Preview
  • The Sword-Edged Blonde

  • By: Alex Bledsoe
  • Narrated by: Stefan Rudnicki
  • Length: 8 hrs and 28 mins
  • 4.5 out of 5 stars (2,401 ratings)

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The Sword-Edged Blonde

By: Alex Bledsoe
Narrated by: Stefan Rudnicki
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Publisher's summary

It should have been a case like any other: a missing princess, a king willing to pay in gold for her return. But before he realizes it, private investigator Eddie LaCrosse, a slightly shopworn sword jockey with a talent for discretion and detection, is swept up in a web of mystery and deceit involving a brutally murdered royal heir, a queen accused of an unspeakable crime, and the tragic past he thought he'd left behind.
©2007 Alex Bledsoe (P)2009 Blackstone Audio, Inc.
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Critic reviews

"Stylish and self-assured: Raymond Chandler meets Raymond E. Feist." (Publishers Weekly)
"Fans of Glen Cook's Garrett novels or hard-boiled detective fiction will appreciate this well-crafted gem of a tale." (Library Journal)

What listeners say about The Sword-Edged Blonde

Average customer ratings
Overall
  • 4.5 out of 5 stars
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    1,515
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Performance
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Story
  • 4.5 out of 5 stars
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  • 3 Stars
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  • 2 Stars
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A 17th century Philip Marlow

For those who like a mystery mixed with Fantasy and noir style story telling, this is a great listen. the Fantasy aspects are not overwhelming, there isn't a spell for every occasion, and the people are consistent in their actions and motivation. I enjoyed listening to it, the performance is appropriate for the material and style.

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

castle Noir is what I would call it.

I was hooked in this storyline from the get go. it was like a old detective story but with swords and castles. I liked it very entertaining had me not wanting to stop. I kept saying one more chapter then I'll stop. that happened too many times on this story for me.

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  • Overall
    4 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars
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    3 out of 5 stars

Story was kinda meh

Average story, wasnt great, wasn't bad. Narrator carried this book during the dull parts. I will give the other books in the series a try.

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  • Overall
    4 out of 5 stars
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    4 out of 5 stars
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    4 out of 5 stars

Horrible Title, great story

A real winner from Audible Plus. The character's were interesting, the story drew you in, and it was smoothly narrated. I really thought this was going to be something completely different, but was pleasantly surprised. Rudnicki usually does a good smooth job of narrating the story and did not disappoint with this book. I'm getting book # 2 right now.

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

A wonderful clash of great generes

Performance: Takes a little bit to get used to, I think as far as the sudden jump between people talking with some of his voices. but overall, I couldnt and wont ever want a different narrator speaking for these books. His voice is some silky smooth deep tone, relaxing and very easy to listen to. Amazing work, and he NAILS this character.

Story: If you like Medieval, sword and sandal type stuff, along with mystery(s).. and enough fantasy here and there, there really isnt a reason to not check this one out. It nails all 3 generes and honestly, an hour in and I was already excited there is more than 1 book. It's not going to blow your mind, but it's a great story I really really enjoyed. Don't overthink on this one, just honestly enjoy the ride.

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  • Overall
    4 out of 5 stars
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    2 out of 5 stars
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    4 out of 5 stars

some audio errors

a couple of time the narration was muffled and once or twice words were repeated

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  • Overall
    4 out of 5 stars
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    4 out of 5 stars
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    4 out of 5 stars

Interesting Story!

I read a lot of reviews before reading this story and I have a different perspective (maybe because I am a male reader). The perspective for me is based on life in medieval times which means that life was much more brutal and women were essentially property. I will say that I am happy to NOT live in that time frame as I could not treat people that horribly.

The H has lost the love of his life and goes off on his own as a sword for hire. He goes through some really dark times and doss some bad things but a horrific event sets him back to the right path.

Women are treated poorly, brutalized and raped (not graphic but still disturbing) but the H mostly tries to right wrongs and help people.

It does get a bit convoluted, some of which is explained further in the second book of the series. It is an entertaining story with a few brief adult moments. The H does not always make the best decisions but my guess is that he survives through several books as the series is written about him.

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  • Overall
    4 out of 5 stars
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    4 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

great story

i enjoyed this story. the narrator is good. his voice is a little deep to do great women , but still enjoyable.

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

an old fashioned sword jockey story

this is the author's first book I believe it's a nice story old fashioned kind of a blend of detective noir and sword jockey, with a little fantasy thrown in it was a good performance lots of interesting voices well worth an audio listen if you like those kind of genres.

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    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

Like Mike Hammer but with crossbows...

Rudnicki also narrates the Matt Helm series and he does a great job on this one too.

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