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Instruments of Darkness
- A Novel
- Narrated by: Wanda McCaddon
- Length: 11 hrs and 22 mins
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Publisher's Summary
In the year 1780, Harriet Westerman, the willful mistress of a country manor in Sussex, finds a dead man on her grounds with a ring bearing the crest of Thornleigh Hall in his pocket. Not one to be bound by convention or to shy away from adventure, she recruits a reclusive local anatomist named Gabriel Crowther to help her find the murderer, and historical suspense's newest investigative duo is born. For years, Mrs. Westerman has sensed the menace of neighboring Thornleigh Hall, seat of the Earl of Sussex. It is the home of a once-great family that has been reduced to an ailing invalid, his whorish wife, and his alcoholic second son, a man haunted by his years spent as a redcoat in the Revolutionary War. The same day, Alexander Adams is slain by an unknown killer in his London music shop, leaving his children orphaned. His death will lead back to Sussex and to an explosive secret that has already destroyed one family and threatens many others.
Instruments of Darkness combines the brooding atmosphere of Anne Perry with the complex, compelling detail of Tess Gerritsen, moving from drawing room to dissecting room, from coffee house to country inn. Mrs. Westerman and Mr. Crowther are both razor-sharp minds, and their personalities breathe spirit into this gripping historical mystery.
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Average Customer RatingsReviews - Please select the tabs below to change the source of reviews.
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- MJ
- 01-13-13
Not The Best, But Not Too Bad...
Yes, I know my title isn't the greatest, but it was the best I could think of to describe my opinion of this book. That said, I may even continue with the series someday. The story was not bad. It held my interest. I have listened to Wanda McCaddon's narration many times and I think she is a fine reader, although at times she seems to be rushing through the story a bit too quickly. This book is a perfect example of that. Another reviewer commented that it is often hard to tell when the story switches between characters and places. This makes it hard to tell where you are in the story and confuses the listener. I found myself hitting the 30-second rewind button frequently. Another reviewer commented that her childrens' voices are irritating; however, I did not find that to be the case. To each their own, I guess. I believe that Ms McCaddon is a more mature woman, but (IMHO) she does a fine job voicing various characters, including men and younger women. She can also give voice to various dialects, which I REALLY appreciate in a narrator. There are many narrators who cannot (it's not easy!). Bad accents can really ruin an audiobook listening experience for me.
I would hope, since this is the first of a series, that the subsequent books get better. The author writes well. This story is interesting, to a point. There are twists that make it suspenseful enough to hold one's attention (I found the manner in which the "yellow man" is dispatched to be quite creative). The characters are fairly well developed and the author does an admirable job of giving just enough information about her characters' backstories to leave listeners wanting to know more. This is a good way to set-up a series.
I would not say it was a waste of time, but neither was it so good that I couldn't put it down. I would urge others to listen for themselves and then share their thoughts with the rest of us. I'd like to hear more opinions about this author/book/narrator.
9 people found this helpful
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- Marie
- 09-27-13
Excellent Writing, Odd Structure
The author is an excellent writer telling an intriguing story. The characters are well defined and appealing. I enjoyed the fact that Lady Harriet and Crowther are not sexually attracted to each other, their partnership is based on curiosity instead of hormones. I enjoyed the imagery emotions evoked by the author.
That said, I found the story structure odd and distracting. The book is broken into several sections, but the reason for the section breaks is unclear. The ending has an "in conclusion" section and an epilogue. The epilogue is actually a prologue and confused me. It is unnecessary. I don't recall the last time, if ever, having an author call out an "in conclusion" to end a story. Isn't the end generally the conclusion? The intermittent backstory flashbacks for a secondary character are also jarring.
I love Wanda McCaddon as a narrator but this reading is my favorite. It is hard to tell if the lack of breaks, or even breathing space, is in her reading, in the writing, or the editing. I suspect, based on the other structural issues in the story, that the author makes abrupt shifts in point of view without scene breaks.
4 people found this helpful
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Overall
- Vivian
- 06-04-11
Not that good
Maybe a better writter could have done something with the good components of this book. Very Anne Perry in its rehashing details and events between principle characters. Hard to tell when locations and times switch.
