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The White Russian Caper: The Damien Dickens Mysteries 5 Stars

Friday, 4 November 2016

Written by: Phyllis Entis
Narrated by: Tom Lennon
Length: 8 hrs and 12 mins
Series: Damien Dickens Mysteries, Book 2
Unabridged Audiobook
Release Date:08-05-16
Publisher: Quintzy Press
Whispersync for Voice-ready

Summary
A mortally wounded Miss America entrusts a mysterious Russian coin to Damien Dickens, PI, before she dies. After Damien disappears while researching the significance of the coin, Millie tracks her husband's abductor to Florida. When his captor falls to his death from the balcony of a seventh floor apartment, Damien escapes; then he and Millie join forces to unravel the web of intrigue surrounding the Russian coin and its connection to the murder of Miss America.

Review
This is the second book in the series and can probably be read as a standalone, but I would highly recommend that you read The Green Pearl Caper first.

Damien gets a call for help from the somewhat foppish Stephane Major, manager of the Boardwalk Hall, home of the Miss America Pageant. The good Mr. Major is overwrought, Miss America is missing! Damien agrees to meet him at the Boardwalk Hotel and Casino where Miss America - aka Miss Cynthia Mills - has her suite.
When Damien searches her rooms he discovers her in the bathroom. She has been badly beaten and is on the point of death, but she manages to convey to him that he must safeguard an old coin. She dies before she can provide any more information.
The distraught Stephane Major begs Damien for help, Damien accepts, but his investigations lead him in to great danger and he is abducted.

His resourceful wife Millie decides that she will find her husband who, having escaped from his captors has had to undertake a gruelling trek from somewhere in the wilds to somewhere civilised. He becomes ill and confused, eventually a police officer, thinking that Damien was drunk, drugged or crazy, approached him to see what his problem was and, as thanks, got his nose broken! Damien is taken to hospital but nobody knows who he is.
Meanwhile, Millie is still searching for him, and there follows great drama and excitement.

We were introduced to Millie in the first Damien Dickens mystery, "The Green Pearl Caper".
Millie worked as Damien's secretary until things went awry, but happily, they were eventually married. I was delighted to discover that in this latest mystery, Millie's character has been greatly expanded, part of this book is written from Millie's point of view, which, in my opinion is an excellent move, adding dimension and interest to the story.

This was a thoroughly enjoyable listen, a great mystery, lovely ending and with some wonderful characters, Particularly Millie and the unforgettable Mr. Stephane Major, n’est-ce pas?

Narrated by Tom Lennon who, once more does an excellent job. By using just the subtlest changes of tone, rhythm and pitch he makes each character so distinct and recognisable. He is very easy to listen to, his voice never intrudes upon the story but enhances it.
The recording quality is excellent.
Audiobook provided by the narrator, author or publisher for an unbiased review

Triple Crown by Felix Francis: 4 Stars

Wednesday, 2 November 2016

Title: Triple Crown
Author: Felix Francis
Published by: Bolinda Publishing Pty Ltd
Published: September 22 2016
Narrator: Martin Jarvis
Number of CDs / Tapes: 9
Duration: 9 hours 58 minutes
ISBN: 9781489352262
Source: Bolinda Publishing

Review

I was always a fan of the novels of the late Dick Francis and so was delighted to have the opportunity to review Triple Crown written by his son, Felix Francis. This is his 10th novel and the 3rd to feature Jeff (Jefferson) Hinckley who works as a (sometime) undercover operative for the British Horseracing Authority.

Triple Crown leads on from the previous book Front Runner which ended with Jeffs life being in a bit of a mess, and to add to his troubles his girlfriend had left him. He was ripe for change when he meets Tony Andretti, the deputy director of the US Federal Anti-Corruption in Sports Agency (FACSA).

Tony suspects that one of his team is leaking information to certain horse trainers because they always seem to be prepared for the raids. Wanting to bring in an unknown face he approaches Jeff as a potential investigator. Jeff and his employers agree and he soon finds himself on a plane flying off to Kentucky for the first race in the Triple crown The Kentucky Derby, where another bust has been planned. It goes terribly wrong, someone gets killed. On race day, three horses have to be withdrawn because of an unidentified illness, which strikes everyone as being highly suspicious.

