Last Scene Alive

An Aurora Teagarden Mystery, Book 7

By: Charlaine Harris

Narrated by: Therese Plummer

Length: 6 hrs and 59 mins

Publisher's summary

From the New York Times best-selling author of Dead Over Heels and the Sookie Stackhouse novels.

Roe is still in mourning over her husband's death when a movie company arrives in Lawrenceton. They've come to make a film based on a book written by her one-time boyfriend, Robin Crusoe, a book that detailed their shared investigation of a series of murders that occurred years before.

But when the lead actress - who is playing Roe - is killed, Robin and Roe join forces once again to thwart a killer, without knowing that Roe herself is the next target.

©2002 Charlaine Harris (P)2009 Recorded Books, LLC

This one feels rushed

I'm on my third listen to the entire Aurora Teagarden series, so I'm a fan...

This book just felt rushed to me, in both the character development and the plot. It's like *Suddenly!* occurs a little too often, and as a consequence both the arc for Aurora and the mystery plot have a degree of implausibility that hasn't been present in the previous books. Things happen just a little too conveniently and that feels like lazy writing to me. It makes me wonder if Ms. Harris has just grown a bit weary of her usual cast of characters. I consider this one just a mediocre entry in an otherwise really enjoyable series.

Keep the Books in sequence

Unfortunately I listed to book 8 before book 7 and it is making book 7 difficult. I enjoyed book 8 so much that I want to know what happens next rather than what happened before. As a result it is hard for me to get in to this book although I am enjoying it. Therese Plummer is excellent in her narration and brings Roe alive for me.

Getting a little tired of Aurora

This is the second to last in the series. I'll listen to the final just because I really liked Aurora but she has become a little tiresome. In this book she comes across as condescending and a bore. Hopefully the final book will be better.

Another kudo for Charlaine Harris

Where does Last Scene Alive rank among all the audiobooks you’ve listened to so far?

Since I have listened to close to 1000 books, it is difficult to know but the book held my interest.

What other book might you compare Last Scene Alive to and why?

The book is up to the standard of the other books in the series so that this book is comparable to it.

What about Therese Plummer’s performance did you like?

She has good temper and tone and reads as one would expect an actress to read.

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

Yes

Any additional comments?

book 7 was a great read

I liked this book much better than the last one. It brought new characters and old characters together nicely. the description of grief and recovery seemed so real. I would forget I was reading fiction. :)

Have Loved the Aurora Teagarden Series

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

Yes - I am sorry that this is the second to last book they are a terrific read

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

Yes - written some years ago the stories are still fresh and the plot it "today"

What about Therese Plummer’s performance did you like?

I would listen to any other audio book she wrote and will look for them in the future.

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

Yes - and in my car and at work and walking the dog. Pulling up to my garage door I don't drive in until I finish a chapter they are such a good read.

Any additional comments?

Any chance that there would be more Aurora Teagarden 20 years later and I would be the first to download and tell friends - they are great books right up there looking back to my first mystery books, Nancy Drew, Agatha Christie just simple, good mysteries with great characters.

The chemistry is def missing

This is my third listen of the series. I still don't get the frizzy hair attraction so chemistry was def lacking. It was still enjoyable like visiting with old friends.

Loved ‘Last Scene’

The Aurora Teagarden Mysteries are some of my favorites! I like that each book in the series contains includes characters and event from previous books!

I had to remind myself to listen...

I am usually a faithful listener to this series, but I had a time paying attention to "Last Scene Alive." As usual, the narrator is great, but the story line did not hold my interest this time. It wasn't horrible, but it certainly wasn't my favorite, thus far. I will, however, continue on with the series as I LOVE Charlaine Harris.

Beautiful

Would you listen to Last Scene Alive again? Why?

Aurora Teagarden is my favorite Charlaine Harris character. This is actually the first audio book I've ever listened to, in the series and in general. The narrator truly BECAME Roe for me. Her voice was crisp, full of personality that I thought only belonged to Roe in my head, and definitely on point. I am beyond impressed.

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

Charlaine is definitely the queen of writing a story that includes the somewhat mundane details of life and a great problem. It really sucks you into the story. I found myself worrying about Roe's personal problems/life more than the actual mystery. Excellent work.

What about Therese Plummer’s performance did you like?

Oh, EVERYTHING! Her tone, her pacing, her attention to the details set forth by certain words and phrases. She was incredible. The separation between characters, the continuity with certain voices she made, it was all perfect.

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

Roe's gaining herself back, and the very realistic pace that it took. She has been through quite a lot and her growth shows well.

Any additional comments?

This is one of my favorite series and I wish it could go on forever, honestly. The minute details, even down to people eating and descriptions of outfits and decor, are what I live for. I also found a new favorite narrator - I'll be listening to the rest of her work!