"Very disappointing story and narration"
I quite enjoyed the first book in the series, although I found the narrator a little irritating. I was looking forward to a second volume because I really liked Maggie and thought she was sensible and intelligent.
This one was really quite woeful. The plot line was totally unbelievable. For example Maggie managed to wander into police stations and get information from the police officers about a murder as a member of the general public. She and many other characters made multiple stupid decisions, without which the plot couldn't have moved along. She jumped to conclusions without any real evidence and caused problems that could have been avoided. When she stood up to the male characters, she carried on like a spoiled brat rather than like a strong woman demanding her rights (which I think is what we were supposed to think she was doing).
I am also not sure whether the author is American or whether the text has been adapted for the American listener, but the American English jarred on the lips of supposed English people.
The narrator drove me to distraction. As several other reviewers mentioned, she 'upspeaks' not just at the end of each sentence, but at the end of each phrase.
I am going back to Violet Winspear's Maisie Dobbs books which are set in a slightly earlier period but much more believable and far better written.
"too slow"
the story had potential but moves far too slow. I really struggled to keep going reading. probably will not continue with the series.
"Her voice is like fingernails on a blackboard."
The new narrator's voice ruins the whole experience. I don't know if I can listen to the rest of the series!
"Good story"
I liked the plot line, and I continue to enjoy the character development. I did not care for this narrator, though. I preferred Donada Pierce's voice talent more. This narrator was too high pitched of a voice for my taste.
"Performance ruins book"
I really enjoy the Maggie Hope stories, but this narrator is just awful. Yelling at full blast is her only way of expressing anger, tension or excitement. Truly irritating.
"Disappointing narration"
The Maggie Hope series offers archtypically "cozy" stories, so one doesn't expect much above 3 stars. The plots are strained, the characters are trimmed to fit and the author's understanding of the inner workings of the military and civil institutions into which she's placed those characters seems shallow. However, bringing back Donada Peters for the second and subsequent books would have enhanced the "star" value.
The first book, Mr Churchill's Secretary, was a pleasant accompaniment to a long trip across the flat plains of Texas and Oklahoma. Sadly, I could not finish even the fourth chapter of the second book.
The narration suffers from two major deficiencies. - First, the narrative, story-telling segments are delivered in an unnatural rhythm and tone, with five- or six-word phrases not related to the text content, and a rise-and-fall pattern that is more suited to the nursery. - Second, someone decided to have the German characters speak to each other in German accents. Really cheesy accents.
I'm continuing to read Princess Elizabeth's Spy in the Kindle edition. We'll have to wait a few more chapters to see if it the book is worth finishing.
"Not a fan of narrator"
Yes because I love the story
Maggie and Hugh
Yes
Would rather have the narrator of the first book back
"Princess Elizabeth Spy"
Queen Elizabeth as a 14 yr old girl during WW II as heroine in her story. With aid off mi5 agent Maggie Hope placed in Westminster as a math teacher to princess.
"Love the story and the writing,"
I love the story and the writing, do not at all like the narrator. Much prefer the narrator for the first book and wish they would bring her back.
"Good thriller"
The story is intriguing, if a little stretched. It is worth reading, once one get used to the reader's irritating cadence.