Touchstone

By: Laurie R. King

Narrated by: Jefferson Mays

Length: 17 hrs and 28 mins

Publisher's summary

Famed for her Mary Russell mysteries and novels featuring Kate Martinelli, New York Times best-selling author Laurie R. King has amassed a large and devoted following.

His existence shattered by the Great War, Bennett Grey is investigated by an American agent who thinks he may be useful for protecting national security. U.S. Bureau of Investigation agent Harris Stuyvesant's first inclination is to let his fists do the talking. But he's well out of his jurisdiction, having traveled across the Atlantic to dig up clues on an Englishman he believes responsible for terrorist acts in the States. After turning up a lead that draws him from London far into the English countryside, Harris meets Bennett Grey, a shell-shocked veteran whose war wounds left him with a unique talent that may hold the key to cracking the case.

©2007 Laurie R. King (P)2008 Recorded Books,LLC

One of her best

And that is saying something. I have gotten blissfully lost in all of her work.

Enemy of my Enemy

Any additional comments?

Touchstone by Laurie R King
Not sure it was the author’s intent, but the story was a great reminder to this reader that the following proverb is not always true. kbf
‘The enemy of my enemy is my friend’ proverb
The king who is situated anywhere immediately on the circumference of the conqueror's territory is termed the enemy.

The king who is likewise situated close to the enemy, but separated from the conqueror only by the enemy, is termed the friend (of the conqueror).
—Kautilya, Arthasastra

I enjoyed the book, very good story telling and vivid characters.

Great storytelling

This was a highly engaging book. Characters are interesting, plot has plenty of twists & instead of a “whodunit,” it’s a “who’s gonna do it.” It kept me up at night to listen!
I enjoyed the details of life between the wars in Britain. Plus, the descriptive writing is wonderfully done.
I’ve already started book two & am hoping for a third to come out.

Unique story

I love the timeframe, the interesting characters and different storyline. Laurie or King never disappoints.

Excellent

It took a couple chapters before I really was I interested but by the end I was thoroughly engaged and hoping it would go on and on.

Meh

The story improved as it progressed, but the first two chapters, written to provide background but without context, were bloody difficult to get through. Some of the background details added for color, were not well thought out. Roses don’t bloom until the summer. Columbine don’t bloom until May and June. The plants were added for symbolism but the repeated misuse of these and many more environmental elements indicates a lack of care.

Good... but kinda dull

I am a big fan of this author. I've enjoyed so many of her audiobooks but this one lacked tension. It just sorta lagged. There was no excitement, no characters I fell in love with, just sorta bland... I liked it enough for three stars.

Well written & beautifully drawn characters.

Well written, beautiful & complex characters, most enjoyed listen even though this is the second time I've readied this book. I want more!!

Disappointing ending

Good mystery with engaging characters. Hovers on the edge of scifi. Ending was abrupt and unearned.

Laurie R. King is a brilliant writer

I love Ms. King's writing in all her different series. She is an intelligent writer whose characters and storylines are well developed and compelling. This recording was very good and I completely lost myself in it. I often recommend any and all of her books to people as I feel she is one of the most consistently good writers out there. The audiobooks have also been very good and a lovely way to revisit these works.