A Generation of Vipers

Nell Ward, Book 4

By: Sarah Yarwood-Lovett

Narrated by: Kristin Atherton

Length: 10 hrs and 21 mins

Publisher's summary

A killer is hiding in plain sight, like a snake in the long grass...

When Dr Nell Ward stumbles across a woman's body amongst the purple heather on Furze Heath, she was on the lookout for nests of poisonous adders.

But something is lurking out here far more dangerous than vipers.

A cold-blooded killer is on the loose and this is not his first victim. As DI James Clark begins to investigate, a pattern emerges pointing towards this being the work of a serial killer. Every victim shares the same physical characteristics - all of which are a match to Nell herself.

As Nell is pulled into a tightly coiled mystery, she can't help feeling someone is tracking her every move...

Can she unmask the murderer before they strike again?

A completely gripping cosy mystery, perfect for fans of Richard Osman, Janice Hallett and Robert Thorogood.

©2023 Sarah Yarwood-Lovett (P)2023 Bonnier Books UK

Amazing narrator

The range of voices, emotions, and acting of narrator was amazing. Sorry I felt was best of series. Looking forward to next book,

LOVE the ecology of it all!

I’m such a fan of murder mysteries as is, but adding so much detail about creatures in nature is truly the icing on the cake. I’ve listened to all of the Nell Ward books so far, and “the” scene in the car (no spoilers) was so well written I couldn’t stop listening or holding my breath.

Love the ecology science lessons

Yarwood-Lovett has a perfect blend of mystery, romance, and a science lesson in her books. I love hearing the ecology behind the setting while reading the book and at the end. Her passion for the earth is evident.

Excellent narration , characters exhaust me.

The continuing themes of “does he love me?” “am I good enough” “oh, I feel so guilty” are exhausting. They are at odds with the clever and intelligent competence of our main character, yet she keeps dragging her self down in those themes. Also, the bit about giving us glimpses into the mind of the perpetrator, cleverly using only pronouns, so we have to keep guessing, becomes tedious. That said, I feel like each of the characters were left in a strong place at the end of this one, and hope that they can move forward, solving the mystery and crimes, and not whingeing about themselves.

Another winner

I’ve loved all of these Nell Ward books, and this lastest was just good. Thoroughly enjoyed the story line and the deep character dives.

Huge eye roll.

Spoiler!
The old trope of the main character not listening to people about her safety then getting hurt not once but twice is exhausting. This is supposed to be a smart successful woman. Ugh.
This series could be soooo great. It’s almost there. Trust the readers. At this point this series is hurting my feelings with idiotic characters who are allegedly smart.

Worst of the series so far

This rating odds not due to the snakes, but to the apparent belief without evidence that criminality is inheritable (down to the characteristics of the victims, apparently) and that harsher sentences not only deter but also prevent crimes.

This Series Has Gone Downhill

I really loved the first book. The writing has gotten laughably bad. The heroine has become ridiculously obtuse. She was once smart, capable, interesting - now she seems incompetent. It's like she's learned nothing from her experiences. Her dialog and poor communication skills with Rav are painful to listen to. The insertion of Feminisim 101 concepts is awkward and clunky. Overall, I give it 2 stars for good narration.