Oh Lovely Day

A crime fiction masterpiece!

Revisado: 10-04-21

I've read and enjoyed all three of Mr. Fredrick's books (please write more!), but there is something about this one that is just so compelling that I listened to it in like two days and then was sad it was over. Fredrick has a knack for writing dark crime thrillers that have a comedic relief element, which I especially enjoy. He almost makes despicable characters likable (Mo Mo) and his heroes are flawed and complex, which makes his stories much more interesting than your average crime fiction novel. I also love how he explores father/son relationships. While I highly recommend listening to all three of Fredrick's books, you can listen to this one without having listened to the other two -- it is a true stand-alone story. That being said, go listen to the other two books at some point -- first Cash City, then Hum Little Birdie. Of the three though, I have to say Mr. Fredrick's storytelling just keeps getting better and Bad Men Will Come is my favorite yet! And I have to mention the narrator as well. Ari Fliakos has become my favorite narrator thanks to his work on these three books. The way he voices different characters is incredible -- you won't believe all of the voices are from just one person. Fredrick + Fliakos is an audiobook dream team.

Audible, please publish more by Mr. Fredrick. And I'd love to see these published in print for my book collection as well!

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Liked the story but hated the narration

Revisado: 08-08-19

I think this book might be best to be read with your eyeballs and not your ears. A narrator can make or break a story (I just listened to one called Hum Little Birdie by Jonathan Fredrick where the narrator Ari Fliakos does an appalachian accent in a non-grating way and voices over 10 characters both male and female and you truly forget the same person is speaking -- go listen to that if you aren't sure why I didn't love this narrator. Go listen to it period -- it was a great book!). The narrator here makes Kya sound stupid with her slow manner of speaking/baby voice combined with her accent. It drove me nuts at times. Just wasn't a fan.

I did love parts of the story though and found the most compelling parts to be the poetic descriptions and story weaving of the marsh. Once we move on to the courtroom, you lose a bit of that magic. I also didn't like the ending. But the first 2/3 of the story were worth the read that I can look past the ending I guess. I think it is worth a read (but maybe not a listen) but don't really understand the insane number of 5 star reviews for this one. There are way better books not getting nearly enough notice and this one is just getting too much IMO.

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A must-read!

Revisado: 08-08-19

I found Tara Westover's memoir to be incredibly compelling, shocking, heartbreaking, and hopeful all at once. Well written, beautifully told, and relatable in many ways even if your family is nothing like this one -- Educated is a must-read and I highly recommend it.

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Fun and entertaining!

Revisado: 08-08-19

I really enjoyed this story, told from several different perspectives from one family during the summer of 1969 and the world events that occurred during that time. It reminded me (in style) to Little Fires Everywhere, which I loved. I listened to it while on a road trip and it helped pass the time. I definitely recommend it to anyone looking for a compelling and entertaining read (listen)!

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Even better than his first book (which I loved!)

Revisado: 08-08-19

I have been waiting for Jonathan Fredrick to deliver a second novel ever since I listened to his first, Cash City. I was thrilled when I saw his follow-up, Hum Little Birdie was available for pre-order and I gobbled it up in one weekend. IT DID NOT DISAPPOINT!

Once again, narrator Ari Fliakos brings the characters to life in a fantastically animated way that gives a great idea of who the characters are. And Mr. Fredrick’s storytelling is so good that I’m still shocked he has only published two novels. I loved getting to follow up on characters from the first book as well as get to know other characters even better (can I ask for a book with more focus on Hively please!?)

I actually liked this book even more than the first, and I loved the first. I liked that it started slower and did a lot of character development. You need to get to know the characters to care about how the story impacts them, and that was very well done by the author.

I also love how the author delves into the dynamic, mindset, and real issues of this area of Appalachia, which I read he knows well because he grew up there. With addiction, corruption, and and economic depression being very real and current issues facing that area (as well as many others) I find this to be an even more compelling story, and one that isn’t discussed enough.

Mr. Fredrick’s work deserves to be more widely seen and read. I find it to be far superior to many books of the same genre that are bestsellers. And I’d love to see it published in print as well. More from this dream team of Fredrick & Fliakos!!

I would highly recommend this book to anyone who likes crime fiction, noir, or detective series (and if you haven’t already read it, start with Cash City!)

Can’t wait for book 3!

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Compelling listen, but narration could have been better

Revisado: 06-11-19

I hate to write anything negative because the nature of the story is so important and the author is incredibly brave to share it, but I think the story would have been better served if it had been narrated by a professional. The author’s voice falls flat at times. But her story and experience are compelling, important, and make the book one I would recommend. As a mother, I found it educational and informative on what to look out for when it comes to domestic and sexual abuse. Thank you for sharing your story.

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So damn good.

Revisado: 04-28-19

Loved it all: the way the story is told, the story itself, the characters, how real it feels. I didn’t want it to end. I think I especially loved how it features badass women who got along and supported and liked one another, rather than defaulting to the patriarchal fallback of cattiness and tearing each other down. I couldn’t help but picture Stevie Nicks as Daisy - they even sound alike. All of the narrators were fantastic but I have a soft spot for Ari Fliakos. Just well done all around.

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Not my favorite but an ok listen.

Revisado: 04-23-19

I hate writing bad reviews, as I know how much work goes into writing a book. But I just didn't love this story. I found it predictable, or in parts it just didn't make sense. It could have been great with a few plot tweaks but instead is only ok.

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A great thriller

Revisado: 04-23-19

So often these types of stories are predictable and already done (or a variation of something already done). But this one was fresh, fun, enjoyable, and kept me guessing. I really enjoyed it!

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Inspiring in so many ways

Revisado: 04-23-19

I absolutely loved this book, and not just because I am a fan of her husband's politics. In fact, what I love most is listening to her share her experiences as a wife and a mother as I nod my head in solidarity. So relatable, so inspiring, and just a great book overall. I highly recommend it!

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