Vendetta in Death by J.D. Robb

If you have visited here from time to time you probably already know I’m a huge fan of author J.D. Robb’s Eve Dallas series.

When I was first introduced to the series by a friend who gifted me one of her books, I wasn’t super excited to read it (I’m sorry to say). Sometime later I had the opportunity to listen to the same book on audio. I thought why not my friend had assured me I’d like the story; this was an easy way to find out.

Needless to say, I did like it. In fact, I feel in love with the series and have since tried to listen to every past installment and keep up with each new book as it comes out. I explained the background on this subject to say while you love a book, author or series, you can sometimes fall behind on reading/listening to the latest release. I’ve done that with my beloved Eve Dallas series. I’ve said all this to let you know I don’t think it’s ever too late to share a review of a good book even if the release date was more than six months ago.

Today I’d like to share my thoughts on last September’s release of VENDETTA IN DEATH, the 49^th installment in the Eve Dallas series. The 50^th installment, GOLDEN IN DEATH, was released in February of this year and SHADOWS IN DEATH (51^st installment) is slated to be released in September of this year. I’m looking forward to listening to both of these releases when possible.

First, a brief synopsis of VENDETTA IN DEATH:

She calls herself Lady Justice. And once she has chosen a man as her target, she turns herself into a tall blonde or a curvaceous redhead, makes herself as alluring and seductive as possible to them. Once they are in her grasp, they are powerless.

The first victim is wealthy businessman Nigel McEnroy. His company's human resources department has already paid out settlements to a couple of his young victims - but they don't know that his crimes go far beyond workplace harassment. Lady Justice knows. And in one shocking night of brutality, she makes him pay a much steeper price.

Now, Eve Dallas and her husband, Roarke, are combing through the evidence of McEnroy's secret life. His compulsive need to record his misdeeds provides them with a wide range of suspects, but the true identity of Lady Justice remains elusive. It's a challenging case, made even more difficult by McEnroy's widow, who reacts to the investigation with fury, denial, and threats. Meanwhile, Lady Justice's criminal crusade is escalating rapidly, and if Eve can't stop this vigilante, there's no telling how much blood may be spilled....

Now my thoughts ……

This is a story of someone betrayed who battle back in the wrong way with a vengeance and then some. While you may guess who the villain is before it’s revealed, you’ll still enjoy the journey to bring them to justice.

Narrator Susan Ericksen does a wonderful job brining this story to life. Her inflection and pace enhance each character giving them their own unique voice. She adds depth to this tantalizing story by conveying the emotions of the moment.

Once again author J.D. Robb weaves a story mixed with futuristic elements and present-day problems. A take on the #MeToo movement that has swept the country is the bases for this plot.

The main characters continue to evolve and develop with each installment. While there didn’t seem to be as much personal interaction, the police procedure moved quickly and shows Eve’s struggles with standing for the victims who were appalling violators themselves.

As a long-time fan of this series, this story seemed to go quicker than most maybe because it’s not quite the roller coaster ride of energy and take your breath away action. While the adrenaline rush is not as high, it is still a good read/listen and I’m looking forward to the next installment.

Vendetta in Death by J.D. Robb, In Death Book #49, Narrated by Susan Ericksen, Macmillan Audio, @2019, ISBN: 978-1250541498, Unabridged, Run Time: 12 Hours and 42 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. When do you think a series needs to stop?

How Hard Can It Be?

If you are a woman approaching any milestone in age, HOW HARD CAN IT BE? is a “must listen to” audio (or read).

Having said that, if you are a woman or man - no matter your age – this audio will provide hours of entertainment. Granted, women will probably appreciate the humor more than men.

Poppy Miller does a delightful job of bringing the various characters to life. Her mannerisms and dialect enhance the story. Miller hits the target with her timing and tones as the narrator of this story.

This is a hilarious story that will have you crying from laughter one minute and from heart wrenching events the next. It explores the highs and lows of life with zany outlooks. The author amusingly tackles raising kids, menopause, trying to recall events and names you know you should know but can’t, and getting bogged down with maintaining status quo in life.

