BROOKLYN ON FIRE by Lawrence H. Levy
When an author skillfully combines history and fiction, a
reader/listener can easily get lost in that plausible reality. Such is the case
of BROOKLYN
ON FIRE by Lawrence H. Levy.
Each character has their own unique voice and distinction thanks
to the wonderful vocals of narrator Cassandra Campbell. She brings the
characters to life with her cadence and accents. Her rich interruption enhances
this delightful tale.
Working at Lazlo’s Books, Mary Handley is ready for her next job
after helping the Brooklyn Police Department close a case earlier. Advertising
herself as a Consulting Detective, Mary is hired by Emily Worsham to
investigate the death of her uncle, John Worsham. The problem is Worsham died
21 years earlier and close family members said it was natural causes.
As Mary begins to investigate, she finds more questions than
answers. The case involves the now wife of a prominent New Yorker, political
corruption, several new murders that begin to connect and an unexpected romance
that puts Mary in the spotlight of New York’s elite.
As the body count goes up, Mary becomes more determined than
ever to get to the bottom of Worsham’s death, figure out who’s framing her cop
brother for murder and decide if she’s ready to settle down.
The author takes a suspenseful murder mystery and blends it
with historical figures such as the Vanderbilt family and John D. Rockefeller
for an intriguing tale. With detailed descriptions, the author takes
readers/listeners from setting to setting with New York in 1890 being the vocal
point.
The characters are well-developed and likable. The story moves
at a steady pace with numerous twists, turns and unexpected surprises. The
events will hold your attention from beginning to end. Mary is independent and
a bit daring for her time making her a fun and spunky protagonist.
BROOKLYN
ON FIRE is the second installment in the Mary Handley
Mystery series, but is a standalone book. References to her first case are
detailed enough new readers/listeners won’t be left in the dark. This is an
entertaining story that will have you wondering where the history leaves off
and the fiction begins.
Brooklyn on Fire by Lawrence H. Levy, A Mary Handley Mystery (Book
#2), Narrated by Cassandra Campbell, Random House Audio, @2016, ASIN:
BO198O1OG2, Unabridged, Audible
Audio Edition, Run Time: 10 Hours and 14 Minutes
FTC Full Disclosure – A copy of
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. The thoughts are completely my
own and given honestly and freely.
THE
DELIVERY MAN by Jeffery Deaver
If you’re a fan of the Lincoln
Rhyme’s series by Jeffery Deaver, be warned that while THE DELIVERYMAN is an enjoyable
story, it is a short story and not as lengthy as you may be accustomed to.
Narrator Edoardo Ballerini does a
wonderful job giving distinct voices to the various characters. He breathes
life into the characters with his cadence and mannerisms.
When a deliveryman is murdered in a
trash-filled alley, renowned forensic detective Lincoln Rhyme and his partner,
Amelia Sachs, have lots of evidence collected from the scene to go through.
Their best hope however, is what the man’s eight-year-old son, who was riding
along when the murder happened, knows.
As Lincoln and Amelia sift through
the evidence, the deliveryman’s acquaintances are also searching for the cargo
he was supposed to have. Turns out, the deliveryman was delivering illegal
contraband in between his legitimate stops.
As both sides uncover more clues,
the closer they all get to who has the key to unlocking the truth. It’s a
dangerous game to see who gets to the truth first.
The author keeps the story short
and sweet, but suspenseful and action packed. The twists and unexpected
surprises will keep you on your toes in determining who the good guys are from
the bad guys.
THE
DELIVERYMAN is filled with drama
and bits of humor. The story flows smoothly and at a steady pace. The
characters are well-balanced and likable.
An enthralling tale that will
delight returning fans of the Lincoln Rhyme’s series, but not put new
readers/listeners of the series in the dark. Once you begin this tantalizing short
story, you won’t be able to stop until you know the outcome.
The Deliveryman by Jeffery Deaver, A Lincoln Rhyme Short Story
(Book #11.5), Narrated by Edoardo Ballerini, Hachette
Audio, @2016, ASIN: BO1B1SAWHK, Unabridged, Audible Audio Edition, Run
Time: 1 Hour and 46 Minutes
FTC Full Disclosure – A copy of
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. The thoughts are completely my
own and given honestly and freely.
Thanks so much for stopping by
today. I hope I’ve enticed you to check out one or both of this delightful
audios. If you’re not into listening to audios, you can find both of these in
print or eBook formats. Are you a fan of the Lincoln Rhyme series or have you only
seen the movie version of the books?
Both sound wonderful. I haven't yet taken the leap to audios, so it is nice to learn that they are also available in what I consider 'real book' format.
ReplyDeleteLike that the first author inserted some famous families.
ReplyDeleteI do like historical novels and mysteries, Mason, and Brooklyn on Fire sounds as though it has a solid sense of the era. Thanks for sharing.
ReplyDeleteI don't read many mysteries--unless Harlan Coben counts. Even with his books, I don't like series. There's something that feels so "Matlock" about it that turns me off.
ReplyDeleteThe both sound good, and I adore the cover for Brooklyn on Fire.
ReplyDelete