Lawrence Stasyszen

Characters Develop

Revisado: 01-28-25

While I do enjoy the stories and intrigues, what I most enjoy in this series is the development of the characters. Certainly some of the circumstances of the lives seem improbable, the arc of development in the characters is wonderfully done. I find myself wanting to listen to the next in the series to learn what happens next in their growing relationships.

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Engaging and Informative

Revisado: 03-11-24

This narrative history traces the Anglo Saxon period of England’s history with enough detail to provide insights but not such depth so as to put off those who are not professional historians. The author presents a balanced perspective that shows the strengths and weaknesses of the key figures and does not completely vilify those who tormented the Anglo Saxon population. There is also a wonderful sprinkling of dry humor throughout the work which brought several smiles to my face.

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The Best Yet

Revisado: 02-02-24

This series definitely has been growing on me and this was the best offering yet. The set-up and interweaving of multiple plot lines was seamless and brought together at the right moment by a master storyteller. Intrigue, history and violence find balance in farce and near slapstick comedy.

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Relaxed Story focused on Characters

Revisado: 05-28-23

This series of stories is centered not so much on the mystery featured in the particular volume but rather on the arc of development of the primary characters and their relationships. Some might not appreciate this approach, preferring faster pace and more tension building in the sleuthing. At times I even wonder when the author will get to the action. But then the relaxed pace, time spent with believable details of daily life and development of several likable characters draws me in. It is that aspect that has me eager to begin the next volume in the series. The reader does a fantastic job with consistent voices without being overly dramatic.

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Looking forward to more

Revisado: 05-25-23

This is my favorite genre of mysteries and am happy to make the acquaintance of a new sleuth based on historical characters. I found the story enjoyable but must admit that the outcome was a bit predictable for me and I had identified the murderer long before the protagonist did. I’m skeptical of some of the manner of thinking of some of the characters. That being noted, I am eager to listen to how the overarching story and characters develop in the second installment.

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Backstory keeps me interested

Revisado: 05-14-23

I have grown fond of the characters and that kept me interested. This particular story, however, seemed 20% mystery and 80% filler. It is a bit slow. But I personally enjoy the details and reflective narrative. I will try the next volume. Narrator is excellent with the characters.

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Period Piece but Classic

Revisado: 02-19-23

Certainly the subject matter of this humorous and bittersweet commentary on English manners and colonial perspective is dated and would not be received well in present times. But the story is filled with humor, irony, and memorable characters, both English and African. The star of this production, is just as much the narrator. Michael Maloney does a tremendous job with the characters, the pace of the story, and the tone of the dark humor. Not one of Evelyn Waugh’s better known works, but certainly a terrific read and listen.

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Getting Hooked

Revisado: 01-15-23

Having listened to the first two in the series I’m ready to listen to more. Marston keeps the story moving forward with good detail but not so much as to weigh down the pace. There’s not a high level of suspense, but the rapport between the four abiding characters is nice balance between the reflective intellectual, the brash warrior noble, the pompous cleric and the squeamish scribe. David Thorpe does a masterful consistent job in bringing the various characters to life and in pacing the narrative just as he does in similar historical mystery series’s.

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Growing to like the characters

Revisado: 10-01-22

Having now listened to three of the Chaloner mysteries I’ve grow to like the main character more and more. He seems to be growing in depth and complexity with each in the series. Hats off to Sansom for that. The story is very engaging although there were a few slow parts that felt a bit like filler. Crossley is a skilled narrator and provides interesting and consistent voices for the various characters and classes.

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Is it the end?

Revisado: 09-26-21

I have been captivated by the Matthew Bartholomew series and have looked forward to each volume. Perhaps this will be the last of the series. If that is the sad truth, Susanna Gregory has saved what I consider to have been perhaps the best written tale to the end. Thank you for such wonderful characters and enjoyable adventures! I’m glad that it featured a final performance from the best narrator and consistent actor for each of these memorable characters! Perhaps I will start over with book one in the series! If I do it will be with pleasure!

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