UCF Professor
- 34
- reviews
- 51
- helpful votes
- 135
- ratings
-
The Return of the Pharaoh
- From the Reminiscences of John H. Watson, M.D.
- By: Nicholas Meyer
- Narrated by: David Robb, Nicholas Meyer
- Length: 8 hrs and 8 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall4.5 out of 5 stars 185
-
Performance4.5 out of 5 stars 163
-
Story4.5 out of 5 stars 163
In Nicholas Meyer's The Return of the Pharaoh, Sherlock Holmes returns in an adventure that takes him to Egypt in search of a missing nobleman, a previously undiscovered pharaoh's tomb, and a conspiracy that threatens his very life.
-
2 out of 5 stars
-
Too many distractions
- By CR on 12-27-21
- The Return of the Pharaoh
- From the Reminiscences of John H. Watson, M.D.
- By: Nicholas Meyer
- Narrated by: David Robb, Nicholas Meyer
KR61
Reviewed: 03-20-24
I loved it all: Egyptian setting, plot, a believable Holmes and Watson, and especially KR61.
Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.
You voted on this review!
You reported this review!
3 people found this helpful
-
The Lantern's Dance
- A Novel of Suspense Featuring Mary Russell and Sherlock Holmes (Mary Russell Mysteries, Book 18)
- By: Laurie R. King
- Narrated by: Amy Scanlon
- Length: 10 hrs and 18 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall4.5 out of 5 stars 447
-
Performance4.5 out of 5 stars 405
-
Story4.5 out of 5 stars 405
After their recent adventures in Transylvania, Russell and Holmes look forward to spending time with Holmes' son, the famous artist Damian Adler, and his family. But when they arrive at Damian’s house, they discover that the Adlers have fled from a mysterious threat. Holmes rushes after Damian while Russell, slowed down by a recent injury, stays behind to search the empty house. In Damian’s studio, she discovers four crates packed with memorabilia related to Holmes’ grand-uncle, the artist Horace Vernet.
-
5 out of 5 stars
-
A fun historical romp!
- By Kris Rudin on 02-23-24
- The Lantern's Dance
- A Novel of Suspense Featuring Mary Russell and Sherlock Holmes (Mary Russell Mysteries, Book 18)
- By: Laurie R. King
- Narrated by: Amy Scanlon
Glorious! Worth the wait!
Reviewed: 02-21-24
I needed to make two adjustments to how I approached this story in order to see it for the lustrous gem that it is. I had to adjust to a new narrator (R.I.P., Jenny Sterlin), and I had to be patient at the beginning. The narration improves as the story unfolds, and the unfolding does not disappoint! Give it time and you will be well rewarded. Can you guess who wrote the journal before Mary Russell tells us? Get ready for a soul-satisfying read!
Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.
You voted on this review!
You reported this review!
6 people found this helpful
-
The Alchemist of Monsters and Mayhem
- Accidental Alchemist Mysteries, Book 7
- By: Gigi Pandian
- Narrated by: Julia Motyka
- Length: 9 hrs and 57 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall4.5 out of 5 stars 332
-
Performance5 out of 5 stars 301
-
Story4.5 out of 5 stars 301
Alchemist Zoe Faust is no stranger to magical mayhem, but when her boyfriend's new tea shop is vandalized and his special tea blends stolen, she plunges into a baffling mystery to save him. The clues lead Zoe and her gargoyle sidekick Dorian to an eerie mansion high in the Portland hills, filled with creeping carnivorous plants and enigmatic topiary monsters. When they stumble across a corpse in the conservatory that appears to have been killed by sinister shrubbery, an estranged member of the family is implicated in the murder.
-
3 out of 5 stars
-
I love the series but this one not as much.
- By C. Woods on 11-11-23
- The Alchemist of Monsters and Mayhem
- Accidental Alchemist Mysteries, Book 7
- By: Gigi Pandian
- Narrated by: Julia Motyka
A little different, but still great
Reviewed: 12-18-23
This story was a departure from the others, but still first rate. Dorian is one of my all time favorite creations, and he remains so in this work. I think of the previous works as the enjoyable and familiar chorus and this work as the enjoyable and sustaining bridge in between. The narrator is, as usual, perfectly suited to the work. She manages to sound both young and old at the same time,
Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.
You voted on this review!
You reported this review!
-
The Lost Gargoyle of Paris
- An Accidental Alchemist Mystery Novella
- By: Gigi Pandian
- Narrated by: Julia Motyka
- Length: 3 hrs and 1 min
- Unabridged
-
Overall4.5 out of 5 stars 1,647
-
Performance5 out of 5 stars 1,462
-
Story4.5 out of 5 stars 1,454
Alchemist Zoe Faust and her impish gargoyle sidekick Dorian Robert-Houdin travel to Notre Dame Cathedral in Paris to investigate a mysterious discovery found in the wreckage of the tragic fire: a long-lost gargoyle illustration drawn by Victor Hugo himself. When the work of art is stolen under impossible circumstances, Dorian must use his “little gray cells” — not to mention his culinary skills — to solve the crime and discover the true origins of where he came from.
-
4 out of 5 stars
-
Simple plot but a lovely intro into French history.
