growing wolf inside her with a startling antidote - vampirism.

Stopping a bloody gangland war won't be easy when Jace is feeling some new, and very inhuman, desires....

Critic Reviews:

"A stellar addition to an already outstanding series." (

Romantic Times)

Members Reviews:

Fighting to be yourself in a world of fang and fur

What made the experience of listening to Better Off Undead the most enjoyable?

Getting used to this narrator takes a bit of time, but what I do love about her is her distinctive voices and comedic timing. I laughed out loud multiple times at the delivery of the main character's dog! This book especially deals with a bit of higher emotions for the main character than other books in the series and I feel the narrator did a great job of expressing these emotions which makes a big impact on the overall feel of this book. In the series as a whole I feel like the narrator really nailed this one better than those before and I'm looking forward to the books to come.

What did you like best about this story?

That's a hard one! I liked how the series got back on track for me from the last book. I was very happy for that. I was REALLY happy for the ending!! I won't give it away but I feel like there was hope and a sense of moving forward for the main character that she needed to allow the series to grow - LOVE! I like that the main character is a fighter. She's not perfect by any means, but she's allowed to have a few moments to be sad and feel what every person does - alone. Then she comes back to fight. She fights for who she is and what she believes in... and how can you not root for that kind of character! I like that the book was multi-leveled with the emotional situation for the main character and the mystery case going on. I felt like this book was a well rounded book and we got to see more into the past of some of the supporting cast that was wonderful. I don't think I can keep it to just one thing I liked best about the story.

Any additional comments?

I highly recommend reading or listening to this (or any) series in order.

I'm really enjoying this series! I feel like each book moves quickly while still taking the time to get to know the characters and the growing complexities of the relationships as well as the world created for this series. I'm really looking forward to more books in the series to come!!!

Hottest and most intriguing yet!

So glad I got this book! It didnt disappoint at all! Hilarious and worth the wait.

Better May Be Best

Any additional comments?

This might be the best of the series! I love all the books, but this is the one I will be listening to over and over. No information overload, but don't make the mistake of thinking it's slow.

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Title: One Dead Dean

Subtitle: A Carl Burns Mystery, Book 1

Author: Bill Crider

Narrator: Dean Sluyter

Format: Unabridged

Length: 6 hrs and 35 mins

Language: English

Release date: 09-26-12

Publisher: Crossroad Press

Ratings: 3.5 of 5 out of 18 votes

Genres: Mysteries & Thrillers, Modern Detective

Publisher's Summary:

"I can just imagine the questions in history," Fox said. "Who was our first of it, maybe the second one's too hard. But you get the idea!"

"Yeah," Burns said. "I get the idea."

Hartley Gorman College, in Pecan City, Texas, is hardly a bastion of serious scholarship. The little Baptist school is more interested in shielding its students from the evil influence of The World, The Flesh, and The Devil than in turning out future Nobelists. But its staff, by and large, is worthy of a more demanding institution; they are victims of a glutted market in PhD's and they do the best they can. So it is they who are most upset at Dean Elmore's 'secret plan' to award credit hours for 'undirected study' by 'independent scholars' - in plain words, to turn the school into a diploma mill.

Which may be why Dean Elmore, shortly after unveiling his plan, is found bludgeoned to death at his desk. It is certainly why, at his funeral, there is not a wet eye in the house.

Or so observes Carl Burns, Hartley Gorman professor of English literature, through whose eyes we see both the crime and the larger picture of this wacky denominational Texas school.

Those listeners familiar with Bill Crider's books about Sheriff Dan Rhodes of Blacklin County, Texas, knows how wryly witty this author can be; here the humor is revved up a few notches, and the resulting account of Elmore's murder, Sheriff 'Boss' Napier's investigation, Bums's well-meant meddling, and the people and doings at Hartley Gorman are the exactly-right mix of realism and wackiness to make the book a delight as well as a suspenseful mystery.

