
At First Light
Dr. Evan Wilding, Book 1
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Narrated by:
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Tim Campbell
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By:
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Barbara Nickless
About this listen
Ritual murder. Archaic clues. A visionary killer. In this heart-stopping novel by the Wall Street Journal and Amazon Charts bestselling author of the Sydney Rose Parnell series, words can kill.
On the muddy banks of the Calumet River, a body has been found posed next to a series of mysterious glyphs and bearing wounds from a ritualistic slaying. Chicago detective Addie Bisset knows only one man who can decipher the message left by the killer: her friend Dr. Evan Wilding. A brilliant forensic semiotician, Evan decodes the etchings as Viking Age runes. They suggest either human sacrifice or righteous punishment. But to what god? And for what sins?
Only one thing is clear from the disturbing runic riddles: there are more victims to come.
As Evan races to determine the identity of the Viking Poet, he and Addie uncover the killer’s most terrifying secret yet: the motive. This startling discovery puts Evan’s life in mortal danger, and verse by ancient verse, time is running out.
©2021 Barbara Nickless (P)2021 Brilliance Publishing, Inc., all rights reserved.Listeners also enjoyed...
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Critic reviews
“Well-researched…”—Kirkus Reviews
“[In] this intense psychological thriller…Evan and Addie race to prevent more bloodshed. Hints of a romantic relationship between the pair enliven the story, and references to Beowulf and Viking history add depth. Readers will hope to see more of Addie and Evan.”—Publishers Weekly
“Brilliant Evan Wilding, with his goshawk and unusual friendships, will fascinate those who read for character.”—Library Journal
I enjoyed the friendship between Addie and Evan and am looking forward to reading more about them in future books. There is a gentle humor here along with the murder and mystery that is difficult to juxtapose. The narrator did a creditable job with different accents and distinguishing voices.
I’ll read more of these
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I mostly listened to the audiobook, but this book in particular was a bit confusing to just listen to due to its constant reference to Viking traditions/words so I found the need to also download the book to my Kindle and that made it easier.
I liked it
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Worth the Read
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This plot is a juggernaut of concepts, theories, and potential suspects. The murderer is quite brilliant and leaving clues that not just anyone could unlock. These clues are focused on ancient symbols and rituals of the Viking people as well as their runic language. Dubbed the Poet Viking, the ruthless murderer leads Addie and Evan on an incredible chase, and we, the readers, get to tag along from the comfort (and safety) of our armchairs.
As one who reads more than 300 books a year, finding a truly unique and engaging new hero is akin to winning the lottery. This one is a winner. I will be following this author and this series based solely on my enjoyment of this brilliant tale.
Pure Brilliance
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Fantastic
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Riveting
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Awesome
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Surprisingly entertaining!
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What a wonderful book
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Good
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