• Blue Lightning: A Thriller

  • By: Ann Cleeves
  • Narrated by: Gordon Griffin
  • Length: 10 hrs and 32 mins
  • 4.5 out of 5 stars (1,490 ratings)

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Blue Lightning: A Thriller  By  cover art

Blue Lightning: A Thriller

By: Ann Cleeves
Narrated by: Gordon Griffin
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Publisher's summary

Inspector Jimmy Perez takes his fiance home to Fair Isle, the tiny island he comes from, to meet his parents. The island is a magnet for bird watchers, who congregate at the local inn and lighthouse. When a local married celebrity who had an eye for the lads is murdered, Perez discovers that the suspects are very close to him indeed.

©2010 Ann Cleeves (P)2010 Soundings

What listeners say about Blue Lightning: A Thriller

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ending a surprise

loved it. i like jmmy more than vera. ..I'm looking forward to the next chapter in his life

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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So Satisfying

As always with Ms. Cleeves, her characters are wide-ranging, interesting, and believable; and her sense of place is exquisite. Things didn't always go as I'd wanted, but it worked somehow. Narration is good. Happy to have had this one.

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2 people found this helpful

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    5 out of 5 stars
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Great story but..:

Another great story from Ann Cleeves but the narrator for Jimmy’s character sounds old, far to old to be Jimmy. Otherwise, an excellent story!

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1 person found this helpful

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    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

Can never figure out who did it

Great character — well drawn out plot.
Love that the story has wonderful setting
The narrator is good and easy listening.

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  • Overall
    4 out of 5 stars
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    4 out of 5 stars

Ann didn’t have to do all that…

I won’t spoil the story, but it made me debate whether I would continue to read Ann Cleeves’ work…I don’t need that kind of drama in my life, lol…

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    4 out of 5 stars
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    4 out of 5 stars

Slow-burning police procedural

This was my favorite of the first four Shetland books — I know because it forced me to immediately start the fifth book. It’s a slow-burning police procedural about a bird expert being killed on the Fair Isles. If Cleeves has a problem, it's that she creates such rich characters, even minor ones who are only around for a few chapters, so you want to scream at her when she kills them off. Bechdel test: Pass. Grade: A-

Narration: Very good. I like him slightly better than the narrator who takes over after this book.

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3 people found this helpful

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    4 out of 5 stars
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    3 out of 5 stars

In no way is this a thriller—still enjoyable

I really like the characters in this series, and there was a lot of characterization in this installment. So overall, my review is positive. But there was very little mystery, and certainly nothing approaching a thriller. There were long stretches without any reference whatsoever to the mystery. It was quite strange in that regard. But it was a treat to learn about fair isle and about rabid bird spotters. So I liked it, but...

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    5 out of 5 stars

Totally unput-down-able! More please!

Any additional comments?

I was first introduced to Anne Cleeves' Shetland series via the BBC's televised series, which I loved. The books are much much better and beautifully read by Gordon Griffin. The mystery remained whole until the last fifteen minutes and I would have never guessed the identity of the culprit. But added to the suspense, there is the unfolding of Jimmy Perez, the main detective's, new romance with Fran, as well as the wonderful sense of place and an introduction to the Shetland Island's customs. I thoroughly recommend this audiobook.

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21 people found this helpful

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    5 out of 5 stars
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    3 out of 5 stars

pretty darn good story

I am shattered by the result, but cannot argue with the story. I need to visit Shetland.

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1 person found this helpful

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    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

atmospheric Cosy Mystery

Good mystery. Very Good narrator. interesting characters. Learned about Birders and their quirky habits. Two thumbs up

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