The Martyring

By: Thomas Sullivan

Narrated by: Bob Walter

Length: 7 hrs and 23 mins

Publisher's summary

Kurt Hauptmann will learn to make stained glass to help men see the glory of God, one of the many bizarre heritages handed down from his ancestry. But the family has other, more frightening secrets. The path to God runs through darkness as well as light. And the bond of a family is blood, its own and that of its enemies.

What is the strangeness in Uncle Detlef, head of the stained-glass studio? Why has he descended from his cathedral roofs to steeplejack the perils of a secular world? What are his secrets? Why do the family's holy rites seem perverse?

Most of all, why are men getting killed in bizarre, archaic ways here in South Florida?

As Kurt gropes toward the truth, so does the tough and cynical cop, Jack Skelote. What lies before them is a limbo of murdered martyrs, unblessed, unholy, and unburied.

©1998 Thomas Sullivan (P)2012 David N. Wilson

Ancient Secrets and top-notch narration

Would you recommend this audiobook to a friend? If so, why?

Yes. Bob Walter has the kind of voice that I put on a short list of those who - as narrator - could influence me to listen to a book I might otherwise have ignored. The story is rich and complex and the characters are vivid.

What was one of the most memorable moments of The Martyring?

Without giving anything away, I would have to cite the scenes where the protagonist and his cousin interact closely.

Which character – as performed by Bob Walter – was your favorite?

The Detective

If you could rename The Martyring, what would you call it?

Bloodstained Glass

Any additional comments?

This book tells one of those rare stories that tightrope-walks between genres. It is a mystery. It is a thriller. It has historical aspects, and a bit of romance. It brings things like the art of creating stained glass, and the deaths of martyrs into focus for the reader. In a word? Memorable

Not a bad listen

Check this one out if you like this kind of stuff. It might be worth your time.

An interesting work poorly narrated.

Would you recommend this book to a friend? Why or why not?

This work appeals on several levels, mixing historical details and the suspense the of a modern thriller.

Would you be willing to try another one of Bob Walter’s performances?

Bob Walters narrates this work with a repetitive, monotonous rhythm and intonation. He forces the text into this odd and annoying cadence instead of letting the work determine the beat and tone. The effect is distracting and makes it difficult to absorb or become absorbed in the story. This work deserves better. I will avoid this narrator in the future.

Beautifully Written Mystery

I've recently discovered the excellent work of Thomas Sullivan. His novel Case White is one of the best books I've ever read, so I decided to check out more of his work. The Martyring is another compelling mystery. It's beautifully written and really engaging.
I thought Bob Walter's narration was very good, though he does have a slightly odd rhythm to his delivery, almost like William Shatner. I thought he did a great job with the characters and I'd certainly listen to another audiobook narrated by him.
This is a fantastic audiobook that I'm sure I'll revisit in the future.
Highly recommended.