John

This book starts out great with a creepy crime, an interesting band of characters (both good and evil) and the typical hard-boiled detective, with a heart of gold. But about 2/3 of the way in, our detective and lead heroine turn into these mushy, sensitive alter-egos and it really just falls apart. The narration is ok, but gets a little touchy-feely too and lends to this feeling. It's as if the book starts out as "crime fiction" and finishes as "chick lit". I had a hard time finishing it, maybe more so because it started out so well.

I liked this story and in fact have enjoyed everything i've read by Hill. This isn't my favorite of his, but still definitely worth a listen. Good characters and story (tho the main character is a bit too naive sometimes). Narration was fine.

I'd guess it's difficult to follow up in a series but keep things original. I felt there a bit of repetition here, and the things that went different were a bit over the top. Michael is a bit too lucky for a guy who just bumbles from place to place. I do like the dialog and the narrator does it justice, i just found the story a bit off.

This was the first in the series that i've listened to and i definitely enjoyed it. Good characters that you want to know, and a good mystery. Kind of small town feel to it, even tho the main detective is from the city, but the setting made you wish you could visit. I'll try more in the series.

I read a few reviews that had me worried about this one, since i've enjoyed all the Virgil Flowers books so far. But this one didn't disappoint me at all. I enjoyed it and felt it was on par with the other books in the series. It's never too heavy, but always fun. Narration was good too.

Interesting characters and very good mystery. I have to admit, it was awhile ago that i listened to this and forgot to review it then, but i do recall that i enjoyed the story very much and "snuck" some extra time listening (i usually just listen while i jog). Recommended.

I thoroughly enjoyed listening to this book, and have to agree with others that said the narrator is perfect for the part. I especially liked the humor and comraderie between the characters. They felt real and like people you'd want to know. The mystery was interesting with just enough personal life thrown in so you got to know the characters, but didn't feel distracted. I'll definitely get the next in the series.

I read the first book in this series too. I think i skipped one to read this, but liked the idea of returning to 3 Pines. However, i found this book to be not as good. Seemed like all the good characters are painted a bit too good - and always better looking. And the bad characters a bit too obviously bad - and not so good looking (or badly dressed). Just too black and white for me i guess. Also, the murder itself just seemed far to contrived. It could happen i suppose, but sure seemed like it would take an awful lot of luck. Not trying to say it was all bad, Gamache is a good character, and there is some "comfort food" here, but i was definitely disappointed in my return to this world. Probably won't try again. Narration was good.

The story did have some humor, but you really need to enjoy crazy people to like this one. It's just a bit heavy handed when all the characters are nuts, except for the hero and his love interest... Maybe that's how Miami is, it's just not all that interesting to read about. In fact, the characters were more like caricatures in this story, not real life people, so ultimately, you just don't care what happens to any of them. Anyway, I won't be reading another by the author, just not to my tastes I guess.

It was a nice story, but be prepared with some insulin... this much sugar can be harmful. And i suppose that's my fault too - i normally read crime fiction and was looking for a change of pace. This was a change alright, just overly cute and cuddly for my tastes. I'm sure some love it, but it was not for me. Narration was fine.

I like most of Coben's other books, and have tried to get into this series, but this is the 3rd i've tried and I'm giving up. I just don't care for Myron being so darn "good" (at everything, to everyone), and Win being so "dark", and every female being a model, who can fight, and shoot... Everyone in the story is the best, at several things - nobody's average. It just feels like none of the characters are believable, let alone all of them being involved with each other. I know it's very popular - just not for me.