Elisabeth

What's a cozy mystery without the mystery?

Revisado: 09-23-14

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

I would recommend the series - as I love Darling AB and the ladies that live there - but this was my least favourite Susan Wittig Albert book.

If you’ve listened to books by Susan Wittig Albert before, how does this one compare?

I know it's normal to give a bit of back story in a series but I felt like this book was 1/3 re-telling of the characters' back stories. It was like I was only reading 2/3 new material and the rest was a re-hash of the character set-ups from previous books. Maybe this is because I've read them all twice - so I know them a bit too well.

Could you see The Darling Dahlias and the Silver Dollar Bush being made into a movie or a TV series? Who should the stars be?

Yes, it would be so fantastic! I would definitely tune into that. The fashions alone would great to see - but there are many parallels for today's viewers to take note of.

Any additional comments?

I hate to say it - because I love this author - but I felt like she phoned this one in. The magical and quick appearance of the new character Tallulah Bell was very convenient to the plot, and a bit obvious. I also didn't really feel any suspense in "the mystery", which was kind of lame. As usual I love visiting Darling - and hearing about the ladies. I was happy to read about about Fanny and sad to hear about Liz, but this cozy was very short on mystery.

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What's not to love?

Revisado: 05-14-14

Where does Widow's Tears rank among all the audiobooks you’ve listened to so far?

One of my all time favourite audio books. As a Canadian I didn't know about the Galveston Hurricane until reading this book. If you're a history and ghost story buff - this book is absolutely fantastic.

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

Two mysteries in one. The modern day mystery of the haunted house, intertwined with the telling of a tragic and frightening story of the hurricane made for a gripping story start to finish.

Which character – as performed by Julia Gibson and Morgan Hallett – was your favorite?

Morgan Hallett's somewhat subdued delivery was perfect for the time period.

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

Ruby's conclusions about her own life were a lovely ending to the story.

Any additional comments?

Having China's logical mind as a foil to Ruby's otherworldly intuitive spirit always works well as a story telling device in these books but especially in this case because Ruby is so hesitant to get involved and China is brought face to face with spooky happenings she cannot logic away.

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Excellent - as always

Revisado: 05-14-14

Which character – as performed by Julia Gibson – was your favorite?

I love Julia's Ruby. I sometimes have to remind myself that it is indeed one voice actress. Ms. Gibson is one of my all time favourite narrators. I'm not a connoisseur of accents - so if there's any imperfections in the Southern accents - I'm blissfully ignorant.

Any additional comments?

One of my favourite things about this series is you never know what Susan Wittig Albert will do with her well established characters. Will she stay in Pecan Springs? Travel back in time, or remain in the present. I always enjoy the China Bayles' books and wherever they might take me.

*** Small note in regards to the sound editing. there were at least three places where the one sentence was said twice, back to back. Someone missed it when editing the book together :-(

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Keep in mind this is from the 1990s

Revisado: 03-05-14

Would you say that listening to this book was time well-spent? Why or why not?

I enjoyed the setting, and the mystery itself was fun, but it's glaringly obvious it's set in the 1990s. I'm amazed at how much female/male characterization in Robert's books has changed over the years. The men in this book almost always force themselves on the women - and the women just melt in their arms and give into their passions... which had me rolling my eyes at points. Puh-lease.

What was your reaction to the ending? (No spoilers please!)

I'd read it was a "surprise" twist ending... can't say I was blown away by it. It was a good plot generally.

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

She did a good job, but nothing stellar.

Was Sanctuary worth the listening time?

Yes - interesting just to see how Roberts' writing has changed, and gotten better over the years.

Any additional comments?

I wish they'd post the publishing date of the book on the main page. Obviously nothing wrong with reading books written 10-20 years ago - but it helps prepare me for the tone of the book.

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Another bad narrator!

Revisado: 11-01-13

What did you like best about Dark Witch? What did you like least?

I don't mind the repetitive magic stories so much, but I wish it wasn't quite SO formulaic. Right off - there's 3 women, 3 men.... gee I wonder how this will end!

The narrator is another miss. (Just like Whiskey Beach). Only this time I'm having a hard time hearing the different characters. The female and male Irish accents (which sound more like Newfie accents to a Canadian ear) all sound alike.

She's overly dramatic, and gets very excited and way over the top way too fast. Very distracting from the plot. I bet she'd be great on stage... maybe, but not so hot in audio form. Re-do!

Was Dark Witch worth the listening time?

No, I don't think I'll finish it. Maybe if you re-record it.

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