Whodunnit?: Murder in Mystery Manor

By: Anthony Zuiker

Narrated by: Gildart Jackson

Length: 7 hrs and 32 mins

Publisher's summary

A grand estate. Ten unsuspecting guests. A diabolical game of life and death.

A companion to the upcoming show Whodunnit? on ABC.

Ten excited guests arrive at the Westlake Estate, expecting a lavish retreat. They are the winners of a sweepstakes to "Live Like a Billionaire for a Week." But what was supposed to be a promising escape soon turns into a horrific nightmare. Within hours of arrival, the guests sit down for an extravagant dinner. When they pull their party poppers as instructed, a loud chorus of bangs resounds, followed by earsplitting screams as the guest seated at the head of the table bursts into flames and slumps to the floor. The others are told they must solve the crime or be the next victim. The killer, their diabolical host, is hiding among the frightened guests. Is the murderer the well-toned trophy wife, the retired deputy sheriff, the stoned college dropout, or perhaps the sweet, homely grandmother? The killer toys with them, inviting the guests to explore the lavish estate, from the stables to the hedge maze, in an effort to uncover the gory details of how the murderer pulled off such a gruesome murder. Alliances are forged carefully and information is shared warily, since none of the remaining guests knows whom to trust. The next to die a hideous death will be the one with the least accurate solution to the latest murder. In the end, only three guests will remain: the winner, the loser, and the killer.

Full of tricky plot twists and over-the-top schemes, Whodunnit? Murder in Mystery Manner is riveting required listening for mystery fans. Listeners are treated to an edge-of-their-seat thriller as they participate in solving the crime. It's Clue meets Ten Little Indians.

Anthony E. Zuiker is the creator and executive producer of the CSI franchise, which includes CSI: Crime Scene Investigation, CSI: Miami, and CSI: NY. His mystery reality show, Whodunnit?, is his first foray into unscripted television. He lives in Los Angeles with his three children and his wife, Michelle.

Whodunnit is performed by the show's host/butler, accomplished narrator Gildart Jackson.

©2013 Anthony Zuiker (P)2013 Audible, Inc.

Enjoyable free book

The narrator really sold this story for me. The main problem with though was not knowing the killers motivations, leaving me very unsatisfied after finishing this book. There is also one supernatural bit at the end that seems out of place for me. Overall though, I was entertained.

Love Whodunnits? This will keep you guessing

Would you listen to Free: Whodunnit? again? Why?

I don't think I will relisten to this book, because I have two Whodunnits on my player. Then again, you whould never say never. I wouldn't object listening to it again in a year or two.

What did you like best about this story?

I did enjoy trying to out wit the players of the game and a number of times I did. I personally love Whodunnits. I wouldn't buy them myself, but as a freebie I am thankful of the gift.

What does Gildart Jackson bring to the story that you wouldn’t experience if you just read the book?

I love this narrator. His voice not only brought the characters alive but every detail of the story. I perfect choice.

Plesantly Supprised, enjoyed a lot

If you could sum up Free: Whodunnit? in three words, what would they be?

Easy Listen, suspenseful, interactive

What was one of the most memorable moments of Free: Whodunnit??

Trying to figure out who the murder was

What about Gildart Jackson’s performance did you like?

His American accents for everyone

Any additional comments?

Decided to download because it was free, and expected garbage but was happy with the result, Watched the TV series as a result and enjoyed it as well. Looking forward to the second book.

Great performance, poor story, great writing

What did you like best about Free: Whodunnit?? What did you like least?

The writing is very good. The narrator is excellent. The story concept sounded interesting at first but quickly became silly. It was free so I am not too disappointed.

What was most disappointing about Anthony Zuiker’s story?

The plot, the story

What about Gildart Jackson’s performance did you like?

Wonderful voice, warm& inviting resonance

Could you see Free: Whodunnit? being made into a movie or a TV series? Who should the stars be?

No

Underwhelmed

I agree with prior reviewers - the narration was okay, but the story itself was not. As others did, I kept listening long after being bored, simply hoping this would tie together in some way (satisfying or not), but it never did.

rubbish

This book wasn’t for you, but who do you think might enjoy it more?

Maybe somebody who liked the TV series would appreciate this, but you could just as easily distract them with a kazoo, or a propeller hat. It reminded me of fan fiction, not just any fan fiction, specifically fan fiction based around an original work that was not good in the first place. "Jar Jar Cleans His Sweatflaps" by that one nose-pickety kid that loves Jar Jar.

What do you think your next listen will be?

Anything to clear the palate, tax code, C-span, poetry slam..

Have you listened to any of Gildart Jackson’s other performances before? How does this one compare?

He had to read it all the way through and therefore earns 4 stars.

You didn’t love this book... but did it have any redeeming qualities?

It could be useful as a siege tactic. Blast it at the compound over loudspeakers for a day or so and the cult leader will either surrender or drool to death.

Frustrating

What disappointed you about Whodunnit?: Murder in Mystery Manor?

This book seemed confused from about half way through. The plot tended to go in circles and not make any forward motion. The "twists" seem forced and unfulfilling. The ending was frustrating, because it was a poor attempt at a (failed) tv show pilot. It seemed afraid to give a satisfying ending lest people should not feel compelled to watch the show.

Would you ever listen to anything by Anthony Zuiker again?

Probably not

What reaction did this book spark in you? Anger, sadness, disappointment?

This book left me disappointed and frustrated.

Any additional comments?

If you want a good whodunnit, read something else.

Gruesome by my standards.

You didn’t love this book... but did it have any redeeming qualities?

The story is interesting & I wanted to continue listening but it was a little vivid for my taste.

tedious

i had little interest in the characters. this was an outlandish boring story . some of the deaths where creative but a little boy could have thought them up. I feel a bit guilty since it was free .

Free book worth the price

Luckily this book was free because it was ridiculous and hardly worth this reader's time. If you like this sort of mystery read or listen to Agatha Christie's Ten Little Indians. A much better version of this type of story, but hers had better characters and a surprise plot twist at the end.