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FINALLY a narrator whose age and tone matches the age of the characters!

Revisado: 06-09-24

**4 Stars: A Gripping Tale with a Few Hiccups**

Sarah Goodwin’s "The Yacht" is a captivating read that kept me engaged from start to finish. The plot is well-constructed, and Goodwin’s writing style is immersive, drawing you into the world of luxury and mystery aboard the yacht. However, I found the last few chapters to drag on a bit, and the ending, while satisfying, lacked the shocking twist I was anticipating.

Despite these minor drawbacks, the overall experience was enjoyable. A special mention goes to the narrator of the audio version. Her expressive voice and the way she conveyed the characters' emotions truly brought the story to life. Her performance made it easy to get lost in the book and connect deeply with the characters. The last several books I’ve listened to have been narrated by senior citizens in their 70s who are portraying 30 year olds and it ruins the book! This narrator was fabulous!

If you enjoy thrilling mysteries with rich character development, "The Yacht" is definitely worth the read.

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ANOTHER poor narrator choice

Revisado: 06-07-24

What’s a girl gotta do to get a job at Audible??? Clearly they need help when it comes to selecting a narrator. Why is it so hard to match a narrator who’s in the same age bracket as the character they are portraying?? When I listen/read these books, I want to relate to the characters and when the narrator’s voice doesn’t match the character it ruins the book. I’ve said it time and time again, a narrator can make or break a book. The female narrator just didn’t work for me.

Now to my review of the actual book:

"The Perfect Getaway" by Kiersten Modglin is a decent read, but it unfortunately falls short when compared to her other works. As an avid reader of Modglin’s novels, I have come to expect the unexpected, reveling in her knack for weaving intricate plots filled with jaw-dropping twists. However, this book did not quite hit the mark.

The premise of "The Perfect Getaway" had potential, promising a thrilling escape. However, the story lacked the suspense and tension that usually define Modglin’s thrillers. The plot felt predictable, and the twists, which are typically her strong suit, were underwhelming and sparse.

Despite these shortcomings, I still found the book enjoyable. Modglin's writing style remains engaging, and her ability to develop complex characters is evident. The narrative kept me turning pages, even if the thrill factor was lower than expected.

In comparison to her other works like "You Can Trust Me" and "The Missing," "The Perfect Getaway" doesn't quite measure up. These previous novels showcased Modglin's talent for creating unpredictable and gripping tales, setting a high bar for her storytelling.

Overall, while "The Perfect Getaway" is worth a read for loyal fans, it is not the standout of Modglin’s bibliography. If you're new to her work, I would recommend starting with some of her other titles to truly appreciate her mastery of the thriller genre.

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Narrator chosen was a horrible choice

Revisado: 06-03-24

I’m unsure why someone not only picked, but approved Robin Rowan to narrate this book is beyond me. To start, she’s got to be late 60s to mid 70s and narrated the voice of two women in their 30s?? Why! It completely ruined the book! I had such a hard time relating to the characters who sounded like they needed to be making a trip so the senior home, not a Caribbean cruise. There are so many amazing female narrators… Julia Whelan, Dara Rosenberg, and Erin Bennet to name a few. Robin Rowan’s whinny, senior citizen voice just absolutely ruined the entire experience. If you want to relate to the characters this book is not for you. The story was great and a narrator can absolutely make or break a book. This narrator broke this book unfortunately.

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Trustworthy Thriller: Fabulous Read

Revisado: 06-01-24

**Pre-Review: First, I want to start by saying this is the FIRST time I’ve listened to an audiobook that has matched word for word to the paperback book. Normally, there’s slight changes between the two, but I was pleasantly surprised that there were no changes, missing pieces or added chapters when reading along to the audiobook.**

Kiersten Modglin’s "You Can Trust Me" is an absolute gem that has quickly ascended to one of my top five reads of 2024. From the moment I opened the first page, I was captivated by a story that far exceeded my expectations. The theme of the book was not at all what I anticipated, leading to a twist that caught me completely off guard and left me thoroughly impressed.

Modglin’s writing is nothing short of masterful, weaving a narrative that is as compelling as it is unpredictable. The characters are intricately developed, each with their own secrets and motivations that keep you guessing at every turn. I found myself unable to put the book down, devouring it in just one day. The pace is relentless, pulling you deeper into the plot with each chapter.

