A Perfect Victim

A Claire Marshall Novel, Book 1

By: Patricia Dusenbury

Narrated by: Schatzie Schaefers

Length: 7 hrs and 53 mins

Publisher's summary

Claire Marshall's world crumbled when her husband died in a fire. Emotionally fragile but determined to move forward, she buys into a small company that restores historic houses in New Orleans. Then, one of her clients is found dead in a burned building. The police suspect her of arson or murder, maybe both. No one believes that her relationship with the late Frank Palmer was strictly business. After all, he spent his last days telling the world they were in love and planning to marry. How can Claire win an argument with a dead man? Some of the mess is her own fault. Finding the charred ruin of Frank's cabin in a remote corner of Louisiana's bayou country revived horrible memories of her husband's death. She suffered a panic attack. Calling the sheriff hours later wasn't good enough. Claire's quest to prove her innocence before the police "prove" her guilt becomes an investigation into Frank's life. Why did he lie about their relationship? Why would someone want to kill him? Finding the answers brings her face to face with the real killer - and with her own worst fears. A Perfect Victim is the first book in a trilogy set in pre-Katrina New Orleans. Each book stands alone as a mystery story; together they trace Claire's journey through grief to happiness.

©2013 Patricia Dusenbury (P)2016 Patricia Dusenbury

Really gripping story

I enjoyed this book for a variety of reasons. Most importantly there were lots of great characters. The author managed to make them pleasantly quirky, where it's always possible to create annoyingly quirky characters. The protagonist, Claire Marshall, is likable despite her flaws and I enjoyed spending time with her as she tried to work out just what the heck was going on.
I loved the New Orleans and Bayou settings; there were lots of great and seemingly authentic details that added to the plot.
The story grabbed me from the start and kept my attention through many points of view and plot twists. There was plenty of humor along the way, as well.
The narrator did a good job of distinguishing the characters and had fun with the various Louisiana accents.
I would definitely read/listen to another book by this author.

Well written

I was sent this audiobook in exchange for an honest review. I quite enjoyed the book. The plot was well written, although I'm of too minds of the ending.

Claire Marshall is a renovator hired by Frank Palmer to work on his cabin. She's visiting her mother when her partner calls concerned about a cheque from Palmer. After sorting things out she flies back to New Orleans right into the middle of a murder investigation. Claire, is a well developed character who I'd like to have been able to slap or shake. Hard. Despite being told to stop trying to find the answers to the puzzle of the murder, she keeps sticking her nose in. Is it any wonder things go from bad to worse? The police suspect she has something to do with the murder, while other people also end up dead. Just when you think it's all over and everyone can breathe a sigh of relief and just wrap things up, the author adds a bit more suspense to the mix. This is what I am of two minds about. This last bit of suspense really wasn't needed, and really didn't add anything to the story.

I enjoyed listening the the narrator; liked her voice, thought she did an excellent job. I'd be interested in more books by the author, and listening to more by the narrator.

Good Mystery

I enjoyed this book. The characters are well developed and the plot is interesting. I look forward to the next book.

Engaging mystery with lots of twists

This was a really thought-out mystery, which I really enjoyed. There were a lot of twists and turns that really keep the reader engaged. I really liked the setting of the Louisiana Bayou, as that area fascinates me and always seems so mysterious. I also really loved the main character (Claire). I love that even though she is suffering from the loss of her husband and having panic attacks, she overcomes and is strong. I also love that she is a redhead working in construction (I'm also a redhead who worked in construction). Overall, a great mystery with lots of plot twists. I highly recommend this book and I am looking forward to the next in the series.

A Perfect Victim

I liked this book.Clair lost her husband to a fire.A few months later she is working with a partner fixing up houses.One of her clients is found dead and ,of course,Clair is blamed.As usual she takes on finding out what she can since the police force just seem interested in her.Schatzie Schaefers was a fine narrator.“I was voluntarily provided this free review copy audiobook by the author, narrator, or publisher.”

I was not in love with this, pacing maybe?

What did you like best about A Perfect Victim? What did you like least?

The narration.

Would you recommend A Perfect Victim to your friends? Why or why not?

It wasn't my favorite thriller and sort of failed to hold my attention in parts, so not really.

Which character – as performed by Schatzie Schaefers – was your favorite?

I liked what the author was trying to do with the main character by having her be a really imperfect hero who was already struggling.

Was A Perfect Victim worth the listening time?

I was not in love with it but didn't feel it was a waste of time.

Any additional comments?

I was given this free review copy audiobook at my request and have voluntarily left this review.