Tantor Audio / Audiobook and Book Reviews by Audiothing

Killer on the Fens: Joy Ellis 5 Stars

Tuesday, 4 April 2017

Series: DI Nikki Galena, Book 4

Written by: Joy Ellis

Narrated by: Henrietta Meire

Length: 6 hrs and 34 mins

Unabridged Audiobook

Release Date:02-28-17

Publisher: Tantor Audio

This is the fourth book in the series and it follows on nicely from the previous books.

Nikki, still fragile following the death of her daughter, now face the inevitable loss of her father. During the end stages of his dementing illness he tells Nikki that she must “find Eve”.

DS Joseph Easter is on leave, his daughter Tamsin is staying with him, their relationship is still on very shaky ground. Deciding that they both needed something that they could do together, Joseph asks Tamsin to help him find the elusive Eve. Joseph is surprised at Tamsin’s efficiency and skill at putting together all the little clues gleaned from old papers and photographs.

Meanwhile Nikki must solve what turns out to be an extraordinary and complex case, her investigations lead her to a very strange and eerie underground location.

It all begins with the discovery of a badly injured young man who had fallen down a shaft, he was near to death. Later, when the murders begin, this young man is brought to Nikki’s attention. His grandmother is missing, as are some of the stray animals she had adopted.

Strange lights appear on the Fens, they are witnessed by police officers but their source cannot be found. Are they connected to the murders?

This is another intriguing mystery story in a series that continues to get better, and, in my opinion, this is the best one yet.

For those who love audiobooks, the narrator can make or break a story.

Luckily for us listeners Henrietta Meire continues to narrate this series and, as always, does a great job. Take a look at my reviews of previous “Fens” mysteries to read more about Henrietta. This recording is of excellent quality.

Copy provided by Tantor Media for an unbiased review

Links to

Book 3 Hunted on the Fens

Book 2 Shadow over the Fens

Hunted on the Fens 5 Stars

Wednesday, 8 March 2017

Written by: Joy Ellis

Narrated by: Henrietta Meire

Length: 9 hrs

Series: DI Nikki Galena, Book 3

Unabridged Audiobook

Release Date:01-31-17

Publisher: Tantor Audio

Publishers Summary

DI Nikki Galena faces her toughest challenge yet. Can she save her team and herself from a cruel and determined adversary who will stop at nothing to harm Nikki and her colleagues? First she must work out who wants revenge against her or one of her detectives. Full of twists and turns, this is a crime novel that will keep listeners riveted until the stunning ending.

And what is the connection between the series of attacks on the police and the mystery of woman found dead in a seemingly impregnable locked room? Find out in this tense and exciting detective thriller.

Review

This series is fast becoming a favourite with me, each story seems to get better than the last.

Nikki Galena returns to work to face a very strange case, a woman has been found murdered in her apartment. To complicate the case, the apartment building is equipped with a top of the range security system. How did the murderer gain entry? It’s a real locked room mystery that none of the tech types can solve.

Nikki soon has to concentrate on a more urgent case, someone is out to get her and her team. Who is it? Where will they strike next? Who is next on the list?

When her team members start to suffer Nikki goes all out to solve this case. Tired and stressed by both her work and her personal troubles, Nikki softens a little and accepts moral and practical support from D.S. Joe Easter.

In turn, Nikki acts as a buffer between Joe and his estranged daughter.

Cat develops her computer skills to help with the case, and Dave, well, you won’t believe what happens to Dave.

This is fully engaging, fast paced character driven story, there is so much going on yet author Joy Ellis keeps it all flowing smoothly.

Narrated by the fabulous Henrietta Meire who brings life and vibrancy to the characters. Not only are the characters’ voices consistent within the book, but throughout the series. Oh, and she does a very good snarky and mean teenager!

The quality of this recording is excellent.

Review copy provided by Tantor Audio

Visit Joy Ellis

Visit Henrietta Meire

Shadow over the Fens: by Joy Ellis

Friday, 10 February 2017

Shadow over the Fens: DI Nikki Galena Series, Book 2
Author Joy Ellis
Narrated by Henrietta Meire
Publication date Dec 27, 2016
Running time 7 hrs 22 min
Publisher: Tantor Audio
4 Stars

Publishers Summary
Detective Nikki Galena’s friend and neighbour meets a tragic end but there’s more to his death than meets the eye . . .

And someone terrible from DS Joseph Easter’s past is back . . .
A man is found executed on a piece of wasteland in Greenborough town. The cold-blooded murder triggers terrible memories for DS Joseph Easter.
Just when things seemed to be going well for DS Easter, he realises that the nightmare is coming back, threatening his career, his sanity, and maybe his life.
In a breath-taking conclusion even Nikki begins to doubt DS Easter as he faces a race against time to save someone very close to him.
Review
This second book follows straight on from the first, Nikki Galena and Joe Easter now are working together in the Fens area.
When Nikki’s neighbour, Martin Durham, calls by her cottage one day he offers to slap a coat of paint on her garden gate. Next thing she knows is that Martin, acting like a crazed man, careers up the steps of the church tower and jumps off to his death. Nikki does not accept that he took his own life despite it being the obvious conclusion, she decides to dig around to see what she can uncover …

The sight of a murder victim shocks Joe Easter almost beyond words, he fears his old nemesis has returned to persecute him. Meanwhile, he has met a woman who just might be the one for him …

There is a lot going on in this twisty tale, eventually the strands merge to reveal a very smart and well written plot. Plenty of action and suspense keep the reader well engaged throughout, plus there is an exciting end!

The single most impressive thing about this story for me is how well the author has developed the character of Nikki Galena. In the first book Nikki was the ubiquitous arrogant and flawed cop who always knows best, the one who always somehow avoids getting kicked off the job.
Thankfully, in this second book her character is far more realistic. She remains tough, edgy and strong but is far more believable.
I would recommend this series to anyone who enjoys police procedurals with a good, twisty plot.
Narration
Narrated by Henrietta Meire who gives us an excellent performance. I thought she captured Nikki’s accent and character particularly well, brisk and to the point with a bit of attitude.
All the characters are well differentiated which is pretty important when listening to a story.
Her voice is pleasing to the ear and has good rhythm and cadence.
Excellent recording quality.
Review copy provided by Tantor Audio