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Patti

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  • 6
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Huge factual problems with this one!

Overall
2 out of 5 stars
Performance
3 out of 5 stars
Story
2 out of 5 stars

Reviewed: 06-23-19

The first time the author wrote that Olivia and Hudson were "not blood Kin" I thought she just made a mistake. In this book, only a few chapters in and the author has stated that these two children of identical twin brothers are not kin, not related and "do not share a drop of blood between them"! This would not be a big thing except now she is using it as some dark secret that might make them lose one another!!? Ridiculous! They are not only first cousins but much closer cousins because their fathers are twin brothers who are identical - right down to their DNA!

The characters remain just too shallow for words as the author tells us time and again of some mystical connection in which her protagonist personalizes her relationship to persons she has just met or persons she first sees after death. Olivia is just an unlikable self centered woman who gets away with rude intrusive behavior and evidence tampering due to her money and power. The fact that she supposedly graduated from college but doesn't know how biologically closely she is relate to her own cousin . . . . just can't read anymore . . .

Author also rewriting history from first book where girl jumped into a dinghy and father did not know and sailed on to now saying her father set her adrift in a dinghy! gotta raise that hysterical suffering to a higher degree now.

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1 person found this helpful

Not the best book in an good series thus far

Overall
3 out of 5 stars
Performance
3 out of 5 stars
Story
3 out of 5 stars

Reviewed: 06-19-19

Book 4 in this series was disappointing. Perhaps the author tried to include too much? She may also have made the common mistake of forgetting who her audience are thus far. Book covers have that quirky Cozy feel with a few innocent items that take on sinister meaning after reading book - this is fun and compelling. But now the books themselves have a flavor of more serious full length novel but without enough content for that genre. Olivia still always right and using her money to back it us. She presumes but is very annoyed when others do so.

Very interesting subject but the characters (supporting as well as protagonist) seem forces to form overly quick bonds bound by angst. Just seems overly dramatic like persons who become overly invested in the immediate tragedy of others. Also book when on and on and I just couldn't care much about the outcome as it moved around in confusing manner. The developing charm of the series just wasn't there. Author telling us what character felt rather than showing us. Didn't take time to show us why. Ending seemed sudden/impulsive and too tidy. Seems perhaps author is bored with her series. Even book club members are becoming trite. Hoping next book returns to book club and flavor of earlier volumes.

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Compelling mystery story for third in series!

Overall
4 out of 5 stars
Performance
4 out of 5 stars
Story
5 out of 5 stars

Reviewed: 06-18-19

The mystery in this third book is fascinating in its setting. Compels the reader to research more around the past events. The characters in the series have developed into likeable human beings who have interesting flaws - much like real life friendships. Some concerns arising that Olivia might be developing toward Mary Sue territory. Haviland is still a bright spot but feels a bit more like a prop.

This installment is sad but feels pretty real. I do personally feel the author did not develop the stated relationship with the perpetrator (warm, close, affectionate) well enough before the crisis to elicit the emotional response that followed. Some of the criticisms the members of the writers group level at one another in their meetings could be applied by the author to her own work! And I wonder if this is her point?
The story is brilliant!

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Much improved 2nd effort

Overall
4 out of 5 stars
Performance
3 out of 5 stars
Story
5 out of 5 stars

Reviewed: 06-18-19

Characters are developing nicely. Mystery was quite engaging and Olivia is not the perfect heroine. So happy I continued with this series!

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1 person found this helpful

Mixed, with good story, some interesting character

Overall
3 out of 5 stars
Performance
2 out of 5 stars
Story
4 out of 5 stars

Reviewed: 06-13-19

Was really hopeful that this series would be a great fit. First, the story was very good. Mature writing with good depth and quality in descriptions. Writing seemed to be improving as story unfolded. Just when most characters appeared to be moving toward cliche territory, the author snatched them from the brink with unexpected turns which none-the-less avoided "jumping the shark."
The narration was uneven however and quite annoying in the beginning. Odd stilted way of portraying the main character. Sometimes general narration was presented in that same odd manner. This did improve part way into the book but was present so strongly one was tempted to stop listening.
Some cliche portrayals of characters still seem present: Small town people are simple and ignorant, working men hate queers, wealthy people are selfish and grasping, etc. Hopefully the author will continue to open her own mind and eyes for character creations and continual growth in the next book and avoid the easy way so prevalent in many series. This will avoid the tedium which strikes when the characters become characatures of themselves.
Good series beginning.

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Not a favorite

Overall
3 out of 5 stars
Performance
5 out of 5 stars
Story
3 out of 5 stars

Reviewed: 03-20-19

Personal opinion but didn't really like this one. Ending did not feel satisfying. Planning to return this one.

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The Beginning of the love story

Overall
5 out of 5 stars
Performance
5 out of 5 stars
Story
5 out of 5 stars

Reviewed: 02-15-19

More a beginning of the love story rather than a mystery but with fun old fashion clues. M. Allingham characters already well known to be skillfully developed and warmly remembered. Narrator F. Matthew's Campion very well done. American accents not well done by this narrator nor by "the other guy." That is a minor annoyance in the face of wonderful voicing of Campion.

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Not for me right now right here

Overall
2 out of 5 stars
Performance
2 out of 5 stars
Story
2 out of 5 stars

Reviewed: 11-13-18

Have you ever found yourself accidently picking up a book that seems unread to you only to find you have read it before? Maybe once upon a time ... this may be one of those for me some day. For now, the story seemed a bit too aware of itself and perhaps the writer a bit too smitten with the idea of writing a full cast of completely diverse characters. This coupled with the slow start just wasn't a fit for me.

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3 people found this helpful

Even sex can be boring

Overall
1 out of 5 stars
Performance
2 out of 5 stars
Story
1 out of 5 stars

Reviewed: 03-17-18

What could have made this a 4 or 5-star listening experience for you?

A real story would have made a real listen.

Has The Look of Love turned you off from other books in this genre?

This author will have made my "don't bother to download" list.

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Not sure if story or narration is worse

Overall
1 out of 5 stars
Performance
1 out of 5 stars
Story
1 out of 5 stars

Reviewed: 01-28-18

What disappointed you about Come Away with Me?

Both story and performance were very disappointing. Story was boring with characters spoiled and independently wealthy and beautiful. Female lead Mary Sue with what I assume are supposed to be endearing self image issues. Unfortunate beginning for a series.

Would you ever listen to anything by Kristen Proby again?

This not my first read by Kristen Proby but is the first I`ve not been able to finish. With so many other authors from which to choose ...

What didn’t you like about Jennifer Mack’s performance?

Everything. So close to typical sexy baby vocal fry as to jar me from listening to marvel how this slide past producers. Maybe could work with teen young adult material but just wasn't credible for adult listening. Toe curlingly embarrasing performance.

What reaction did this book spark in you? Anger, sadness, disappointment?

Annoyance.

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