MysteryLover

Great book for anyone interested in Shakesoear

Revisado: 05-04-15

Excellent guide to acting Shakespeare and reading the text. Michael York's readings are wonderful. This book helps us to understand Shakespeare as a dramatist. I think that it is easy for scholars analyzing the text to forget that the playwright was making a living and was writing for an audience, producers, and censors (being politically correct) in much the same way as a modern screenwriter. This book is useful to not only actor's, but anyone who wants to read and enjoy Shakespeare's
plays more.

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Canadian Agatha Christie

Revisado: 03-18-13

Would you listen to A Rule against Murder again? Why?

"A Rule against Murder" is an enjoyable and thought-provoking mystery set in the scenic Quebec townships close to the Vermont border. The characters are rich, full. I dare you not to fall in love Inspector Armand Gamache, his family and team.

This particular story explores the family dynamic in a highly dysfunctional family. Louise Penny draws a picture of a family who already has difficulty expressing love for one another and places them at odds with one another after a murder has occurred. The plot is intricate, like an Agatha Christie murder mystery, and the prose is often lyrical with a lovely dollop of poetry mixed in. Personally, I love cozy mysteries and I like the truly deep backstories of all the recurring characters. In this mystery, we get to know Inspector Gamache, his wife, his team and the residents of the village of Three Pines even more.

A big part of listening to books on tape is the narrator. If you don't like the narrator's style or voice, it's difficult to enjoy the book. Ralph Cosham has a wonderful style and voice. He is able to make you believe in the characters. He is a big part of why I have listened to the first four books in this series rather than reading them.

I will definitely listen to this book again as soon as I get caught up in the series. I can't wait to listen to the next book.

What other book might you compare A Rule against Murder to and why?

I would compare "A Rule against Murder" to any Agatha Christie book or to a PD James or Elizabeth George novel if they wrote cozy mysteries instead of police procedurals. The themes are wonderful and Louise Penny provides wonderful bits of Quebec history, art history, and poetry throughout her books.

What about Ralph Cosham’s performance did you like?

It's hard to describe, but Ralph Cosham's characterization of all the characters is wonderful. It seems natural and unforced. It's a joy to listen to. I listened to this book on a road trip from PA to New England and then plugged myself into my iPhone to listen some more. I just couldn't "put it down".

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

I definitely wanted to listen to it all in one sitting. I love cozy mysteries. For this series, you have to suspend disbelief that one, quaint village in Quebec can have a such a high murder rate, but it is definitely worth it.

The descriptions of the food and the scenery, the characters who are lovable, but flawed like real people, and the rich history of the French and English Canadians in Quebec makes the murder mystery even more compelling. I didn't want to stop and was disappointed that I didn't have a credit available to buy the next book immediately.

Any additional comments?

If you love cozy mysteries with depth of character and theme, and a healthy dose of literature and history of Canada thrown in, this Audible book is for you, but I suggest you start with "Still Life" first. The story and characters are more serial than episodic. You can listen to them out of order. I started with "A Trick of the Light", but it so much better to start at the beginning.

Thank you for reading my review.

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