In the Blood

Jefferson Tayte Genealogical Mystery, Book 1

By: Steve Robinson

Narrated by: Simon Vance

Length: 10 hrs and 56 mins

Publisher's summary

A #1 Audible bestseller

Two hundred years ago a loyalist family fled to England to escape the American War of Independence and seemingly vanished into thin air. American genealogist Jefferson Tayte is hired to find out what happened, but it soon becomes apparent that a calculated killer is out to stop him.

In the Blood combines a centuries-old mystery with a present-day thriller that brings two people from opposite sides of the Atlantic together to uncover a series of carefully hidden crimes. Tayte's research centres around the tragic life of a young Cornish girl, a writing box, and the discovery of a dark secret that he believes will lead him to the family he is looking for. Trouble is, someone else is looking for the same answers and will stop at nothing to find them.

In the Blood is the first in the Jefferson Tayte mystery series.

©2014 Steve Robinson (P)2013 Brilliance Audio, Inc.

New Twist on old fashion mystery

The voice was very pleasing to the ear. Unique story development. Something I had not heard before, I'm glad I tried it and am purchasing the next one in the series. It's not a horror story or rape story it's a good old fashion mystery. I've gotten away from the more violent thrillers, they all seem the same and they started keeping me awake at night. This type of book is excellent and no nightmares.

Slow beginnng but 2nd half really good

First, I really wanted to love this book. The book reviews (Amazon) were excellent, and with Simon Vance narrating, what could go wrong? Well....the audible reviews weren't encouraging, but there were only a few so my hopes were high. The first half of the book was only ok, it was not very engaging with a lot of details without activity. However the second half the the book was really great. Plenty of action with a number of suspects, twists and turns. If I could, I would rate the first half of the book a 3 and the second half a 4 plus.

Unexpected pleasure

Any additional comments?

I didn't remember ordering this, I think it may have been a pre-order or something so I had no idea what to expect. The writing in this novel was SO good. I got the whisper sync for voice so I started reading the book first, I was taken aback by the beautiful writing. Started listening (time) and the plot moved along wonderfully, plenty of action. It was a great mystery.

Mixed bag for this listener

I had very high hopes for this book as I am a huge fan of the Dan Waddell series featuring genealogist Nigel Barnes and was looking for something similar. Maybe I set my expectations too high? The mystery itself was intriguing and had several layers which was a plus. I really enjoyed how there were scenes both in the present day and in the last. However, I had trouble connecting with Jefferson Tayte. I never really got to like him very much. I didn't hate him, but I didn't like him either. He didn't draw much emotion from me at all, except frustration several times when I thought he did some things and made some choices that weren't smart. I found myself yelling at him those times.

As far as the performance went, as much as I like Simon Vance's voice, I had a difficult time with him reading this book. His voice didn't fit right for me. I understand the choice of a British reader since the whole book (minus the very beginning) takes place in England, but it just threw me off because the main character is American and while the book is not a first person narrative, it still put me off-kilter a bit. Plus, I was not a fan of Mr. Vance's American accent. I did not like the voice he gave to Jefferson Tayte at all. His voices for all of the British characters were great but his voice for Tayte and the few other Americans were not good for me.

I switched back and forth between the audio and the kindle version and if I had to choose, I would probably lean towards the kindle version over the audio. It was worth the Whispersync price I paid but I'm glad I didn't spend a credit on it.

Getting into this book was difficult for me.

In the Blood is probably better than 2 stars, but the slow start combined with the terrible narration make the audiobook a loser. The story actually gets quite good near the end. The book would be better if it were shorter and less wordy.

Simon Vance with his rich deep voice and British accent is usually an excellent narrator. The issue with his narration of this book is that he does not do dialog well. He tries unsuccessfully to give a unique voice to each character. His voice range is insufficient to pull it off for the multiple male characters in this book and his voice with female characters it is horrid.

Amazing! You don't have to be a genealogist!

Would you consider the audio edition of In the Blood to be better than the print version?

I have not seen the print version.All the info and reviews kept talking about this being a work of genealogy and I was afraid it would be stiff and technical or scientific - in other words confusing and/or boring. But, that wasn't the case at all. This is a fantastic book about a mystery about what happened to a family. There are some scenes that are silly - like the horror stories where someone doesn't call for help when any normal person would kind of thing. But there are just a couple of those moments in the entire book. I was also thrilled that the publisher was Amazon. Good on you Amazon. What a fantastic writer and story.BTW a note to the writer: The only mistake in the entire book was the reference to Tate feeling like he'd played knots and crosses? I think that's what you said. Whatever this thing is, it's not American.And as far as the performer goes - I didn't like him for the first 20 minutes or so, when the story first starts in America. His American accents are horrible (which is always the case with British actors vs. American actors trying to be either one). But, then the story moves to England, and his accent is perfect.

What was one of the most memorable moments of In the Blood?

The unraveling of the mystery of what happened to a family many years ago was fantastic. Probably the best part was the reading of the diary finally found by the daughter of the first family.

Which character – as performed by Simon Vance – was your favorite?

Tate, of course.

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

I listened in two settings. The information for a complicated family tree was tricky to keep in my mind in one setting without a visual - without a paper copy. Plus the story got a bit far fetched at about the middle, because the main character was taking silly risks, where I don't think a normal person would - but would be common in a movie. So, I needed a break about 1/2 way through. But, the second half of the book started to reveal the mystery of the family history, and I became hooked to the end.

Any additional comments?

