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.

Throughly enjoyable!!

If you are looking for book set in a much earlier time , full of action, adventure, murder, and elaborate conspiracies this is the book for you!!while reading this book I was in New York in the 1700’s, I could all but here the horses and wagons, the people going to and fro! Enjoyable!!

another great book about Matthew Corbett

What about Edoardo Ballerini’s performance did you like?

Again Edoardo is absolutely fantastic...really makes the story come alive

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

towards the end could not stop listening, not sure how many back roads I took to add time listening

Any additional comments?

Slow beginning, great build up of characters though, the ending well worth it, just purchased the 3rd one of the series...can't wait

I'm officially a fan of this series and McCammon

These books start a bit slowly but the characters are enjoyable and you grow to know them. Edoardo Ballerini does a great job of reading. His accent is perfect for Matthew and his voice changes are excellent and easily distinguishable. The story line is entertaining and one of things I enjoy most is that while Matthew is extremely intelligent the author doesn't allow him to make absurd leaps to conclusions or seem too super intelligent. Even the heroes of the story have their flaws and I think too often in these books the main characters are too smart, too perfect, too unrealistic.

I am well over 125 audio books in at this point and have only recently discovered Robert McCammon. Starting with Swan Song and now this series - a much different kind of book from Swan Song - I am thoroughly enjoying his writing.

Just wonderful.

I can’t wait for book three. But first...Swan Song. McCammon is amazing. The Matthew Corbet series narrator, Mr. Ballerni, is simply outstanding.

Loved it

I could not stop listening. I can’t wait for next in the series. Thank you

Addicting

This author was new to me (even though he has been writing for years) and I found this series addicting. After I listened to the first one, I had to hear the rest.

The characters are well developed, the dialogue is wonderful and the humor is so funny and comes out of the blue that I had many REAL laugh-out-loud moments – and a couple of almost-drive-off-the-road moments.
Absolutely delightful series with wonderful narration.

Master Storytelling - Never Rushed

It's hard to know which book I liked better--Speaks the Nightbird was the first in the series, and is one of the top 20 favorites in my library. The Queen of Bedlam will be added to that group.

I like it when an author doesn't feel the need to point you directly at the circumstances, or the joke, for you to "get it"- this author doesn't insult the reader's intelligence. It is a smart and witty novel about the hunt for a serial killer called "The Masker" in New York City. Our hero, Matthew Corbett, teams up with a detective agency just being established in the city. As was his style in the first book, Matthew goes about his business in a quiet, determined manner as he puts together the clues which ultimately lead to the truth. There are several sub-plots to keep things interesting, and a possible love interest as well. It is a slow build for the first 1/3, but after that, I didn't want to stop listening.

Set in the period around 1700, the author does a wonderful job of giving us a look at life during that time (NYC had a population of about 5,000) which is so rich in detail, it is like being there.

Bottom line--it you liked Speaks the Nightbird- you will like this one too. If you have not read the fist book- this one will stand alone, but I would highly recommend reading the first one to get the full story and rich background.

An excellent follow-on to "Speaks the Nightbird"

A terrific story set in early 18th century New York. Edoardo Ballerini once again does a wonderful job on the narration. And the evil that Matthew Corbett encounters and unravels will make you shudder as you listen.

I am the Queen of McCammon!

I really like this series! Robert McCammon weaves early 18th Century history into outrageous plots-what is interesting is in this violent time Matthew Corbett retains his compassion combined with responsibility of life. Corbett at heart is a quiet, thinker who it is easy to enjoy - I can't wait for the 3rd book!

It just gets better and better!

Any additional comments?

Mr. McCammon has the uncanny ability to make unbelievable situations, plausible - and enthralling! Again, I couldn't put this down! The narration was great, and tale was gripping. He introduces the master criminal, and another unattainable love interest. I can't wait to listen to the next installment!