The Full Legacy: A Lesbian Mystery Romance

By: Jane Retzig

Narrated by: Elizabeth Shelley

Length: 5 hrs and 45 mins

Publisher's Summary

Lesbian romantic fiction with a hint of the supernatural.

London, 1993 - Gill is wary of love. Since the death of her partner, Corinne, she has put all her energy into building up her photography business, being a good and reliable friend, and avoiding relationships at all costs.

When she meets the enigmatic Turner Shaw at a party she is shocked at the force of attraction she feels for this beautiful and charismatic new woman.

Against her better judgment, and despite rumours that Turner is both married and sleeping with the partner of one of her closest friends, Gill quickly finds herself drawn into a passionate affair with the mysterious stranger.

As news of the relationship spreads and suspicions about Turner grow, Gill finds herself having to take a stand against some of the people she loves best. And as tensions escalate, old loyalties are tested and cracks begin to appear in what has always seemed to be a stable and supportive friendship group.

Then tragedy strikes and Turner appears to be at the heart of it.

And Gill finds that she must gamble everything for a woman she loves, but doesn't trust.

Based on her 1995 short novel, The Legacy, and now re-edited into full length novel format, The Full Legacy is a rollercoaster lesbian mystery romance from Jane Retzig, author of Boundaries, The Photograph, and The Wrong Woman.

©2014 Jane Retzig (P)2015 Jane Retzig

More Than I Expected

What did you love best about The Full Legacy?

Honestly? The narrator's voice. I had forgotten that this was a British author and when I first heard the narrator speak, it pulled me in. I'll admit, that in itself may have skewed my views a bit, but this was a different genre than what I normally read/listen to.

What other book might you compare The Full Legacy to and why?

I can't think of any. I've been expanding my reading/listening genres and this is my first into an LGBT romance fiction. I thought I'd give it a whirl because of the supernatural hints.

Which scene was your favorite?

The first encounter with Turner. You could almost feel the emotions in the air.

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

I won't go so far as to say an 'extreme' reaction. It takes quite a bit to make me laugh or cry, but there was plenty of parts that make you smile or chuckle. And parts that make you cringe. And parts that make you apprehensive. And parts that make you...

Any additional comments?

I'll admit, I was a little squeamish about the story being a lesbian romance but that fear was unfounded. It was well written, well narrated and the story pulls you in. Not only do I look forward to the next story in this genre, I plan to give this author's other writings a spin.

Weird

A really weird story. And where did she get these women from. I mean they are broken.
All the lesbian authors seem to be broken. I guess that's why they write this stuff.

Good Story - Excellent Narrator

What did you love best about The Full Legacy?

A couple of interesting twists at the end kept this story from being formulaic or predictable.

What other book might you compare The Full Legacy to and why?

None come to mind, but that's not a bad thing

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

Her accent makes me understand the characters better. Some British idioms just come across better when pronounced by a Brit.

Who was the most memorable character of The Full Legacy and why?

Turner - mysterious, beautiful...what's not to like about that? The author did a good job of making the listener question her trustworthiness without ever completely disliking her

Any additional comments?

My first read from this author but would like to read more. Also my first listen to Elizabeth Shelley but highly recommend her.

A What?

I did enjoy the performance, but I was having a hard time hearing/ understanding some of the words. Did I miss the mystery? May have to read this one more time. Off to my next adventure.

Oh my REAL Lesbians!

Nice book and good character development. I find it's hard to find real lesbian women in books today,there are somanybooks that seem to be " lesbian lite."
As a "yank" I had to slow it down a little and to muse about the meanings of some idioms, but I loved the book.
Also I'd listen to this narrator anytime/ anywhere. I love her voice and will probably reread just so she'll talk to me again.

Intriguing Lesbian Romance

If you could sum up The Full Legacy in three words, what would they be?

Atmospheric. Absorbing. Convincing.

Who was your favorite character and why?

I'm torn between Gill because she's so real and Turner because she's so cryptic.

Which character – as performed by Elizabeth Shelley – was your favourite?

Gill because it's impossible not to identify with her.

If you made a film of this book, what would be the tag line be?

Do you dare to trust?

Any additional comments?

I thoroughly enjoyed this audiobook. The quality of the writing is excellent and the narrator does it justice.

It gets better

Felt like it was a slow burner that didn't flame but I still loved it.

Fantastic storyline, very captivating

I found this story very addictive. The story line was well written and gave me just enough to keep me wanting more, in fact near the end I was finding it very hard to press pause, even for a moment.

The narrator was brilliant, putting on accents and helping to build on your imagination.

If you are after a captivating listen with detailed descriptions and well shaped characters, I think you've just found it!

An engaging mystery with lots of elements

A suspenseful romantic tale set in 1990’s London follows the events of Gill, a photographer haunted by her past and her encounter with Turner, a mysterious stranger with a questionable past. We delve into the clique of a closely knit group of women possessing love triangles, torn loyalties and dubious alliances. I felt suspicious of Turner at first, only to learn of her complex and dark past. Shocks and surprises are in store (2 deaths, a betrayal and a confession), particularly in the last third of the novel, where we learn the truth about Turner. Possessing dark elements, the tale had heart which tempts me into taking another punt at a second Retzig tale. A different and engaging listen.

Absorbing Lesbian Mystery Romance

Would you consider the audio edition of The Full Legacy to be better than the print version?

Both equally good. The advantage of the audiobook is, for me, the ability to be read to on the long daily journey to work. I listen to two audiobooks a week and this was in my top five favourite audiobooks. The book was extremely well written and performed - absorbing and gripping.

What other book might you compare The Full Legacy to, and why?

I enjoy reading all forms of mystery and books that have a twist at the end. This writer reminds me of Daphne Du Maurier's mystery novels.

Which character – as performed by Elizabeth Shelley – was your favourite?

Gill - the central character.

Was there a moment in the book that particularly moved you?

I don't want to spoil this for other listeners, but it was the moment the book came to a climax point, where the writer and the narrator showed amazing empathy for all the characters involved in it, including herself.

Any additional comments?

Yes, I would like to say that I enjoyed this audiobook immensely. Both the writer and the narrator have understood what is needed in a good listening book. I look forward to more from this particular writer and hope to hear the narrator read another of Jane Retzig's books.

GOOD STUFF

Narrators voice is amazing and story good too. Would recommend to anyone who is queer.

Disappointing for a Retzig book!

I have read two of Retzigs books, and as they were 5star brilliant, so without question I just immediately bought two of her books expecting more genius....but it was the opposite!
The good thing about this is that at least I enjoyed the best first, because had I tried one of poor ones first, I would never have ever bought another of her books, rather like once you've read a 'Radclyffe' novel, you've read them all. they're painfully lacking in any redemption and on my permanent blacklist, never again. To be fair to Retzig, knowing she has the capability to write something gripping and suspenseful, giving no way to any predictable outcomes, instead of pre-ordering, I'll await reviews and buy it after reading them.