Bride of the Rat God

By: Barbara Hambly

Narrated by: Marguerite Gavin

Length: 11 hrs and 28 mins

Publisher's summary

After donning a cursed necklace for the cameras, a silent screen starlet and her entourage are terrorized by an ancient demon.

It is 1923, and silent film reigns in Hollywood. Of all the starlets, none is more beloved than Chrysanda Flamande, a diva as brilliant as she is difficult to manage. Handling her falls to Norah, widow of Chrysanda’s dead brother. She has always done her job well, but she was never equipped to deal with murder.

When a violent killing shocks Chrysanda’s entourage, and other weird happenings swiftly follow, Norah begins to suspect that some strange power is stalking the star. In Chinatown she receives warning that a curse has been placed on the actress as vengeance for wearing a sacred amulet in one of her films - and this curse could mean death for all who surround her.

©1994 Barbara Hambly (P)2012 Audible, Inc.

An excellent recording of a favorite book

This is one of my favorites, and it was a great experience for me to listen to as I worked. Highly recommend!

this is the second book of a series

This is the second book in the Silver Screen series. audible won't tell you that because they were published by different publishing companies, as if that makes any sense. The first book is Scandal in Babylon. It's only after rereading this book, which has been in my library for years, that I made the connection to the first book.

I enjoyed the look at the Hollywood of the silver screen. Many names will be recognized. The first book in the series was a standard mystery. This is more mystical with a slight rearrangement of background.

This plot resembles an old-time horror movie, which holds together well. It would make a great 30's movie.

It leaves the reader wanting to adopt Pomeranians who are lovingly described. (but be sure to go to a homeless pet shelter to get one.)

On of my all-time favorites

I love this book and have read and re-read it numerous times. Hearing it on Audible is a new experience and is worth listening to, because the story is so gripping that sometimes I read too fast and miss the beautiful words.
However, the narrator let me down a few times by mis-pronouncing a few words. She did a good job of presenting Nora’s and Christine’s voices, though, and overall did a decent job.

fun mix of fantasy and 1920s Hollywood

I love all of Barbara Hambly's books, but I have to admit to an extra soft spot for this stand-alone. Mixing ancient Chinese magic with 1920s Hollywood, a kind and brave English war widow who becomes a companion to her Hollywood vamp movie star sister in law, some Pekingese dogs and too many more details to mention here, Bride of the Rat God is funny, clever and an entertaining read for people who like fantasy or for those who don't normally read it.
The main characters are all really engaging, the system of magic is interesting and most importantly, (as with all her other books, mystery,fantasy, whatever) Hambly's writing is very detail-oriented and her fascination with the early history of Hollywood, silent films and the time and places she writes about shine through. The book is filled with historical research inserted so seamlessly into the story that it adds verisimilitude and charm to every section.

The narration and accents were very well done and did not disappoint for a book which I had read many times. This is a fun trip through old Hollywood, Chinatown with some magic and honestly scary bits along the way as well. I recommend it highly!

silent films, pekinese, and the Rat God

I was pleased to find this book. It's one of those rich fantasy gems that blends multicultural aspects with well researched history to create a vivid story. Hambly's prose and sense of place is always lyrical. The time on set and the descriptions of filming in the 20's is spot on and relatable.
and then there's the dogs.
the narration is well done. not flat or monotone. You don't have to repeat a conversation trying to decide who said what.

Wonderful

This is a wonderful story that calls to mind the stories of Agatha Christie for period and tone, mixing in restrained romance and a fantastical plot of Oriental demon gods, wizards in hiding, and the over the top world of movie studios between the world wars. Ms. Hambley crafts her tales with the greatest skill.

Outstanding

Would you consider the audio edition of Bride of the Rat God to be better than the print version?

I can't compare, as I have not read the print version.

Who was your favorite character and why?

Hmm. Nora, I suppose. She was an interesting blend of vulnerability/strength, skepticism/openness.

If you were to make a film of this book, what would the tag line be?

Beware of producers bearing gifts.

Any additional comments?

The narrator was excellent.