Firstly I will suggest that if you come to this book without having read the rest of the series, stop and do so you will get so much more out of it. ThFirstly I will suggest that if you come to this book without having read the rest of the series, stop and do so you will get so much more out of it. This book is what I expected in some ways and so much more in others. The plot, the investigations, the unexpected twists are all there. The character development is superb, the old gang and the new-comers all have their parts to play. However the poignancy and depth of the emotional impact are really surprising. I was in tears in parts, and swallowing a lump in my throat at another revelation, not because of their unexpectedness but almost the opposite. We can see where this is coming from and to some extent where it is going but the author captures the feelings and somehow translates them so the reader experiences them so very well. This doesn't mean there aren't some very humorous moments and it is the weaving of the everyday and banal with the ridiculous and absurd that works wo well. Fiona Shaw does an excellent job of narration. Overall 4.5 stars Narration 5 stars Story 4.5 stars. ...more
This was fun and frolics, murder, misadventure and humour, occasional laugh out loud moments, and the occasional quite poignant/teary moments. The gangThis was fun and frolics, murder, misadventure and humour, occasional laugh out loud moments, and the occasional quite poignant/teary moments. The gang is here of course and a few of the others we have met (isn't Connie great!) and there are quite a few new characters all of whom play their part. Lots of red herrings and mis-directions and to top it all off a very good narrator (when sped up). I don't think it is very "real-life", despite the characters having an internal integrity and robustness in their depth and experience, but life has more than enough reality, so it's nice to be able to go into a parallel world occasionally. I think this series is getting better. Overall 4.5 stars Narration 5 stars Story 4.5 stars
This is the second in the series and it probably works best if you read the Thursday Murder Club first. In general this is a fun if somewhat unlikely This is the second in the series and it probably works best if you read the Thursday Murder Club first. In general this is a fun if somewhat unlikely story, involving our friends from the aforementioned club, diamonds, a few spooks (of the espionage variety), a mafia man and other criminals, the local police again, and a few others. If you go into this suspending all belief and allowing the incredible, it holds together pretty well. There are murders, there are some insights into Elizabeth's past and there are moments of vulnerability for more than one of the cast, there is revenge and love blossoms. The narration was very good and helped to keep me engaged when the story stretched too far. Overall 3.5 stars narration 4.5 stars Story 2.5 stars...more
I listened to the 2018 Audio version but it isn't available for review on Goodreads. Here is my review A Story of it's time. This book was written in theI listened to the 2018 Audio version but it isn't available for review on Goodreads. Here is my review A Story of it's time. This book was written in the early 1990's and is very much a romance of the time, which doesn't always feel comfortable now; even though Jessie, our female MC is supposed to be a feisty and independently minded woman, she isn't always, Some of the tropes from those days, the overbearing males, the pressurising family, the business before love etc are all present and the approach to climate change is also of it's time. However taken as what it is, it's not a bad book, it's just not that good either, there are some parts that feel repetitive and there are some strands of the story feel pointless. The narration was pretty good. Overall 2.5 stars performance 4 stars Story 2.5 stars....more
This is what you want and expect of an Amanda Quick/Jayne Ann Krentz novel; a fast paced, easy to listen to, romp through a not very accurate Regency This is what you want and expect of an Amanda Quick/Jayne Ann Krentz novel; a fast paced, easy to listen to, romp through a not very accurate Regency England. The story whilst somewhat unlikely is engaging, the characters reasonably likeable and the whole thing well narrated by Barbara Rosenblat. This author's books are fun reads, light-hearted and a good way to switch off and relax into an alternate reality that never really existed. This is no Georgette Heyer but then few ever reach those peaks, however, taken for what it is worth a listen. Overall 3.5 stars Narration 4 stars Story 3 stars...more
Not the best in the series Jodi has me laughing out loud one minute and gasping with horror the next. She is a master manipulator of emotions no questiNot the best in the series Jodi has me laughing out loud one minute and gasping with horror the next. She is a master manipulator of emotions no question. The plot however needs a bit more work. She has ideas but to hang the whole book on the train made the whole thing feel like an extended short story- to it's detriment. For me the splitting up of team weird (again) lessened the story and the cliff-hanger ending feels like cheating; especially as there is 2 years to the next TP story. I was also a little disappointed by the lack of progress in the lives of the characters. The lack of momentum and character/relationship development makes me wonder if the ideas for this particular series are running out and the author is focused on newer projects. Zara Ramm is an excellent narrator and totally brings the book to life. Don't get me wrong this was worth a credit and an enjoyable listen but it's against the superb previous books in the series and doesn't live up to them. Overall- 3.5 stars narration - 5 stars story - 3.5 stars...more
