The Gravedigger’s Ball

The Coletti Novels, Book 2

By: Solomon Jones

Narrated by: Cary Hite

Length: 8 hrs and 6 mins

Publisher's summary

The next thrilling novel in the Colletti series from acclaimed author Solomon Jones.

Just weeks after tracking down a killer known as the Angel of Death, Detective Mike Coletti stands at Mary Smithson’s grave, mourning the woman whose betrayal nearly cost him his life. He’s joined there by Mary’s beautiful half sister, Lenore. Moments later, a gunshot splits the air, placing Coletti on a collision course with the Gravedigger, a killer hellbent on deciphering the secret of life and death. As bodies drop and tensions mount, clues are plucked from the victims, and one thing is abundantly clear—Lenore is the killer’s ultimate target. But to stop the Gravedigger, Coletti and his partners must go beyond protecting Lenore. They must go to the one place where life and death routinely meet. They must go back to the grave.

Also listen to the first book: The Last Confession.

©2011 Solomon Jones (P)2011 Blackstone Publishing, and Urban Audiobooks

Nicely Drawn Characters Make for a Worthwhile Read

This book starts off with a "bang" and picks up momentum. By the time it's over you stop and ask yourself, "did all that really happen in one day?" Indeed. The good thing about this book is that there are interesting characters and for a while, you're invested in their well being. Unfortunately, the ending is not fulfilling. The book jumps the shark, and a great set-up ends disappointingly.

Disappointing

What would have made The Gravedigger’s Ball better?

More character development and slower pacing. The story unfolded quickly which was fine, but it felt rushed, like there was more that could have been revealed but was omitted. Without giving away too much, the love story conflict and its resolution weren't satisfactory. In fact, the love story elements could have been omitted in favor of additional information about the antagonist.

After reading The Last Confession, I was anxious to read another book by this author. Unfortunately, this book just didn't measure up to the first one.

Has The Gravedigger’s Ball turned you off from other books in this genre?

No, in fact, I like the way Mr Jones writes. I was just disappointed with this book.

How could the performance have been better?

The reading was choppy and off-putting. I struggled to finish listening.

If you could play editor, what scene or scenes would you have cut from The Gravedigger’s Ball?

The love story elements and descriptions of Sandy Jackson. Unless the status of her appearance (hair, make-up, clothing) is germane to the action, it only served to stop the flow of the story