The Devil’s Feast

Blake and Avery Novel Series, Book 3

By: M.J. Carter

Narrated by: Alex Wyndham

Length: 11 hrs and 2 mins

Publisher's summary

Captain William Avery is persuaded to investigate, and soon discovers a web of rivalries and hatreds, both personal and political, simmering behind the club's handsome façade, and in particular concerning its resident genius, Alexis Soyer, "the Napoleon of food", a chef whose culinary brilliance is matched only by his talent for self-publicity. But Avery is distracted, for where is his mentor and partner-in-crime Jeremiah Blake? And what if this first death was only a dress rehearsal for something far more sinister?

©2017 Orlando Books (P)2017 HighBridge, a division of Recorded Books

Kitchens and poisons in 19th Century London

A captivating mystery of rivalry amongst chefs, and a history of the genius who modernized large-scale food service. Alex Wyndham's narration gives the characters vitality and a quick pace to the story.

Held me prisoner

I purchase Audible books to listen to while on my 45 minute walk each day. So I expect to be able to have them last for several weeks. "The Devil's Feast" pulled me in and I was compelled to listen when I got home, when I was getting dressed, when I was driving. The details about the workings of the kitchen and the chef were, to put it mildly , fascinating. I had to discover who the culprit was but also more about each character.
This story creates an opening to hear more about the characters after this episode. I really hope so.
The narrator was phenomenal except that he barks out the dialogue. I am embarrassed to find fault with his skill, but I believe his delivery altered the content a little. I shouldn't even mention it.
This is the third book I have read in this series. The research is daunting. I learned so much about society and conditions of the time. Would I recommend this....without hesitation.

Awesome

Blake and Avery adventures are worth the listen. Lots of rich details around a interesting story. I recommend this series.

Love this series and while different still as fun!

Just awesome! I'm not very judgemental and find joy in most books I read. This series is at the top of my list, however and I found this one to be as enjoyable as the rest. the narrator is terrific and the history mixed in is enlightening.

Kitchen intrigue

This is the third story in an excellent series. The mystery here ( who is the poisoner) isn't all that engaging, but the behind-the-scenes look at the infighting, jealousies and theft in up-scale kitchens in London men's clubs, circa 1840's, is very detailed and very interesting. I'm guessing that these same intrigues are still playing out in high-end restaurants today. There are a LOT of characters to keep track of, and I thought the team of Blake and Avery didn't get much page time. Still enjoyable, and Alex Wyndham never disappoints.

Wishing MJ Carter wrote another!

Sorry to say, but this seems to be her final Avery and Blake novel, number three in the series.
She’s a fantastic writer, weaving historical events and people into an imaginative brutal mystery who-dun-it.
Brutal first chapter! Almost didn’t get through it!
The descriptions of a modern Victorian kitchen were interesting. The food prepared for a feast was really over the top.
All in all I recommend this series without reservation.
Narrator performed beautifully and professionally.

Another great segment of the Avery story

Enjoyed it from start to finish - I liked all the historical information and day in the life details.

Slow moving culinary mystery

I thought that the first Blake and Avery novel set in India was clearly the best. This third entry in the series hews closer to the second book in that it’s plot moves too slowly and it is overloaded with unnecessary details that bog down the pace of the story. There are too many characters and far too much descriptions of chef Soyer’s dishes. That said, I do like Carter’s characters, especially Maddie and Blake. Blake’s problems with his patron seemed unnecessary and didn’t ever get satisfactorily resolved for me - it seemed like a plot device that petered out once it’s usefulness expired. I also didn’t really see the purpose of bringing in Avery’s unhappy wife as it was completely extraneous to the plot. The book is okay, but if I hadn’t started with the first book of this series, I doubt I would continue with it. Despite my comments this was an okay book, just not anything special.

Black and Avery should get out of England.

What did you love best about The Devil’s Feast?

Just the memory of their first adventure.

Would you be willing to try another book from M.J. Carter? Why or why not?

Yes, if they get out of England and back to some warm and wonderous landscape where their juxtaposition is an advantage.

What about Alex Wyndham’s performance did you like?

Excellent as usual.

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

No.

Redemption of Blake & Avery

After the thrilling first book of the series tethered me to Blake & Avery, I was somewhat disappointed by the second book. The Devil's Feast, however, wholly redeemed the series for me. What a story! I absolutely loved it, and found myself cooking while listening because the scrumptious descriptions of the food was tempting my stomach! This mystery was complex and satisfying. Alex Wyndham, as usual, did a perfect job at narrating. I look forward to more Blake & Avery books, and I hope anyone that was left underwhelmed by the second book will not be deterred from carrying on with these characters.