Elizabeth

Good story - Well written characters

Revisado: 11-25-24

While the author told an interesting story, and I enjoyed the historical background and characters, overall I found the story sad. I think I may just have a low tolerance for this. I could see from ratings, this was one of her best works. And while I am always on the look out for new writers, I don't know if I will try another one of her books/ audiobooks.

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Very enjoyable story. I have the whole series.

Revisado: 01-28-22

I like stories that have some of the magical or mystical in them and have really enjoyed this series. And as a reference I have also thoroughly enjoyed Ellery Adams Secret Scone Society books and Sue Grafton's alphabet series.
I like the way the author has developed an enjoyable, believable cast of characters. Each book is a dip into a familiar family.
I also like how this series actually progresses and Abby and crew age and mature over maybe a 10 year period.
There are plot flaws and they can be annoying. The main character's parents in the initial few books were presented one way and then in a very dark and different way all of a sudden. It has made me want to go back to re-read those first books to see if I missed an undertone. So that has had me scratching my head. Also with her sister. They were depicted as close and talked nearly everyday. Over time Cat has become a caricature of her former self and very annoying. And Abby's psychic abilities fail her at most of the critical times which is frustrating. But probably the only way the author could create a way for the conflicts to exist in the story.
The narrator does a nice job. She has portrayed a variety of male and female characters well. Except. What happened to Bryce?? In the books he was described as having a "smooth baritone voice" or something to that effect. But especially in this book he sounds extremely nasally and nerdy. ? It's like being introduced to a totally different character. And in an earlier book where she narrated a European character she affected a stilted voice and then it carried over and changed Abby's voice.
But despite the complaints, overall it is a fun light hearted series and worth a listen.

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Well written, well developed characters

Revisado: 06-18-21

I have enjoyed this series enough to make it to book 11. I enjoy stories that take place in small English towns & the chance to imagine life somewhere else. However, Agatha Raisin can be a trial. I debate with myself if someone so successful in running a marketing company, and all the savy-ness that would entail, could really be this petty, vindictive, emotionally fragile & immature. Who, without a man finds her life empty & meaningless. She has her shining moments, and some interesting situations, I just hope if I continue with this series I see more personal growth and self acceptance/awareness in her future.

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Cherringham- One of my favorite series

Revisado: 03-28-21

I have listened to this entire series and just love the portrayal of life in a small English town. The stories and characters are well developed & entertaining. Highly recommend.

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Fun well told story

Revisado: 02-04-21

The story grabbed me from the first, which doesn't happen often. It was an entertaining, well told story. The main character Bella was very likeable and as were the supporting characters.Some drama, but not over bearing. Excellent narrator.

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New narrator changes all the characters

Revisado: 09-26-20

I just finished Sue Grafton's Kinsey Milhone series & being a fan of the Stephanie Plum series thought I would try it next. There is a weird disruption after the 4th story. A new narrator who gives every character a different feel, which is not necessarily bad. But in this case her reading is over the top and most characters becomes a ridiculous, caricature of themselves, including Grandma Mazur & Lula. Joe Morelli morphs into someone else. The New Jersey accent which had been such a part of the characters in previous readings is gone. Although for some reason, neither narrator chose to have Stephanie speak with a Jersey accent. And audiobooks 5 & 6 only exist in abridged versions, but for full price, so I skipped those. I am going to try to finish this book & really hope the narrator finds a more believable voice for the characters. They are funny, light hearted stories that I really enjoy & make me laugh out loud at times.

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Fun, interesting story - excellent narrator

Revisado: 09-20-18

I read these books when they came out & then when I was looking for a new series a few years later decided to try the audible version because of the excellent ratings. The narrator Loretta Rawlins brings an extra layer of warmth, charm & fun to this series elevating the overall experience. I knew the characters spoke with a southern accent, but never captured that in my mind. The narrator brings new life to the characters & story for me.

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Good story but did not enjoy the narrator

Revisado: 01-30-18

How did the narrator detract from the book?

I had listened to the narrator from book 1 and thoroughly enjoyed her voice and story telling style. I accidentally bought book 4 and found I could not get past the new narrator's style. I gave the book until maybe chapter 5 or even 6, because I know that sometimes it takes a bit to adapt to a new narrators style. But she has this repetitive, lilting cadence, that she uses with each sentence. I like audiobooks, especially when I'm cooking in the kitchen. and really wanted to get past this, but I just couldn't. I felt she never settled into the story and there is a stilted quality and over acting to her depiction of the characters. So this is a rare book that I am going to try to return.

Could you see The Prime Minister's Secret Agent being made into a movie or a TV series? Who should the stars be?

Yes I could see this being made into a movie.

Any additional comments?

I have enjoyed this series and find the characters and time period of WWII, both entertaining and educational. I meant to buy book # 2 & instead bought # 4 so will need to go back and fill in the gaps I am encountering. However because of the new narrator, I think I will buy the books to read rather than continue with the audiobooks.

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Great Series!

Revisado: 11-21-13

What made the experience of listening to Shakespeare's Counselor the most enjoyable?

I have found this entire series very entertaining. I started with Book 1 and am just listening to Shakespeare's Counselor. The story lines have been believable and original, I like the main character Lily Bard and find her journey and development interesting.

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

I have enjoyed Julia Gibson's narration throughout. She manages to portray both female and male characters believably without over-acting or being distracting to the story line.

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