A fun romp through a fantasy Regency NB- I listened to the Audio book version but there isn't one on Goodreads so have left the review against the KindA fun romp through a fantasy Regency NB- I listened to the Audio book version but there isn't one on Goodreads so have left the review against the Kindle version This book has a lot of historical inaccuracies and anachronisms but if you can turn a blind eye to this then you have a pleasant and engaging way to spend a few hours. A story that is unlikely but keeps an internal integrity and a pace that trots along so you don't give it any real thought. The narrator is pretty good: he keeps the characters distinctive and the narration flowing. Overall 3.5 stars Narration 4 stars Story 2.5 stars...more
I read some of the reviews before I started this and as so many are really positive I was ready to love this but sadly for me it didn't reach the heigI read some of the reviews before I started this and as so many are really positive I was ready to love this but sadly for me it didn't reach the heights I was expecting. There is a lot of noise and heavy breathing, lots of enthusiastic acting but the sense of paranoia and fear never get off the ground. Winston was almost reduced to a man having some anxiety attacks rather than the menacing and overwhelming sense of fearfulness and intimidation in the book. I personally felt that some of the acting was overblown although some was excellent- for me Andrew Scott stood out for his performance. The soundscape at times enhanced but at other times was too intrusive, and a bit more silence, might have been better. Overall 3 stars Performance 3 stars Story (in this particular version) 3 stars....more
I haven't read Wes Markin before but overall I found this a good book, with plenty of threads, a few twists and turns, and few red herrings thrown in I haven't read Wes Markin before but overall I found this a good book, with plenty of threads, a few twists and turns, and few red herrings thrown in the mix. However it did have some flaws: I found some of storylines a bit over done. The two main detectives have a lot of traumatic history, perhaps too much to be believable. I found their lack of professionalism and more so Riddick's aggression being overlooked and unremarked upon by colleagues and seniors alike made this story feel unreal. I was also disappointed that the signposting was too obvious making the ending of the investigation less impactful. Generally though the pacing, the narrative and the excitement of the book kept me involved and wanting to find out what happened. The Narration was ok but I felt that it was a bit forceful and shouty- even when not played particularly loudly. Not enough so that I won't look for more in the series but enough to need a break between books. Overall 3.5 stars Narration 3 stars Story 3.5/4 stars....more
This book takes a bit of a turn, not all Vampires are feeding off humans and the newly turned are innocent of any crime. As the war with the familias This book takes a bit of a turn, not all Vampires are feeding off humans and the newly turned are innocent of any crime. As the war with the familias continues a nursery of these new vampires is discovered and whilst it intensifies the war it also offers a real chance of peace through its guardian- the arbiter. I am enjoying this series which is fast paced, and keeping me listening because I want to know where it's all heading. I recognise that there isn't much depth to this world, and there is a limited viewpoint but so far I don't think it matters much. Ray Porter is a great narrator and brings the book to life. Overall 4 stars Performance 5 stars Story 4 stars....more
The conclusion to this series is fast, frantic full-on warfare. At times I felt that the battle scenes were too long, whilst recognising that they proThe conclusion to this series is fast, frantic full-on warfare. At times I felt that the battle scenes were too long, whilst recognising that they probably weren't really long enough, or detailed enough. The pictures painted with words were vivid and very real despite this being a fantasy world of Demons, Vampires and Supernaturals. The end actually felt a bit rushed and I would have loved to see a bit of the aftermath, what happened to the thralls, Portland, even the president. The narration was excellent, as is usual for Ray Porter This was a very good series, somewhat outside my usual reading zone and I recommend it. Overall 4 stars Narration 5 stars Story 4 stars....more
This is a series that is growing in strength Harbinder is in London but the majority of this book is set back in Sussex as her friends who now run a deThis is a series that is growing in strength Harbinder is in London but the majority of this book is set back in Sussex as her friends who now run a detective agency alongside their other jobs are separately asked to investigate the deaths of two authors. As their investigation unfolds, there are a plethora of characters that seem shady, there's a writers a retreat, a book club and adventure and danger. There is still the Ukrainian war going on of course and this brings it's own challenges to Natalka and her family. This is a piece of enjoyable escapism despite it's background of real-life experiences. I do enjoy this series. It's not that real world believable but that doesn't matter. It tells a story and does so very well. Narration was good but again too many mouth noises which should be better edited. Overall 4.5 Narration 4 Story 4.5...more
