Lost Books and Old Bones

Scottish Bookshop Mystery Series, Book 3

By: Paige Shelton

Narrated by: Susan Boyce

Length: 8 hrs and 49 mins

Publisher's Summary

Delaney Nichols, originally of Kansas but settling happily into her new life as a bookseller in Edinburgh, works at The Cracked Spine in the heart of town. She's recently befriended a few medical school students after they came into the shop to sell some antique medical tomes. But when one of the students' friends is found murdered outside in the alley, Delaney takes it upon herself to help bring the murderer to justice. 

During her investigation, Delaney finds some old scalpels in the bookshop's warehouse - she finds out that they belonged to a long-dead doctor whose story might be connected to the present-day murder. It's all Delaney can do to race to solve this crime before time runs out and she ends up in danger herself.

©2018 Paige Shelton-Ferrell (P)2018 Tantor

Lost me with the poor Scottish accent.

Having listened to the first 2 books and enjoyed them, I am let down by the narration of the the third. It is usually tough to get used to a new voice but eventually I get over it. The original narrator had the Scots down perfectly. My only criticism of her was that she made Delaney sound a bit naive (but maybe this was intentional interpretation since the character is from Kansas ). The new narrator is ok with the non accented narration but her Scottish accent is horrible!! I just got back from Scotland (visiting relatives) and this new narrator actually sounds IRISH not Scottish. She pronounces certain words incorrectly like the word "close" (as in alley). She pronounces it close as in "close the door". It's supposed to be as in "close together". I will still stick with the books but may end up reading instead of listening if they continue to use the same narrator.

Narration Matters!

Lost Books and Old Bones is the third book in the series Scottish Bookshop Mysteries by Paige Shelton. This story is just as well written as the previous two with endearing characters, inspired plot lines, interesting historical details and charming descriptions of Edinburgh.

Where this book loses points is in the new narrator. The other two stories were told by a woman with superb vocal skills who successfully created a unique persona for each character and was able to voice the Scottish accent to perfection.

Conversely, the new narrator lacks the same level of skill at forming characters and offers two vocal ranges; one male and one female with an absolute inability to do the Scottish accent whatsoever.

These differences matter when attempting to enjoy the “feel” of a story and form an “attachment” to the characters.

The only reason I kept listening was because the story was so well written. The change was a real shame.

Where is reader Carrington Macduffie?

I wish someone could explain to me why readers are changed in a series. Especially when the original reader was so expert at accents and the ability to use several character voices that were distinct enough to have the listener picture a character in a recognizable form and add to the history of the series. It"s like taking a loved movie or TV series and hiring all new actors to carry the series forward. It just doesn't work. This third book in the series has Susan Boyce as the reader. Gone are the Scottish accents, Gone are the differences between male and female voices. Gone are the characters individuality. It's not that Susan Boyce is so bad, just that in comparison to Carrington Macduffie, she is really lacking. Her female voices are good, but I could almost never tell when she was reading a male voice. And no accents! That was just sad. In fairness, she did a good job with Rosie, and maybe one other - but it was like everyone was American, with one or two Scottish characters, not the other way around.. The plot was good, but I had such a hard time trying to figure out who was talking and I had to rewind and re-listen so often, that it was confusing and made the plot hard to follow, so I'm not sure my story rating is accurate. I think if Carrington Macduffie had been the reader, I would have given the story a high rating too. I couldn't keep characters straight because there was nothing from the reader to distinguish almost all of them. I'm torn now about continuing as the next two books are also read by Susan Boyce. It is such a shame because the stories themselves are good.

I want the original narrator.

I just started listening. This is a different narrator, and maybe I'll get used to her. But, so far, I do NOT care for it. The accents are ok, but the rest sounds like a bot.

Loved the series and this book, but

What happened to Carrington MacDuffie as the narrator? I’ve enjoyed books narrated by Susan Boyce but I thought Ms. MacDuffie really had the voice for this series.

Great Mystery!!

Lots of twists and turns - and never did pick the killer. Enjoy the relationships between the characters also - but need Edwin to be less elusive and distant!
Have to say i would have preferred ‘Carrington MacDuffie’ to have continued to read the series - missed her narration!

Switch up

This is book #3. I had gotten used to the narrator in books 1 & 2 & was a little let down with the new narrator’s voices in Chapter one...Don’t give up!!! Susan Boyce brings a wonderful interpretation in with her voices & narrative. By chapter three, book 1 & 2 narrator’s voice had faded. Totally an enjoyable book for my daily walk & commute.

never again

I gave this series another chance but I couldn't get passed chapter 6. Delaney is annoying and the story doesn't make sense. I won't get the next book.

Hmmm

I’m really missing the original narrator. I feel bad to say it but it’s the truth. The previous narrator was easier to distinguish between the different characters speaking.

The story was the usual who done it mystery. As usual though the lead female makes a ton of bad choices lacking in common sense. I’m guessing that’s where the from Kansas comes into play but still. Doesn’t everyone who goes to college learn a bit of street smarts???

Otherwise ok story.

Overly complicated

I just couldn't get into this book. It is a very complicated plot without much action. I didn't care for the characters. I can't believe this is the third in a series if the first two are this bad.

OMG my ears!

I usually don't want to be too scathing in my reviews but this is possibly the most terrible rendition of Scottish accents I have ever heard. The narrator (changed from the previous two books) does an excellent Irish accent. Seriously, I completely apprieciate that to English ears, the nuances of East and West coast USA might be lost but I wouldn't attempt to narrate a book in an American accent. Well, I might for a laugh but I wouldn't expect to be paid for it.

The poor woman. I am truly sorry for being this blunt and if you read this Susan, I am sorry but it's like listening to Ballykissangel.

I spend a considerable amount of time working with a number of women from Glasgow and I can tell you they do not sound like they have just blown in from County Cork. Glasweigan is possibly the most distinctive Scottish accent.

It is disappointing when a narrator changes because, as another reviewer commented, I'd just got used to the last one.

It's a shame because the writing is improving but I buy audio books to listen to on a commute so the narration has to be at least acceptable.

I struggle with the voices

On book 3 of this series and not quite sure how I got here! When I looked at reviews others had commented on the accents of the narrator and how challenging it was to listen. I really did agree and listening to book one was a bit like fingernails down a blackboard BUT I got used to it and eventually recognised and got to know the characters.Then for book 3 the narrator has changed! Whaaat??? This lady is even more terrible at Scottish accents than the last and I had got used to those voices, it is like replacing all the characters with new actors. Felt really really wrong. No idea why when all the characters bar 1 are Scottish you would ever have an American narrator...enjoy the stories but it is now getting a wee bit too much to listen..