Kate

Everything I Love About this Book

Reviewed: 30-01-2019

I decided to start this book club read with knowing as little as possible and letting myself being swept into Dolly’s story of her life and the evolution of her idea of love. Like life, I found some parts funny, heart-warming, disturbing, sad but ultimately beautiful. I thoroughly enjoyed Dolly’s reflection on how she has perceived love over the last 28 years, and how all forms of love (romantic, friendship and self) have all changed with her experiences and self-worth. The narration of her own story was brilliant and truly cast a more personal connection on the read.

1 person found this helpful

Miss Fisher in the Countryside

Reviewed: 30-01-2019

A fun read that has lashes of golden age crime influences throughout the story - but with a plot as naughty as Miss Fisher can make it. I suspected there were certain Agatha Christie elements about the plot but the addition of the chat with the author at the end of the book helped to confirm my suspicions. The classic country house murder mystery with the detective stuck in the house with the murderer and host of suspects, but with a little more political and racial tensions building with the presence of Phryne's lover, Lin Chung.

Short Stories for Mystery Lovers

Reviewed: 30-01-2019

Another excellent collection of short mystery vignettes starring the doggedly determined amateur sleuth, Canon Sidney Chambers. Vastly superior to the TV show, with a depth of character hardly touched upon in the show, the ending had me cheering for joy at the development of the characters and excited to jump into the next audiobook. The readers cool and crisp English accent lends perfectly to the writing, which in turn is lyrical but concise given the format of the short stories.

Asian inspired fantasy with a Mafia twist

Reviewed: 30-01-2019

An enjoyable read even if it was hard to really attach to any of the characters, not at the fault of the reader as he portrayed each character brilliantly, more at the distance given by the author to observe the characters within their surroundings. It is a wonderful cross between Ninja Mythos and The Godfather, with Jade being the central force that gives power to the 'green bone' fighters. Besides remarkable storytelling and perfectly crafted action scenes, I did feel a little hampered down but the heavy masculine presence and that strong female characters were few and far between.

1 person found this helpful

A Golden Age

Reviewed: 30-01-2019

A wonderfully apt title for the adventures of Jane and Lucilla, upon leaving school and having to make their ways in the turbulent world of 1922. Light, full of mirth, evanescent and a sheer delight, this book had a lot of heart, even if the plot felt lacking in a little substance. Happy to report though that the book ended with something that was expected and a lot that was not. The reader carried the lives and adventures of the young women well, capturing their excitement for life but also their insecurities for the future.

Slow Start. Curious Middle. Great Ending.

Reviewed: 30-01-2019

Bold and vivid storytelling with a distinctly Australian voice, as the local deadbeat is forced by a series of challenging Ace playing cards, from a mysterious source, to carry out various tasks. These tasks open his world and force him to change and realise the amazing potential within him - and make him want to reach for it. The reader was excellent with his dry Australian voice, giving perfect emphasis and character to the story that heightened the tension of the drama.

2 people found this helpful

Truly delicious

Reviewed: 19-06-2015

I loved this book, following Miss Pettigrew's adventures during this day were wonderful. Watching her personality change and grow was lovely. Listening to Frances narration was just superb too, she made you feel every emotion Miss Pettigrew experience, great work .

1 person found this helpful

Relaxing Romance

Reviewed: 17-05-2015

A simple indulgence in beautiful words and beautiful voices, best listened to whilst luxuriating in a scented bath with a good glass of wine.

1 person found this helpful

A Classic Thriller

Reviewed: 17-05-2015

I have enjoyed many of Ken Follett's other works so I decided to look into his earlier novels, and found lots of entertainment within his stories. Set in latter years of the Second World War, the story revolves around the secrets and conspiracies of tricking the enemy and hunting for spies, the most sought after being 'The Needle'. Taking the listener into the barren Scottish islands, Follett weaves intrigue and suspense into the lives of the island dwellers. The narrator carried the story well, defining characters by accents and the scenes with gravitas. Definitely a recommended listen for any wanting a dash of gallant intrigue and old-fashioned thrills.

3 people found this helpful