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Dying Light (Logan McRae #2)
Dying Light (Logan McRae #2)
Stuart MacBride | 2006 | Crime, Fiction & Poetry, Thriller
8
8.3 (4 Ratings)
Book Rating
A successful return of this gritty Scottish police procedural.
I feel I could just copy a lot from my review of the first book in this series; Cold Granite. This was like tuning in to the second series of a program you liked and they haven’t changed much - thankfully. We still have a gloomy atmosphere but this time we are facing an arsonist and a dog killer so still horrific on the crime front. We have a police investigation, some internal politics and a bit of banter. All feels very BBC post 9pm drama and I loved listening to Steve Worsley’s narration in the audiobook version.

We do get a lot more of DI Steel in this book and this is welcome as she’s a vivid character. Can’t wait for the next season oh wait book I meant next book……….
  
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Eleanor (1463 KP) rated Rebecca in Books

Mar 15, 2020  
Rebecca
Rebecca
Daphne du Maurier, Sally Beauman | 2003 | Fiction & Poetry
9
8.6 (32 Ratings)
Book Rating
What a pleasure listening to Anna Massey narrate the audiobook of Rebecca. At first, I thought this was going to be another case of me finding classic raved about novels too much of a slow boil but I was so engaged in the prose and mind of the protagonist I ended up loving it.

Being in the head of the protagonist; who we don't even know the name of; is such a realistic if at times frustrating experience. As a self-doubting socially shy woman she's perfectly written and I'm sure many can sympathise. Thrust into a world of being waited on rather than doing the waiting when she marries Maxim de Winter, the shadow of his late wife looms large in her new home - Manderley

A beautifully written tale of suspense and mystery that will transport you to a different time.
  
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Eleanor (1463 KP) rated Bad Parts in Books

Aug 11, 2020  
Bad Parts
Bad Parts
Brandon McNulty | 2020 | Horror, Paranormal, Science Fiction/Fantasy
4
4.0 (1 Ratings)
Book Rating
An engaging start that lost my interest in a mire of nonsensical action towards the end. I loved the concept with the main character desperate to reclaim the use of her damaged hand making a deal with her hometown's mystical body part recovering creek.

The set up of trading bad parts was interesting but it's no shock when it all has a price and then it just descends into a non too engaging action sequence in which I cared about few people and many actions didn't make sense to me.

The writing style wasn't for me with a lot of the descriptions been over the top and jarring to the flow. The narrator of the audiobook, Ellie Gossagewas was OK.

Overall come for the great set up but leave before the end....

Many thanks to the author, publisher and Netgalley for the copy
  
Hope and Red
Hope and Red
Jon Skovron | 2016 | Fiction & Poetry
8
8.0 (1 Ratings)
Book Rating
There are 2 things I want to say about this audiobook.


1. The narration does not fit the feel of the book. The narrator would be great for a kids story but not for an adventure story like this. So if I were you, I would read it, not listen to it.

2. When I first started it, I had my doubts; but about 2 chapters in, I knew I was hooked. Even though the narration irritated me, this story is so involved, exciting, entertaining, and all-consuming, that I am dying for the next one. I am so excited and will be waiting for the release date.

If you love adventures, pirates, revenge, and a little hint of magic, this one is for you.

Content/Recommendation: Some violence and mention of sex, but no sexual content. Ages 16+
- See more at: http://www.thelifeandlies.com/2016/09/review-hope-and-red.html
  
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ClareR (5726 KP) rated The Break in Books

Apr 26, 2019 (Updated Apr 26, 2019)  
The Break
The Break
Marian Keyes | 2017 | Fiction & Poetry
8
8.8 (4 Ratings)
Book Rating
Another enjoyable book from Keyes!
I listened to this on audiobook, and the narrator, Aoife McMahon, did a great job - except for the Geordie, male accent, but you can’t be good at everything, right?!
This is a funny, engaging book (a bit cringy during the sex scenes, but I suspect that might just be the convent-school educated girl in me ??‍♀️ ). The story was very enjoyable, although I did feel that she jumped into another relationship rather quickly (ahem, convent school...). But after listening further, it does make sense. She hadn’t been happy for a while, it seems. I loved the teenaged girls in the family - I think she wrote them realistically. I loved the family members too, and you get a real feel for an Irish family, and family dynamics generally. A great, fun book, with a few rather teary moments. Lots of feels, people!
  
The Bear and the Nightingale
The Bear and the Nightingale
Katherine Arden | 2017 | Fiction & Poetry, Science Fiction/Fantasy
10
9.4 (17 Ratings)
Book Rating
This book has changed how I judge fantasies. This is obviously my first book by Katherine Arden and I am so truly in love with this book. The characters that Katherine Arden wove are beautiful and complex. I spent the entire book in awe of everything that was captured.

The plot was unique and rivaled Juliet Marillier which from me is one of the highest compliments I can give. I loved the folk lore and how intricate the novel was. I spent my days not wanting to finish the audiobook simply because it would be over.

If you're on the fence about reading this book, just do it. I know that I personally avoid anything that is too popular but I am so glad I read this. It is so beautifully written and so well developed. It will be one I have to reread many times.
  
ISIS: A History
ISIS: A History
Fawaz A. Gerges | 2017 | History & Politics
6
6.0 (1 Ratings)
Book Rating
Okay, I will admit, I am not the most knowledgeable individual in the world which is exactly why I decided to read/listen to this book.

ISIS is a scary group that can keep you up at night if you think about it too much. With that said, this was an enlightening book that was filled with great information. I think that anyone who cannot tell the difference between muslims & ISIS should read this book. It will hopefully change your view.

This was probably one of the most dry books I have ever read. If it weren't for it being an audiobook I am sure that I would have put it down. I was bored through a lot of the book but I will say that it was interesting to learn the history of ISIS.

This is definitely dry, but it has a lot of good information.
  
Grunt: The Curious Science of Humans at War
Grunt: The Curious Science of Humans at War
Mary Roach | 2017 | Humor & Comedy
8
9.0 (2 Ratings)
Book Rating
I own an Advanced Reader Copy of this book but I ended up listening to it on audiobook. The narrator (Abby Elvidge) did an really good job at pulling off the humor and snark that Mary Roach puts into her books. The book was fascinating and it is always fun to see how much research Mary Roach puts into her book. I'm never disappointed and I always leave her novels knowing more than I ever thought I could have learned.

Mary Roach has a way of making you want to gag and laugh at the same time. Her snark and humor is always fun and adds a lot when you start learning about decomposing shark flesh. I love reading/listening to her books because it delivers knowledge with a side of humor.

All in all, this was really fascinating. I would recommend reading this.
  
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Tami (7 KP) rated One Summer in Books

Jul 10, 2018  
One Summer
One Summer
David Baldacci | 2011 | Fiction & Poetry
10
8.0 (2 Ratings)
Book Rating
Characters (2 more)
Story development
Musical highlights
I was blown away by this book. Multidimensional, with characters that make you feel for every second of the book. You are so caught up by the emotion you can't wait until the next "page" to come up.

It was nice seeing the growth of this story from heartbreak to miraculous circumstance to healing. Meeting Jack, Micky (Mikkie - whichever way it's spelled - hard to tell from audio book), Corey and little Jakie is such a great family dynamic.

This story covers:

* heartache
* second chances
* change
* betrayal
* forgiveness
* and so much more.

I love that the audiobook has sections of it that have music themes. There are tender moments with sweet music and suspenseful moments with that eerie music you just can't shake. The narrator was easy to listen to and did great in segueing into the next voice without grating on your nerves.