Deviance

The London Psychic Book 3

De: J.F. Penn

Narrado por: Rosalind Ashford

Who is the sinner and who is the saint?

Jamie Brooke is working as a private investigator in the London Borough of Southwark when the body of a priest is found in the ruins of Winchester Palace, his tattooed arms flayed, his mouth stuffed with feathers.

Jamie begins the hunt for the skin collector with the help of museum researcher, Blake Daniel, who is haunted by visions of a terrifying past.

As violence erupts, leaving a trail of bodies in its wake, Jamie and Blake must find the murderer before those they love are taken down in the chaos.

©2015 Joanna Penn (P)2015 Joanna Penn

Steeped in spirit, sensuality, and studies

What did you love best about Deviance?

While I apologize for the above alliteration (ha, I did it again!) - I hold my words to be true - J.F. Penn's dedication to detail in history, sex without sleaze, and the mysteries of this world and others make it a very enticing story. The audio book is a nice companion to the book, if you want to switch between the two, and read in the very tony voice of Ms. Ashford. Third in the series, this is the end of the London Psychic trilogy (Desecration #1, Delirium #2) - or, at least for now, the reader/listener hopes there are more adventures to be had by the now PI Jamie Brooke and psychic researcher Blake Daniel. What I really connected to was the very creativity of the story - existing things woven into old and existing things in a new way.

Did the plot keep you on the edge of your seat? How?

This is where I don't want to spill spoilers - but suffice it to say, it is well worth it!

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

The emotion, the very "Britishness" of her voice describing London, etc. is entirely apropos and just adds to the theatricality of the story, which helps me to see it my mind as a movie when listening.

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

I quite enjoy the tag line of the book: Who is the sinner, and who is the saint?"

Any additional comments?

I thoroughly recommend this author and her books to anyone that seeks a thrilling read (this is NOT Sci/Fi, even though there are mystical elements in it).

a good followup

I enjoyed the book quite a bit. I enjoy this series and JF Penn's Arkane series because of how she mixes fiction with history. I learn a little something with each book. This time, it's about the history of London and it's seedier sides, and the way the politics and the church of the past both tolerated it and encouraged it. Fascinating stuff.

I enjoy the mixture of police work (or private detective work, in this case) with elements of the 'psychic world,' although I think the psychic elements by those other than Blake could have been foreshadowed a bit better in earlier books.

I feel like this book finally gives us a look at what makes Blake and Jamie attractive to each other and paints a better picture of them, physically and emotionally, for the reader.

Good stuff, overall, and I would certainly read a #4 down the road.

I received an advanced review copy of this book in return for writing an honest review.

Sensual without sleaze

Would you listen to Deviance again? Why?

I would surely listen to Deviance over again. I would tell you why, but I don't want to give away any spoilers.

What was one of the most memorable moments of Deviance?

Finding out who the killer is early on, makes the story more interesting. I like getting the story from two points of view and just waiting for the confrontation to take place.

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

The great British accent from Rosalind Ashford as she describes London and the other surroundings. She truly made the story come to life..

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

Yes, for sure.

Any additional comments?

Deviance is the first J.F. Penn book I have read/listened to. Now I need to go back and read the first two books in the series. The book made me mad and sad at the same time. I needed to listen faster to find out who was the "saint and who was the sinner". Since I haven't read the first two, I have a few holes in the story. I would recommend this author to anyone who enjoys a great mystery with a touch of paranormal throw in for good measure.

London amazes

Would you listen to Deviance again? Why?

I would definitely listen again, not only was the book magnificent but the reader was wonderful

Did the plot keep you on the edge of your seat? How?

You never knew what would happen next, very thrilling

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

The English accent makes it even more believable, I actually did read the book before but the nuance and pronunciation make it worthwhile to listen. It brings out a new side to the story

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

Yes, and I almost did it. It took two days.

Any additional comments?

As usual, Joanna Penn does a superb job. Can't wait for the next book

Hot new female mystery writer

Would you consider the audio edition of Deviance to be better than the print version?

Yes. Rosalind Ashford brings these characters to life. I was able to really get into the book and lost track of time.

What was one of the most memorable moments of Deviance?

I don't want to ruin the storyline, but finding out who the killer is early on makes it so much more interesting. Your getting the story from 2 points of view and you're waiting for the confrontation to happen.

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

No, I haven't. But now that I see what else she has read, I want to listen to her read the rest of this series.

Did you have an extreme reaction to this book? Did it make you laugh or cry?

It made me mad and sad. Who is the Saint & who is the sinner. Once you read this book, the answer is not so simple.

Any additional comments?

I can't wait for the next one in this series. Another great new (to me) female mystery writer added to my list. The fact that she also brings in the paranormal keeps it interesting. This author does not disappoint.