4 people found this helpful
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Overall
- Sara
- 03-15-11
What fun
Great combination of manners and murder. I can't wait for the next in the series. Wanda McCaddon is a very good narrator, though her children's voices are irritating. If there were more kids in the book, I don't think I'd be able to listen.
4 people found this helpful
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- Christy
- 05-18-13
Sleuthing in the 1780's
Very happy to be introduced to this new pair of investigators! Also like the fact that it is set in the Georgian period -- just a bit before Jane Austen. Harriet Westerman is the wife of a sea captain who spent time with her husband at sea and now is land-bound. Even though she has chilldren and a large house to supervise, she is eternally curious and likely to do things that women are not known for in her day, such as reading scientific tracts. Her neighbor Gabriel Crowther is an amateur anatomist. He has written one of these tracts proposing that human bodies can tell us about their manner of death, particularly in the case of murder. So when a murder occurs on Harriet's land, she seeks out her anatomist neighbor to help.
The language and portrayal of the customs of the day feel right and are not intrusive to the story. One reviewer I read was appalled by the author's use of water and lemonade as refreshments during that time -- however, that is a minor flaw. The rest of the book reads and sounds accurate.
The story is complex and has two story lines proceeding through almost the entire book. Listening only, I found myself getting lost occasionally. The story frequently switches from one setting and group of characters to another with little or no warning. Sometimes there will be a chapter heading with date and place, but often not. A slight pause in the narration would have been helpful each time the change takes place.
Overall a very good story and likeable characters -- I've put the next two books on my Wish List!
2 people found this helpful
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- Kathi
- 02-08-13
Unexpectedly good
If you could sum up Instruments of Darkness in three words, what would they be?
unusual, engaging, good(mystery)
Who was your favorite character and why?
Lady Harriett, because she seemed to be a woman ahead if her time, but in a realistic way (meaning that as one might suspect, her interest in science was not supported by everyone). however, the less believeable part was that a woman of her station in life could have formed such a tight allegience with another man while her husband was at sea without a lot more social difficulties. I liked it, but I still think that that time in history was one in which her relationship would have been viewed as scandalous, and that didn't play a very large role in this book. Some, but much less than I think would have actually been the case at that time.
Would you listen to another book narrated by Wanda McCaddon?
Yes, but not for this series. her voice (to me) sounded perfect for the role of someone older. Apologies to her, it only reflects my own "ear" for listening expectations. not her skill!
Any additional comments?
As an American, I found the historical perspective of being part of the British military during the Revolutionary War quite interesting.
1 person found this helpful
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- SS.K
- 01-23-21
Good not great
A little too much sauce for me. I love a full story line and lots of characters, but for me, this was too much. It was historically lovely and had great characters, but was just had too much going on and felt flat in conclusion.
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- vance
- 07-14-17
I thoroughly enjoyed it.
Would you recommend this audiobook to a friend? If so, why?
Having taught AP European History for years, i was equipped to appreciate Robertson's cleverly crafted, subtle humor-- delightful. Hadn't expected to laugh so often while listening to Robertson's colorful accounts of murders, dissections and autopsies. The plot line was well designed, and carefully sequenced. I loved how she wove the story through descriptions of actual historical events. I was impressed by her knowledge of British history, interlacing her characters's stories with several of England's significant and intriguing political/cultural occurrences and developments of the time.
Did the plot keep you on the edge of your seat? How?
There were several twists and digressions in the plot that kept us listening to it after we had parked our car, and turned the key to accessory so we could come to the conclusion of a chapter after we had arrived at our destination.
Have you listened to any of Wanda McCaddon’s other performances before? How does this one compare?
This was our first. Brilliant performance. We loved her intonations, accents and humor.
Was there a moment in the book that particularly moved you?
Often I have been disappointed when an author wastes the power of the events drawing to a conclusion. Robertson wove every strand of the plot to deliver a fast paced conclusion to each and all of the various strands of the plot-- drawing this book to a conclusion while laying the groundwork for the sequeal.
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- Kindle Customer
- 03-29-16
Good Book
I used to never read books written in this time period especially if they were mysteries. It just wasn't something I was interested in. Now it almost all I read .. lol. I really like the way Ms Roberson mixes humor in her stories.
