City of Masks

A Cree Black Thriller

By: Daniel Hecht

Narrated by: Anna Fields

Length: 15 hrs and 48 mins

Publisher's summary

Introducing Cree Black, a parapsychologist with a haunted past.

When Lila Beauforte takes up residence in her ancestral home, the 150-year-old Beauforte House in the Garden District of New Orleans, she is terrified by ghostly apparitions. The family reluctantly calls Cree Black for help. Based out of Seattle, Cree, a parapsychologist with a degree from Harvard, is a "ghost buster." But as Cree gets closer to the truth, the proverbial skeletons in the closet of the prestigious Beauforte family come crashing down on her, and she must struggle to keep her own ghosts at bay.

Daniel Hecht has created a plausible, heart-stopping ghost thriller. Relying on the science of parapsychology to spine-tingling effect, he brings to life a remarkably compelling character in Cree Black, as well as the ghosts she confronts.

Listen to more Cree Black thrillers.

©2003 Daniel Hecht (P)2003 Blackstone Audiobooks

Critic reviews

"The authentic, supernatural locale contributes the requisite spooky atmosphere...and the eccentric characters are well drawn and believable." (Booklist)

Best “Ghost Story”...and so much more

Love this one...the conceptualization of hauntings via psychology is fascinating and the story is nuanced and unpredictable. Beautifully done. The narrator is phenomenal...she masters the diverse regional accents perfectly, which is crucial for the performance of this novel and serves to enhance the experience. Highly recommend for a very interesting, scary, and original “ghost story”

Slow start but worth the listen

The story started off slowly but the ending was worth the wait. I enjoyed the listen. Narrator was amazing. Each character has a distinct sound. Overall, pleased with the purchase.

Para-emotional

Aw, Cree! You are such an emotional mess! I love it! Just listening to your inner tormoil while trying to untangle and figure out others! What a fun time of it I had, listening to you take bits from other's lives and intertwine them with your own. You'll solve other's situations long before you will your own. I love how deep human (and inhuman) emotion, loose science and psychology mix up to make for such a fun story!

skeptical - but loved

Would you consider the audio edition of City of Masks to be better than the print version?

I like to read books - like feeling the paper and easily finding my favorite spots - but this book was easy to listen to and it kept my hands free to do housecleaning.

Which character – as performed by Anna Fields – was your favorite?

All her characters were great!

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

Always wanting to hear more.

Cool Premise

I really like Cree Black. And I really like the premise behind these books: A ghost haunts a person because there is a connection. Unlike most detective novels, there is a real understanding that healing, not justice, is a real goal. They're a very different kind of ghost story and a very different kind of detective. And in their own way, very fun.

Very, very good. Great narratorj!

This is my first Daniel Hecht experience, and now I am looking forward to more. I found the story riviting right up until the mystery was resolved. I admit, I was a little disappointed in the conclusion to the story, but that was a minor disappointment. This is the first of the Cree Black books, and I suspect that as the characters develop, the voids will be filled. That said, I would like to recommend this book to anyone who can appreciate the art of weaving words and phrases into a visual image of such color and vitality. For some, get your dictionary out, as you will want to understand the nuances of the terms so carefully chosen. You will see and hear a mystery, delicately and carefully tatted, and come away with a new view on ghosts and those who study the phenomena, on New Orleans, and how deeply and broadly childhood trauma can reach into a family. I found this a delightful and exciting book, and recommend it. I am especially taken by the narrator, Anna Fields. As with her other works, she does an OUTSTANDING job with this book, and the character Cree Black. Even if ghost stories do not interest you, I'd recommend you look for anything Ms. Fields reads.

Wow, What An Introduction to Cree Black

Cree Black, a parapsychologist, is contracted by Lila Beauforte to deal with some ghostly apparitions that are appearing in her ancestral home. The 150 year old Beauforte House is located in the Garden District of New Orleans.

What a perfect setting for ghost story! What a perfect ghost story this is! The mystery is enhanced by the narration of Anna Fields. It's a long listen (15 hours, 43 minutes) but you won't be bored as the colorful characters are introduced. Of course New Orleans is one of those "colorful" characters.

Don't enjoy Friday Night Football that continues all weekend long? Find another room, get out the boring knitting pattern and yarn, and LISTEN! Just don't be surprised to find the knitting sitting in your lap because you find yourself so engrossed in the story!

Eager for more, excellent narrator.

This book was very entertaining and well-read. It IS a ghost story so expect it to be a little out there. It was not of the eyerolling "come on" nature, but believable enough to keep listening for the next piece of the puzzle. Very impressed with the narration, lots of different voices and a great pace. I downloaded the next book immediately!

New Orleans Comes Alive

The book gives a close, in depth, look a the city of New Orleans and weaves a story well suited to its mystic and charm. The "ghost" story is quite believable and welded to scientific principles. I really like the interactions of the characters and the heighten suspense with each chapter.

Not my style

Would you say that listening to this book was time well-spent? Why or why not?

No. Too much psychology and character analysis ... not enough action.

What do you think your next listen will be?

It won't be by this author.

Was City of Masks worth the listening time?

No

Any additional comments?

Very good narrator.