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Title: The Ringmaster

Author: Vanda Symon

Narrator: Susan Curnow

Format: Unabridged

Length: 7 hrs and 55 mins

Language: English

Release date: 05-23-14

Publisher: Penguin Books NZ

Ratings: 5 of 5 out of 1 votes

Genres: Mysteries & Thrillers, Modern Detective

Publisher's Summary:

Death is stalking the southern South Island. And what role does the visiting Darling Brothers Circus have to play?

Sam Shephard is on the bottom rung of detective training in Dunedin, and her boss makes sure she knows it. She gets involved in her first homicide investigation there when a university student is murdered in the Botanic Gardens. Sam soon discovers this is not an isolated incident. There is a chilling prospect of a predator loose in Dunedin. Is the murderer in the circus or closer to home? Sam must find out who's running the show.

Members Reviews:

Great work

Sam Shepherd and her friend Maggie are living with Maggie's Aunt and Uncle. After a uni student is found dead in the river Sam wants to investigate, but her lowly status at Dunedin CIB leave her in charge of menial tasks instead. However, Sam is still the one to uncover the deeper connections involved int he case.

As before Sam's headstrong attitude and disobedience both put her at odds with everyone she's trying to help and also put her in danger. Without them though she wouldn't be able to follow the leads and clues that she puts together even though her working life seems more of an obstruction than a help.

I am really growing to like Sam's character in this series. An excellent follow-up to Overkill, and I look forward to reading more of Vanda Symon.

Great work.

Good easy read

In the mind of Sam Shepherd capable likeable young detective - headstrong and irreverent. Enjoyed the setting of familiar Dunedin. Only gave it a 3 as the denouement was a bit weak. Good simple book if need diversion.

Enjoyable book

Great book

Ringmaster

Love Vanda's writing as it is local but really interesting. Easy to read but with unexpected twists.

A terrific book that leaves you wanting more of the main character

Dunedin writer Vanda Symonâs follow-up to her excellent debut Overkill (Penguin, 2007) finds heroine Sam Shepherd having moved to Dunedin from Mataura; bridges burnt. Undertaking detective training, Shepherdâs on the bottom rung of the ladder, battling her grudge-holding boss for any involvement.

The Ringmaster opens with a murder in the Botanic Gardens, before switching to stroppy Samâs first-person narration. Marginalised, she struggles to participate in the investigation, working in her own time and feeding off the scraps her partner Smithy smuggles her way. She eventually uncovers a link between the visiting circus, and a series of deaths throughout the lower South Island.

Of the many admirable aspects of Symonâs storytelling, chief is her creation of Sam Shepherd, a protagonist you want to follow; headstrong, passionate, and flawed. A talented detective, but not infallible. Shepherd puts herself out there, cares, makes mistakes, and has real emotions; fear, jealousy, anger, sadness. Sheâs human, real, and well-rounded.

Symon shows a talent for creating rounded characters throughout, from Shepherdâs friend Maggie, the âvoice of reasonâ, to nemesis characters such as DI Johns and circus owner Terry Bennett. Symon ensures that even the antagonists ring true; they have good points as well as bad, and have understandable motives for their objectionable behaviour.

Another impressive facet is her use of the Dunedin setting. From the opening murder beside the Leith, to Highlanders games, and student life, Symon brings alive this southern city.