Nina D

An Interesting Story

Revisado: 03-27-18

Any additional comments?

Narration: The narration for this audiobook was okay. The character distinction between male and female was good. Between the female voices there was adequate differentiation but some more was needed for the male voices. Sometimes the narrator’s intonations and tonality seemed ‘off’ (either too casual or without appropriate emotion) but I found that improved somewhat as the story progressed. (3/5)

Production: Sound quality was generally good. The audio was clear and sound levels were consistent. I picked up three blips in the audio where entire sentences were repeated. (4/5)

Overall Experience: Overall this story translated to audio well, despite some issues with narration and audio repeats. (4/5)

Sabrina is the manager at her family’s coffee shop, the Daley Buzz and gets pulled into solving a murder mystery when a fellow business owner is found murdered. Through the prologue and many flashbacks used in this narrative, we discover that Sabrina’s sister disappeared many years ago. She carries the trauma of that incident everyday. Her sister’s case may have gone cold but she refuses to let that happen to Andrew’s case.

Sabrina takes it upon herself to investigate the crime, when local police (with whom her boyfriend is a detective) can’t find any leads. Unfortunately once she assumes the role of investigator she becomes an almost unrecognisable, overly brusque version of the Sabrina we initially meet. There seems to be no justification given for her haranguing of suspects, except that she wants justice for Andrew.

The whole mystery plays out through a series of interviews with suspects and we get a chance to meet several viable suspects wth clear motives. The mystery is fairly well plotted and the pacing of the story is good.

I think there is so much potential in this story. There are some very interesting elements that I hope are played out, especially in the later stories. The missing sister story line is quite intriguing. Unfortunately, I think the execution of these ideas needs some tightening and, for that reason, I’m not in a rush to read more.

I decided to go with three stars for this review as I do find the mystery itself was interesting and that the suspects, for the most part, were credible.

I voluntarily reviewed this audiobook through Audiobookworm Promotions.

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Excellent Audio and Story

Revisado: 03-08-18

Which character – as performed by Jim Cunningham – was your favorite?

Quenton Moon

Any additional comments?

Narration: The narration was well-done for this audiobook. The character distinction was quite clear. There was a lot of distinction between the various male voices making it very easy to follow. The female voices were not as distinct but were still satisfactory and not confusing. Tonal range was good and there was good spacing. (4.5/5)

Production: Sound quality was good. The audio was clear and sound levels were consistent. I did not pick up on any blips or drops in the audio. (5/5)

Overall Experience: Overall this story translated to audio quite well. I enjoyed listening. The narration of the magic tricks was clear and added to the story. (5/5)



The Story

I chose this story knowing that it was the third book in a series. I was a little concerned that I might feel a bit lost as so much about the characters would have been built up before. I need not have worried. The story definitely works as a standalone. References are made to previous happenings but not excessively so and the reader/ listener does not require that previous knowledge.

Eli is a magician and magic-shopkeeper. His character is wonderfully and believably flawed but incredibly likeable. His insecurities are highlighted with the introduction of rival magician Quinton Moon. How Eli works through this situation is quite humourous and shows character growth.

The secondary characters of Uncle Harry, Eli’s girlfriend Megan, his ex-wife Deidre and her new husband Detective Hutton all combine for a fun sleuthing adventure. These characters are described in enough detail and carry just enough of their own action to make them valuable players in moving the story forward.

The mystery is well-plotted. The mysterious Mr. Lime provides the line-up of suspects and sends Eli out to ‘help’ the police with their investigation. Eli’s interviews with each suspect reveal interesting clues and possible motives. The author craftily uses misdirection to hide the identity of the culprit for quite some time.

The side story between Quinton Moon and Eli provides the reader with a good look at Eli’s characterization and the challenges he faces on a personal level. That part of the story is also very well-written and plotted.

A very enjoyable mystery story.

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Cute, Sweet, Romantic

Revisado: 01-16-18

What was one of the most memorable moments of The Ex Lottery?

It's a funny one: When Carter swims over to the island.

Which scene was your favorite?

Any scene with Shane and Tori

Any additional comments?

