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melanie

  • 25
  • reviews
  • 5
  • helpful votes
  • 218
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Light, wry, fun. Love it.

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

Reviewed: 12-29-24

I’ve read this book about 10 times now, and I still love it.
Written in the first person, the protagonist and antihero is a hedonistic narcissist, whose personal journey is one towards reluctant redemption. The other characters are also well crafted with depth and foibles.
Set in Cyprus, we are taken from a who dunnit beginning, on a plot path with further reaching implications of social import.
It is amusingly written and easy to listen to, and I get the impression the author would be extremely happy with its narration, which seems on point for mood, character and intent. Love it.

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Couldn’t finish it.

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

Reviewed: 09-05-24

The protagonist is too stupid to be a policewoman. Enough said. The end. Two more words

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Meticulous thriller

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

Reviewed: 08-20-24

Although many may know this classic, for those who don’t, it’s a great read. I first read this when I was 10 years old, without my parents knowledge. I’m not sure if they would’ve approved at the time. It’s a product of its time which comes with some of the simplicities and complexities associated with the world before the Internet, for crimefighters and criminals alike. While some books date badly, this one still has all the ingredients to be a great thriller without creating any cringe about bygone eras. The story is beautifully told with a lot of procedural content around the preparations of an assassin and the dogged hard work of old school detectives and legwork. Forsyth was and is a classic thriller author.

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Ran out of time?

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

Reviewed: 07-21-24

In comparison to previous stories by this author this one seemed to wrap up a little suddenly without terribly substantial basis for the ultimate conclusion versus possible alternatives. The “scenery, landscape“ was also not as picturesque as other stories buy this author.
I expect it’s a little difficult to continually write a character in a series involved in murder mysteries with a that are not physically isolated away from the police, and for it not to appear a little awkward or contrived at times.
Nonetheless an entertaining enough read.

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Another good one.

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

Reviewed: 02-04-24

There are multiple stories here. The main one is solid and flows well, though the overall outcome a little predictable. The separate drama of the protagonist’s personal life is not too overwhelming for the main plot. I read the previous one, this one, and I’ll read another.

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1 person found this helpful

Good story good cultural exposition well told.

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

Reviewed: 01-31-24

A little slow to start with but worth it. Some characters were a little thin but the core plot and relationship arcs were sound and interesting. Some nice depiction of the isles with some core heartfelt and poignant lines, about the spiritual-like joy of appreciating the nature of the isles. I’ll read another of this series.

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Honest. Heart wrenching. Inspiring.

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

Reviewed: 08-05-23

There are messages here for anyone who has experienced abuse or trauma. And for those who have loved ones who have.
It also gives us pause to consider the plight of children actors and the price they pay for others’ entertainment. Is it too high? Are there ways things could be improved?
This personal account was difficult to listen to but I pushed through, because as hard as it is to hear or read, that is nothing to the experience of the author.
What an amazing woman she is to have come out the other side of this journey. And how much we can learn from and draw strength for her experiences and wisdom.

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Better than many

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

Reviewed: 07-22-23

I’m compelled to leave a review because one of the others seems so harsh. It is what it is. Modern day-ish, first person, hard boiled detective. It is entertaining, droll, and frankly better than many others I have found on Audible. The plot is not that wild but also flows ok. The reading was quite good, with most of the characters’ voices well distinguishable from each other. I’ll read the next one.

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1 person found this helpful

Great story great narration

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

Reviewed: 07-05-23

Well written great imagery. Strong character development. Interesting and clever plot. I think the narration is perfect for the main character in a first person perspective.

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Solid exploration. Well articulated. Life changing.

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

Reviewed: 04-01-23

In this essay, Sam explores the cost of lying. One of the great things about it, is a series of questions from readers at the end of the book, which he responds to. A very well worthwhile read.

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