I haven't Googled the author yet, but I am assuming he is British. And the only mistake when describing an American was his reference to a game I never heard of, when he said the main character Tate, felt like he'd been playing a game of knots and ladders (I think that was the reference). This is not an American game that I know of anyway, but it was distracting. I found myself removed from the story, wondering what this reference was and being aware the that author had made a mistake in referencing a British game for an American character. It took a few minutes to lose myself in the story again. But, this was his only mistake, and very minor. Also, if you find the performer annoying at first, give it 30 minutes. His delivery is perfect once the story moves to England.

Jefferson Tayte Is A New Kind of Detective

So glad I took advantage of the offer of this book. I don't know why it took me so long to read it. I loved it. JT was a reluctant hero but he turned out to be a hero. Working as a genealogist never seemed to be a dodgy career with risk involved but in this book that is what JT walks into when he flies to London encounter to Cornwall to investigate the missing connection to his client's family. Little did either of them know that the investigation would uncover the murder of an entire family in 1783 and the subsequent outcomes. There are many twists and turns as in any good mystery but the fact that JP is not a detective of the usual sort, you don't expect old family records to reveal any facts that would make someone in today kill anyone who wants to unearth the truth. I liked the book very much and have already bought the remaining four in the series. I am listening to the Audible version and Simon Vance is superb as the narrator. Sometimes it is good to not discover a series until it is fully published. That way you can keep reading straight through. Will Julia and JP continue? Will Amy reappear?

Great mystery novel!

Loved this one. The twists were excellent and usually unexpected. I found myself predicting wrong on several occasions which is always lovely. The narration isn't the best. His accent adds a nice touch to the reading, but he lacks the ability to generate distinctly different voices for the characters. But still well worth the listen! Would highly recommend.

Wrong hero

JT Tate is all wrong: presented as a bookish geneaologist, timid and neurotic, he is called upon to face physical danger constantly on behalf of strangers. This sudden transformation into James Bond ruined a fine plot for me, and I won't pursue the series.
Simon Vance was, as usual, a splendid reader.

Should have been Intriguing

What disappointed you about In the Blood?

The protagonist was too stupid for words

What do you think your next listen will be?

Dance for the dead by Thomas Perry

What about Simon Vance’s performance did you like?

He didn't get in the way, and his different characters sounded different from each other

What character would you cut from In the Blood?

the main character

Any additional comments?

The conflict proceeded with all the subtlety of pro wrestling. It was like the tv ad where people in horror movie make really bad decisions about where to hide.

Enjoyable

I enjoyed this book. It's not mind-blowing, but it is well worth a listen and a great way to wile away the afternoon. I also really like the fact that they have used a British narrator despite the main character being American as the story isn't told from Jefferson's POV. In fact 99% of the book is set in Britain, and most of the characters are British, so I personally think it makes perfect sense to have the story narrated by a British narrator - plus it's really nice not to have to listen to the British accents and places being mangled by an American narrator, something that I have had to endure far to often as an Audible.co.uk customer.

Overall I really enjoyed this book and will probably get the next in the series.

Great hopes disappointed

Would you recommend this audiobook to a friend? If so, why?

This would do for a trans-Atlantic flight or similar

Would you recommend In the Blood to your friends? Why or why not?

no - even if, like I am, they are fans of both whodunits AND genealogy, this book annoys more than entertains

Did the narration match the pace of the story?

Yes

Was there a moment in the book that particularly moved you?

no

Any additional comments?

Well - I did give the writer an format another chance with book 2 in this series, but was confirmed in my disapointment

Wonderful story

I loved the mix of Cornish history and English characters in American history, brought up to date with the genealogy tale. The reader is very good too, easy to listen to and very good at the character voices.
I will be looking forward to listening to this again in a few months time, I enjoyed it that much.

Really enjoyable!

What did you like most about In the Blood?

Just the right mixture to keep the interest piqued. Facinating historical details, evocative descriptions of Cornwall and a detective thread based usually on genealogy.

What was one of the most memorable moments of In the Blood?

JT swimming into the coastal cave.

Have you listened to any of Simon Vance’s other performances? How does this one compare?

Not yet.

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

Yes definately.

Any additional comments?

Easy listening, well narrated, satisfying ending.

Detective story with a difference

Excellent story- with an unlikely hero!! Great twist as the lead investigator is an genealogist-- you can learn a lot!!

I JUST COULD NOT GET INTO IT

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

NO NOT FOR ME SURE OTHERS WILL LIKE IT

Would you be willing to try another book from Steve Robinson? Why or why not?

NO NOT MY THING

What three words best describe Simon Vance’s performance?

IT WAS WELL WRITTEN

Could you see In the Blood being made into a movie or a TV series? Who would the stars be?

COULD BE YES BE GOOD MOVIE BRUCE WILLIS

Any additional comments?

NO

An Intriguing Tale

I thoroughly enjoyed the twists and turns in this thriller. The many strands in the family’s history were intriguing and compelling. JT is the hero of the story and is good informative company as the family line is gradually revealed. If detailed genealogy is what draws you to this book, then you might be disappointed, but if you’re looking for an exciting well paced thriller, this is a book for you. I particularly liked Simon Vance’s narration which was pitched perfectly for me. My only criticism would be the interruptions created by by so many chapters.

Interesting and enjoyable!

First in a series and my first listen to this author. Really enjoyed this book. It’s a twisty turny novel which goes between two time frames - modern day and the 1800’s. I’m pleasantly surprised with this book and will read the next one. The narration was excellent.

In the Blood by Steve Robinson

A well righton and nurated book the story had lots of hidden twist,s a gripping stories

surprisingly enjoyable

first book I listened too of this author and I hope the next o e is as good or better even!!