Members Reviews:

Murder, arson, pigeon poop, and humor?

I'd totally forgotten what a wonderful snarkfest Bill Crider's writing is! And the laid-back performance by Dean Sluyter is the perfect showcase for this form of humor. I will admit to being thankful that Sluyter did not give the performance in Southern or Texan drawl, as I often find the speech somewhat incomprehensible to my ears.

The basic tale is retro to the late 1980s on the campus of a denominational college. Carl Burns is the normally non-descript professor who discovers the body of a very unpopular dean and then gets entangled in further misadventures. A fun read whether you went to college or not. No gratuitous foul language, explicit violence, or sex.

"This audiobook was provided by the author, narrator, or publisher at no cost in exchange for an unbiased review courtesy of Audiobook Blast."

Compliments to the chef

This is a droll, amusing little mystery with a nice collection of colorful, more or less comical characters. The narrator does an especially good job of handling the varied character voices. I wish the previous reviewer had spent one minute consulting a dictionary before attacking the narrator's pronunciation. I heard no mispronounced words. My dictionary (Webster's New World) shows three accepted pronunciations of "pecan," including PEE-kan.

Not Enough!

Is there anything you would change about this book?

Change the setting. These folks were not from Texas!

Would you recommend One Dead Dean to your friends? Why or why not?

No, it seems a little dated for my college students.

What didnt you like about Dean Sluyters performance?

Reading was too slow.

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Title: The Fall

Subtitle: A murder brings them together. The truth will tear them apart

Author: Claire McGowan

Narrator: Tanya Moodie, Jane Collingwood, Anthony Howell

Format: Unabridged

Length: 12 hrs and 14 mins

Language: English

Release date: 09-21-12

Publisher: Headline Digital

Ratings: 3.5 of 5 out of 13 votes

Genres: Mysteries & Thrillers, Modern Detective

Publisher's Summary:

What would you do if the man you love was accused of murder? Bad things never happen to Charlotte. She's living the life she's always wanted and about to marry wealthy banker, Dan. But Dan's been hiding a secret, and the pressure is pushing him over the edge. After he's arrested for the vicious killing of a nightclub owner, Charlotte's future is shattered. Then she opens her door to Keisha, an angry and frustrated stranger with a story to tell.

Convinced of Dan's innocence, Charlotte must fight for him - even if it means destroying her perfect life. But what Keisha knows threatens everyone she loves, and puts her own life in danger. DC Matthew Hegarty is riding high on the success of Dan's arrest. But he's finding it difficult to ignore his growing doubts as well as the beautiful and vulnerable Charlotte. Can he really risk it all for what's right?

Three stories. One truth. They all need to brace themselves for the fall.

Critic Reviews:

"One of the very best novels I've read in a long while...astonishing, powerful and immensely satisfying." (Peter James)

"There is nothing not to like...a compelling and flawless thriller." (S J Bolton)

"A cool and twisted debut." (Daily Mirror)

"She knows how to tell a cracking story. She will go far." (Daily Mail)

"It's crime-novel-meets-Hampstead-novel but without the contrivances of the former genre and the navel-gazing of the latter. Funny and perfectly paced, the pervading sense of "there but for the grace of God go you" chills you to the bone." (Daily Telegraph)

Members Reviews:

It Fell

What could have made this a 4 or 5-star listening experience for you?

I am okay with a European accent but, cockney Brittish just doesn't translate to me. I spend so much time figuring out what the heck was said or what possibly that could be sland for that I loose all track of the story.

What other book might you compare The Fall to and why?

I was repeatedly reminded of a book I read this year called Another Piece of My Heart. The author in that book did the same thing I dispise.... As the main character is in the heat of an action they begin to ask themselves repeated questions and ponder the ramifications. So that a run down the flight of the stairs can take five minutes of wondering what is at the bottom. I think it's a ploy to stretch the book out.

