Declan’s Cross and Death of a Policeman

I have two delightful audio books to share with you today.

DECLAN’S CROSS by Carla Neggers

If you’re looking for an escape from the recent crazy weather, author Carla Neggers’ DECLAN’S CROSS will transport you to beautiful Ireland.

Narrator Carol Monda does a terrific job bringing the characters to life. She gives each character their own unique voice with her mannerisms.

FBI Agents Colin Donovan and Emma Sharpe are enjoying some down time in Ireland. Meanwhile, marine biologist Julianne Maroney has come to Declan’s Cross to heal her broken heart after a split with Colin’s brother, Andy. She didn’t know Colin and Emma were in the Irish seaside village. She was to stay with a friend, Lindsey, but it seemed upon arriving that Lindsey was missing.

Things change drastically for the trio when Lindsey is found dead. At first it looks like an accident, but then it appears Lindsey was pushed from a cliff to her death.
A new layer is added when Lindsey’s father arrives in the village. He could possibly have a connection to a decade old art theft that Emma’s grandfather, a renowned art detective, investigated. The stolen art nor the thief have never been found.

What follows is an intriguing story with a number of subplots all combining for a suspenseful tale. The story moves at a steady pace with twists and turns.
The characters are realistic and well-developed. They have flaws and concerns readers can relate to. The interaction among family members adds depth to the characters.

The author’s rich descriptions and eye for detail makes the reader/listener feel transported to Ireland. Her vivid accounts of the area bring it to life.

DECLAN’S CROSS is the third installment in the Sharpe and Donovan series, but can be read/listened to on its own. There are references to past issues, but new readers/listeners won’t be left in the dark.

This is a tantalizing tale of murder, art thefts, and mayhem with moments of subtle romance woven throughout. Set in a fascinating Celtic seaside village, this suspenseful tale will hold you spellbound until the end.

Declan’s Cross by Carla Neggers, A Sharpe and Donovan Novel Book #3, Performed by Carol Monda, Recorded Books, @2013 ISBN: 978-1464018220, Unabridged, 9 Discs, Running Time: 9 Hours

FTC Full Disclosure - This audio book was sent to me by the publisher in hopes I would review it. However, receiving the complimentary copy did not influence my review.

DEATH OF A POLICEMAN by M.C. Beaton

Sergeant Hamish Macbeth is unlike most policemen you will encounter in murder mysteries. Hamish is more of a laid-back, low-tech officer, but still very dedicated to protecting the residents of Lachdubh in the Scottish Highlands.

The narration by Graeme Malcolm brings the story to life. Malcolm’s cadence and mannerisms adds depth to the story and gives individual voices to the characters.

With the threat of local police stations being closed, Detective Chief Inspector Blair sees an opportunity to possibly get rid of Hamish. He sends Cyril Sessions, a young policeman, to spy on Hamish and document his laziness.

Hamish discovers Sessions is spying on him and begins a plan to spoil Blair’s plot. However, Sessions is murdered and it’s up to Hamish to prove his own innocence, find the real killer and expose Blair’s dirty dealings.

As the investigation gets underway, a woman is found dead in Hamish’s garden. He realizes the body is a warning that he’s digging into something much bigger than he first expected.

The plot is filled with twists and turns. It also includes a number of zany characters such as the spinster librarian, Hetty, who was briefly involved with Sessions and has serious problems of her own. In addition, Hamish is forced to take actions to save his police station that he doesn’t like but doesn’t have a choice.

The author draws you in with the vivid details and descriptions of the area and its residents. The characters are likable and colorful. The story flows at a steady pace and holds your attention.

DEATH OF A POLICEMAN is the 29th installment in the Hamish Macbeth series. While this book can be read/listened to on its own, there are references new readers/listeners won’t completely understand. However, those references don’t impede the reading/listening of this book.

This is a murder mystery that is rich in characters and suspense.

Death of A Policeman by M.C. Beaton, A Hamish Macbeth Novel Book #29, Performed by Graeme Malcolm, Hachette Audio, @2014, ISBN: 978-1478982180, Unabridged, Digital Download

FTC Full Disclosure - This audio book was sent to me by the publisher in hopes I would review it. However, receiving the complimentary copy did not influence my review.

Thanks so much for visiting today. Hope you’re having a relaxing Sunday. Have you read or listened to either of these series.