Cold Comfort

By: Ellis Vidler

Narrated by: April Grace Lowe

After she's dumped by her faithless fiancee, Claire Spencer abandons her dreams of a family of her own. Instead, she plots her solo course and settles for a quiet life as an independent Williamsburg shop owner. So how does she become a killer's target?

Sometime security consultant Riley, burned out, stung by his ex-wife, and haunted by a young girl he couldn't save, vows never to work with women again. But when a thug tries to kill Claire and she winds up in Riley's arms, his plans go all to hell. Knowing she's in danger, his protective instincts won't let him walk away.

Old letters in a hidden trunk reveal long-buried secrets, leading Claire and Riley to political connections with organized crime and Mob hitmen. While dodging a speeding car, ducking bullets, and escaping through murky swamp waters, conventional Claire and freewheeling Riley struggle against their powerful chemistry - if she's picket fences, he's barbed wire. Opposites do attract.

©2011 Ellis Vidler (P)2014 Ellis Vidler

Thrilling story, gripping narration

What did you love best about Cold Comfort?

I love these kind of genre mashups, between thriller and romance. Both elements worked well here, and the author knows how to play all the necessary notes expertly.

Have you listened to any of April Grace Lowe’s other performances before? How does this one compare?

April's narration is amazing. A lot of narrators just sound like they're reading a laundry list. Every moment of April's performance (and that's what it is - a PERFORMANCE) is infused with emotion and characterization. I will definitely seek out more of her books.

A Non-Stop Thrill Ride!

Would you listen to Cold Comfort again? Why?

I'm saving it in my library and will probably come back to listen to all of Ellis Vidler's book in the future. They are great books.

Who was your favorite character and why?

I really loved Ben Riley, a man's man. The guy was complex, strong as a bull, and smart. Claire was a good protagonist, but she kept making me mad at her. LOL. She seemed to want to run head long into trouble without thinking about her safety, and I could see why Riley would get frustrated with that. I also loved some of the minor characters like the old geezer who let them come into his cabin (and share his moonshine) after the swamp scene, and even the Senator in the end. All of the characters stood out as very unique and special - I never got confused as to who was who!

What does April Grace Lowe bring to the story that you wouldn’t experience if you just read the book?

April did a good job differentiating the characters. I liked her male voices, but I felt her female voice was a little too "wobbly" in places. I mean that she made Claire sound afraid more than I would have liked - does that make sense? Overall, though, a great job. (there were several chapters in the end where the edits weren't done correctly - chairs scraping, etc. but I think this was probably an uploading error - wrong chapters? That's why I gave the performance a 4 instead of a 5)

Did you have an extreme reaction to this book? Did it make you laugh or cry?

I loved the tense action scenes - and the constant twists and turns. I couldn't wait to get back to the story, especially when things were heating up like crazy in the end of the story! That swamp scene will stay with me for a long time. Wonderful imagery!

Any additional comments?

I loved the step by step unraveling of Claire's past life - each revelation was more and more surprising, and I kept rooting for her to find her roots and family. It was a great mystery, great suspense, great thriller, and romance. All in one! Wonderful job, Ms. Vidler!

Thrilling and exciting...

I loved this book! It is thrilling, exciting, dangerous , romantic and so twisted! The thought that had to go into the story in just incredible. Lies and deceit that have been going on for over 30 years too! Add the mafia to this story and you have a great read!

The author, Ellis Vidler once again does a fantastic job at keeping me glued to my computer so I don't miss a clue. An arm gripping suspense tale that will chill you (as it did me) right down to the bone! It was that good! The narrator, April Grace Lowe delivers a flawless read with multiple voices, accents and emotions which only adds to the excitement and the story! What a great read this book turned out to be!

Great translation of the book

Would you consider the audio edition of Cold Comfort to be better than the print version?

This is a tough one. I had read the book, but the audio added an extra dimension in rounding out the characters

Did the plot keep you on the edge of your seat? How?

Even though I knew the story, it had been a while since I'd read it, and I'd forgotten some of the scenes. I was completely engrossed in the story.

What about April Grace Lowe’s performance did you like?

April did a nice job defining the characters and instilling the right emotions when needed.

If you were to make a film of this book, what would the tag line be?

A romantic thriller with a touch of political intrigue.

Any additional comments?

Ms. Vidler knows how to create a story that keeps you guessing until the end.

Things Aren't What They Seem

When the unassuming owner of a Christmas shoppe is attacked, she sets out, with the help of a private investigator, to search for the attackers and the reason for their interest in her. What they find may give her the things she's always dreamed of ... if she survives the journey.
This story is action packed with a compelling and sympathetic heroine, a strong, enigmatic and thoroughly likable hero, dark, underworld villains and a complex, mystery that has more twists and turns than a big city highway interchange. There were a few laughs, a few gasps as secrets were revealed and a lot of hold-your-breath moments as Claire and Riley rush from one death-defying conflict to another.
If you're a fan of mystery-suspense stories, you will love this one.