Lady Blues: forget-me-not

A Gus LeGarde Mystery

By: Aaron Paul Lazar

Narrated by: David Kudler

Length: 7 hrs and 22 mins

Publisher's summary

Past and present collide when an Alzheimer's patient's fragile memory holds the key to solving mysteries dating back to World War II-including a long lost secret love affair.

Music professor Gus LeGarde is just doing a favor for a friend when he agrees to play piano for church services at a local nursing home. He doesn't expect to be drawn into a new friendship with an elderly Alzheimer's patient dubbed "the music man" or to stumble across a decades-old mystery locked inside the man's mind.

Octogenarian Kip Sterling doesn't know his own name - but he speaks Gus's language, spouting jazz terms like "cadence" and "riff." He's also obsessed with "his Bella," but nobody knows who she is.

When Kip is given a new drug called Memorphyl, he starts to remember bits and pieces of his life. Gus learns Bella was Kip's first and only love, but their relationship was shrouded in scandal. Intrigued, Gus agrees to help search for her. Could she still be alive?

Horrified when the miracle drug suddenly stops working and patients begin to backslide, Gus panics. Can he help Kip find his beloved Bella before all the memories disappear?

The author's alternate suggested listening order for the LeGarde Mysteries series:

1. Double Forté 2. Upstaged 3. Mazurka 4. FireSong 5. Tremolo 6. Don't Let the Wind Catch You 7. The Liar's Gallery 8. Spirit Me Away 9. Under the Ice 10. Lady Blues 11. Voodoo Summer

©2014 Aaron Paul Lazar (P)2014 Aaron Paul Lazar

This book is why I love audiobooks!?

Any additional comments?

This was a great listen! It was a perfect blend of story and narrator with a splash of "way to go humans!"

The story is only loosely a mystery. You spend most of your time getting to know some pretty special people. There are two story lines that intersect for a moment but are wholly sustainable on their own. The main character, Gus, is the thread and he weaves a wonderful first person story about his interaction with, and love for, the people in those two worlds.

There is an earlier story (or two) that is alluded to with this listen and that just succeeds in whetting your appetite to find those earlier titles. I'm on the hunt!!

Lady Blues,Gus Legarde Mystery bk 10

Where does Lady Blues rank among all the audiobooks you’ve listened to so far?

about 1/2 way thru

Did you have an extreme reaction to this book? Did it make you laugh or cry?

no

Any additional comments?

I have really enjoyed the Gus Legarde books.The storylines are familiar and interesting.There's always something weird happening in his life.The author makes his characters real and people you'd want to know.The narrator,David Kudler did a fine job with each voice,making it a pleasure to listen to.

A Well Crafted, Enjoyable Story

As far as I know, Aaron Paul Lazar does not write in the urban fantasy genre I normally read/listen to, but I have read a couple of his books when the mood has hit me to read something different from my usual choices. Each time I’ve picked an Aaron Paul Lazar novel, I’ve never been let down. He just crafts really great stories. In this book, Mr. Lazar gives you a tender love story, a mystery and an evil pharmaceutical corporation.

Narrator Dave Kudler does a great job with this book. He not only brings life to an already lively story, he also takes on the challenges of accents, which several characters in the book have. I really liked “Lady Blues: Forget Me Not: A Gus LeGarde Mystery” and I think you will too. Finally, this audio book was provided by the author at no cost in exchange for an honest review, courtesy of Audio Book Blast.

Memories

Beautiful love story and full of memories. Gus helping a man to remember the days when he was a musician with Glen Miller, and the blue singer he loved. A Korean immigrant that Gus befriends when the traitor shop is burned, adds the mystery part. Well done, and narration added to this story. Given audio for my voluntary review

Excellent Audiobook

What did you love best about Lady Blues: forget-me-not?

The main character, Gus. I would love to be friends with a guy like him. His compassion, love of family and just all round thoughtful and funny disposition make him highly memorable.

What did you like best about this story?

Everything!! This story kept my interest all the way through.

Which character – as performed by David Kudler – was your favorite?

Gus' German brother in law was a tie with Gus.

Any additional comments?

I was provided this audiobook at no charge by the author, publisher and/or narrator in exchange for an unbiased review

Very Touching Story.

Would you consider the audio edition of Lady Blues: forget-me-not to be better than the print version?

Possibly. I did enjoy the performance!

What other book might you compare Lady Blues: forget-me-not to and why?

I guess it reminded me a little of The Notebook just because it was a great love story and involved Alzheimers. I hate to make that comparison because I'm probably one of the few people that really hated The Notebook and I truly loved this story.

Which scene was your favorite?

I liked the scenes where he was getting his memory back.

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

I listened to it in the car, but often I did not want to get out once I reached my destination.

Any additional comments?

I really did love this story. There were a couple of holes in it for me regarding why they couldn't identify him, but I chose to allow my "willing suspension of disbelief" to take over. That's the only reason I didn't give it 5 stars.

Unexpected!

I don’t usually read many books from this genre, but I really enjoyed this one. The narration brought the story to life and held my interest throughout. The story was well thought out, complete and will keep you listening. I will be watching for this author in the future.

* I was provided a free copy of this book from AudioBookBlast for an honest review.

A Beautiful Love Story and Mystery

This audiobook is a beautiful story of a love that was lost and is found again in the latter years of life. A wonder drug for patients with chronic memory issues restores brain function. If only this could happen in real life! A mystery from the past unfolds and is solved. The historic aspects add to the mystery. Aaron Paul Lazar's Gus LeGarde series is really good. This audiobook is wonderful! The narrator has a nice voice and puts on a good performance.

Underwhelming

I struggled to finish this book. It was a bit too sappy and predictable fit my taste.