Believing that he will not learn anything of much use by simply mingling and observing, Jeff thinks that his best bet will be to go undercover. Posing as an Irish groom with ID provided by FACSA he gets a job at Belmont Park, home of the Belmont Stakes. This proves to be a bit of a challenge as unlike the British strapper whose job description can include several roles, the Americans appear to have a strict hierarchy of stable staff, Jeff has to be careful cross any of those lines.

During all this time Jeff is learning a great deal about the differences between American and British horse racing, and also of the complications caused by State specific racing regulations. He finds it hard to accept some of these differences and also seems quite shocked by the American gun laws.

As the story progresses, the suspense excitement builds towards the big finale.

As mentioned, this is the third Jefferson Hinkley book but the first that I have read, however, I’m happy to recommend it as a standalone.

I really enjoyed listening to this story, but racing and horse lover that I am, I did feel that some passages were a tad over abundant with detailing the rules and regulations of the British and American racing worlds, this did impinge on the flow of the story. Also I’m not sure if American readers will appreciate some of the less than favourable comparisons between the American and British approaches to the management of horse racing - and other things! Hence the four stars.

Narrator

Narrated by Martin Jarvis who is a well respected British actor who has several television roles to his credit. He has also won many Earphone Awards and the coveted Golden Voices gong awarded to him by the highly regarded Audio File magazine.

Martin Jarvis, as would be expected, reads beautifully and easily with his lovely golden voice. It’s not all about the voice though, the cadence, rhythm and timing are spot on. Each character, being given their own voice, is easily identifiable. Wonderful job, but … perhaps Irish accents are not quite his forte?

I found the recording to be of the highest quality, crisp, clear with not one discernible glitch.

Copy provided by Bolinda Publishing for an unbiased review.

We Are Holding the President Hostage: Warren Adler 4 Stars

Thursday, 18 August 2016

Written by: Warren Adler

Narrated by: Eric Bryan Moore

Length: 8 hrs and 44 mins

Unabridged Audiobook

Release Date:05-18-16

Publisher: Stonehouse Productions

4 STARS

Publisher's Summary

Ageing mafia Don Salvatore Padronelli, a.k.a. the Padre, is furious when fanatical terrorists capture his beloved daughter and grandson on a trip to Egypt. Fed up with diplomatic caution that prolongs their captivity, the Padre and his loyal henchman cleverly insinuate themselves into the White House and hold the President and his wife hostage. Now the Padre calls the shots on getting the President to take steps to release his family. This classic confrontation between two men on utterly opposite sides of the law is laced with humor and illustrates how fierce paternal love can motivate even the most ruthless of gangsters into reckless acts of courage and bravery.

Review

We Are Holding the President Hostage was first published in 1986, now, 30 years later it is available as an ebook and audiobook.

The story opens in Egypt with the attempted kidnapping of an American Assistant Secretary of State, when this went awry, the terrorists immediately changed plans and kidnapped Maria Michaels and her five year old son Joey who happened to be in the wrong place at the wrong time.

The kidnapper, Ahmed, has no idea that Maria is the daughter of the very powerful Mafia leader, Salvatore Padronelli “The Padre”.

The Presidents attempts to negotiate freedom for Maria and Joey are failing and the Padre is becoming very impatient.

The Padre holds a meeting and tells his men of his audacious plan.

Meanwhile, at The White House, first lady Amy Bernard is finalising plans for a grand State Dinner.

The evening of the dinner is when the Padre strikes, some of his men, dressed as waiters, snatch the President and hold him hostage in the presidential quarters.

However, things do not proceed as smoothly or as quickly as the Padre had expected.

Meanwhile, Maria and Joey are in captivity with only their basic needs being met, it is quite touching, the way Maria attempts to comfort her son.

Back at the White House it’s interesting to hear of some of the less ethical plans that some of the Presidents men come up with.

The final plan causes the First Lady to doubt her husbands integrity and the tension is building.

Though a little slow to start, this was an exciting read, I couldn’t wait to find out how they would resolve the situation, and there is a little twist in the tail.

I would also recommend it even if the reader has no interest in politics.

Narrator

Eric Bryan Moore has a versatile voice ranging from the trusting to the menacing. His good pace and rhythm carries the story well and makes it an easy listen. He gave a distinct voice to each character of which there were many, the accents, again, quite a few, sounded natural and authentic.