After listening to this quirky tale, if you don’t relate to at least one or two moments, I’ll be amazed.

The author takes you on a journey of family life, loving, living and accepting one’s self. This is truly a captivating story that will amuse and inspire.

How Hard Can It Be? by Allison Pearson, Narrated by Poppy Miller, Macmillan Audio, @2018, ISBN: 978-1427293077, Unabridged, 11 Discs, Run Time: 11.5 Hours

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 for stopping by today. Do you find audio books helpful when you’re busy running errands or doing yard work and want to be reading instead?

Caraval by Stephanie Garber

◊ CARAVAL by Stephanie Garber

◊ Series: Caraval, Book #1

◊ Narrator: Rebecca Soler

◊ Audio CD: 8 Discs

◊ Listening Length: 10 hours and 18 minutes

◊ Program Type: Audiobook

◊ Genre: Fantasy, Literature, Fiction

◊ Version: Unabridged

◊ Publisher: Macmillan Audio

◊ Release Date: January 31, 2017

◊ Language: English

◊ ASIN: BO1MZ4BMM8

◊ ISBN-10: 1427279748

◊ ISBN-13: 978-1427279743

SYNOPSIS:

This program includes a bonus interview with the author.

Welcome, welcome to Caraval―Stephanie Garber’s sweeping tale of two sisters who escape their ruthless father when they enter the dangerous intrigue of a legendary game.

Scarlett has never left the tiny island where she and her beloved sister, Tella, live with their powerful, and cruel, father. Now Scarlett’s father has arranged a marriage for her, and Scarlett thinks her dreams of seeing Caraval, the far-away, once-a-year performance where the audience participates in the show, are over.

But this year, Scarlett’s long-dreamt of invitation finally arrives. With the help of a mysterious sailor, Tella whisks Scarlett away to the show. Only, as soon as they arrive, Tella is kidnapped by Caraval’s mastermind organizer, Legend. It turns out that this season’s Caraval revolves around Tella, and whoever finds her first is the winner.

Scarlett has been told that everything that happens during Caraval is only an elaborate performance. But she nevertheless becomes enmeshed in a game of love, heartbreak, and magic with the other players in the game. And whether Caraval is real or not, she must find Tella before the five nights of the game are over, a dangerous domino effect of consequences is set off, and her sister disappears forever.

Author Stephanie Garber writes in such vibrant colors. Sounds weird? Then you’ll just have to experience CARAVAL to accurately understand.

The colors surround you through narrator Rebecca Soler’s delivery of this intriguing story. Her rendering of this tale will hold you spellbound. She gives distinct voices to the various characters as she brings them to life. Her cadence and timing are perfect.

The author has created a mesmerizing story of heartache and hope, despair and dreams, betrayal and trust. Her colorful descriptions and eye for detail bring an enchanted land to life as it envelopes you. Listeners/readers are easily ensnared into this magical atmosphere the author has forged.

The characters are likable (except for a few) and all are well-developed. Scarlett’s devotion to her sister Tella is endearing. Tella’s rebellious streak is a bit contagious. The players of Caraval are magical and mysterious.

The story moves at a good pace keep listeners/readers fully engaged from beginning to end. The clandestine setting of Caraval lends itself to twists, turns and many surprises. This enchanted world will hold you spellbound as the lives of these two sisters unravel and rewinds in ways they never imaged.

CARAVAL is that mystical place we all may want to go to in order to reach our fantasies without knowing the price we’d truly have to pay. An enthralling start to what promises to be a fascinating series.

Caraval by Stephanie Garber, Caraval series (Book #1), Narrated by Rebecca Soler, MacMillan Audio, @2017, ISBN: 978-1427279743, Unabridged, Audio CD – 8 Discs, Run Time: 10 Hours and 18 Minutes

FTC Full Disclosure – A copy of this audio book was sent to me by the publisher. 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. What do you think of Caraval so far? Have you ever wanted to play such a fantasy game?

I’ve included a sample of CARAVAL from Soundcloud below for your listening pleasure and to give you a sense of how magical this story is. Enjoy!!