Better in print

The mystery itself was very enjoyable-- complex and interesting. I really liked Constable Woods however I couldn't seem to form any attachment to Detective Lavender. He was a more than competent detective, not easily deceived but for whatever reason I didn't really like him much. As such, I probably won't continue with the series. But I do suggest giving it a try as I am sure some people will find him quite appealing and the mystery is quite good.

A note on the audio: I don't really recommend the audio version. The narrator did a decent (though not stellar) job with Detective Lavender and Constable Woods however all the other male characters sounded like they were yelling and most were quite indistinguishable from one another. It was a bit bothersome as the voices didn't feel "real" at all. I would stick with the print version.

91 people found this helpful

Good, solid cosy mystery

This was a good cosy mystery set roughly 200 years ago. Full of inheritance issues, dastardly deeds, gypsies and servants. There are two reasons that it was a four star for me (rather than a 5). The first is that the solution to the story was clear from about half way and so it got a bit annoying that Lavender took so much longer to get there. The second is the narrator who used the same voice for annoying women and old men regardless. I did like his voice but the characters could have done with a bit more variety.

70 people found this helpful

Surprisingly good!

I looked at this book for a while, having difficulty deciding whether to take a chance on it. I'm happy that I finally did. I love the way the author has set up the story very slowly and carefully. Feels as though I know the characters well by the time the story gets into its fullness. The story has aspects of historical interest, a slight touch of gothic novel,a good variety of characters, and a pair of quite interesting detectives who have to tackle a "locked room" mystery. The narrator does a good job with various voices and accents I think. I sort of hope this might be the beginning of a series, though I don't see anything to indicate it will. I will happily read another book by this author/narrator team!

65 people found this helpful

Lazy listen

Yawn warning on this one - I guarantee you'll get there before the author does.. Formulaic period piece with gratuitous Iberian temptress, evil and idiot half-sibs, loyal servants, gypsies in the woods, rustic but underdeveloped locals and a plucky heroine. Narrator gave it a good shot, but didn't have much to work with: save your credit.

45 people found this helpful

EXCELLENT!

This a really good 19th century British detective mystery. I hope it is the first in a series. Well written, great characters and the perfect narrator. If you love this genre, it just doesn't get better than this.

33 people found this helpful

Fantastic!

Haven't listened to a mystery this good in a while! It was well narrated & the plot kept me guessing. Enjoyed this so much I finished it in a day. Can't wait for the next in the series.

26 people found this helpful

Absolutely Wonderful

Any additional comments?

This is one of the best mystery novels I've had the pleasure of reading this year. The author does an excellent job with the characters, plot, mystery....everything. I'm enthusiastically looking forward to the entire series. A definite must read.

23 people found this helpful

narrator and setting terrific

A surprise how much I enjoyed the characters. I stayed awake to finish, and am eager to get the series. The setting (of early 1800 ) and overall storyline are enhanced by the narrator .

20 people found this helpful

A storytellers story

Any additional comments?

This is a . . . sort of classical (not Agatha Christie) mystery, a bit on the Gothic mystery romance side, lots of ambiance of landscape, woods, old buildings, and florid, somewhat exaggerated fully-described characters. The basic plot is not new but has a few good bends and the "telling" of the tale is done in rich, storyteller charm and flourish -- satisfying in the way only "old time" storyteller quality can. I liked it.

14 people found this helpful

I enjoyed it

I enjoyed this book. The story moved right along and the narrator did a great job.

13 people found this helpful