Other author I look for are C S Harris, P B Ryan & Anna Lee Huber.
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- Lorraine
- 06-03-15
Read like a run-on sentence.
Is there anything you would change about this book?
Chapters beginnings/endings and distinctions between adult characters are nearly impossible to determine.
What did you like best about this story?
I wish I could say. The narration made it nearly impossible to follow. I gave the story a generous 3 stars because I could see the idea was good.
Would you be willing to try another one of Wanda McCaddon’s performances?
No, I am sorry to say. Her voice is pleasing but the execution in combination with the editing was severely lacking.
Did Instruments of Darkness inspire you to do anything?
It inspired me to return it for something intelligible.
Any additional comments?
If this book becomes available with a different narrator, I may give it a chance.
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Story
Bath, 1821: Rachel Crofton escapes her unhappy employment as a governess by marrying a self-made businessman. But her new life soon takes an unexpected turn. Reclusive Jonathan Alleyn is a man tormented by the disappearance of his childhood sweetheart, Alice. Starling, foundling child and now servant, is convinced that Alice, the woman she loved as a sister, was stolen from her. Did Alice run away? Or did something altogether more sinister occur? As Starling tries to expose the lies behind Bath's immaculate facades, others want only to forget, and will go to extreme lengths to do so.
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Wouldn't recommend due to narration
- By Mat Goldman on 02-18-23
By: Katherine Webb
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The Hanover Square Affair
- Captain Lacey Regency Mysteries
- By: Jennifer Ashley, Ashley Gardner
- Narrated by: James Gillies
- Length: 7 hrs and 36 mins
- Unabridged
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Overall
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Performance
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Story
Cavalry captain Gabriel Lacey returns to Regency London from the Napoleonic wars, burned out, fighting melancholia, his career ended. His interest is piqued when he learns of a missing girl, possibly kidnapped by a prominent member of Parliament. Lacey's search for the girl leads to the discovery of murder, corruption, and dealings with a leader of the underworld.
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Regency Reality
- By Nadine Gardner Author on 01-30-15
By: Jennifer Ashley, and others
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The Girl at Rosewood Hall
- A Lady Jane Mystery, Book 1
- By: Annis Bell, Edwin Miles - translation
- Narrated by: Sue Pitkin
- Length: 11 hrs and 54 mins
- Unabridged
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Overall
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Performance
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Story
On his death bed, Lord Pembroke took great care to try to ensure the future of his beautiful, unconventional niece, Lady Jane. Her debutante ball featured the most eligible bachelors of London society. But when the night of the dance arrives, things do not go as planned.
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Great mystery without sex scenes
- By Amazon Customer on 03-18-22
By: Annis Bell, and others
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Speaks the Nightbird
- By: Robert R. McCammon
- Narrated by: Edoardo Ballerini
- Length: 30 hrs and 42 mins
- Unabridged
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Overall
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Performance
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Story
The Carolinas, 1699: The citizens of Fount Royal believe a witch has cursed their town with inexplicable tragedies -- and they demand that beautiful widow Rachel Howarth be tried and executed for witchcraft. Presiding over the trial is traveling magistrate Issac Woodward, aided by his astute young clerk, Matthew Corbett. Believing in Rachel's innocence, Matthew will soon confront the true evil at work in Fount Royal....
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Dark, Twisted Period Piece with GREAT Characters!
- By aaron on 06-05-12
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My Sweet Folly
- By: Laura Kinsale
- Narrated by: Nicholas Boulton
- Length: 13 hrs and 58 mins
- Unabridged
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Overall
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Performance
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Story
Through their innocent correspondence, a lonely young wife grows to love an imaginary man thousands of miles away. But when he returns to England from India, her idea of reality is turned upside down. Drawn from a safe world of tea and parlor chat into madness and mystery, she cannot find her own cherished Robert in the frightening stranger who claims her love. Laura Kinsale personally chose the exceptional talent of Nicholas Boulton to voice her favorite heroine, sweet, witty Folie with her ferret, Toot.
