Janet H. Maddox

The story of the real Lord and Lady of the manor is as fascinating as the fictional Downton - and I am a Downton fan. I had no idea the real occupants of Highclere Castle were so fascinating. For anyone with a sincere interest in the period, this is a must.

The Duncan Kincaid and Gemma James books always provide a story that works on several levels, enough tension to keep things interesting, and a mystery that holds you. Combined with excellent narration, this volume provides an enjoyable listening experience. I especially like the way Crombie handles all her recurring characters so that each grows and develops additional dimensions, providing a second story that moves apace with the mystery and enriches the whole.

Listening to Gatsby reminded me why some authors clearly stand out from others as masters of the craft. Fitzgerald's use of language is a delightful reminder of the what storytelling can be. Gyllenhaal's presentation enhanced the joy of listening.

Elizabeth Wein has crafted a story of strong young women you have to love and admire, living in a time of high drama. Surprisingly uplifting despite telling a story that is at times difficult to hear, the book has stayed with me, providing food for thought and a wish to know more about the role of women in what is too often depicted as strictly a man's world, the world of war.

If you like historical fiction, this book is for you.

The Lindberghs shared an amazing life in exhilarating times. The book is interesting indeed, truly a fascinating story, well told. However, the book is told in the voice of Anne Lindbergh, writing as a woman of some 60 to 70 years, but telling the story primarily of their early years, tumultuous years together.

The only problem is with the performance. This was the first time I have been disappointed with the choice of reader for an Audible book. In this case, the reader is one who has a mature, almost elderly voice, yet most of the book is told by Anne Lindbergh as a twenty-something, and the voice is disconcerting. Anne is sometimes depicted as small and petty as you might expect a spoiled, privileged twenty-something to be. Read in a young person's voice, her resentments might be understood as immaturity. Read in the voice of the mature reader, she comes across as unbelievably petty and small-minded, whiney and irritating. I think the fault is primarily in the voice of the reader not matching the voice of the narrator. This is a case where the use of two readers, as was done with Water for Elephants, would have been preferable.

However, the story is worth the time spent listening. Just be aware that you might find the voice not perfectly fit to the story's narrator.

What a nice change of pace this book provides. It reads like fiction but purports to be true. The only shortcoming is that, like all true stories, there is no neat ending, so the listener is left wanting to know more about what happened to these people. The book is as interesting as the title.

The Duncan Kincaid/Gemma James series consistently provides a story worth hearing and characters you enjoy knowing and want to know better. A Finer End is a great place to start or to deepen your acquaintance with this pair of detectives who are such real people that you want them for friends.

I thoroughly enjoyed this perspective on England's involvement in WWII. I have no way to ascertain the veracity of the depiction of Mr. Churchill or of his office as prime minister, but the story is certainly interesting. The narration is also excellent. Highly recommended for those who enjoy historical fiction or just a good read.

Elizabeth Barrett and Robert Browning are interesting characters by any standard. This fictionalized tale as told by her lady's maid makes fascinating listening for anyone who finds the romantic poets of interest. Best of all, it is a marvelous period piece about the life of women in the first half of the 19th century and a look at the difference class made in the way people lived. All in all, an enjoyable listen.

Laura Lippman is not a new writer but this is the first of her books I have either read or listened to. I will find others. The story was interesting and engaging. The characters were believable though outside my frame of reference. The performance was excellent.