A Grave Talent: A Kate Martinelli Mystery

It was during the description of the storm that tore through San Fransisco that I realized I was listening to an exceptional book. The classic destructive tempest has been retold so many times that it takes something unique to catch my attention, and at some point I realized I was riveted. This is a different and engaging plot with lovable and believable characters, held together by writing so outstanding it seems effortless and floats with the story. The narrator's smooth, rich voice goes perfectly with Casey Martinelli and the somewhat dark theme.

King does spend a lot of time on the surroundings and seemingly extraneous descriptions, perhaps an influence from writing her Victorian Sherlock Holmes books, but I didn't find it to be tedious. It is just a different style of writing that is quite apart from the terse action-packed mystery thrillers that dominate the bestseller list.

I'm sorry to say that I was disappointed with the novel. I've enjoyed Laurie R. King's Mary Russell and Sherlock Holmes series, and I did enjoy reading The Art of Deception in hardcover. I don't know if my disappointment has more to do with the narration or the writing style. Alyssa Bresnahan read this novel as if it were poetry, and it's certainly not poetry. This is a police procedural, with a few too many tired cliches and stereotypes. It's also much more slower-paced than The Art of Deception, which was aggravated by Ms. Bresnahan's plodding narration. But I did enjoy the scenes in San Francisco and the greater Bay Area, having lived there for about 12 years. The setting was actually one of the attractions for me, and King can conjure a strong sense of place. Still, I don't recommend this as an audio book. If you want to give it a try, then buy the printed version or check it out at the library.

I have read a few of King's Mary Russell stories but I think I like this series better. I enjoyed the fact that King brings a different style of writing to the murder mystery. She is a more descriptive writer such as one sees with the historical novel writer. The description King gave of the rain storm and its aftermath was great. One of the key people in the story was an artist and the description and information provided to art was informative. I was beginning to wonder if King is also an artists. All this provided a different and more interesting murder mystery. I do not wish to give the impression the book is dull it was not. There was lots of tense action packed drama, suspense and some humor. The ending was a bit different and sets up for the next book in the series. Looks as if shall read this series.

i would recommend Laurie King to anybody. her characters come to life in her books. good police drama with depth. love this series.

If you like mysteries in the fashion of Mary Russell and Sherlock Holmes series I would recommend this book.

When it was presented that there was a stalker who committed the crimes.

She has an impelling voice.

Yes

N/A

I enjoy Laurie King's detailed writing style from other works, but the narrator's monotone made the story drag on and on. I agree with another reviewer to try this in writing instead.

For me, her narration was unenthusiastic and plodding.

I also listen to Laurie King's Mary Russell series, and though the writing style with rich detail is similar, the narrator of that series makes the dialog and details far more enjoyable.

I found myself yeling at my iPod "get on with it." No wonder this book is so long ... author filled it with tripe and went places that didn't do the story any justice. What if she just told the story - great story line - without all the garbage she used to fill up the time. What it...what if...what if. Buy the book to find out what I mean but be prepared to bored out of your mind for 75% of the time. I want my money back.