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.

Just as good as the first !

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

I would and I have! It's a great story, very well written and extremely well read/narrated - 10/10 on all counts!

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

There are many moments. The whole book is one exciting moment after another. For absolute suspense, the chapters on the 'hunt' by the falcons and insane children have to be right up there. The final meeting between the Masker and his Mum is definitely another great moment.

What about Edoardo Ballerini’s performance did you like?

he is a very talented narrator. Each character is depicted with sensitivity and understanding of the story. He is not just reading a book to us, he is acting each and every moment of it. I will be downloading more of his narrations, you can bank on that!

Too many narrators just read the story and it is very difficult to tell which character is actually 'speaking'. But a few talented ones bring the author's work to life, so that you feel like an invisible observer of the action. Mr. Ballerini is one of these, along with Mr. Jeff Harding and Ms Lorelei King one of the two, and now three, of my very best narrators.

Who was the most memorable character of The Queen of Bedlam and why?

Matthew Corbett, of course! he is a great character and I like the way Mr McCammon is gradually developing him into a formidable detective.

Any additional comments?

I need more Credits!! There are more Corbett books to download!!

not as good as the first book in the series

Nightbird was a superb effort, and a wonderful audio value. I do not look forward to shorter and shorter volumes.

Good, complex story and perfect narration

I bought this book right after finishing Speaks the Nightbird, fully intending to start listening to it as soon as I had the time. Then time disappeared into a busy life and a few months went by; I listened to other books and forgot about this one. ...Until last week, when I remembered it again. Five minutes into the book I remembered how good the last book was, and couldn't believe I had waited so long to find out what happened to Matthew Corbett after the events in the Carolinas.

Matthew is three years older, but nothing has really happened in his life since we left him in 1699. He is obsessed with finding evidence against the head of his old orphanage, and still works as a magistrate's clerk. The town of New York has recently been the scene of the grotesque murder of a doctor, and as another murder victim is found killed in the same way, the serial killer the local newspaper names the Masker must be found. Matthew can't help it, he has to ask the questions he knows the local High Constable will not think to ask, and starts his own investigation. At the same time he's approached by the Herrald Agency, to join them as a problem solver.

I won't try to outline the plot of the whole book, since that would take a long time. The wonderful thing about this book is that it's not just one story; there are several mysteries for Matthew to solve. And despite the complex mysteries, the book is not slow at all. There is so much more happening in this book compared to Speaks the Nightbird, and it works really well. I loved Speaks the Nightbird, but I think part of my reluctance to start reading the sequel was that two similar books of that length would be a bit too much. Fortunately for me then, The Queen of Bedlam is very different than the first book in the series (much lighter!), but just as good.

The narrator is one of the best I've ever listened to. I have the Kindle version of the book as well as the audiobook, but unlike most books I read/listen to I chose to listen to the entire book this time, only reading a few chapters. Edoardo Ballerini puts a lot of emotion and personality into the characters' voices, and his narration of the story and Matthew's thoughts makes the book even better than it already is. I have no idea what he does differently than other narrators I've listened to, but I have listened to this book for a whole day while cleaning the house (10 hours) and wouldn't have been able to do that unless the narration was very good.

I finished the book in just three days and kept finding excuses to do "audiobook-friendly" activities (the house is now very clean...). The last part of the book was almost impossible to stop listening to, and after finishing the book I just had to get the next one. The mystery is solved, but Matthew's story is clearly not finished and continues in Mister Slaughter.

musical language that paints pictures.

very descriptive writing. This second book as good as first. The " bull in a China shop" story made it very real. Matthew's abilities a bit stretched but nice. references to modern detection are delightful. I'm sure great minds were thinking about those things and people of the era would wonder at their accomplishment. looking forward to #3.

Fantastic Book

What did you love best about The Queen of Bedlam?

I love the way McCammon twists the plot so you are never sure where it is going to end up. The story kept me on the edge of my seat!

What other book might you compare The Queen of Bedlam to and why?

I do not know what other book to compare this to since it is so unique.

Have you listened to any of Edoardo Ballerini’s other performances before? How does this one compare?

Yes, Edoardo Ballerini performed in "Speaks the Nightbird" . Really excellent performer.

Was there a moment in the book that particularly moved you?

The Queen of Bedlam

Any additional comments?

The series thus far, I have "read" two books has been wonderful. The intricate plots and characters and the depth of the characters is very appealing, engrossing. Very nice!

Another excellent Corbett novel!

A perfect continuation of the first. I never think the second or third books of a series will be nearly as good as the first, but this series is an exception. Keep them coming!
Great narration by Ballerini! I can easily identify the individual characters- great reading.

So far...

Great continuation for the series. I have been impressed with the writing in this series. Almost a early years of Sherlock Holmes.

A masterclass in storytelling.

Once again Matthew Corbett finds himself embroiled in trouble up to his waistcoat. The story and the narration are both perfection.

Matthew Corbett

Matthew's adventure continues across the river and to the Jersey side, chaos ensues...
McCammon's prose is reliable as ever. Worth the credit for sure.

Better and better

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

I didn't think anything could top "Speaks the Nightbird." I was pleased to be so wrong.

Who was your favorite character and why?

HUDSON GREATHOUSE. If you finished McCammon's first book in the series and lamented all the companions that Matthew lost along the way, HAVE NO FEAR. He picks up some great new friends (and enemies) here.

What does Edoardo Ballerini bring to the story that you wouldn’t experience if you just read the book?

Edoardo Ballerini is a magnificent audiobook narrator. He could breathe life into a shopping list. He brings even more living, breathing believability to these well-written characters.