the setup…
Boston criminal defense attorney Eli Landon is a broken man. For almost a year, he’s been the center of a police investigation for the murder of his wife Lindsay, who he was on the threshold of divorcing. He’s lost his job, reputation and spirit so he returns to Bluff House, his family’s home for centuries in Whiskey Beach. His grandmother Hester had a terrible fall and is recuperating with his parents while he occupies the place in her stead. Eli finds refuge and resuscitation from this place and Abra Walsh, who always seems to be there to provide much needed care. But something sinister is also at play and he fears it may be connected not only to the house’s murky history but his wife’s murder.
the heart of the story…
Why did I delay listening to this story??? It has the perfect balance of mystery, suspense and romance with a great setting and two extremely likeable characters in Eli and Abra. She was most interesting in her own right, being highly skilled in so many things…yoga instructor, housekeeper, culinary expert and jewelry maker. Abra was the antidote for all that ailed Eli and it was wonderful seeing him regain his footing and vigor, finding a new purpose for his life. He and Abra drifted into a relationship that developed so naturally. Always lurking in the background though was the question of who murdered Lindsay and who was skulking about Bluff House.
the narration…
It’s not often I hear a male narrator master female voices but Luke Daniels was crazy good! I even checked to see if a female narrator was listed. He delivered a great performance.
the bottom line…
I enjoyed every minute of this story (15 hours!), loving every element. I figured out some of the mysteries before they were revealed but not too much earlier. The journey getting there was fun and the romance was delightful. This turned out to be quite the surprise listening experience.
Book Info
- Release Date: April 16, 2013
- Narrator: Luke Daniels
- Audio Length: 14 hours, 54 minutes
- Publisher: Brilliance Audio
This story does sound intriguing and the audio…well, any male that can master a female voice deserves a hats off. Excellent review!
Thanks, Tessa💜 It’s the kind of story you love languishing in forever. Daniels surprised me with his female voices. So many men just get it wrong.
I loved this one too! Luke Daniels is a brilliant narrator.
I’m so glad to hear that, Cathy💜 Some of the reviews on Audible were awful.
Oh really? Were they to do with narrator? It was originally narrated by someone else who I didn’t get on with at all.
It was mostly about the narrator. I thought they were referring to Daniels! Glad to know it was someone else.
Apparently there were so many complaints it was rereleased with Daniels and it was a completely different listening experience. I dnf’d with the first narrator.
Thank you for clarifying. Their comments didn’t make sense because he was SO good!
I’ve been collecting Nora Roberts audios since they are rarely at the library. yeah, I have this one wishlisted. It was rerecorded in 2018 with a female narrator but I’d prefer Luke Daniels. Everything he narrates is magic. He does the whole IDC you know.
Anne – Books of My Heart
I got this on Audible. Don’t see a more recent one…only this version. I understand it was originally recorded by someone else but was removed after so many bad reviews (see Cathy’s comments above). There’s a German version with a female narrator published in 2018…is that the one?
oh yes Danish. Sorry.
Wow it’s sounds really good if that narrator did a fantastic female voice! I’ve just listened to an audiobook where the woman did a brilliant male voice, but the man’s female voice wasn’t that great. Great review!
Thanks, Nicki💜 I’m not used to a male narrator getting them right. It was a pleasant surprise. I can’t remember the book but I recall one recently where the female narrator did a great job with male voices. There’s so much great talent in narrators these days.
Quite a wonderful review, Jo! I have not read Roberts in many a year, but maybe this year!
Thank you, Marialyce💜 This is one I put on the back burner because the initial reviews were weak. I think maybe my tastes have changed, liking more mystery and suspense than the romance (I still like romance but not necessarily the main emphasis). I was pleasantly surprised.
Fab review! Nora Roberts can go both ways for me, but the premise does sound intriguing.
Thanks, Yvo💜 I love her standalone romantic suspense books. They’re closer these days to contemporary fiction with mystery and romance elements.
So glad you were. I am not into romance book and my definite likes have changed over the years. I do like suspense and mystery and good true crimes Enjoy the rest of the soggy weekend!
Thank you, Marialyce💜 This probably has more romance than you’d be comfortable in reading. But the mystery was great!
This sounds wonderful. One of these days I’m finally going to read one of her books. I don’t even know what I’m waiting for, lol.
Suzanne, I think you’d love her more recent standalone stories. They’re categorized as romantic suspense but they’re more contemporary fiction with romantic and suspense elements. And, her audio narrators are excellent.