The Queen of Bedlam

A Matthew Corbett Novel, Book 2

By: Robert R. McCammon

Narrated by: Edoardo Ballerini

Length: 23 hrs and 23 mins

Publisher's summary

His epic masterwork Speaks the Nightbird, a tour de force of witch hunt terror in a colonial town, was hailed by Sandra Brown as "deeply satisfying...told with matchless insight into the human soul."

Now, Robert McCammon brings the hero of that spellbinding novel, Matthew Corbett, to 18th-century New York, where a killer wields a bloody and terrifying power over a bustling city carving out its identity - and over Matthew's own uncertain destiny.

The unsolved murder of a respected doctor has sent ripples of fear throughout a city teeming with life and noise and commerce. Who snuffed out the good man's life with the slash of a blade on a midnight street? The local printmaster has labeled the fiend "the Masker," adding fuel to a volatile mystery...and when the Masker claims a new victim, hardworking young law clerk Matthew Corbett is lured into a maze of forensic clues and heart-pounding investigation that will both test his natural penchant for detection and inflame his hunger for justice.

In the strangest twist of all, the key to unmasking the Masker may await in an asylum where the Queen of Bedlam reigns - and only a man of Matthew's reason and empathy can unlock her secrets. From the seaport to Wall Street, from society mansions to gutters glimmering with blood spilled by a deviant, Matthew's quest will tauntingly reveal the answers he seeks - and the chilling truths he cannot escape.

©2007 Robert McCammon (P)2012 Audible, Inc.

Another wonderful historical novel

A great read, rich in details and adventure. Going to buy the next one to keep up with Matthew Corbett's adventures!

Another Great Book!

I'm glad I happened upon the first book, leading me to this one. Read well, captivating - keeps your attention. My only complaint, sometimes "scenes" are drawn out too long. Otherwise, I look forward to the next in this series.

Good but not great

I find the narrator's characterization of Matthew and the author's style of language to detract from the story. Not quite my cup of tea.

Master story teller

Would you consider the audio edition of The Queen of Bedlam to be better than the print version?

told by a master teller of stories

What other book might you compare The Queen of Bedlam to and why?

Speaks the Nightbird began the Matthew Corbett story that goes on even after the mystery is solved. Robert McCammon weaves an assortment of loose threads into a rich tapestry of lives lived in colonial times in America. He is a true master story teller.

Which character – as performed by Edoardo Ballerini – was your favorite?

None better than Edoardo Ballerini. He is a master teller of stories. How can one person deliver so many distinct voices. He brings each character to life in vivid color in the mind's eye. His performance makes the story flow through time and place. Listening to this series makes long car trips fly by.

Who was the most memorable character of The Queen of Bedlam and why?

Many interesting period characters but none more memorable than Matthew himself, the solver of puzzles

Any additional comments?

Starting book 3 and already sorry there are only 4 books in this series, hope he is working on book 5.

Loved it!!!!

This is everything I LOVE in an audiobook! Excellent writing (I ENJOY historical crime novels that also contain actual history) - excellent narrative and audiobooks that are longer than 10 hours! Please continue these Matthew Corbett mysteries, Mr. McCammon!!! And Mr Ballerini, thank you for reading these exceptional novels with your wonderful voice! ps I rarely gush online about anything, but I just HAD to share!

Awesome

I’m in love with this whole series. Fabulously written! Always clever and exciting. On to the next...

Wonderful read

I haven’t read anything by this author for many years not realizing he’s written so much. I truly enjoyed this book and the direction the author has taken. Thank you, Mr McCammon!

I liked it

it was a fanciful and simple period piece with levels of murder and mayhem. The beginning had me thinking it was going in a sad uncomfortable direction that could only end one way, then it took a turn and I was intrigued to the end. The characters were not that deep and I'm sure historical liberties were taken but they all connected in the end to my hometown so that was a cool history lession!

You had me until…

I liked the first book better and the writing in some parts is really good. The narrator is superb BUT I can’t understand why the rape scene is in this book. It has really nothing to do with the story or moving the plot along. It is very reminiscent of the one in the first book but more brutal. I feel as if the author is writing of some fantasy he has but I hardly think a young man wants to be raped anymore then a woman does. It’s gross and ruins the story for me like some kind of sick rite of passage. It’s also really kind of sad to think how this woman was just used by all these men and boys and the author wants you to think she liked it. At the end she was used abused and run through like she was garbage. Spoiled the book for me.

Book 2 is better than Book 1!

What made the experience of listening to The Queen of Bedlam the most enjoyable?

The narration performance of Edoardo Ballerini was great. I really thought that his ability to voice the characters was exceptional. The evolution of Matthew Corbett in this book from the first novel was well done and kept me interested.

What was one of the most memorable moments of The Queen of Bedlam?

The chapter involving the introduction of the new governor had me laughing out loud.

Which scene was your favorite?

The chess match near the end of the book was very well done.

If you could take any character from The Queen of Bedlam out to dinner, who would it be and why?

Greathouse

Any additional comments?

I can't wait for the next book to download and start listening!