Cobra Pose

Yoga Mat Mysteries, Book 2

By: Susan Rogers, John Roosen

Narrated by: Rupert Degas

Length: 9 hrs and 59 mins

Publisher's summary

Australia is a surfers’ paradise, but this nefarious surfing on the "net" will destroy the global financial system.

It’s not just a rippling "scam" job. Has Australia been infiltrated at levels they’ve never known?

Elaina Williams uses a cobra pose in her yoga studio to boost her energy—she will need it! Elaina’s father, Edward, is in trouble. He’s disappeared.

As a solicitor and now yoga instructor, Elaina drags Ric, a man she’s fallen for, into the bursting web of techno-thrilling intrigue.

Ric Peters has just returned from a disastrous trip to Indonesia. Ric bills himself as a photojournalist. Elaina suspects he shoots more than just photographs. Ric has insight into the journey he and Elaina must take. He knows Elaina isn’t ready for what’s going to happen. There are too many moving parts for him to control.

Time is running out before The Cobra and The Wolf strike with their heist. They are extending their fangs toward Australia’s "golden coastline" to bite into and destabilize financial institutions worldwide.

The sparkling sub-tropical city of Brisbane, Queensland, is the epicenter of this hacking tsunami of the century! But these hackers are good at hiding. They make a living out of it. They are submerged phantoms, leaving no tracks.

Can the burgeoning amateur sleuth Elaina piece this puzzle together before her father’s fate is sealed? How far is Ric willing to go in deciding to save Elaina…or Australia?

Cobra Pose is a suspense-thriller and the second novel in the Yoga Mat Mysteries series. This book is filled with a snappy plot, dynamic prose, witty dialogue, and slow-burn chemistry. You’ll love Susan Rogers and John Roosen’s atmospheric whodunit.

The first book, Dead Man’s Pose, is available online. Look for the next book in the YMM line-up: Tree Pose!

©2023 Susan Rogers and John Roosen (P)2023 Susan Rogers and John Roosen

This audiobook left me speechless!

Story Impressions –


Wow, I’m speechless after listening to this audiobook. What an ending! What a story! What a beautifully written and acted techno-thriller. I was hooked from the prologue. The amount of research Susan and John must’ve done to create such an intricate and technical plot. Even the AI characters were expertly written. I couldn’t stop listening to this audiobook. Hands down, one of the best audiobooks I’ve ever heard.


Narrator’s overall voice –

Rupert Degas has a gift for voice acting. I think his voice works really well for this incredible techno-thriller. He expresses the nuances of the story and the setting using a variety of inflections and tones.


Does the narrator fit the characters?

Characters so real and accurately portrayed, you'd think you were experiencing it for yourself. So yes, the narrator fits these characters, even the AI characters.


Narrator’s reading style –

His reading style is professional and remarkable. He uses different voices for each character in addition to the narrator.


Narrator’s impact on reading experience –

Rupert Degas breathes life into Susan Rogers and John Roosen’s emotional techno-thriller. It’s a wonderful collaboration and makes for an astonishing listening experience.


Narrator’s pacing –

The pacing is superb with just the right amount of dramatic flair.


Audiobook flow –

The audiobook flow is flawless. There are times when I got so caught up in the story, I stopped what I was doing and listened.


What makes this audiobook unique –

The different voices Rupert Degas uses make this a unique listening experience. His talent for orating really comes across in this audiobook.


Would I recommend this audiobook –

YES! It’s one of those audiobooks that’ll make your heart race while listening.


My Rating: 5+ stars

A Compelling Mystery with Fantastic Narration

As a yoga teacher, Elaina Williams knows all about the calming, rejuvenating effects of her practice. But even she can’t escape the pull of real-world chaos every now and then. With her companion Ric Peters, she embarks on what she wishes could be a tranquil trip to Brisbane. But alas, it’s not a vacation; it’s a mission. Elaina’s father has mysteriously vanished. His last communication was nothing short of odd, creating a whirlwind of worry in Elaina’s mind. Upon scrutinizing her father’s final message, she knows that the situation is nothing short of critical. Leaning on Ric’s strength and support, she resolves to uncover the truth about her father’s disappearance.