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Delightful Journey of Romance vs Reality
- By 🌸DARA on 09-12-13
By: Laura Kinsale
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Virgins
- An Outlander Short
- By: Diana Gabaldon
- Narrated by: Allan Scott-Douglas
- Length: 3 hrs and 3 mins
- Unabridged
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Overall
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Performance
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Story
Mourning the death of his father and gravely injured at the hands of the English, Jamie Fraser finds himself running with a band of mercenaries in the French countryside, where he reconnects with his old friend, Ian Murray. Both are nursing wounds, both have good reason to stay out of Scotland, and both are still virgins despite several opportunities to remedy that deplorable situation with ladies of easy virtue.
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Don't expect an in depth story
- By ELZIE B HICKERSON on 10-30-16
By: Diana Gabaldon
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The Misbegotten
- By: Katherine Webb
- Narrated by: Jacqueline King
- Length: 17 hrs and 58 mins
- Unabridged
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Overall
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Performance
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Story
Bath, 1821: Rachel Crofton escapes her unhappy employment as a governess by marrying a self-made businessman. But her new life soon takes an unexpected turn. Reclusive Jonathan Alleyn is a man tormented by the disappearance of his childhood sweetheart, Alice. Starling, foundling child and now servant, is convinced that Alice, the woman she loved as a sister, was stolen from her. Did Alice run away? Or did something altogether more sinister occur? As Starling tries to expose the lies behind Bath's immaculate facades, others want only to forget, and will go to extreme lengths to do so.
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Wouldn't recommend due to narration
- By Mat Goldman on 02-18-23
By: Katherine Webb
-
The Hanover Square Affair
- Captain Lacey Regency Mysteries
- By: Jennifer Ashley, Ashley Gardner
- Narrated by: James Gillies
- Length: 7 hrs and 36 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Cavalry captain Gabriel Lacey returns to Regency London from the Napoleonic wars, burned out, fighting melancholia, his career ended. His interest is piqued when he learns of a missing girl, possibly kidnapped by a prominent member of Parliament. Lacey's search for the girl leads to the discovery of murder, corruption, and dealings with a leader of the underworld.
-
-
Regency Reality
- By Nadine Gardner Author on 01-30-15
By: Jennifer Ashley, and others
-
The Girl at Rosewood Hall
- A Lady Jane Mystery, Book 1
- By: Annis Bell, Edwin Miles - translation
- Narrated by: Sue Pitkin
- Length: 11 hrs and 54 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
On his death bed, Lord Pembroke took great care to try to ensure the future of his beautiful, unconventional niece, Lady Jane. Her debutante ball featured the most eligible bachelors of London society. But when the night of the dance arrives, things do not go as planned.
-
-
Great mystery without sex scenes
- By Amazon Customer on 03-18-22
By: Annis Bell, and others
-
Speaks the Nightbird
- By: Robert R. McCammon
- Narrated by: Edoardo Ballerini
- Length: 30 hrs and 42 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
The Carolinas, 1699: The citizens of Fount Royal believe a witch has cursed their town with inexplicable tragedies -- and they demand that beautiful widow Rachel Howarth be tried and executed for witchcraft. Presiding over the trial is traveling magistrate Issac Woodward, aided by his astute young clerk, Matthew Corbett. Believing in Rachel's innocence, Matthew will soon confront the true evil at work in Fount Royal....
-
-
Dark, Twisted Period Piece with GREAT Characters!
- By aaron on 06-05-12
-
My Sweet Folly
- By: Laura Kinsale
- Narrated by: Nicholas Boulton
- Length: 13 hrs and 58 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Through their innocent correspondence, a lonely young wife grows to love an imaginary man thousands of miles away. But when he returns to England from India, her idea of reality is turned upside down. Drawn from a safe world of tea and parlor chat into madness and mystery, she cannot find her own cherished Robert in the frightening stranger who claims her love. Laura Kinsale personally chose the exceptional talent of Nicholas Boulton to voice her favorite heroine, sweet, witty Folie with her ferret, Toot.