I hope we will be hearing more of him in the future

Audiobook provided by the producer, author or narrator in return for an unbiased review

Harry Starke Book One

Tuesday, 22 March 2016

Written by: Blair Howard
Narrated by: Tom Lennon
Length: 7 hrs and 25 mins
Series: Harry Starke, Book 1
Unabridged Audiobook
Release Date:11-24-15
Publisher: Blair Howard

Summary
Why did Tabitha Willard throw herself off the Walnut Street Bridge?
It's almost midnight, bitterly cold and snowing, when a beautiful young girl, Tabitha Willard, throws herself off the Walnut Street Bridge into the icy waters of the Tennessee. Harry Starke is there, on the bridge. Wrong time, wrong place? Maybe. He tries but is unable to stop her. Thus begins a series of events and an investigation that involves a local United States congressman, a senior lady senator from Boston, a local crime boss, several very nasty individuals, sex, extortion, high finance, corruption, and three murders. Harry has to work his way through a web of deceit and corruption until finally...Well, as always, there's a twist in the tale - several in fact.
Who is Harry Starke?
Harry Starke is a private detective, a big fish in a small pond. He's a tough individual with a past, a conscience, and friends in high places. He's single, successful, wealthy, a womanizer, well-educated, and he will hurt you if he needs to. This book is the first in the series of Harry Starke novels.
Review
First of all, despite sex and violence being mentioned in the blurb I don't believe many would find it too disturbing or distasteful to read, it's all pretty mild stuff.
Harry had tried to save the girl, his efforts failed. While he was waiting for the police to arrive he did what any P.I. would do, he went through her handbag, what he found there among the contents aroused his curiosity.
Though everybody agreed that Tabitha had taken her own life, nobody could offer a reason for why she would do such a thing. Harry, feeling that something bad was going on made it his business to find out what had driven her to such desperate measures. Little could anyone know of how complex and twisted the road to truth would become!

Harry has contacts, lots of them, good people and bad people and he makes full use of them all, including his wealthy father. These diverse characters makes for some interesting interactions which, in turn, makes good reading. I'm not quite sure what to make of Harry as he comes across as a really nice guy with that Southern gentlemanly way of speaking, yet he seems to have no qualms about using a bit of violence against those who cross him.

There's a bit of complicated romancing going on in Harrys' life too, it's almost off with the old love and almost on with the new. Believe me, he met one of his ladies in a most unusual and interesting way.
I thoroughly enjoyed this book as it's the really good and solid type of P.I. fiction that I love and I intend to read more, it will be interesting to discover a little of Harrys' true character, and read more of his adventures.

Narrator
I don't know who chose Tom Lennon to play Harry, but they could not have made a better choice. I can't fault him, the pace and rhythmn were spot on and he has one of those voices and way of speaking that could convince you of anything. He certainly has mastered the art of nuance, with just the subtlest change in speech Harry goes from friendly guy to your worst enemy, and it's this smallest change of delivery that creates such authenticity. Fabulous narration, Tom Lennon aced this high quality production.
Audiobook provided by the narrator, author or publisher in return for an honest review

Think of a Number Dave Gurney Book 1

Wednesday, 13 January 2016

Written by: John Verdon
Narrated by: George Newbern
Length: 13 hrs and 30 mins
Series: Dave Gurney, Book 1
Unabridged Audiobook
Release Date:07-06-10
Publisher: Random House Audio
Available from Audible
2 STAR REVIEW
Publishers Summary
An extraordinary fiction debut, Think of a Number is an exquisitely plotted novel of suspense that grows relentlessly darker and more frightening as its pace accelerates, forcing its deeply troubled characters to moments of startling self-revelation. Arriving in the mail over a period of weeks are taunting letters that end with a simple declaration: “Think of any number…picture it…now see how well I know your secrets.” Amazingly, those who comply find that the letter writer has predicted their random choice exactly.
For Dave Gurney, just retired as the NYPD’s top homicide investigator and forging a new life with his wife, Madeleine, in upstate New York, the letters are oddities that begin as a diverting puzzle but quickly ignite a massive serial murder investigation. What police are confronted with is a completely baffling killer, one who is fond of rhymes filled with threats and warnings, whose attention to detail is unprecedented, and who has an uncanny knack for disappearing into thin air. Even more disturbing, the scale of his ambition seems to widen as events unfold. Brought in as an investigative consultant, Dave Gurney soon accomplishes deductive breakthroughs that leave local police in awe. Yet, even as he matches wits with his seemingly clairvoyant opponent, Gurney’s tragedy-marred past rises up to haunt him, his marriage approaches a dangerous precipice, and finally, a dark, cold fear builds that he’s met an adversary who can’t be stopped.
In the end, fighting to keep his bearings amid a whirlwind of menace and destruction, Gurney sees the truth of what he’s become – what we all become when guilty memories fester – and how his wife Madeleine’s clear-eyed advice may be the only answer that makes sense.
©2005 John Verdon (P)2010 Random House
My Review
Like many Audible members with just one credit per month to spend, I choose my books carefully. This book not only has a plethora of 5 star reader reviews but has also received fulsome praise from some big name authors, here are some excerpts:

