Revenant

By: Carolyn Haines

Narrated by: Lauren Fortgang

Length: 9 hrs and 57 mins

Publisher's Summary

When a decades-old mass grave near a notorious Biloxi nightclub is unearthed, reporter Carson Lynch is among the first on the scene.

The remains of five women lie within, each one buried with a bridal veil...and without her ring finger.

Once an award-winning journalist, Carson knows her career is now hanging by a thread. This story has pulled her out of a pit of alcohol and self-loathing, and with justice and redemption in mind she begins to investigate. Days later two more bodies appear, begging the question -- Is a copycat murderer terrorizing Biloxi, or has a serial killer awoken from a 25-year slumber?

©2007 Carolyn Haines (P)2007 Audible, Inc.

Critic Reviews

"A writer of exceptional talent." ( The Milwaukee Journal)

One of 2007's best mysteries

I don't see much point in rehasing the plot, but I found this to be a wonderfully atmospheric novel. Haines does a superb job of creating a mood in which Carson Lynch, her damaged heroine finds her journalistic instincts emerging from the haze of grief that has paralyzed her for the previous 2 years. Carson deserves to take her place along with other unforgetable women of mystery such as Tess Monaghan, Anna Pigeon, Kinsey Milhone, Barbara Holloway, etc. I will be looking for a second episode for Carson.

The listen was greatly enhanced by the thick as molasses accent of Lauren Fortgang--not a perfect reading, but still quite memorable.

Closure challenged

I very much liked the heroine of this book. Her strength and vulnerability drew me through the twists of the story rather easily. The suspense aspects were satisfying enough but the book falls far short as a romance (which it was, perhaps, never intended to be - but since I saw it listed as one I think it worth mentioning). There are three love interests presented instead of one and if the protagonist does make a choice, she does so in a later novel. There's nothing I hate worse than to hear 'stay tuned' at the end of the 11th hour of listening so if you're annoyed by this as well - be forewarned.
I think it a pity the author (or publisher) chose a possible sequel over a satisfying read because there was true potential there.

Loved the novel

What did you love best about Revenant?

The story itself was great. Carson was a compelling protagonist I could resonate with. Carolyn was able to make her both damaged and strong in equal measure. Despite her flaws and rough edges, Carson was a protagonist to love and who needed love. The fact that Carson was trying to solve a murder mystery that had connections to the (very real) Biloxi mob (more or less) was great. Lastly, the fact that she (Carson) was trying to give children back to parents who'd lost their children when her career had led to the loss of her own child was a poignancy and an irony that one can't ignore, either. It was a stroke of brilliance, even though, as one who HAS lost a child, there are notes that always hit home...but I love it for that, for making me express what I always feel.

Did the plot keep you on the edge of your seat? How?

The story is perfectly-paced and keeps the reader guessing the whole time.

Which scene was your favorite?

The "aha" moment, of course.

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

Yes. I think I listened to all nine plus hours in two sessions the first time I listened.

Any additional comments?

As a southerner who knows the area, some of the narrator's accents killed me. The way she said Biloxi, for one, was precious. Her speaking rhythm (on the default pace) was very slow, but that can be adjusted with Audible's features. Despite the pronunciation of Biloxi and other southern words, I've listened to this story multiple times because it's just that engaging.

Loved it!

Loved it! Carolyn Haines is under rated. I came upon her by accident but have really been enjoying her listens.

3 of 5 stars

I can't finish it... I just can't get to the end of it. The writing is ok, but it's lost amidst the horrible drawl of the narrator. I'm a southern guy and I love southern accents on women as much as the next guy, but the narrator definitely isn't doing this author any favors.

Not bad

The reading repeated a couple of times (mistakes with the recording?) and the story was a little pulpy but all in all not a bad book. I would give the author another try, the narrator was so-so, not the best nor the worst

Booo

I couldn't wait for this book to end... stuck with it to the end waiting for it to get better, but it didn't.

Narrator mispronounced too many words

A narrator should at least open a dictionary to make sure as not to mispronounce at least a half dozen words over and over throughout the book, even names of towns and brand names.

Awesome

Carolyn Haines is brilliant! Great mystery/suspense written with the skill of a literary master.