Cold Black Hearts

By: Jeffrey J. Mariotte

Narrated by: Tamara McDaniel

Length: 8 hrs and 51 mins

Publisher's Summary

The ruins on the border of New Mexico and Mexico were once the bustling town of New Dominion. But in 1933, most of its population was massacred - and no one was ever arrested for the brutal crime. Now, the land once known as New Dominion is the site of more recent murders. Former police detective Annie O’Brien, blessed-or cursed-with a heightened sense of empathy, is conducting the investigation. Staying alone in an old house near the desolate remains of the town, she finds herself haunted by the tragedies that occurred there - tragedies that threaten to overwhelm her unusual gift even as New Dominion threatens to rise from the ashes. This audio adaptation of Mariotte’s supernatural thriller will keep listeners desperate to learn what happens next.

©2009 Jeffrey J. Mariotte (P)2011 Jeffrey J. Mariotte

Critic Reviews

“This is Mariotte's great talent: His writing hooks you, and you just have to see how things end. And Annie, much in the vein of the maverick lady investigators and interrogators that populate cable television, is sassy, interesting and smart - and not afraid to risk her reputation, her relationships or even her life to get to the bottom of something.” (Julia Ramey, Tucson Weekly)

“You won’t find the excesses in this novel that you would see in most small press horror or even some of the newer mass market releases; it seems that Marriotte prefers to present his horror laden with atmosphere and emotion rather than the grotesque. That’s not to imply that there isn’t plenty of action and some vivid descriptions of carnage to be found in these pages, there is, but it doesn’t feel exploitive. It is the strength of Mariotte’s writing that initially keep the readers turning the pages and it’s the bond he manages to form between the reader and Annie that keeps us interested until the end.” (Tony Tremblay, Horrorworld.org)

Excellent for the price

Where does Cold Black Hearts rank among all the audiobooks you???ve listened to so far?

I have heard much better, but I thoroughly enjoyed it especially for the price!

What was your reaction to the ending? (No spoilers please!)

The book is pretty predictable, but again, enjoyable. I don't get offended if I can guess what is going to happen. It did have me guessing at times.

How could the performance have been better?

The reading was adequate, but I think has lots of potential. She didn't interfere in the story.

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

No, several sitting, but I looked foward to listening to it.

Any additional comments?

I really enjoyed the book, and would recommend it to anyone.

4 of 5 people found this review helpful

Worth a listen

Tamara's style was just right for this story and gave it maturity beyond the plot. Interesting setting, beginning was excellent.

Tried and Just Couldn't

What would have made Cold Black Hearts better?

A different narrator

Has Cold Black Hearts turned you off from other books in this genre?

No

Who would you have cast as narrator instead of Tamara McDaniel?

Anyone who would read the story like they weren't forced to read aloud in front of their elementary reading group in school.

You didn’t love this book... but did it have any redeeming qualities?

I didn't stick around to note any.

Any additional comments?

I couldn't get through more than a few minutes. The story might actually be good, but I couldn't take listening to it.