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.

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.

Ratiocination is back and better than ever!

If coming right off Speaks the Nightbird, it can be a bit sad. The almost perfect sense of classical storytelling, and beautiful, nearly poetic prose of Speaks the Nightbird is a bit lacking in this tale.
But as a mystery, set in colonial America, continuing the proud tradition of whodunit... The Queen of Bedlam is excellent. And it's punctuated with Mcammon's insightful grasp of humanity and heart!
On to the next for me:)

Loved the second book as much as the first.

Would you listen to The Queen of Bedlam again? Why?

I'm so glad I found this series. It is now one of my favorites. It is different, very detailed , suspenseful and held my interest the whole book.

Who was your favorite character and why?

Matthew Corbett is the main character. He is an honest and true person who struggles for good.

Any additional comments?

Highly recommend it!

Great sequel to the original.

I'm 'hooked' on the Matthew Corbett books, that's for sure! I loved the first book and really enjoyed the second. Matthew is like a young Sherlock Holmes, except more likeable. The story was interesting and a fun read.

A Thrill Ride!!!!

Incredible....a complex, complicated, intelligent mystery set in early 18th century New York with a detective who is insightful, humble and willing to learn. The story is exciting, especially toward the end where we meet some of the nastiest criminal minds ever to exist on paper or in real life. There is very little comic relief here which tends to remind a listener that the Puritans had landed only 80 years earlier and the revolutionary war was 70+ years away.
Reading/listening to this book is as close to NYC as I ever want to be, yet I look forward to my next visit.....but only in this format.

Brilliant

Love the book, the series, enjoy Edoardo Ballerini
and Robert Mccammon. Now on to book 3!

Another great story!

I enjoyed this book thoroughly. The author has great imagination, and the narrator delivers with equal dexterity in separating the characters in their unique voice.