The Bird and the Buddha

Before Watson, Book 2

By: A S Croyle

Narrated by: Cat Gould

Length: 9 hrs and 39 mins

Publisher's Summary

It is 1878, and Dr. Poppy Stamford has reluctantly rekindled her relationship with Sherlock Holmes. Though it has been almost four years since they parted on uneasy terms and while he continues to suppress his feelings for her, they are still intrigued and inspired - and frustrated - by each other. When her beloved uncle is arrested in relation to a series of murders near the British Museum, Poppy and the burgeoning detective set out to find the evidence to set him free.

Can they track down the real killer in time to save Uncle Ormond from the rope?

In the latest adventure of Poppy Stamford and Sherlock Holmes, the two not only uncover secret societies, but find themselves soul-searching to clarify their beliefs about an array of moral issues including euthanasia and the death penalty, as well as their feelings toward one another.

©2016 A S Croyle (P)2016 MX Publishing

A real English classic novel

a enjoyable classic tale of suspense and murder by a female companion of Sherlock Holmes.. narration of their active mystery exploits..
This audiobook was provided by the author, narrator, or publisher at no cost in exchange for an unbiased review courtesy of AudiobookBoom dot com."

A young Sherlock, and a total hit!

I loved everything about this book! I am someone who enjoys the classic Sherlock Holmes, but even more so I enjoy the "remakes" such as the TV show Sherlock etc. I loved this new take by seeing a young Sherlock (he is in his mid/late 20's it seems). Sherlock as a character seems spot on for how he is known and loved. He's inquisitive and guarded, but also brilliant. Sometimes he shows moments of softness but he never breaks character, and this book truly does him justice.
I also love the strong female lead, especially back in the late 1800's. She is a Doctor who takes the lead and stands strong. It's a refreshing point of view.
Also of note is all the historical context and stories wrapped in were simply incredible. It's very historically accurate & was a winner all the way around. This book far exceeded my expectations & the narration was crisp, proper & well performed.
I was gifted this book in exchange for my honest review.

Another Sherlock Holmes triumph

What did you love best about The Bird and the Buddha?

How Poppy loved and understood Sherlock.

What other book might you compare The Bird and the Buddha to and why?

Other Sherlock Holmes mysteries. Excellent writing.

What does Cat Gould bring to the story that you wouldn’t experience if you just read the book?

Enjoyed the English accent and civilized English language

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

Felt empathy for Poppy's desire for love that Sherlock was incapable of returning.

Any additional comments?

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

Sherlock Historical Adventure

Where does The Bird and the Buddha rank among all the audiobooks you’ve listened to so far?

It ranks in the top twenty five. It stays true to Conan Doyle's classic chracter. I got a bit lost in the Buddhist philosophy. Not lost exactly, but it wasn't of much interest to involve me with that aspect anyway

What was one of the most memorable moments of The Bird and the Buddha?

The sinking of the Princess Alice, an historical event.

Have you listened to any of Cat Gould’s other performances before? How does this one compare?

I have listened to Cat's performance on "When the Song of the Angel is Stilled". The first book in the "Before Watson" series. The performance is excellent, as it was on that audio book rendition.

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

As mentioned, these works stay true to the Doyle vision of Sherlock Holmes, Mycroft, Lestrade, and plots etc. So the listener familiar with the original stories is comfortable and involved. That's a very strong positive, in my opinion. This is quality series, and well worth your time and creditts.

Any additional comments?

This is an audio book that I was caught up in from the start! Thoroughly enjoyed it! Thanks for making it available.

This audiobook was provided by the author, narrator, or publisher at no cost in exchange for an unbiased review courtesy of AudiobookBoom dot com.

Intriguing mystery deep philosophical questions

What did you love best about The Bird and the Buddha?

I liked the crime/mystery that needed to be solved that also examined some deeper philosophical questions, historical setting felt really well researched

Who was your favorite character and why?

I have a lot of empathy for Poppy, a modern woman in a difficult time

Which character – as performed by Cat Gould – was your favorite?

Sherlock reminds me of the modern tv series on BBC which I love

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

no

Any additional comments?

Also some interesting discussion of Buddhist philosophy

Sherlockian. And good.

I found it difficult to bring Poppy into my world of Sherlock Holmes. I think it might have more to do with Laurie King's books than Sir Arthur Conan Doyle's. I never did quite warm up to her, but the mystery was complex as expected and enjoyable. Perhaps she will improve in my estimation in the next book. I hope so. I was starting to make headway. I was also thrown by the sex scene. It just didn't belong! Too romantic. Nevertheless, the story was good and the narration was very good and kept me listening.
I was gifted this audio book in exchange for an honest review.

Again, good narration, but story still bogged down

Note: In exchange for an unbiased review, the author, publisher, and/or narrator were kind enough to provide an audio version of this book at no charge via AudiobookBoom.

I listened to the first book in this series a while back and my impressions then are about the same as they are now. The story gets bogged down too much in the 'relationship' between Poppy and Sherlock and not enough on the mystery. Moreso in the first book, but it still happened in this one.There was a slight improvement, but in many ways the mystery seems to be treated like a side story or small element in the overall picture. The mental musings and despair that goes on inside Poppy's mind has grown old by now. It's clear that Sherlock will never be what she wants him to be, and to hear her keep hounding him about it is annoying to listen to. I'm also beginning to sense some Mary Sue elements in Poppy, which tends to create a rather unlikable character for me. Perhaps these issues will be straightened out in the third book, but I'm doubtful.

Once again, Cat Gould does an excellent job on narration - she has a way of making almost all the characters seems rather obnoxious (especially Poppy, her uncle, and Sherlock) and does great work on the various accents/dialects.

Entertaining

historical-places-events, murder, london

Told from the perspective of a woman physician with unrequited love for a focused and obsessed young logician, there is a wealth of well researched history and a very meticulously crafted mystery which is interesting far beyond the publisher's blurb.
Cat Gould's performance as narrator is impeccable.
I requested and received this audiobook free from the publisher, author, or narrator courtesy of AudiobookBOOM.

Move Over Irene Adler

The Bird and The Buddha is an excellent example of a Sherlock Holmes pastiche. Sherlock Holmes and Dr. Poppy Stamford work together to solve numerous mysteries in Victoria's England. Dr. Watson has not become part of Holmes' life yet, and Poppy is the chronicler of tale. Many historical people pop in and out of the story and add to the feel of Victorian London. There is a dark undertone to the story, as there is with most of Holmes' stories. This is the second book in the series, but can stand alone. If you like Holmes, and who doesn't, I recommend the book.
I received a free copy of this book via audiobookboom.com in exchange for an unbiased review

very interesting story

While a little long-winded at times, this was still a great Sherlock mystery. and I did enjoy it very much..