Revenge in Rubies

A Harriet Gordon Mystery, Book 2

By: A. M. Stuart

Narrated by: Katharine Lee McEwan

Length: 11 hrs and 50 mins

Publisher's summary

When Harriet Gordon receives word from a friend about a tragic death, she and Inspector Curran are thrust into a web of family secrets that threatens to destroy them both in this all-new mystery from the author of Singapore Sapphire.

Singapore, 1910 - Harriet Gordon has found fulfillment at last. Her young ward, Will, has settled into his new home with Harriet and her brother, Julian. And Harriet’s employment as a typist at the Straits Settlements Police Force has given her an intriguing way to occupy her time and some much-needed financial independence. But when her friend and employer, Inspector Robert Curran, is called to the scene of a brutal murder and Harriet is asked to comfort the victim’s family, her newfound sense of contentment is abruptly shattered.

Sylvie Nolan, the new and much-younger wife of Lieutenant Colonel John Nolan, has been bludgeoned to death in her bedroom. The tightly knit military community in Singapore quickly closes ranks to hinder Curran’s investigation, and Harriet realizes that her friendship with the colonel’s sister might prove useful.

But to get close enough to the family’s secrets, Harriet must once again face her painful past, and Curran is forced to dredge up some long-buried secrets of his own. And when more shocking deaths occur that all seem linked to Sylvie’s murder, Harriet and Curran discover that they too are in the sights of a callous killer....

©2020 A. M. Stuart (P)2020 Penguin Audio

Accents not done well

The reader did not do accents well to the point that at times it was difficult to tell the difference between characters. Truly unfortunate. A good story though.

great second in the series

good story, but, the narrator really is weak in accents (the scottish dr sounds irish and the aussie is intermittent). also her reading rhythm is inconsistent and stilted. the reader of the first book was outstanding, so this took quite the adjustment.

Speeding it up helps

Like many others, I am captivated by this series, but had issues with the narrator on this particular book. There was such a contrast between this and the excellent narration on the first book that listening to the sample actually prevented me from purchasing the second volume for about a year. I finally did, though, and found that by increasing the playback speed by 10-15% the wooden tone disappeared. Amazing. I was then able to listen without any problems, and I'm so glad I took the plunge! I hope this series keeps going for a very long time.

Even better than the first!

I was predisposed to like this novel as I adore mysteries set in distant locales. It’s got just enough of everything: plot, interesting characters, a good twist to the finish and a pleasant reader.

Love the story and characters

Enjoying the history, setting, and characters. Mystery delightfully convoluted. These are the reasons I perseveared through the listen. I think with a more animated and dynamic narration it would really shine.

another great listen

got so involved with listening to this book while driving but I didn't notice that the gas gauge was getting low. was a shock when the little gas light came on.

can't wait to listen to the third book.

Amazing book, new favorite author!

Another smash hit by A.M. Stuart! Great mystery that kept me guessing until the end. My only complaint is that they switched narrators between the first and second books. The first narrator was much better. But I loved the book and the story. I have definitely found my new favorite author.

Barbara Rosenblat … you are needed!!

This is the 2nd book in the series I have listened to and the second narrator that has turned in a mediocre performance. The story has kept me listening in spite of that mild irritation. I would love to hear what someone of Barbara Rosenblat’s stature could make of these books.
The stories are worth it. I see the upcoming book, Evil in Emerald, is being read by a 3rd narrator. The colorful setting and the wonderful weaving of the plots and characters have me hooked! I will be pre-ordering the next one and hope that the next narrator can do it justice!

Second of 2 fun murder mysteries

Harriet Gordon is a great character. Set in 1920 Singapore like the first novel her character appears in, Harriet continues to be an unofficial assistant to the chief detective who grudgingly but appreciatively accepts her help.
One hopes this is not the last we will hear from her!

Very entertaining!

I really enjoyed this second book in the Harriet Gordon mystery series. What a terrific storyline, with wonderful writing and an interesting cast of characters. And of course, with great reading by Katherine Lee McEwan.

I was initially annoyed that they changed readers because I adored Saskia Maarleveld, the woman who had read the previous book. But Ms. McEwan rose to the occasion and I got over my bias.

I am so looking forward to the next in the series.