The Sword-Edged Blonde Audiobook By Alex Bledsoe cover art

The Sword-Edged Blonde

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The Sword-Edged Blonde

By: Alex Bledsoe
Narrated by: Stefan Rudnicki
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About this listen

It should have been a case like any other: a missing princess, a king willing to pay in gold for her return. But before he realizes it, private investigator Eddie LaCrosse, a slightly shopworn sword jockey with a talent for discretion and detection, is swept up in a web of mystery and deceit involving a brutally murdered royal heir, a queen accused of an unspeakable crime, and the tragic past he thought he'd left behind.©2007 Alex Bledsoe (P)2009 Blackstone Audio, Inc. Action & Adventure Classics Detective Fantasy Fiction Mystery Paranormal Paranormal & Urban Private Investigators Royalty City

Critic reviews

"Stylish and self-assured: Raymond Chandler meets Raymond E. Feist." (Publishers Weekly)
"Fans of Glen Cook's Garrett novels or hard-boiled detective fiction will appreciate this well-crafted gem of a tale." (Library Journal)

What listeners say about The Sword-Edged Blonde

Highly rated for:

Engaging Mystery Intriguing Fantasy Setting Excellent Narration Likable Protagonist Unexpected Plot Twists
Average customer ratings
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    5 out of 5 stars

What a surprise, enjoyed dark age detective

First, Stefan Rudniki, I find to always do a great job narrating. (and in this case he didn't let me down) The first book by Alex Bledsoe I've ever had pleasure to listen to. This I belive is a trilogy, and I can't wait to download the next two. Some laughs and twists and turns that will keep your interest. (If "Dresden Files" and "Night Side" series had a baby it would be "Eddie La Cross") the character in this series. A mature hard nosed detective, who's life has given him lemons and he made "apple juice". I'm getting the next two books in series right now, and can't wait to listen.

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23 people found this helpful

  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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    4 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

Fantasy meets detective noir

This was a fun listen; great detective story in a unique setting. the writing dripped with gritty detail and Stefan Rudnicki's gravelly baritone was a perfect fit for the hard-boiled detective/mercenary Eddie Lacrosse. The one criticism I have of his performance was a lack of variation between the different character voices. This was especially troublesome when two male characters were in dialogue. You get used to it though, and overall it was a good performance.

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

Interesting detective story

Enjoyed the narration and the storyline, did not find the foul language needed for effect.

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  • Overall
    4 out of 5 stars
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    4 out of 5 stars

Great adventure-quest murder-mystery, fun

Enjoyed this tale, sorry of a combo of two different genres . A nearmedieval age private eye. Good enough to look up the sequel.

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  • Overall
    4 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars
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    4 out of 5 stars

Quality Dime Store Noir

This novel is essentially a dime store serial noir set in a low magic fantasy setting. It doesn’t make excuses about anachronistic content or dated character stereotypes.

If you want to read a fantasy noir investigative mystery drama with a main character that has more flaws then virtues but still manages to save the day. This is the book. Also the audio versions narrator has the perfect voice for it.

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

AWESOME! But if you hate scary movies, don't even.

I love the authors style of writing! witty, unique, dark and mysterious. Cool characters. Creative plot. A few ' duhn duhn duhnnn' moments.

Strong main character, Eddie is sort of a dark f'ed up hero. I like how his flaws and past make him grow throughout the story into a (still f*ed up!) humble, wise and selfless hero. But aren't we all a bit mad?

The performance was so good! I feel like the narrators vibe and tone totally matched up with the book.

The book has some super twisted and dark moments. I'd classify it as Mystery Horror, with a bit of Sci-Fi and adventure mixed in. Maybe not for everyone.... but I can't WAIT to start the next book.

* This book may trigger some people, I feel like that should be said. If you are easily triggered by loss of a child or rape, maybe not for you.

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  • Overall
    4 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars
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    3 out of 5 stars

Mixed genre - modern detective story in fantasy...

Fantasy setting, but written (and everyone talks) like a modern detective novel. Once I accepted the mixed genre, it was an enjoyable story.

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

Fun

It was fun to listen to from the beginner. Unusual. The narrator always brings the story to life.

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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Awesome

I have 300 audio books under my belt.... this is the second review I’ve written...... I’m so impressed with how well it was written and the narrators performance made a great authors story one of the best I’ve had the pleasure to enjoy....... I had to relishen to a few chapters a couple of times so I got the story correct..... whatcha only made the story better..... and with the narrator so good it was even better when I fully understood it. Even tho this is an older book and series...... it is well worth having..... so just do it and get it..... No regrets

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  • Overall
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Very intriguing

I love the story line and the thrill. The narrator is also very good indeed.

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