Hush

By: Karen Robards

Narrated by: Cassandra Campbell

Length: 12 hrs and 46 mins

Publisher's Summary

In New York Times bestselling author Karen Robards' latest heart-pounding romantic suspense novel, a woman must track down her husband's murderer - or risk being the next victim of a vicious killer.

When Riley Cowan finds her estranged husband Jeff dead in his palatial home, she's sure it's no coincidence. The police rule it a suicide, but Riley thinks someone's out for blood - specifically someone Jeff's father ripped off in one of the biggest financial fraud cases of all time. She suspects that someone is trying to send a message to Jeff's father: Tell me where the money is, or everyone you care about will die.

Riley's in-laws might be billionaires, but she's afraid that not even their dirty money can protect her from an irate investor who will stop at nothing to get his hands on his misappropriated cash. Enter Finn Bradley, Philly-based FBI agent and Riley's love interest from way back when. Finn agrees to help Riley, and the two reignite sparks they both thought were extinguished long ago. But can they discover the killer's identity in time, before he resurfaces - and strikes again?

Dubbed an "exceptional storyteller" by the Chicago Tribune and "one of the most popular voices in women's fiction" by Newsweek, Karen Robards' latest action-packed novel will keep you glued to the pages until the final, shocking conclusion.

©2014 Karen Robards (P)2014 Brilliance Audio, all rights reserved.

overall awful

narrator made the main character sound weak and pathetic while she was described and confident and strong. the story line was so far fetched, I'd like to meet one person who had sex while there family was kidnapped for random. the surprise ending wasn't a surprise. really mad I wasted 11 hours on this book. I listened to most of it triple speed because the narrator spoke so slowly I wanted to scream.

A Rambling Story

What disappointed you about Hush?

It is a rambling story that can't decide if it is a romance or a mystery and does a poor job of coming to a conclusion about either.

What could Karen Robards have done to make this a more enjoyable book for you?

Had a better editor, one who would have told her "Karen honey, you are rambling, you need to move the story along and please for the love of good writing stop calling attention to the mans erection! When you reference it once to the size of a log; there is absolutely no need to keep calling attention to it again and again because most people are paying attention and are looking for the scene that is going to give pay dirt!"

What didn’t you like about Cassandra Campbell’s performance?

Her diction is very off putting and slow. She is not consistent with character voices.

What reaction did this book spark in you? Anger, sadness, disappointment?

Inpatients. I was disappointed, I have read other books by this author and liked them very much. This book is flat, very little to like about the characters and convoluted.

Any additional comments?

While I do not recommend this book, I do recommend the author. Her other books are good and have endearing likeable characters.

Someone should label this a fantasy romance

What disappointed you about Hush?

I bought it because it sounded good in the write up. And the plot had the potential to be good. But the unrealistic reactions of the characters made it impossible to listen to. If I had to hear one more time about his "man smell" or his erection I thought I was going to throw up. I couldn't get through it. Why would ANY woman in her position react to a man who had the potential to jail her in that way. And they just kept going over the same thing again and again. And why would a professional man react to a witness who he KNOWS is lying to him? Give me a break. If I want soft porn I can find it somewhere else!

Has Hush turned you off from other books in this genre?

I would not have BOUGHT the book if it had been labeled better.

How did the narrator detract from the book?

Narrator could only do so much with what was written.

If you could play editor, what scene or scenes would you have cut from Hush?

All of the romance part, but then you would only have a 2 hour book!

The narrator ruins this possibly decent book

I have made it through the first few chapters and I don't think I will be able to finish. This narrator is using this highly "affected" style and tone that is driving me crazy.

Some of the main characters are from the high upper class and the characterization there could work, but to use this same tone and style for the narration is not a fit.

An example is using the pronunciation "Jaaff" for the name Jeff. The continual Hollywood "high society" voice, labored speaking pace is just bad. It's so distracting and irritating, I can't concentrate on the story.

Some may like this cheesy interpretation, but it's just not for me.

Sorry...

Another Great Story

Karen Robards has become one of my favorite authors. Her stories and riveting and hold your interest. This was another great suspenseful romance from her.

Another Great Suspense Novel

One thing I have found to be true is anytime Karen Robards puts pen to paper, the lucky reader or in this case listener is in for one heck of a ride in adventure, mystery, suspense and romance. All that was in evidence in the audiobook HUSH by another of my go-to authors.

Naturally, HUSH begins with murder, when Riley Cowan finds her estranged husband dead in his palatial mansion. Looks like suicide, but the message she received from him just before he supposedly committed suicide left disturbing questions in Riley’s mind as to who had ordered him to make it look like suicide. Someone is out for blood and Riley assumes that this is one more message being sent to her ex-husbands dad, who was in prison for ripping off one of the biggest financial fraud cases of all time. The message was pretty clear - Where is the money, or everyone you care for will die!

Enter Finn Bradley, an FBI special investigator who has been brought out of a semi-retirement to find the money. The sparks fly when these two meet, even though Finn knows that Riley knows more than she’s telling, but even though Riley feels the attraction as strongly as Finn she has some very deep trust issues going on and sharing that information with any type of policeman is just not happening.

The pace is fast and performed extremely well by Cassandra Campbell, with numerous adventurous scenarios, romantic interludes, betrayals, and lasting friendships. The audio is almost 13 hours long and it flew because there was simply so much excitement and adventure. Ultimately, one has to realize that Karen Robards is an extraordinary talent and should be a must-buy for those who love action-packed novels.

Marilyn Rondeau

Good mystery

What made the experience of listening to Hush the most enjoyable?

Cassandra Campbell's narration.

Who was your favorite character and why?

Riley. The writer did a great job getting us to really like Riley and take us on the journey to find her husband's killer.

Which scene was your favorite?

All the scenes with Finn. The chemistry between them was palpable.

Any additional comments?

Cassandra always delivers a stellar performance!

One of her best books

The story keeps you on the edge of your seat and you are guessing who it is until the end.

Not my favorite

Any additional comments?

I was disappointed by this book. I found it to be boring and predictable. It's definitely not one of Karen Robards's best stories.

Great Story!

Just enough mushy love to make me happy! The story was good and a definite twist. Perfect! Great loved it!

Disappointing

I have read other books by Karen Robards which I enjoyed but this one was pretty awful. I will hesitate to buy another by her. The narration was fine but the emphasis on the sexual tension and sex scenes between the main protagonists was excessive. 20 minutes listening time for one sex scene? I kept wishing they'd get over it and get on with the storyline, which was promising but never really took off.