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zoe1157

  • 12
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  • 8
  • helpful votes
  • 19
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Absolutely Foul

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

Reviewed: 01-31-24

There are so many triggers in this book I could write a book just listing them. I do not object to dark plots or dark characters but when both the MMCs ND the FMCs are violent, crass, and bat$%!* crazy I draw the line. The performance was terrible as well. The lower class Cockney/working class accents did not work for me, and the female narrator came across as nasal and whiney. This may work for some but it wasn't my cup of tea.

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Just The Facts

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

Reviewed: 07-17-23

The narrator of this audio book is very good. The story itself is only adequate. The author relies heavily on police reports, court transcripts, and prison records, which are read verbatim. If you know these crimes, you may find some nuggets of new information. It is an informative account of John Norman Collins's crimes, arrest, trial, and incarceration. But the narrative itself is somewhere between compelling and soul crushing boredom. The first part, the account of the murders and search for the killer, is the best part. I had to force myself to finish the rest.

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Excruciating

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

Reviewed: 06-16-23

This book intrigued me with its unique setting and promise of a cracking good mystery. Unfortunately, it was too painful to finish. None of the characters are remotely likeable, the main character is agonizingly awkward and anxious, and there is nothing to compel the reader to keep reading. As for the narration, there are numerous characters from a host of different locations, but the reader's voice rarely changes. When she does attempt an accent, she is wildly inconsistent and never quite gets it right nor maintains it for the entire passage. I gave up on book and audiobook. After listening to Kersti's paralyzing insecurity, I realized I could not care less about why or if Cressida jumped. She was probably trying to get away from her roommate's imcessant whining.

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Great Overview of Forensics

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

Reviewed: 06-05-23

This is an excellent lecture series on the high points of forensics. It isn't so scientific that it would confuse the average listener, nor so basic it would bore those who are forensics junkies. The purpose of the series is not to solve crimes, or even shed new light on them. Instead, the lecturer gives an in-depth look at what forensic tools were used in various cases and why they did or didn't work. Many of the cases discussed remain unsolved and the lecture helps you understand why. Lectures cover a broad range of crimes and forensic techniques, so there is plenty to engage the listener.

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A Bit Snarky But Fun

Overall
5 out of 5 stars

Reviewed: 03-20-23

At first the lecturer got on my nerves. Lots of sarcasm. A bit pedantic. Tries too hard on French pronunciation. And the Game of Thrones intro music was a bit puzzling until the end. I ended up really enjoying the lectures. I especially like how she makes sense of everything. She ties the mythical and fantastic to real sources. It is clear she is used to speaking to students much younger than me. At times this is a distraction. But the subject matter engrossed me until I barely noticed. If you want to hit the high points of medieval myths, this will keep you entertained.

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Interesting

Overall
4 out of 5 stars

Reviewed: 03-19-23

I loved 80% of this book. The last 20% would be much better without the virtue signaling and woke admonishments. The medical mysteries are compelling enough without peppering them with social.justice nonsense. I felt like I was a child being lectured by a teacher who wanted to disguise their personal political beliefs in a fun lesson. Very disappointing bait and switch.

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The Devil Made Them Do It

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

Reviewed: 11-10-21

It has been a long time since I read a book this well written, this good, and yet this awful. The story is tightly woven, and spins out with expert timing. But the subject matter is deep, dark, and disturbing in ways the average reader may not be prepared for. Since before time began, the devil has worked to convince others he does not exist. That evil is a construct of man, a part of him, as is God. It is a variation on his original lie, that man will be as God. Craig Russel takes this concept, and twists it up with murder, insanity, intellectual and political issues, and shows us just what the devil is capable of, and what happens when we do not give the devil his due. It is not a book for the faint hearted, nor is it meant just to entertain. There is sickening violence, insensate evil, and horror that makes Hollywood inventions seem like cartoon characters.

The narrator is deliciously creepy. His subtle shifts of voice and accent make each character distinct. However, I cannot give a full five stars for narration because this book is set in Prague, the characters are German or Czech, and yet all the accents are British. They are very, very good, but it was disconcerting to hear an accent described as a variation of Central European only to hear the character speak as if they are from the East End or Liverpool. Staying true to the book's descriptions would give the narration full authenticity.

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Danger Will Robinson!

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

Reviewed: 05-16-21

Bill Mumy does an excellent job of narrating this harrowing true story of danger and discovery, in and out of the jungle. there are a few mispronunciations, and times when the narration doesn't match the text, but nothing too distracting or annoying. I loved his voice. it gave me the feeling of the author telling the story himself, and rang with authenticity. There is foul language in this book, and graphic descriptions of disease, snakes, insects, human sacrifice and other disturbing topics. if those things are a problem, skip this book. Otherwise, immerse yourself in a modern adventure in one of the last places unspoiled by modern humans.

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Last Bus to Woodstock Audiobook By Colin Dexter cover art

Rip Off

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

Reviewed: 04-21-20

While the narrator was good and there were no technical problems, this was not a full rendition of the book. It was more like a report, that picked out the main details of the story without fully fleshing them out with the color and detail of the original publication. I should have known that an Audible audiobook for under $10 was too good to be true.

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6 people found this helpful

Beautiful and Gut Wrenching

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

Reviewed: 07-16-19

In lyrical and descriptive prose Eliza Maxwell leads you down a dark path where heroes are villains and villains heroes and the Texas air hangs heavy and sweet as molasses. If you are looking for an uplifting story of overcoming adversity or a charming story of love and friendship do not read this book. Eliza Maxwell takes Southern Gothic and sends it on greased rails to hell.

I won't summarize the story. I couldn't do it justice. But the story of Hadley Dixon and her family will burn its way into your soul and leave a grief that will make you feel like your own family somehow imploded between the pages

Keep a Bible close at hand. You will need grace and prayer when you are finished.

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