"Rarely have I read a debut novel that has gripped me as this one has from the first page to the last" .... Nelson De Mille

"John Verdon's Think of a Number is simply one of the best thrillers I've read in a lifetime of thriller reading ... eloquent, heart- rending, deeply suspenseful on many levels, and relentlessly intelligent" .... John Lescroart.

"Verdon's protagonist Dave Gurney is one for the ages, and readers everywhere will surely clamour to see this man again" .... David Baldacci.

(See full comments on the Audible page)
Yet another temptation to choose this book was the fact that it is the first in a series, and I'm always on the lookout for a good mystery series. For all that, it soon became clear that this book was not meant for me, I didn't much care for the story. It started off well enough and I was certainly grabbed by the "think of a number" conundrum, but as I listened my interest waned, and here's why: The characters, none of them seemed to be fully developed, I neither got to know or found a connection with anyone sufficient enough to either like or dislike them. Madeleine, Dave Gurneys' wife for example, who was to contribute much to the solving of the case, remained in the shadowy background having just a few sentences here and there. We were given hints of her story but I would have liked to have known more about her.
Dave, throughout the story is touted by his past colleagues as having been a top notch detective, a genius at his work, which is why I couldn't understand why it took him so very long to solve the mysteries, (because even I could) indeed, there was a huge clue early on, which had it not been missed, would have led straight to the perpetrator. It was from this point on that the story lost all credulity for me. In fact it was his wife who provided him with the wherewithal to solve these mysteries. Madeleine is, in my opinion the genius in that marraige. Parts of this story are greatly detailed, including as it does a complete psychological lecture and a few meetings which, as in real life, (therefore quite realistic) did drag on a bit thereby slowing the flow. I really wanted less talk and more action.This is a book with wonderful reviews and critical acclaim, and it's not easy for a reviewer to write of ones dissatisfaction with such a lauded work. Nevertheless, I do believe that this book is a good example of that which pleases many people doesn't please all.

Narrator
Narrated by George Newburn who has a pleasant voice but does use a similar pitch and tone for all, this made character differentiation a little hard. I found the narration somewhat inconsistent in that for most of the time he sounded a tad disinterested, he did though, show a bit of enthusiasm at times.
This is my own copy of Think of a Number purchased from Audible US

Cached Out: A Cliff Knowles Mystery

Monday, 4 January 2016

Written by: Russell Atkinson

Narrated by: Joe Hempel

Length: 14 hrs and 50 mins

Unabridged Audiobook

Release Date:11-09-15

Publisher: Russell Atkinson

Available from Audible

Publishers Summary

Newly retired from the FBI and alone after the tragic death of his wife, Cliff Knowles takes up geocaching. While looking for a cache in the mountains, he comes across a human skeleton and reports it to the sheriff's office. Then a second body is found - a fresh corpse this time - right after Cliff found another geocache nearby. When it turns out the first remains are those of a fugitive he was supposed to arrest years earlier, he becomes a suspect in a multiple homicide investigation. He has no choice but to use his sleuthing skills to identify the mysterious cache owner, known only as Enigmal, and free himself from suspicion.

Cached Out is the second book in the popular Cliff Knowles Mysteries series. The author is a retired FBI agent. Many of his books are inspired by actual FBI cases.