As I neared the final chapter, I realized I wasn't ready for the story to end. The conclusion was both shocking and satisfying, tying up the plot in a way that felt both inevitable and surprising. Modglin has a knack for crafting endings that linger in your mind long after you’ve turned the last page.

"You Can Trust Me" is a testament to Modglin’s talent as a storyteller. Her ability to blend suspense, intricate plotting, and deep character insights makes this book a standout. I am eagerly looking forward to reading more from this author and diving into the worlds she creates. This book is an absolute must-read for anyone who loves a thrilling, well-crafted mystery.

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Huge difference between audio version and paper book

Revisado: 05-30-24

TM Logan’s "The Vacation" is a gripping psychological thriller that revolves around four women who head to a luxurious villa in the south of France for what is supposed to be a relaxing getaway. However, the sun-soaked paradise quickly turns into a nightmare as secrets unravel and paranoia sets in. Logan masterfully builds suspense and weaves a tale of deceit and betrayal that keeps readers on the edge of their seats.

The core premise of the book is intriguing, with well-drawn characters and a plot that steadily tightens its grip. Kate, the protagonist, suspects one of her friends of having an affair with her husband, and this suspicion propels the narrative forward. As the story progresses, readers are drawn into a web of mistrust and unexpected twists, culminating in a thrilling climax.

What sets "The Vacation" apart in an unusual and rather fascinating way is the significant difference between its paper book and audiobook versions. While it’s common to encounter minor differences between various editions of a book, the discrepancies in "The Vacation" are substantial. Entire chapters and scenes present in the audiobook are missing from the paper book, and vice versa. This makes the experience of consuming both formats uniquely distinct, almost as if they are two separate versions of the same story.

This divergence can be both intriguing and disconcerting. On one hand, it offers a fresh perspective and additional layers to the narrative for those who choose to engage with both formats. On the other hand, it can be confusing for readers who expect consistency across different versions of the book.

For example, pivotal scenes in the audiobook that delve deeper into character backstories or provide alternate viewpoints are not found in the paper book. Conversely, certain plot developments and interactions present in the written text are omitted from the audio version. This level of variation is rare and noteworthy, creating a unique experience for each medium. Audio file would state “chapter 72”, while the paper book was on “chapter 68” due to the added scenes to the audio version.

Such significant differences may stem from editorial decisions made to cater to the unique nature of each format. Audiobooks often include dramatizations and extra content to enhance the listening experience, while paper books might focus on narrative conciseness and pacing. However, the extent of changes in "The Vacation" surpasses typical variations, making it a standout example in this regard.

For readers familiar with variations between UK and US editions of books, "The Vacation" takes this to an unprecedented level. The extent of differences in content is far more pronounced, which might lead some to wonder about the reasons behind such editorial choices.

In conclusion, TM Logan’s "The Vacation" is a compelling thriller that excels in tension and character development. The substantial differences between its audiobook and paper book versions add an unusual twist to the experience, making it a noteworthy case for discussion among literary enthusiasts. Whether you read or listen, you’re in for a suspenseful ride, but engaging with both formats might just provide a more enriched and multifaceted understanding of the story. I can honestly say this is the first time I didn’t predict or expect the ending we got and was pleasantly surprised by the twist! Highly recommend!

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Narrator was amazing!

Revisado: 05-11-24

In "The Good Widow" by Liz Fenton and Lisa Steinke, the authors skillfully weave a narrative that delves deep into the protagonist's emotions, creating a rich tapestry of feelings that resonate with readers long after the book is finished.

The story centers around Jacqueline "Jacks" Morales, whose world is shattered when she learns of her husband's death in a car crash in Maui. What makes the exploration of emotions in this book exceptional is how authentically Jacks' grief, confusion, anger, and determination are portrayed.

From the moment she receives the devastating news of her husband's death, readers are taken on a rollercoaster of emotions as Jacks navigates through the stages of grief. The authors' ability to convey Jacks' raw pain and vulnerability is truly commendable, making her a relatable and sympathetic character.

As Jacks uncovers shocking revelations about her husband's secret life, her emotions intensify, adding layers of complexity to the story. Her inner turmoil, mixed with a relentless drive to uncover the truth, creates a compelling narrative that keeps readers emotionally invested until the final page.

What sets "The Good Widow" apart is not just the thrilling plot, but the depth of emotion that runs through every page. It's a testament to the authors' talent in capturing the intricacies of human feelings and making them palpable to the reader. Overall, this book is a poignant exploration of grief, betrayal, and resilience, making it a must-read for anyone who appreciates stories with powerful emotional depth.