What did you like about the performance? What did you dislike?

Three people??? Seriously?.... One good performance beats three ho hums

If you could play editor, what scene or scenes would you have cut from The Fall?

MUCH of the interaction with the parents - Geeez Louise!

Great Performances

The story was good, although you could kind of figure it out. But the performances of the three narrators were outstanding!

Great characters, riveting story

All three narrators did such an amazing job of bringing the characters to life with incredible vividness! It was so easy to get totally sucked in and empathize with each of the mains. Although it would have been better if Charlotte had ended up with DC Hegarty...but reality, you know.

Just a handful of characters

A lovely liesurely read, this book is a great choice for a winter weekend.

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Title: Death in a Wine Dark Sea

Author: Lisa King

Narrator: Erin Bennett

Format: Unabridged

Length: 11 hrs and 15 mins

Language: English

Release date: 08-07-12

Publisher: Blackstone Audio, Inc.

Ratings: 3.5 of 5 out of 10 votes

Genres: Mysteries & Thrillers, Modern Detective

Publisher's Summary:

Imagine a sophisticated thirty-two-year old Nancy Drew who has a career as a wine magazine writer, is not interested in monogamy, and has the kind of sex appeal only an independent woman can possess. Meet Jean Applequist.

Though she despises the groom, Jean boards an elegant yacht in San Francisco Bay for the wedding of her good friend Diane and wealthy real estate developer Martin Wingo. But things go terribly wrong, the evening ending in tragedy rather than celebration when, after exchanging vows, Wingo disappears into the bay.

Diane asks Jean to investigate Martins murder out of fear that the police will uncover too many of his secrets. Jean agrees but discovers its not easy to find out who killed a blackmailer and womanizer: the list of potential suspects is long.

Joining forces with the young and geeky Zeppo, Martins former assistant, and armed with the details of Martins operation, Jean soon finds herself way ahead of the San Francisco homicide detectives - a dangerous place to be.

Jean and Zeppos questioning of Martins victims elicits strong reactions, from fear to rage to attempted murder, that endanger them both and force Jean to fight for her life - twice.

Lisa King, a UC Berkley graduate, has written for San Francisco magazine and interviewed, among other celebrities, Julia Child. She was Wine Spectators first copy editor and wrote a cover story for the magazine on Thomas Jeffersons love affair with fine wine. She was senior editor of Wine Country Living in Sonoma and is currently a magazine editor in Southern California.

Critic Reviews:

AbsorbingA tale of lust, greed, and revengeThe brisk plot offers surprises even a seasoned reader wont see coming. (Publishers Weekly)

An eye-popping read that puts the sizzle into romantic suspenseSexy? Absolutely. Suspenseful? Ditto. Along with her nonstop action, King manages to make foodies and wine aficionados drool. (Library Journal)

Numerous plot twists, verbal sparring, humor, and tasty details about wine are woven throughout the story. Those who enjoy Nancy Martins Roxy Abruzzo books will like Jean, a similar free spirit. (Booklist)

Members Reviews:

Better Than Most People Think Evidently

This book evidently went over better in my house than anywhere else, given the reviews and the ratings it garnered. I enjoyed the fact that the female lead wasn't the virginal princess portrayed in most of the books available at Audible. Granted some of the complications in this story felt so very contrived; moments when the idiocy of the characters actions was way unrealistic. Then there were the police who came out, not so much as stupid, but as unprofessional. Still it's an exciting well done, well narrated audio that was really enjoyable for most of the eleven plus hours that the audio ran.

Loved every minute of this read!

The characters are well developed and easy to like. Except the ones that are just as easy to hate! Fast moving story with lots of action and a real thrill to read. Highly recommend

AUTHOR'S POLITICAL RANTS RUINED IT

The author's political rants ruined it for me. I was very upset that I used a credit for a "liberal" sermon disguised as a mystery. I can watch CNN for free!!!