I really enjoyed this book. I liked it's Gothic influences whilst still being firmly a contemporary murder mystery with a great lead detective althougI really enjoyed this book. I liked it's Gothic influences whilst still being firmly a contemporary murder mystery with a great lead detective although not a woman that is always entirely likeable. The mystery element kept me listening and wanting to know what happens next. I did work out who it was, to be honest there weren't that many suspects and only one that really had the opportunities. The narration was good and I liked the multiple narrators. A good start to the series. Overall 4 stars Narration 4.5 stars Story 4 stars....more
Onset and Ospi are in trouble. They were all but decimated, stretched so thin they can't keep up and so the idea is born to work with the Elfin. Well Onset and Ospi are in trouble. They were all but decimated, stretched so thin they can't keep up and so the idea is born to work with the Elfin. Well you can guess it doesn't really go smoothly. There is once again plenty of action and adventure, a few run ins with the Vampires and ongoing political issues. There are plenty of twists and turns although some are signposted it still made for a really good listen. As always the narration was excellent. This story wasn't quite as good as the first in the series but it was very good. On to the next. Overall 4.5 Performance 5 Story 4.5...more
I loved this book. The story is really well told and totally had me believing in a world of mages, werewolves and demons. The story is grounded in theI loved this book. The story is really well told and totally had me believing in a world of mages, werewolves and demons. The story is grounded in the "reality" of FBI and Homeland security but a secret government department of empowered humans and other folk that defend the US, and via other similar departments in other countries, the world, from demonic incursions, criminal vampire mafia-style families and other supernatural baddies. I was totally engrossed helped by the excellent narration of Ray Porter. This is a story with lots of action, some intrigue and surprisingly good characterisation. I am looking forward to the next in the series....more
I knew this series was becoming something that I didn't enjoy. I am now annoyed that I didn't let it go. Sadly this book was not very good. That is noI knew this series was becoming something that I didn't enjoy. I am now annoyed that I didn't let it go. Sadly this book was not very good. That is not to say there weren't moments that were interesting and entertaining but on the whole I struggled with this book. The main problem is that DCI Tanner is completely unlikeable. He is unprofessional, judgemental, and a bully, and very unlikeable. This makes the book very unbelievable and diminishes what could be a halfway decent story. The narration is pretty good and the narrator does a good job of trying to make this all seem very real. Overall 2.5 stars Narration 4.5 stars Story 2 stars....more
I enjoyed this story but it wasn't perfect. I rather enjoyed the time travel element but there are other aspects that stretched credibility too far (eI enjoyed this story but it wasn't perfect. I rather enjoyed the time travel element but there are other aspects that stretched credibility too far (even within the context of accepting time travel as possible) and a few characters who are almost parodies of themselves. However despite this I got into the story, loved the travel to different times and different countries. I quite enjoyed the disparate stories seeming to cross and merge although do find it irritating that this is not a whole book but a story that continues in the next two in the series. I am glad that the first book was on Audible included as there is no warning the story has a cliff-hanger ending. I want to know what happens next but am glad the second is on kindle unlimited as I wasn't prepared to buy the audible as I really hate this method of getting people to buy a book even one that was a good listen. Overall 3.5 stars Narration 4 stars story 3.5 stars...more
If you have read any other Jayne Ann Krentz book you have read this one. It has the same mix of real and paranormal, the same type of lead female charIf you have read any other Jayne Ann Krentz book you have read this one. It has the same mix of real and paranormal, the same type of lead female character, and the same type of male character. The story even re-uses a name from a previous book, (again something that has been done before). However this author is a guilty pleasure. This book, like many of her previous paranormal romances is easy to listen to, a story with a few twists but nothing too taxing and is surprisingly enjoyable. The paranormal is there but somehow just manages to stay on the side of too incredible to continue with. This is not a book for everyone but it is what it is and it is well done. Overall 3.5 Narration 4 Story 3.5...more
The story starts when Merritt Furnsby inherits a supposedly haunted house. He decides to move there and quickly is entrapped by the house that refusesThe story starts when Merritt Furnsby inherits a supposedly haunted house. He decides to move there and quickly is entrapped by the house that refuses to let him leave. Soon after "Mrs" Larkin appears to help to get things in order. There are magics in the house and at first it seems to resent the presence of the new owner but things change over time and as the back stories of the house, the owner, the housekeeper and the previous residents are revealed so too are new challenges to be overcome and evil from the past resurfaces to threaten their lives. I really enjoyed this book. It is engaging, well thought out with more depth than I expected and yet an easy listen with humour and at times poignancy. Overall 4.5 stars Narration 5 stars Story 4 stars....more
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