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bruce wood

  • 22
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  • 2
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  • 27
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Gothic, Chilling and Great Fun

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

Reviewed: 02-10-24

Stephen Fry reading a collection of his favourite Ghost Stories? What's not to like and enjoy. Absolutely terrific

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Vampires, Ghouls and Mastermind

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

Reviewed: 29-09-24

So Alex Cross's trials and tribulations continue. James Patterson's writing is as slick and exciting as ever, but I found the plot a little too full of contrivance. I also found Mastermind's presence throughout the story to be an unnecessary distraction. One murder, that is portrayed as particularly harrowing in Cross's life comes across as little more than just another brutal slaying with little impact.
The performance by Paul Birchard was great and I hope he continues with this series for a few titles more.
Overall, I didn't find this to be as engrossing as the Detective's previous adventures, but it was a thrilling story, as ever well told, and this time without a 'shocking epilogue'.

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Confused? You might be

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

Reviewed: 22-09-24

Another gruesome Alex Cross adventure that zips along at quite a pace. So much so, that I found myself wondering if I'd missed an entire book when I realised that the denouement from Cat and Mouse wasn't being mentioned. I shouldn't have worried as it jumps into the story about a third of the way through.
Keith David is a wonderful narrator and is ably assisted by Roger Rees and one other whose name I've yet to find. The different voices make for pleasant side-steps in the narrative. The musical accompaniment was unnecessary, I thought. The narrative and performances are more than enough to set mood and tone.
It's another solid thriller from James Patterson, in a series I'm really enjoying.

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Cross's Complexities Continue

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

Reviewed: 20-09-24

I really enjoy James Patterson's writing and storytelling. He gets to the point and doesn't sink his tales with too much back story. He is a propulsive storyteller and has clearly decided to put his Alex Cross creation through the mill.
Cat and Mouse certainly has its share of shocks and the change of storyteller about half way through the story is a neat move. I did find the story suffered from a little too much coincidence and the epilogue's cliffhanger I saw coming from a long way off.
I find Jeff Harding's performance, as ever, solid but I wish that he wouldn't give every female character the same effet voice. I find it distracting, but that's probably just me. Personally I really miss Ako Mitchell's performance from the previous three novels. But that said he and Raj Ghatak provide an enjoyable journey through the narrative.
A solid 4*

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Complex, convoluted and compulsive

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

Reviewed: 13-09-24

The third Alex Cross adventure is another gripping, dark thriller in a series I'm beginning to really enjoy. Shocking in places and perhaps guilty of one-twist-too-many at the end, this is a solid, and thoroughly enjoyable thriller. It keeps its secrets well and the reader guessing for much of the narrative.
The story rolls along at a fair pace, and, once again, Ako Mitchell's performance is top-class.
Can't wait to start the next book...

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Simple, effective storytelling

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

Reviewed: 07-09-24

Second book in the Alex Cross series, is as gripping and thrilling a ride as its predecessor. James Patterson's prose is swift, thrilling and fat-free. This time around the story is much darker with some (perhaps a little too much) graphic detail, but the author doesn't have a tendency to dwell on this side of the narrative. It's a dark, gripping thriller and has me excited to experience the third book in this gripping series. Ako Mitchell's performance is once again a joy to listen to

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A Thrilling Web of Murder, Deception and Intrigue

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

Reviewed: 02-09-24

I've only recently discovered James Patterson, and what a discovery! Hollywood should be ashamed of the 'version' they made of this back in 2001. This is a terrific thriller. Patterson's writing is fluid and easily accessible. There are some really dark scenes and places the story goes, but the author's style never becomes lurid and I was genuinely gripped from beginning to end.
Ako Mitchell's performance is first rate.
To any fan of crime thrillers I would recommend this unreservedly... I can't wait to start the next Alex Cross story 👍

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Withstood The Stand

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

Reviewed: 29-08-24

This is Stephen King at his pinnacle of long-term storytelling. The Stand is a great story with some great characters. It has moments of truly uncomfortable horror and also thrilling adventure... But it's a helluva haul! I tried reading the book many years ago when it was first published, but just couldn't make it.
Grover Gardner's performance here is top-notch and, for this listener at least added just the dimension to this epic tale that got me through to the end.
Thoroughly worth it... just be prepared to dig-in for the long haul 😉

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An intriguing story, wonderfully told

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

Reviewed: 15-07-24

A globe spanning science fiction thriller, that never outstays its welcome. Gripping and exciting, and Gillian Anderson's performance is terrific. Highly recommended

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No Illusions here!

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

Reviewed: 01-07-24

I really wasn't sure what expect from this, other than hoping that it was even half as good as the reviews and comments I've noted over the last few months.
I needn't have had any reservations. Ed Zwick had a wonderful, easy going prose and his self-effacing journey is a joy!
I would heartily recommended this book to any one with even a passing interest in the making of movies. Superb *****

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