Baltimore Blues

The First Tess Monaghan Novel

By: Laura Lippman

Narrated by: Deborah Hazlett

In a city where someone is murdered almost every day, attorney Michael Abramowitz’s death should be just another statistic. But the slain lawyer’s notoriety—and his taste for illicit midday trysts—make the case front-page news in every local paper except the Star, which crashed and burned before Abramowitz did. A former Star reporter who knows every inch of this town—from historic Fort McHenry to the crumbling projects of Cherry Hill—now-unemployed journalist Tess Monaghan also knows the guy the cops like for the killing: cuckolded fiance Darryl “Rock” Paxton. The time is ripe for a career move—anything to pay the rent—so when rowing buddy Rock wants to hire her to do some unorthodox snooping to help clear his name, Tess agrees. But there are lethal secrets hiding in the Charm City shadows, and Tess’ own name could end up on that ever-expanding list of Baltimore dead.

©1997 Laura Lippman (P)2006 AudioGO

Critic reviews

“Deborah Hazlett backs Lippman’s success vocally. She shows Tess as resourceful, emotionally steady, feisty, and clear thinking as the unemployed reporter investigates the murder of a controversial defense lawyer. Other characters, as well as the portrayal of the city of Baltimore, enrich the plot and, in most cases, the audio version.”

“Laura Lippman deserves to be a big star.”

ENGAGING STOREY

Would you listen to Baltimore Blues again? Why?

NO, I JUST DON'T DO THAT EVER

Who was your favorite character and why?

TESS GREAT FLAWED HEROINE

What about Deborah Hazlett’s performance did you like?

THE VOICES SHE USES FOR THE VARIOUS CHARACTORS

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

NO IN CAR, TOOK ABOUT A WEEK TO COMPLETE

A true gem!

I wish I had discovered this talented author years ago! Lippman is an outstanding writer, with plenty of "literary gems" gently sprinkled within the prose of the mystery. The characters feel real and the scene setting rings true, setting the reader smack dab in the city of Baltimore - superb local color. In addition, the dialog is very natural-sounding.

The only issue I had was with the narrator, who seemed to rush her words so much that I had a hard time listening at the normal speed. I solved the problem by reducing the speed to 75%, which imparted a lovely, soft, luxurious feel to her voice. I will continue to do this as I go forward through the series now.

I've already started to listen to book #2 and am loving it!

Excellence!

in a vast wasteland of crappy writing and even crappier narration, this book was a stellar 100% fresh, well written story with quirky, realistic characters who could live next door to you. Tess is real, imperfect, cute but not beautiful like so many heroines. I've loved this series for years but now I'm listening to the audio, and I LOVE this narrator. She has perfect pitch for both sexes without being over the top or irritating like so many female readers. In the audiobook world, it's all about NARRATION NARRATION NARRATION and she nails it.

I'm on #8 - This series is almost unique

Why can't more "gentle" contemporary detective novels like this series be created? I usually avoid U.S. contemporaries because of the
*poor quality of prose
*over-the-top plots
*even more over-the-top action heroes and Barbie heroines who can run in designer shoes
*campy dialogue
*even campier formulaic gratuitous sex and violence scenes and
*overall dumbness factor

This series avoids the above and has the strength of quirky characters (but not TOO quirky) and a strong city setting. Lippman almost does for Baltimore what Rankin does for Edinburgh. Tess usually takes on a social issue (secondary to the plot), which may put off some readers. Except for #2 in the series (Charm City), I think Lippman grows stronger in her craft in each.

As for the narrator, Barabara Rosenblatt, who is much criticized in reviews of this series - I am among the minority who don't like her as the voice of Amelia Peabody, but I love her as Tess Monaghan I don't get the criticisms voicied here--- She doesn't slobber over the vowels -- I think her delivery is part of her fresh take on impulsive Tess. She reads as if speaking, so - yes - there are some human sounds. She is not Microsoft Anna!

So - if you seek a listen to relax, to be engrossed (and not grossed out or blood pressure raised), try this.

Not the best Narrator"

Would you say that listening to this book was time well-spent? Why or why not?

Maybe, It took longer than usual because I had to keep going bad to understand the story the way it was being read. Just difficult to follow, no character differences. No feeling.

What did you like best about this story?

I would have to listen to it again and again in order to be able to absorb this story. The reader does nothing to make it better. I think the story line is good but then come just plain words. No feeling from the reader.

How did the narrator detract from the book?

How did or did she?? Heck ya!!!!!!!!!! Totally. If I wanted monotone I would read the book, visually. When you listen, I guess I expect that boost to my imagination through the reader. This should be a redo.

Did Baltimore Blues inspire you to do anything?

No..........