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Main narrator was hard to listen too

Revisado: 05-08-24

Margot Hunt's "The Guests" is a gripping thriller that delves into the intricate web of secrets and lies among a group of seemingly ordinary people. The novel's strength lies in its well-crafted plot twists and the way it keeps readers guessing until the very end.

The story revolves around Marlowe, who finds herself entangled in a sinister game of manipulation and deceit. As secrets unravel and tensions rise, the true nature of each character is exposed, leading to shocking revelations that challenge perceptions.

While the plot of "The Guests" is undeniably captivating, one aspect that detracts from the overall experience is the narration, particularly for Marlowe's character. The narrator's monotone and flat delivery without any expression makes it challenging to fully engage with Marlowe's parts of the story. It takes considerable effort to acclimate to this style of narration, which can be a deterrent for some readers.

Despite this drawback, Margot Hunt's skillful storytelling and the intricacy of the plot make "The Guests" a compelling read for fans of psychological thrillers. The novel's exploration of human nature, deception, and the consequences of secrets kept hidden adds depth to the narrative, keeping readers hooked until the final page.

Overall, "The Guests" offers a thrilling and suspenseful experience, marred only by the monotone narration of the protagonist. If you can overlook this aspect, the book delivers a satisfying blend of mystery, intrigue, and psychological tension that will leave you questioning the motives of every character until the shocking conclusion.

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Hoping for a sequel

Revisado: 04-19-24

"The Chateau" by Jaclyn Goldis is a gripping mystery that kept me hooked until the last page. The twist at the end took me by surprise, and I appreciated how well it was concealed throughout the story. The way the book concluded hinted at future developments, making me excited for a potential sequel. Goldis skillfully weaves suspense and anticipation, making "The Chateau" a must-read for fans of thrillers.

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Is Capri-Sun a hard word to pronounce?

Revisado: 04-06-24

"She Started It" by Sian Gilbert is a gripping thriller that delves into the complexities of human relationships and the consequences of past actions. The story follows a group of friends who are brought back together after a tragedy strikes, forcing them to confront their shared history and the secrets they've buried. One of the book's strengths lies in its character development; each character is well-crafted with layers of depth, making them relatable and compelling. The author does an excellent job of weaving together their individual stories, creating a narrative that keeps readers engaged from start to finish. However, the book is not without its flaws. One major drawback is the ending, which is unsatisfying and leaves listeners hanging regarding the fate of one of the characters. This lack of closure may leave some readers feeling frustrated, especially after investing time in the characters' journeys. Another issue that some listeners may encounter is the narrator's struggle to pronounce certain words, such as "Capri-Sun," which can be distracting and take away from the immersion in the story. My intense need to scream every time the word was spoken drove me absolutely mad. Pronounced Cap-Ree-Sun vs the way it’s not only spelled but actually pronounced, Capri-Sun, left me wondering if this product is only familiar to American readers and maybe that’s why the narrator got the pronunciation of the word so very wrong. Despite these shortcomings, "She Started It" is still a worthwhile read for fans of psychological thrillers. Gilbert's ability to create tension and intrigue throughout the story makes it a compelling addition to the genre, even if the ending falls short of expectations.

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Tear jerker

Revisado: 03-31-24

"The Paris Secret" is a captivating blend of historical fiction and mystery set against the enchanting backdrop of Paris. The novel intricately weaves together the stories of two women separated by decades but connected through art, secrets, and resilience.In the audiobook version of "The Paris Secret," the narrator skillfully brings the characters and settings to life, immersing listeners in the beauty and intrigue of Paris. However, it's worth noting that the narrator's portrayal of male voices may not meet everyone's expectations, lacking the depth and resonance one might desire.Another aspect that some listeners might find slightly off-putting is the representation of children's voices. While the characterization of most characters is well done, there are moments where the age of a child, such as a 10-year-old sounding like a 4-year-old, may not align with listeners' expectations of realism.Despite these minor criticisms, "The Paris Secret" remains a captivating and emotionally resonant story that will appeal to fans of historical fiction, art history enthusiasts, and those who appreciate a compelling mystery. Natasha Lester's vivid storytelling and meticulous research shine through, making this novel a delightful and memorable read. The ending left me in tears wishing it could have ended differently for our main characters but at least giving the reader closure.

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