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Social climber, snob, bigot - but my goodness,

Reviewed: 08-23-23

he writes well. Diaries are unique from other writing in so many ways. The thoughts and observations of the writer are very nearly in real time, so there is little perspective. Channon was in London and environs from the early 1930s to the late 1950s, and he knew, or at least met, most of the notable figures of that time. He was close with various royals, British and otherwise. He served in the house of Commons for most of that time, and so knew the political elite as well. His diaries are a chronicle of a certain kind of life of that time, interesting, if not admirable. The narrator has a slightly plummy mid-Atlantic accent that seems right for Channon, who was born and raised in Chicago before opting to spend his adult life as an Englishman. All in all, it is well worth a listen.

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Ghastly narration

Reviewed: 05-04-23

Could not finish this. Have enjoyed this series for many years, but the narrator was teeth grindingly awful. Story was fine as far as I got.

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1 person found this helpful

Not the best entry in the series

Reviewed: 01-29-23

As always, Penelope Keith's performance was excellent. The plot, however, was tedious. The Paul character was not especially likeable, and there were some bothersome plot holes. It was nice to have Charles back, and the almost complete absence of James was a relief.

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Grim

Reviewed: 09-24-22

Not my favorite in the series. Pluses include giving Bella a more central role, the multiple perspectives on the events. Minuses include the general absence of Sam, Jacob, Wade, George, and Leonora (Sam is present, but mostly unconscious). It is an ugly story, even for a murder mystery, and isn't a cozy by any stretch of the imagination. Narration is good.

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Not really about Mary

Reviewed: 09-05-22

Unfortunately, most of this book focuses on what was going on around it's purported subject. Chronological recitation of the historic event related to the UK from the 1860s to the 1950s, with emphasis on the doings of the people closest to Mary. Nothing much about who she was as a person, about why she held the views she did, or what she enjoyed. She is more like a plot point. The woman deserved more. Try the James Pope Hennessey bio. It is flawed, but better than this.

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Good outing for Jacobia and the gang, but

Reviewed: 08-29-22

Not particularly mysterious. It was fairly easy to catch the plot twists early on. The only thing I missed was falling briefly for the possibility that Jacobia might be expecting. Not enough Sam for my taste, but he can't be central to all of the stories.

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Easy to enjoy

Reviewed: 08-21-22

Read this years ago and enjoyed it. The basic premise isn't particularly original, but the characters are mostly appealing, especially Sam, and the plot is interesting and within the realm of the possible, if only barely.
Anyone who has renovated an old house can certainly relate.

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Underscores the absurdity of hereditary monarchy

Reviewed: 08-11-22

Narrator changed volume constantly, from barely audible to loud. Annoying. I would not want to listen to her again.
The history of a bunch of ordinary, fallible people who led frivolous lives while influencing world affairs. Often dim-witted, occasionally insane, morally corrupt, intermarried in a very unhealthy way, they bumble around and serve mostly to make the lives of their 'subjects' worse. The author tries to make the story meaningful, and succeeds somewhat, but the book does make clear the dangers and tragedies of embracing royalty as a way to govern. Arguably, but for Queen Victoria and Prince Albert trying to put their children and grandchildren on every throne in Europe, many of the tragedies of the 20th century could have been avoided.

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Detailed, and fascinating

Reviewed: 05-25-22

Eleanor Roosevelt was remarkable, and her story is important and complex. The partnership she had with her husband was unique, and played on the strengths of each.

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He was rather dull, but...

Reviewed: 02-22-22

Interesting take on the British royal family during a time of great change. As with many of these biographies, it seems the author has trouble sorting out the important from the trivial. Relying heavily on diaries and letters, inconsequential activities take on more importance than they should. The central figure is indeed dull. He liked to shoot birds and game, and he collected stamps. But he lived in interesting times and was at or near the center of significant events. Th narrator's performance was good.

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1 person found this helpful