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.

Slow to get going definately not the pace book1

Book 1 Speaks the NightBird was so amazing and fully engaging, my expectations were the same for Queen of Bedlam. I was disappointed, it's half way through until you are introduced to the Queen of Bedlam, I never had a feel to where the story was going until half way through. I thought many times to put in to rest. however the narrator, simply sucks you into the period and makes up for what story didnt deliver. In the end I was pleased, but not to the extent of Nightbird.

Another fantastic Matthew Corbett novel!

Where does The Queen of Bedlam rank among all the audiobooks you’ve listened to so far?

Very near the top. Speaks the Nightbird (book 1) was a great lauchpad for this follow-on novel. Excellent character development, highly creative plot, dovetailed ending (all threads come together). Very highly recommended.

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

The performance by Eduardo Ballerini made the story truly come alive. He creates unique, believable voice characterizations that create the mood, ambiance, and fabric on which the story is superbly overlayed by Robert McCammon.

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

Absolutely. I'm a bit disappointed that each novel in the series is shorter than its predecessor, but that's ok, as long as the series continues.

Any additional comments?

Please keep writing these stories with the same attention to detail that evokes a feeling in the reader of being present with the characters in the story.

I really enjoyed The Queen of Bedlam.

The Queen of Bedlam is the sequel to Robert McCammon's Speaks the Nightbird, which took place in 1799 in the colony of South Carolina. This book takes place in 1702 in New York, which is still a town of 5,000, not yet the city it will one day be. Matthew Corbett is a clerk for a magistrate in New York. As with the first book, this one is part horror (man against man), part detective, part history, and part "I don't know what to call it but I loved it". The New York that comes to life in this book is the skeleton of the current city. Some of the names like Wall Street are familiar. Yet so much is new to all but the historians of colonial New York. I really enjoyed The Queen of Bedlam as much as I enjoyed Speaks the Nightbird.

Edoardo Ballerini is a terrific narrator. He helps bring the story to life through his wonderful accents and distinct voices.

I liked this better than the first one.

I liked Nightbird, but had problems with its length, pacing, and claustrophobic feel of the town. I disliked some gory bits and hated all but three characters.

I loved Matthew, though, so wanted to try this one. I lived in New York in younger days, and loved the feel of being transported there in a different time. We are introduced to many new characters, who feel real and entertaining.

The series is starting to feel a bit James Bond. It’s exciting and fun. Definitely read it if you like historical fiction, crime, mystery, thrillers.

I want to read book 3, but reviewers say it’s very violent. I don’t enjoy reading gore, so might not continue reading.

two thumbs up

great storytelling with great and memorable characters. i can't wait to read ( hear ) the next book in the series.

Layers upon layers of mystery

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

Queen of Bedlam has a wide range of characters to pull you in. You can see how McCammon is constructing a world where his hero can live and grow.

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

The action sequence on the farm is terrific. Matthew has to survive all manner of deadly attacks and you have no idea how he will make it. McCammon has the ability to both misdirect and foreshadow which is truly surprising.

What about Edoardo Ballerini’s performance did you like?

Pacing, tone, accents are all great.

Any additional comments?

This is the second Matthew Corbett novel. Just like Speaks the Nightingale, it is long. You feel the pacing is very slow at first, but as you get further on, you see that there is no wasted information. McCammon is creating a world and setting up information which is necessary for the full impact of the story. And like the real world, things are not really over when you think they are. Enjoy. This will keep you engaged.

Captivating Narrator and Stories

Any additional comments?

The main character of this series, Matthew, is one of my favorite character's ever. He is good, but not sickeningly good. He really grows throughout the series. The narrator is by far my favorite audible narrator yet. Truly talented, he brings the characters and story to life like no one else. This was another great mystery, however, I liked the first one better because it had more passion. Matthew cared personally about that mystery more than this one and it made a difference in how interesting it was. Still, it was very good and you should listen to it.

He Did it Again! Master Storyteller

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

Once again this author puts you right into the action and your mind goes crazy with images. Mc Cammon, does a great job of keeping you in the book page by page. His character's come alive and you feel that you are apart of the story.

What about Edoardo Ballerini’s performance did you like?

Once again I love the voice of Ballerini and he is able to change characters like some people change their shirts.

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

I felt at the end the Queen of bedlam death was very moving. The sword fights were action packed and one became concerned with the hero well being.

Any additional comments?

The ending was a little slow, but good.

More great historical fiction.

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

I have recommened this book to only a select few. The awfulness is hard to take.

What did you like best about this story?

The historical context.

Which scene was your favorite?

None.

If you could take any character from The Queen of Bedlam out to dinner, who would it be and why?

Matthew Corbit of course. He has the most interesting backgroundd and demeanor.

Any additional comments?

There are a lot of anachronisms that are distracting to the story.

Superb Suspense Novel Set In Colonial New York

Wow, this is the second in the series and even better than the first. The writing is exquisite and the little details add so much to the story. Great character development and a tight plot. I will listen to third novel in this series with great anticipation. I most highly recommend this.

PS : the narrator is also excellent, although I like to listen at 1.1x speed.