Christina Crawford

Living voice of American history

Revisado: 04-24-16

What an experience to listen to the remarkable words and adventures of an old fashioned lawman! He speaks with humility, humour, and genuine love for his country, his fellow officers and his profession. His is the voice of the past as he experienced, such variety of experiences-with Afghan tribesmen being trained as military, with famous actors, and even being an actor. I enjoyed his adventures and insights into Texas law, both past and present. I would be proud to meet this man of honour and grace.

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Depth of a well written mystery

Revisado: 03-26-16

This is a story whose depths, observations you don't really appreciate until it's finished. Backstrom, a sharp, manipulative detective, despite his buffoon antics, almost hides the deeper meanings of our story. He brings a lighter touch to a case of sexual predator functioning in a respected job. Sophisticated big city policing versus their cash strapped country comrades is also emphasized, However, small town policemen, detective's know their fellow citizens and their social context well. This story explores numerous aspects of policing and media coverage affects the cases, and the people concerned. When the story ended, I had a deeper appreciation for the author's ability to showcase a society without lecturing, or being tedious. Please more Inspector Backstrom and his colleagues!

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esto le resultó útil a 3 personas

An epic fairy tale

Revisado: 01-06-16

What a grand, and exciting adventure story of the not so Old West, of Texas, to be exact. We have a strange collection of folks destined on a rescue mission of a young woman captured by sub- human brutes of outlaws. There is Jack, only 16, a wise, learned dwarf who is a dead shot with a pistol, a Black man, Eustace, who has a pet, a feral hog named Hog, a sheriff, and a young man along who just wants a change in his life. In addition there is a beautiful young prostitute with a" heart of gold". Who falls in love with our hero. They encounter many obstacles in the course of their quest, brutality, murder, outdoor "toilet business ". The elements of this story reminded so much of fairy tales where a young, untried man must test his courage and skills to overcome adversity to rescue a princess, who happens to be his beloved sister. What an adventure, I laughed, I worried they'd all be killed by the nastiest villains ever. But fear not, it turned out all right as fairy tales do.

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Surprise Christmas Gift

Revisado: 11-09-15

I have been a fan of this author since his first novel featuring Inspector Vistig, but this latest one is definitely my favorite. The summary sounded wholesome, warm festive tale so I took a chance. So very glad I did! Completely unexpected story of 2 dead men turned into a totally spellbinding drama of international killer hiding, and continuing to kill in Norway and Sweden after leaving the US. The manhunt began with American FBI assisting local police. I believe this is first Scandinavian novel to create an international crime hunt. Fantastic novel, would recommend it unreservedly to all readers who appreciate the writing of Henning Mankell, Thomas Reiner, Michael Connelly. When is Horst's next novel due?

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esto le resultó útil a 9 personas

Terrific cop series

Revisado: 07-05-15

love this series! I am listening to them in order, and can hardly set routines aside to hear every exciting, thoughtful word. Marty is both funny and smart, thoughtful living under the burden of colorectal cancer diagnosis. despite this he refuses to give in to self- pity, or seclusion. he feels the fear, pain of cancer but continues with life. I especially enjoy his relationship with young Amanda, more a daughter than young lover as is often the case in many cop novels. it allows reader to observe tender side of our hero, Marty an ordinary extraordinary detective. great listen!

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mother as monster

Revisado: 06-19-15

what a well-written portrait of the development of an evil, self-serving woman living totally without a conscience. She gives birth to a Down's Syndrome baby which is the first dash of reality in an otherwise charmed life. her parents and society have made her expect love and admiration from all as she is beautiful elfin and blonde. she justifies the death of her child as an undeserved punishment, a humiliation she must endure as people ask questions about her baby's future development. Her well-honed flair for drama and tears suddenly doesn't work as well as it used to. What a tough time the police have trying to crack her facade. Loved every moment of this book which had unexpected events which added to credibility. Will look for more of K Fossum's books.

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wow-- banking can be deadly

Revisado: 06-03-15

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

Yes, this story definitely gets my recommendation for originality, suspense, great character development, surprises, elements of haunted house, and the human fascination with the past. the heroines are minor cogs in the grand wheel of commerce but it's brave efforts that bring down the greedy bad guys. No sappy heroines or fake happy endings either. I LOVED this audio; so sorry when it ended. Great listen!

What other book might you compare The Dead Key to and why?

I would compare this book to California Fire And Life, a story about the investigation of fires for insurance companies. There is excitement, great details, suspense, forensic details which are well explained. the hero is a very ethical investigator who values honesty above sloppy procedure and greed. Russian Mafia also comes into the telling of a well told drama. Another Wow of a story. I've listened to it twice!

Which scene was your favorite?

The discovery of the dried out, fly ridden corpse of the banker murdered 20 years ago in the old executive shower stall was the eeriest, creepiest, most vivid scene. I can still see Fly husks and legs all over that bathroom just as Iris did! Ugh!!! Steven King couldn't do it better.

If you were to make a film of this book, what would the tag line be?

Don't rob the dead. You'll wake up their ghosts!

Any additional comments?

HAs this author written anything else? This a listen That has made a lasting impression and set a standard of listening excellence for me.

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wow-like watching a 1940s movie!

Revisado: 05-09-15

This story was everything I expected- action, historical insights, accuracy and a real sense of the privations of war on a defeated population. Like our hero, I came To North America as a 5 year old. I retained language of my birth and had heard my parents speak of terrible conditions after the war, lining up to get soup made from cow entrails, meager rations of food, etc. All this came to life in the novel. I appreciate the author ensuring that Americans and Germans had their good people and also corrupt ones. my Dad often called American soldiers Ammies which rhymes with gum miles. In the story it's considered a pejorative term but it was common usage in my father's era. This was like listening to a living, colorful history lesson without dry lecturing. Hope Mr Connell will continue this exciting series featuring Mason Collins.

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esto le resultó útil a 2 personas

Another great British Police procedural

Revisado: 04-16-15

step aside, Linda Lapllante! Ms Donognue has crafted a superb novel , multi-plotted, twists and surprises all the way. The characters are strong, trying to bring justice when the rules get in the way. Each character is very human, doubtful often, but courageous. I look forward to future Clare Donoghue novels.

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esto le resultó útil a 5 personas

WhT is the nature of justice?

Revisado: 03-28-15

The author explores he idea of objective law, or everyone gets the same chance to be tried by impartial peers vs justice as an opportunity to exact revenge or right personal wrongs. our hero, Teddy, is tested time and again by slippery lawyers seeking political gain and power. H
E stands firm despite terrifying obstacles, realizing that rationalizing away his belief in honesty is to lose himself forever, just like his mentor AlanNash. This is an exceptionally well told, exciting, thoughtful story which explores the legal and personal aspects of justice. Loved it, listened to it twice!!

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