Susan Rogers and John Roosen bring us the exciting second book of the Yoga Mat Mysteries series, “Cobra Pose.” The story pivots around Elaina’s courageous quest to uncover the truth about her father’s disappearance. Ric, who happens to be Elaina’s romantic partner, stands by her side as a pillar of strength, providing valuable assistance as their search intensifies. The relationship between Elaina and Ric feels real, infused with tangible energy that resonates deeply with readers.

Rogers and Roosen have a gift for storytelling, drawing listeners into the narrative from the get-go. While Elaina and Ric are undeniably the driving force behind this installment, a rich tapestry of secondary characters adds nuance and depth to the story. And what’s more, these characters are brought to life beautifully by Rupert Degas’s incredible narration. His vocal prowess lends authenticity to the characters, making their experiences feel all the more real. Rogers and Roosen’s depiction of the blossoming relationship between Elaina and Ric, beginning in the first book and evolving in this sequel, reflects their mastery over dialogue creation.

I recommend “Cobra Pose” to all mystery lovers. If you’re a fan of complex plots, compelling characters, and a sprinkling of romance, you’ll undoubtedly enjoy the series.

Engaging Mystery, Action-Packed

Together Ric and Elaina are thrust deeply into yet another mystery but this one is a bit more personal. Elaina’s father is missing and activity on the deep dark web threatens the finances of the world. It is up to Elaina and Ric and other unique characters to save Elaina’s father and defeat The Cobra and The Wolf before financial ruin is delivered worldwide!

Susan Rogers and John Roosen, the authors, weave a uniquely engaging mystery with rich and vibrant characters. The dialogue keeps the story moving forward as does the development of each character. Combined with rich dialogue, Rogers and Roosen provide vivid descriptions of Australia as well. The story is action-packed. Their ability to cowrite seamlessly is amazing. In addition, they carefully weave crime and human drama richly and smoothly engaging the listener fully. I find their writing magnetic and thrilling.

The narrator, Rupert Degas delivers another superb performance! His delivery and cadence are smooth and flawless. His energy flows flawlessly through the narration. His unique voices help keep the characters straight for his listeners and he captures/projects the personality of each vividly. His accent and tone of voice are perfect!

This is a great series to follow with strong writers and an equally strong narrator! Don’t miss this!

There were no issues with the quality or production of this audiobook.

Rupert Degas Capture's Days of Attention

After thoroughly enjoying reading the Yoga mat mysteries series I had planned on listening too the audio books when the opportunity came up. However I never imagined the result when I quickly downloaded the first two audio books while boarding a international flight.
That flight long into the night and the subsequent days would be mostly enveloped in listening to Rupert perform his art in turning the abundance of characters into captivating voices you come to relate too. The audiobook brings a new layer to a stunning classical crime thriller leaving the listener wondering where Ric and Elaina's adventures will lead them next.

5 Star for Susan and John this really is a a credit to their exceptional writing.

A thrilling, smartly written, and riveting mystery

Narrator Rupert Degas returns to create another suspense-filled performance of Authors Susan Rogers and John Roosen’s latest outing featuring solicitor and yoga instructor Elaina Williams and photojournalist Ric Peters.

When Dr. Edward Williams, Elaina’s father, goes missing under suspicious circumstances, Elaina knows something is amiss. She asks her boyfriend Ric Peters to help her look into the disappearance. A sinister conspiracy of international consequences unfolds as the pair ruthlessly look for the clues. The case takes them across several locations of Australia’s golden coastline and further to Brisbane, Queensland. With time running out for Edward, they must hurry.

Authors Susan Rogers and John Roosen have created a winding story of sinister secrets, lies, and intrigue that extends far beyond one missing person. The narrative ricochets between the tense crime investigation and human drama as Elaina and Ric work together to unravel the truth behind Elaina’s father’s disappearance.

Elaina’s mental anguish over her father’s disappearance is convincing, and her steadfast determination to uncover the conspiracy makes her a winning protagonist. Ric acts as an endearing counterpart to Elaina. The romance between the couple is convincing.

Rupert Degas perfectly delivers the urgency of the story’s drama. His narration pairs well with the authors’ taut plotting. He builds tension with subtle changes in tone and rhythm, deftly differentiating the large cast of characters: some new, some old, some good, some devious, all of whom move the story along at a steady pace. Cozy mystery buffs should snatch it up.

