Chelsea Cain might have a lot of ability-I like the way she writes dialogue and, if she had a better or less hackneyed plot line she might be capable ..Show More »of above average mysteries. However, her first two books have been, in my opinion, little more than retreaded plots that have been done previously by better novelists.

Heres the thing-the books aren't dogs (and she can write a hot sex scene) but they aren't wonderful either-they are average..Meh...take it or leave it types of books.

I didn't get much out of the first book, which I bought on an audible sale, and I also had purchased the second book at the same time so I was stuck listening to both books. They weren't, either of them, sufficient bad to not finish them, not boring, not terrible books. But they weren't great either. They were just basic average mysteries.

Like all books, they might really appeal to some listeners or readers. I wish you well.

I'm recovering from a fractured hip so I have time to waste when not watching the Olympics. This book would have been close to a waste of time if I had something else to do.

As for the narration, McCormick has the characters down-I like her take on the evil serial killer a lot..she sounds like Disney's Evil Queen from Snow White. Her narration goes right along with the plot, however...average.

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Evil at Heart follows the story arc of Gretchen and Archie-serial killer vs. typical broken down cop who isn't a drunk, but is a junkie on vicodi..Show More »n. This third novel in the series is yet another average rendition of a frequently written story arc. It's not bad but it's not really good either.

I purchased all 3 books when there was a sale at audible (buy 2 get 3) looking for a new author and charmed by the idea that the scene is set in Portland, OR----my hometown.

The plot isn't a bad one and the writing has some good points but I guess my hope the Cain's writing might improve as the novels progressed hasn't come to fruition, in my opinion. All 3 novels have come strongly in the average department...not bad, not good-just average. Each with the mandatory kinky sex scene, which is well written, and the increasing deterioration of Archie's mind as Gretchen gains more and more control over him.

I've noticed lately that more audio books have begun inserting musical interludes between chapters. For some reason the producers find this attractive, but as a reader/listener I find it irritating. All 3 of Cain's books had this aggravating addition to the novel as well as the addition of weird piano and string interludes during the reading of an exciting portion of the plot.

It sounds just like 1940 radio shows I used to listen to as a kid-or like the Twilight Zone on early TV to bring the analogy closer to modern day. One chapter, 42 I think, where there was supposed to be a suspenseful part in the story arc, the music played all thru the chapter....and it overwhelmed the reading at times-the music didn't add anything and really took away from the performance. And it drove me a bit batty with the irritating increase in volume.

Carolyn McCormick is a good narrator and I'd happily listen to her read other books.



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If like me, you've enjoyed this series but felt a profound lack of Gretchen in 'The Night Season' the 4th & last book, you'll be happy to find her ce..Show More »ntral to the plot of this latest installment. The tidbits we learn about her past help fill in how the beauty killer came to be, and Archie is as complex & brilliantly troubled as always.

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