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Delightful Journey of Romance vs Reality
- By 🌸DARA on 09-12-13
By: Laura Kinsale
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The Ministry of Curiosities Boxed Set
- Books 1-3
- By: C. J. Archer
- Narrated by: Shiromi Arserio
- Length: 26 hrs and 35 mins
- Unabridged
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Overall
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Performance
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Story
This boxed set contains the first three books in C. J. Archer's popular Ministry of Curiosities series. Titles in the set include The Last Necromancer, Her Majesty's Necromancer, and Beyond the Grave. Description of The Last Necromancer: For five years, Charlotte (Charlie) Holloway has lived as a boy in the slums. But when one theft too many gets her arrested, her only means of escape lies with a dead man.
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Just the kind of series I love to listen to!!
- By Trish on 04-04-18
By: C. J. Archer
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The Fair Fight
- By: Anna Freeman
- Narrated by: Fiona Hardingham, Justine Eyre, Steve West
- Length: 15 hrs and 48 mins
- Unabridged
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Overall
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Performance
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Story
The Crimson Petal and the White meets Fight Club in this pause-resistant novel set in the world of female pugilists and their patrons in late-18th-century England. Moving from a filthy brothel to a fine manor house, from the world of street fighters to the world of champions, The Fair Fight is a vivid, propulsive historical novel announcing the arrival of a dynamic new talent.
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A story of the British classes.
- By drruth on 06-12-15
By: Anna Freeman
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Lessons in French
- By: Laura Kinsale
- Narrated by: Nicholas Boulton
- Length: 12 hrs and 31 mins
- Unabridged
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Overall
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Performance
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Story
Trevelyan d'Augustin and Lady Callista Talliafaire were secret sweethearts, until the day her father dismissed him with a whip across the face. Ten years and three jiltings later, shy Callie is resigned to a quiet village life as the late earl's spinster daughter. But now Trev has returned from his estates in France, upending everything, dragging her into adventures, stealing Hubert the prize-winning bull, and flinging Callie's heart into mayhem again.
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Holy Cow!! What A Lovely Romance!! ;-)
- By 🌸DARA on 07-24-14
By: Laura Kinsale
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Revealed
- By: Kate Noble
- Narrated by: Alison Larkin
- Length: 14 hrs and 6 mins
- Unabridged
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Overall
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Performance
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Story
Phillippa Benning is the unrivaled beauty of the Season. But when another lady challenges her for a marquis's attentions, Phillippa entices him to a secret rendezvous only to stumble upon The Blue Raven, England's most famous spy, lurking at the site of her planned tryst. The Blue Raven has uncovered an enemy plot directed at upcoming society functions, but he's unable to infiltrate London society.
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Really enjoyed this one — terrific listen — ignore the negative reviews
- By Pamela on 08-31-20
By: Kate Noble
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The River of No Return
- By: Bee Ridgway
- Narrated by: Samuel Roukin
- Length: 18 hrs and 32 mins
- Unabridged
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Overall
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Performance
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Story
Bee Ridgway’s wildly inventive debut novel, The River of No Return, blends romance, conspiracy, and time travel for a tale sure to intrigue listeners. When soldier and aristocrat Nick Falcott is sent from a Napoleonic battlefield in 1815 to modern-day London, he never expects to go back - until the Guild calls for him. Returning home as if from the dead, Nick reunites with his lost love, Julia Percy, and enlists her help in finding a mysterious object known as the Talisman.
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great book, but sudden ending ruined the good will
- By Shelly on 04-27-14
By: Bee Ridgway
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To Taste Temptation
- Legend of the Four Soldiers, Book 1
- By: Elizabeth Hoyt
- Narrated by: Anne Flosnik
- Length: 9 hrs and 57 mins
- Unabridged
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Overall
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Performance
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Story
Britain’s high society—le bon ton—loves nothing more than a good scandal, and they’re giddy with the appearance of wealthy Samuel Hartley. Not only is he self-made, American, and in the habit of wearing moccasins, but he is also notorious for fleeing a battle in which several English gentlemen lost their lives. Lady Emeline Gordon is captivated by Samuel. Not only does he defy convention with his unusual dress, his sensual smile, and his forthright manner, but he survived the battle that killed her beloved brother.
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Loved It
- By Cathie on 10-26-10
By: Elizabeth Hoyt