Fantastic!

Cobra Pose is the second book in the riveting Crime Noire Yoga Mat Mysteries series by internationally recognized award-winning authors Susan Rogers and John Roosen. This is a fast-paced, suspenseful, and engaging audiobook with an emotional finale that you won’t be ready for.

This audiobook will take you on a thrilling ride along with Elaina Williams, a yoga teacher who teams up with Ric Peters, a photojournalist that definitely does not shoot only pictures, to find her missing father and stop a global cyber-attack that threatens to destroy the world’s financial systems.

Set in the beautiful and exotic locations of Australia’s ‘golden coastline’ and Brisbane, Queensland, this audiobook will keep you on the edge of your seat, from the beginning to the very dramatic end, as you follow the twists and turns of this timely, scary, and believable plot and the complex relationships of the true to life characters.

This story reflects the massive research and hard work that the authors have put into writing it. They have spent a lot of time studying how data can be manipulated or withheld, how hacking techniques can be applied, and how prevention methods can be used.

Cobra Pose does not only have a great story but also makes for an immersive listening experience thanks to the fantastic narration by Rupert Degas, a renowned voice actor, who has recorded over 400 audiobooks to date. Mr. Degas has a smooth and captivating voice that draws you into this adventure and makes you feel like you are part of it. He also does a remarkable job of creating distinct and realistic voices for each character, using different accents and tones to convey their emotions and multifaceted personalities. I was once again impressed and entertained by his versatility and skill as he switches from one character to another with ease and consistency.

Cobra Pose is a must-listen audiobook for fans of techno-thrillers, crime mysteries, and yes, even yoga! It is a flawlessly written, fantastically performed, and exceptionally produced audiobook that will leave you wanting more. Don’t miss this exciting sequel to the first book in the series, Dead Man’s Pose, and stay tuned for Tree Pose, the third book, which is coming soon!
I am a blind audiobook reviewer, so if you found this review interesting I hope you will consider leaving a helpful vote below. Most audiobooks I receive for free for review purposes. Thank you! Take care, stay safe, and don't forget, always listen with your heart.

Engaging, memorable, and oh-so mysterious!

Working as a yoga instructor is rewarding, but Elaina Williams is in need of a break. She is set to visit Brisbane with Ric Peters wishing this trip was one for pleasure, but it’s not. In fact, it’s quite the opposite. Elaina’s father is missing. Her last communication with her father was strange to say the least–strange and very concerning. When Elaina listens to her father’s message, she realizes circumstances are dire. With Ric’s help, Elaina makes plans to investigate her father’s disappearance in the hopes of finding quick answers and bringing him home safely.

Cobra Pose is the second installment in the Yoga Mat Mysteries series by Susan Rogers and John Roosen. It focuses on Elaina Williams’s plight to delve into her father’s strange disappearance. Ric Peters is Elaina’s love interest and serves as a fantastic partner as the search for her father begins to gather steam. His skills and support are crucial to the success of their mission. The authors have given a believable energy to the relationship between Elaina and Ric. Readers will find their rapport incredibly relatable.

I found myself quickly absorbed in this Audiobook. Rogers and Roosen are adept at pulling readers into the action from the first chapter. Elaina and Ric are the stars of this second book in the series, but there is a wonderful cast of secondary characters who represent various interesting and engaging personalities and make the plot even more believable. Readers will quickly find a favorite among the friends and coworkers. An added plus for readers is the fabulous narration by Rupert Degas. Listening to him give life to Rogers and Roosen’s characters is a treat indeed. He manages to bring their various personalities to life and make their plight almost palpable.

I am a die-hard fan of mysteries, but I prefer that my mystery stories have superb dialogue and very real exchanges between characters. I don’t like a lot of narrative. Rogers and Roosen more than deliver in that department. Elaina and Ric’s relationship began in book one and continues to grow in this second in the series, and their dialogue is a testament to the writing skills of these two authors.

I highly recommend mystery fans try Cobra Pose. Anyone who appreciates well-developed plots and intriguing characters will enjoy the series by Rogers and Roosen. The blend of mystery and romance combined with the absorbing narration by Rupert Degas will most certainly help this Audiobook top the mystery charts.