My Review

You haven't heard of geocaching? No, nor had I, but this is how it goes: it's a bit like a treasure hunt for smart people, the clues to the cache are in the form of GPRS co-ordinates. If you read this book you will find out more, much more, so very much more about this, well, how do I describe it, hobby? Pursuit? Obsession? I think you get my drift, the author is an obvious enthusiast, actually, probably an expert, and he likes to let you know, everything, far too much for me, I just lost interest.

I broke my rule for this book by reading a few reviews prior to posting my own, seems all these (to me) endless details go down a treat with some of the readers.

So there! Audiothing, what do I know? The author also happens to be an ex Federal Special Agent, so yes, he knows what he's talking about when it comes to crime and criminals. Now I do love a procedural, I really do, but again I felt overwhelmed by details, just too many details. When I come across these lengthy explanations in a work of fiction, it makes me feel that the author underestimates the readers' ability to understand anything, unless given a lengthy and detailed lesson.

However, apart from these criticisms, the book does contain a cracking good story full of interesting characters, exciting moments, cliffhangers and lots of good old mystery. Now here's the rub! Review sites expect a star rating and I can only go with 3 for the story. A smart editor could knock 4 hours of the length of this listen simply by weeding out extraneous material, then it would be a 5 star for sure, but that's just my opinion.

Narrator

Narrated by Joe Hempel who has been blessed with a pleasant and easy to listen to voice. Character definition is good, I had no trouble in identifying the male characters of the story. Unfortunately I can't say the same for the female characters, it takes a bit more than simply raising the pitch of the voice. I reckon if he worked on that a bit, then he'd be a top notch narrator.

This audiobook was provided by the author, narrator, or publisher at no cost in exchange for an unbiased review courtesy of AudiobookBlast dot com

The Casanova Killer

Thursday, 31 December 2015

Written by Jack Smith

Narrated by John N. Gully

Length: 1 hour 29 minutes

Unabridged Audiobook

Released 2/11/15

Published by Kemah Bay Marketing LLC

Available from Audible

Publishers Summary

"Paul John Knowles, nicknamed the Casanova Killer, went on a four-month killing spree in 1974. He still remains one of the lesser known serial killers of his generation. Learn all about this psychopath who wanted fame before his life ended.

November 7, 1974

As she entered her home in Milledgeville, Georgia, all Ellen Carr probably had on her mind was going to bed. She was a registered nurse who worked a night shift, and although her small family welcomed the money, the job was a demanding one.

Inside, the house was unnaturally quiet. She found that odd. Her husband, 45-year-old businessman Carswell Carr, and 15-year-old daughter, Amanda, usually greeted her when she came home from the hospital.

That wasn't the only sign that something was seriously amiss. As an investigator later put it, "The [place] looked as if it had been attacked by an animal." Mirrors were smashed. Slashed furniture lay everywhere, some of it in pieces. Books from the bookshelves littered the floor.

Had they been robbed? Where were Carswell and Mandy? Heart pounding, Mrs. Carr ran from room to room, calling out. Minutes later, she was back outside, screaming hysterically. Neighbors called the police to what was obviously the scene of gruesome double ........

My Review

At around 1/12 hours in length this is obviously not an in-depth study of these horrendous murders, nor does it delve deeply into the possible causes of psychopathy. What is though is an almost detached rendering of the basic facts. Facts which are quite shocking to read or to listen to. I'm surprised that I had no prior knowledge of this killer who, despite his terrible acts of violence, somehow escaped the notoriety of other serial killers.

I mostly read crime fiction and, whilst listening to this I realised I had to change my listening mode, I had to stop allowing this information to merely flow through my head, bypassing the deeper thought processes, it dawned on me: this stuff is real! A human being actually did this to another human being! Once this thought sinks in, well, that's when it becomes a little harrowing, especially so when this man, this fellow member of the human race, committed these crimes for his own pleasure. Best not to attempt to understand why.

I like the way this book is written, it gives us the bare facts, dig deeper if you will.

Narrator

Narrated by John N. Gully, and what a darned good job he made of it too. He has a pleasant, easy to listen to and clear voice and related this account of the crimes of Paul John Knowles in exactly the right manner.

It would have been easy to spoil the narration by using a news reporter or advertising voiceover style, I'm so pleased he avoided this through his use of a professional and dignified approach