Narration: For the most part the narration was well-done for this audiobook. Eva Kaminsky speaks clearly and at a good pace. Tori’s voice was distinct from other females. I found there was excellent distinction of Jack’s voice and Shane’s voice in particular. Kaminsky’s attempt at the Irish accent was commendable. While it started off a bit rough, I found she steadily improved her attempted Irish brogue as the narration progressed. (4/5)

Production: Sound quality was good. The audio was clear and sound levels were consistent. Spacing between chapters was very good. However, the spacing between POV shifts was too short and I often had to rewind a tiny bit to get my bearings, especially when the changed POV started with dialogue as opposed to setting. I think I detected a little ‘blip’ in the audio just about two times. (4/5)

Overall Experience: Overall this story translated to audio quite well. I enjoyed listening. The Irish accents were cite and added a nice flair to the storytelling. (4/5)


I liked this story. The plot is well-laid out. The complications are clear. The resolutions are satisfying. There are also a couple of secondary plots to keep the reader’s interest and tickle their heart. The main characters are well-developed and their growth is shown as the story progresses. Although the story opens well after the passing of Tori’s grandmother, she is still very much a part of the book and her story is just as captivating.

This tale is billed as a fairy tale and you should understand that up front. It’s very romantic and at times whimsical. Everything is romanticized through Tori’s eyes from infants, to the dramatically beautiful setting and even to an old sea captain’s gnarled hands.

I received this audiobook at no-cost from Audiobookworm Promotions. The gifting of this audiobook did not affect my opinion of it.

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Great Narration

Revisado: 12-28-17

Any additional comments?

Narration: The narration was well-done for this audiobook. The character distinction was not only clear, it was outright entertaining. The narrator is very animated. Exclamations are believable and create nice theatrical effect. The narrator displayed commendable tonal range. I honestly felt as though I was listening to a show, at times. Kelley Hazen may have spoiled me for all other narrators! (5/5)

Production: Sound quality was good. The audio was clear and sound levels were consistent. Spacing between chapters or shifts in perspectives could have been a little longer in some places. I found the changing perspectives a bit confusing in the beginning as the perspective changes frequently and many new characters are revealed. Later on, this settles and becomes easier to follow as we get more familiar with the characters and what environments they would be in. (4/5)

Overall Experience: Overall this story translated to audio quite well. My biggest issue would be that perspectives changed quite frequently and this would be a bit confusing even while reading, but was a bit more challenging as an audio. I enjoyed listening. (5/5)

The Story
Who would want Caroline Fitzhugh dead? Although the police believe the town matriarch’s death is simply an accident, her daughter Estelle believes it’s murder and enlists Deena's investigative assistance. Deena is particularly motivated to investigate as Estelle is her brother Russell’s love interest. The story gets juicy as we come across multiple suspects, each with convincing motives. Throw in nosy, bossy neighbours determined to ‘decorate the halls’ and you have a truly entertaining Christmas cozy mystery on your hands.

I found the plot was well-laid out. New characters were introduced throughout. Clues were interspersed well. There were a couple cleverly plotted red herrings and secondary stories running. I must admit though, it wasn’t too hard to figure out the culprit. But still, I enjoyed the story.

This is a nice, feel good Christmas cozy that I would definitely recommend, especially if you like a Southern flair!

I give this book 4/5 stars.

I received this audiobook at no-cost from Audiobookworm Promotions. The gifting of this audiobook did not affect my opinion of it.

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Sweet Cheery Read

Revisado: 12-13-17

Any additional comments?

Overall: 3.5/5

This is a super sweet Christmas story and was my first for the season. It's a novella and is guaranteed to make you smile. Although Kris tries to pass off roasted vegetables as the epitome of holiday eating, there are still lots of decadent deserts mentioned to make your mouth water. My main issue with this story involves the romantic conflict. It's explained well and is a reasonable conflict. The resolution, however, is lacking.
Although there was a significant hole in the resolution of the story, it was still very enjoyable. I think it would make a great audio story to play during a family car trip.

Disclaimer: I received this audiobook at no-cost from Audiobookworm Promotions. This gifting of this audiobook did not affect my opinion of it.

Narration: The narration was well-done for this audiobook. The character distinction was clear, for the most part, which made it easy to understand which characters were speaking. The narrator displayed commendable tonal range. Male and female characters were easily differentiated. Younger characters did sound similar to the elves; and I wished Kyle's voice was a bit more masculine. He sometimes sounded like one of the elves.

Production: Sound quality was good. The audio was clear and sound levels were consistent. Pauses between chapters was sufficient.

Overall Experience: Overall this story translated to audio quite well. I don’t think anything was lost in the translation. I enjoyed listening.

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