Notorious

A Novel

By: Allison Brennan

Narrated by: Eliza Foss

Length: 12 hrs and 50 mins

Publisher's summary

New York Times best-selling author Allison Brennan introduces an irrepressible heroine in her pulse-pounding new thriller Notorious, which Lisa Gardner says is, "Guaranteed to keep you up late at night."

Maxine Revere has dedicated her life to investigating murders that the police have long since given up any hope of solving. A nationally renowned investigative reporter with her own TV show and a tough-as-nails reputation, Max tackles cold cases from across the country and every walk of life. But the one unsolved murder that still haunts her is a case from her own past.When Max was a high school senior, one of her best friends was strangled and another, Kevin O’Neal, accused of the crime. To the disgrace of her wealthy family, Max stood by her friend, until she found out he lied about his alibi. Though his guilt was never proven, their relationship crumbled from the strain of too many secrets.

Now Max is home for Kevin’s funeral - after years of drug abuse, he committed suicide. She’s finally prepared to come to terms with the loss of his friendship, but she’s not prepared for Kevin’s sister to stubbornly insist that he didn’t kill himself. Or for an elderly couple to accost her at the airport, begging her to look into another murder at Max’s old high school. Max is more interested in the cold case at her alma mater than in digging around Kevin’s troubled life, but she agrees to do both. As Max uncovers dark secrets, she finds herself caught in a complicated web of lies that hit far too close to home. And it’s becoming increasingly clear that someone will do whatever it takes to make sure the truth stays buried.

©2014 Allison Brennan (P)2014 Macmillan Audio

Good story, Max annoying.

Brennan writes an interesting plot with a fast pace. I figured out “whodunnit” pretty early, although with a couple of twists I did doubt my conclusion, a bit, so that was great. Good story.

I didn’t find Max overly appealing. She’s a driven woman, which is appealing, but has such tunnel vision on her goals that she doesn’t recognize others as valid. And she’s reckless, even if she doesn’t think she is. Max also doesn’t fully recognize the opportunities her wealth has provided her. I’ll give this series another shot, because she’s interesting, anyway, and may grow.

One thing I find a bit trite, Brennan gives Max major wealth, which allows for a lot of potential obstacles to be ignored or overcome without thought. A lot of authors do this, so the story doesn’t need to account for the expenses involved in the practicalities of moving the plot forward.

The narrator was excellent. Women narrators often do not do men well, but Eliza Foss does.

excellent!!

I listened to the audible version. great story line, the narrator was amazing and brings the characters to life. her voice is easy to listen to! which makes it even better. i always look at who narrates a book before i buy the audible version. I have a list of names I add to the "listenable" voice lol downloaded book #2 to listen to.

Excellent!

I truly loved this story, it was thrilling, exciting all in one. Maxine's family dynamatics were rough but, I really love how she went on despite what it would cost her. She vindicated one friend, solved anothers murder and a cold case. Max is a great investigative reporter, love her! ❤❤
Eliza Foss, did a great job ❤❤
Allison Brennan, I truly love your mystery books, I have always had a fascination with mysteries, hence your books, like all of them!! Fan for life!!! ❤❤

Loved it

I really enjoyed this story I couldn't figure out who the killer was. I really liked the main character she was a strong woman in the story.

I’m downloading Book 2 right now...

I was pleasantly surprised with the amazing book. I always go for Detective murder mystery series and took a chance with the crime reporter. I’m from Palo Alto area so it was even cooler to hear all the details about the locations. I’m seriously downloading book 2 right now and looking forward to the rest of the books in the series.
I’m a very active audible listener and I would highly recommend this author. On average I listen to 10 books a month.

Not Allison's best. Juvenile.

Eliza Foss is a good narrator, and usually I like Allison Brennan's stories...this one, however, bounced around too much. There were confusing parts.

Loved It!

I recommend this book to read/listen. The story had a surprising end. The narrator did a great job as well!

Definate Grabber

Any additional comments?

Loved the book and will be planning to listen more of the series! I love a great whodunit especially if the narrator is as good as Eliza Floss the words and the voice came off as smooth as molasses. The character development was not long and boring like some audio books which made it extra enjoyable. The book made you feel just when you figured out whodunit it wasn't who you thought it would be. Great listen but I also enjoy Alisson Brennan books and series.

A fantastic mystery!

I have found another mystery writer in Allison Brennen that I will endeavor to read all of her rich and well written mysteries!

Average Reading

Is there anything you would change about this book?

For me as a male reader it read like a book for a woman, written by a woman, read by a woman, about women. I can be in touch with my "feminine side" same as most males but it felt to "girly" for me.

Would you be willing to try another book from Allison Brennan? Why or why not?

Probably not. I usually dont return to authors of a book I "endured" to finish.

What do you think the narrator could have done better?

I'm not sure if a male performer would have given me the balance of male/female that I needed.

Could you see Notorious being made into a movie or a TV series? Who should the stars be?

No.