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One of the better books in the series

Reviewed: 06-30-24

I was a little nervous about this book, simply because the last two had fallen flat for me - the mysteries were good, but there was less character development. This book was much more in line with my other favorites (Hollow of Fear and Murder on Cold Street). The mystery was first rate as always, but in this book, we see the character stories continue to develop along with the progression of the mystery. As an added bonus, we get new characters to care about.

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Not my favorite narration

Reviewed: 10-07-23

I hung on mainly because I’d recently returned an audible title and couldn’t return this one. The story wasn’t bad - with a different narrator, I’d continue the series. Her acting and expression weren’t bad, but the long, unnecessary pauses ruined an otherwise decent audiobook. At first, I’d wondered if the book had cut off entirely. Then the narration would continue. There were long pauses in the middle of conversations that wouldn’t have occurred naturally, in the middle of sentences, and between the words of the speaker and the text noting who spoke (the ‘she said’). By the end, it seemed like the narrator had to pause every time she thought the expression of the phrase was just right, as if it needed to be admired. Like I said, it ruined the audiobook for me.

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Needs better editing

Reviewed: 12-22-22

I used a credit for this version specifically because it featured my favorite narrator reading one of my favorite books. My one criticism is the editing. There are frequently 2-3 second gaps in the middle of conversations or reflections, and often the transition from one chapter to another is too quick. Otherwise, Kate Reading did a lovely job as always.

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Couldn’t finish it.

Reviewed: 05-12-22

The main character discovers that she’s magical. The people around her tell her what to do, but never try to help her understand. Not that it would have done much good, because Olivia acts like a 2-year old. In short, absolutely no character development. It’s time you’ll never get back.

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Narrator ruined it

Reviewed: 10-27-21

The stars for the story itself since it has potential, even if I couldn't finish it.

I've heard worse narrators, but she only sort of emoted and generally read too quickly, like she was reading her grocery list.

I might give the print version a shot.

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From a Louisiana native

Reviewed: 10-02-21

This is the second Mystic Bayou book that I've listened to. It's a nice, relatively easy listen with an enjoyable plot.

My one request of the narrators: PLEASE LEARN HOW TO PRONOUNCE LOUISIANA NAMES! I can handle an accent that's not quite right, since it's a unique dialect (and not just deep South drawl). But please look up how to pronounce the actual town names! In one example, Houma is pronounced Home-a, not Hoom-a.

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Perfect

Reviewed: 01-21-21

I’ve disliked a lot of audio dramas, as the acting was overdone and the scenes too ridiculous. This was perfect - which may be in part due to the comedic genius of Billy Crystal and Kevin Kline.

The story was funny and meaningful in all the right ways.

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Rachel’s story

Reviewed: 08-17-20

I gave this title more stars than I originally thought I would. The story angered me at points, but the character development is superb, and if you’re looking for it, incredibly thought provoking.

While most of the story is told through other characters, this is really Rachel’s story, and what you hear from Nathan and Ziggy is really the manifestation of her never having truly processed the combination of a tragic past and the derision by those around her as that post was developing. She helps anyone in need, but as you see from the perspectives of her husband and son, she still keeps everyone at arm’s length. I was at turns mad at her or just sad about the whole situation. You have to listen to the end to find some redemption in her story, as she starts to find clarity and purpose. Until then, you really just feel like she’s blaming those around her for not being what she originally planned.

If you’re not neurotypical, Nathan’s story can draw you in. I felt for him, because he was always expected to be someone he wasn’t, and Rachel always seemed to perpetuate the mindset that he was less than because his brain just operated differently. Only at one point does Ziggy start to recognize his father’s gifts. I’m not sure Rachel ever does, she just has to learn how to live with what she perceives are his shortcomings.

On first listen to Ziggy’s story, I had trouble connecting with him. It’s only after listening to Rachel’s part that I understood his story a little better. It’s something that may develop on further thought.

While I empathize with Rachel’s pain, she still spends her life seeming to blame her husband and son for not being what she expected. She’s never able to love them for who they are, and it’s damaging to all three.

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7 people found this helpful