The Queen of Bedlam

A Matthew Corbett Novel, Book 2

By: Robert R. McCammon

Narrated by: Edoardo Ballerini

Length: 23 hrs and 23 mins

Publisher's summary

His epic masterwork Speaks the Nightbird, a tour de force of witch hunt terror in a colonial town, was hailed by Sandra Brown as "deeply satisfying...told with matchless insight into the human soul."

Now, Robert McCammon brings the hero of that spellbinding novel, Matthew Corbett, to 18th-century New York, where a killer wields a bloody and terrifying power over a bustling city carving out its identity - and over Matthew's own uncertain destiny.

The unsolved murder of a respected doctor has sent ripples of fear throughout a city teeming with life and noise and commerce. Who snuffed out the good man's life with the slash of a blade on a midnight street? The local printmaster has labeled the fiend "the Masker," adding fuel to a volatile mystery...and when the Masker claims a new victim, hardworking young law clerk Matthew Corbett is lured into a maze of forensic clues and heart-pounding investigation that will both test his natural penchant for detection and inflame his hunger for justice.

In the strangest twist of all, the key to unmasking the Masker may await in an asylum where the Queen of Bedlam reigns - and only a man of Matthew's reason and empathy can unlock her secrets. From the seaport to Wall Street, from society mansions to gutters glimmering with blood spilled by a deviant, Matthew's quest will tauntingly reveal the answers he seeks - and the chilling truths he cannot escape.

©2007 Robert McCammon (P)2012 Audible, Inc.

Brillant Narrator - Edoardo Ballerini

What made the experience of listening to The Queen of Bedlam the most enjoyable?

This is the first review that I have written and the reason I have done so is the narrator Edoardo Ballerini, he is without doubt brilliant, the best I have heard. The best complement that I can give is that you forget the story is being narrated so sympathetic his reading that you are able to loose yourself in the story as it unfolds without any distractions. This only makes the story more enjoyable and entertaining and has meant that I am eager to listen to the other books in this series which may not have been as enjoyable without Edoardo Ballerini’s narration.

pleasure to listen to

I enjoyed this book from beginning to end, can't wait to listen to the next one.
love to listen to Corbet's mind at work!

Very well written

An enthralling listen, very complex in relationships, intrigue and unexpected humor. Thoroughly enjoyable, will be listened to again!

Good writing...average story line.

It takes a while to get to the mystery. So if you are an impatient reader, be prepared to spend some introductory time. But once there it gets interesting. The writing is good and Ballerini is good thus the journey itself is worthwhile.

Brilliant story vastly diminished by narrator.

Robert Maccammon is one of the literary giants of our time. His writing is defined by breif moments of epiphany but the constant cloud of darkness and horror. And yet they use Mr Ballerini - the least threatening narrator on the payroll ---grrrr. I'm finally accepting the great damage the wrong narrator can do. Hear They Thirst or Blue World to hear Maccammon done right. What's worse is I'm escaping Mr Ballerini doing The Passage. Maybe it's a horror novel ? With Mr Ballerini at the wheel it's impossible to tell. He may be a genius in other genres but keep Ballerini out of the horror patch.

It never gets old

I have listened to this title multiple times. It’s worth every minute of going through all of the adventures!

Corbett is Such a Dry, Witty, Little Hero...

The best way I can think of to describe these "Matthew Corbett" books is: "Harry Potter for adults, minus the magic,with sprinkles of intense darkness". At times you'll get caught up thinking that you're reading a young adult book, and then McCammon will throw in something like a guy that has sex with animals, just to liven things up a bit. I was torn when reading this because part of me can't stand how "young adult" much of the book is, but the other part of me understands that with the ages of most of the characters (including Corbett), it's necessary to have a bit of childishness included in the story. To McCammon's credit, I don't know of another author that can so expertly balance "young adult" subject matter with "dark S&M" so well.

The story takes place in the early 1700's of New York City. Just as a period piece alone, the book succeeds in spades. The story itself does drag at times, but Corbett's lines are witty enough to keep you listening. Ideally, I'd rather see more action, but McCammon's real gift is being able to get inside these characters' heads, and mill about for a while, and that's exactly what he does.

It's not necessary to read the first book, in order to enjoy this one. However, as far as story and action goes, the first book has a slight edge over this one, so you might as well read them in order.

Narrator is great.

Excellent!

Any additional comments?

As always, Mr. Ballerini brings this book to life. His ability to provide unique voices to each character really adds depth to the reading of the story. This series has been an enjoyable way to spend my daily commutes.

this book is the 2nd in the series loved both

Would you recommend this audiobook to a friend? If so, why?

having read the speaks the nightbird i was looking forword to this book ahd I wasnt disappointed .Would recommend as a brollant tale

What was one of the most memorable moments of The Queen of Bedlam?

Finding who the queen of bedlem was

Which character – as performed by Edoardo Ballerini – was your favorite?

Mathew Corbett

More excellence...

After listening to several just mediocre books, I went ahead and purchased the remaining 6 books in the Matthew Corbett series, having loved Speaks the Nightbird. This installment is just as intriguing as we are transported back to 18th century New York City. Narration and story are superb. Again, I am surprised that I had never heard of Robert McCammon until recently when a recommendation popped up on my Audible account. Highly recommend.