Murder in Thrall

By: Anne Cleeland

Narrated by: Marcella Riordan

Length: 9 hrs and 18 mins

Publisher's summary

From Anne Cleeland comes a captivating new mystery series following the perilous exploits of two Scotland Yard detectives as they track down London's most elusive killers.

First-year detective Kathleen Doyle is a plucky Irish redhead of humble origins and modest means. Chief Inspector Michael Acton is her antithesis: a British lord turned cop. He's tall, handsome, and enigmatic - to a fault. He also has a knack for solving London's most high-profile crimes. Acton selects Doyle out of the newbie squad to partner with him on a series of investigations because she always knows when someone is lying - a trait that comes in handy when interviewing suspects and witnesses.

Acton and Doyle are sent to investigate the murder of a trainer at a racetrack, and soon new killings related to the first start unfolding, dragging the two investigators into ever more perilous situations. But the real danger is the unlikely attachment that develops between the ultra-reserved, aristocratic chief inspector and his spirited, working-class sidekick... a relationship that will raise plenty of eyebrows - and hackles - among their colleagues at the Yard.

©2013 Anne Cleeland (P)2013 Blackstone Audio, Inc.

Could Have Been Good But...

Doyle is bright young detective. Acton is a brooding enigmatic Chief Inspector. Throw in a mystery with a lot of twists and it has everything I normally like in a book. And yet - overshadowing all of it, is this very disturbing, even creepy behavior of Acton. Not only that, but Doyle's total acceptance of it, when she finds out, without even a small freak out on him. In fact, when the author was narrating some of Acton's thoughts and actions, I actually for a minute thought I was listening to the killer's thoughts. So much of that part was just way too over the top for my taste. It gets where you just can't categorize it as romantic behavior, even if you were used to old-fashioned alpha male sexist type heroes of decades past. Then back to the actual mystery, the way the killer is finally dealt with in the end and the story tie up kind of left me a bit unsettled. So if this is the first in a series, I am curious to know whether the author will tone down that disturbing behavior and reaction of the main characters and focus more on the mystery itself. So I might give the next one a try and give the characters a chance to redeem themselves.
All that aside, I did like Marcella Riordan, Especially her narration of Doyle, with her pleasant Irish accent. So here's to hoping that by the next book. Acton gets the psychiatric help he so clearly needs, and Doyle grows a pair.

Excellent Characters and a Fun Twist

Murder in Thrall is an excellent introduction to the unique detective team Acton and Doyle. With lots of suprises and a whole host of interesting characters I look forward to seeing where this series goes from here.

Fantastic book!

Unusual but dynamic characters. Intriguing plot from beginning to end! Cannot wait to read next book in series.

Pure Magic

A DCI with an obsession and an intuitive DC, he an English Lord and she an Immigrant from Dublin. They become a formidable detective team and an undevidable love

Brilliant Mystery/Romance

This is one of my all time favorite books. The first time I read it, I wasn’t sure what was happening but I kept an open mind and—wow. This is a clever British police procedural mystery with a very unusual and sexy love story. Acton and Doyle’s relationship is loving, tender, emotionally intimate, and SO damned hot. It may be unconventional, but it’s perfect for them.
I own the entire series, in both Kindle and audible formats. Every now and and then, I go back and read/listen to them again, and I thoroughly enjoy every moment.
I look forward to the next book in the series. More Acton and Doyle, please!

Loved it!

it was hard to listen and follow at first, but then it was so captivating, funny, sexy and intriguing.

"Epilogue" was prologue

I like the story, but if the "epilogue" had been presented as the prologue that it truly was, the story would have been better. It would not have reduced the mystery, but would have enhanced it.

The narrator left off way too many word endings, which made for distractions in listening and is unlike any other Irish accent i have ever heard.

I will give the next in the series a go, with caution.

GREAT LIGHT READING

What did you love best about Murder in Thrall?

Interesting story line, keeps you engaged throughout.

What did you like best about this story?

The modern setting was interesting

What about Marcella Riordan’s performance did you like?

Very nicely performed. You could make out the personality of different characters through tone and expression.

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

The suspense was remarkable in several sections of the book.

Quirky Characters & a Few Giggles

How can a mystery be suspenseful, funny, and delightful? When the protagonists are a DCI—an aloof, sometimes reclusive, obsessive English Lord—and his DC—a red head, 13 years his senior, who’s Irish and a little fey. When these two team up, the plot is a mix of suspense, sizzle, and well placed laughs.

The readers Irish accent is delightful. Highly recommend to most. It’s a jolly fun read.

Substance

This book is wonderful , any book can have a great plot though I've come to realize it is the narrator that brings the book vividly alive, as if you are standing alongside the other characters. This narrator was brilliant, I truly hope that Marcella Riordan narrates all Ann Cleelands books