- By Anonymous User on 03-11-22
- The Lost Gargoyle of Paris
- An Accidental Alchemist Mystery Novella
- By: Gigi Pandian
- Narrated by: Julia Motyka
Dorian is one of the best characters ever!
Reviewed: 08-08-23
Dorian and Zoey will make you laugh, gasp at their adventures, and sometimes, will bring a tear to your eye. Dorian is such a wonderful creation, I'm glad Ms. Pandian is young and I hope she keeps writing about him for many, many more years.
Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.
You voted on this review!
You reported this review!
-
The Fifth Victim
- The Cherokee Pointe Series, Book 1
- By: Beverly Barton
- Narrated by: Marguerite Gavin
- Length: 10 hrs and 23 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall4.5 out of 5 stars 6,401
-
Performance4.5 out of 5 stars 5,925
-
Story4 out of 5 stars 5,904
Deep in the Smoky Mountains, the victim lies, sacrificed on a makeshift altar. FBI agent Dallas Sloan knows the scene all too well - just as he knows the killings won't stop until there are four more bodies. Genny Madoc's "sixth sense" has brought many of Cherokee Pointe's residents to her isolated log cabin, looking for help. But now it's Genny who needs help from the disturbing visions she sees. Thrown together by necessity, drawn to each other by desire, Dallas and Genny must band together, searching the darkest heart of a town's hidden secrets.
-
2 out of 5 stars
-
If you like Romance - predictable
- By Awesome person on 04-22-19
- The Fifth Victim
- The Cherokee Pointe Series, Book 1
- By: Beverly Barton
- Narrated by: Marguerite Gavin
A confused mashup from ill-informed author
Reviewed: 03-01-23
There is no character development. Paranormal events appear ad hoc, without background or explanation, when the author needs a plot rescue. The author needs to take a course in religious studies since many different traditions are conflated into one big, incoherent and confusing mess. Graphic and sometimes disgusting sex scenes are thrown in with the seeming intent to just string along that target audience, as most of them are gratuitous. Sometimes, when reading a mystery, one is left with a feeling of admiration for how clever and knowledgeable the author must be. This is not one of those times.
Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.
You voted on this review!
You reported this review!
-
The House at the End of the Moor
- By: Michelle Griep
- Narrated by: Pearl Hewitt
- Length: 11 hrs and 22 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall4.5 out of 5 stars 32
-
Performance5 out of 5 stars 30
-
Story4.5 out of 5 stars 30
Opera star Maggie Lee escapes her opulent lifestyle when threatened by a powerful politician who aims to ruin her life. She runs off to the wilds of the moors to live in anonymity. All that changes the day she discovers a half-dead man near her house. Escaped convict Oliver Ward is on the run to prove his innocence, until he gets hurt and is taken in by Maggie. He discovers some jewels in her possession - the very same jewels that got him convicted. Together they hatch a plan to return the jewels, clearing Oliver’s name and hopefully maintaining Maggie’s anonymity.
-
5 out of 5 stars
-
Captivating in Every Way!
- By Amy on 01-06-22
- The House at the End of the Moor
- By: Michelle Griep
- Narrated by: Pearl Hewitt
Author should stick to evangelical, Christian audience
Reviewed: 02-03-23
The author draws in an unsuspecting reader only to gradually increase the proselytizing and preaching for her faith. Maybe there's more money in attempting to make it with a general audience but if she can't call herself what she is (an evangelist), she shouldn't waste our time with her deceit. She just doesn't shut up about how wonderful her god is in this book.
Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.
You voted on this review!
You reported this review!
-
The Alchemist of Riddle and Ruin
- An Accidental Alchemist Mystery, Book 6
- By: Gigi Pandian
- Narrated by: Julia Motyka
- Length: 8 hrs and 17 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall4.5 out of 5 stars 689
-
Performance5 out of 5 stars 624
-
Story4.5 out of 5 stars 624
When Zoe Faust sees the ghost of a murdered young woman, is it really a spirit—or a flesh and blood woman who stopped aging because she’s a fellow alchemist? Sixteen years ago, high school student Ridley Price discovered a secret she planned to reveal through a party game—but someone killed her first. The baffling crime was never solved. Zoe’s friend Heather has always wondered: Which of the seven guests at the party killed Ridley? When the newly appeared ghost turns dangerous, threatening people they love, Zoe teams up with her gargoyle roommate to unmask the supposed specter.
-
2 out of 5 stars
-
it needs some alchemy
- By Grace on 12-10-22
- The Alchemist of Riddle and Ruin
- An Accidental Alchemist Mystery, Book 6
- By: Gigi Pandian
- Narrated by: Julia Motyka
"She's not like that!"
Reviewed: 01-22-23
One hears the phrase "she's not like that" or "she wasn't like that" so many times it also becomes unintentionally comedic. Apart from that, I loved this book and am so glad to have another fix to feed my Dorian and Zoe addiction. Honestly, I will read anything Ms. Pandian writes with delight. I am already looking forward to the next gargoyle and alchemist adventure!
Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.
You voted on this review!
You reported this review!
-
The Shadows of London
- The Joseph Bridgeman Series, Book 2
- By: Nick Jones
- Narrated by: Ray Porter
- Length: 9 hrs and 36 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall4.5 out of 5 stars 5,384
-
Performance5 out of 5 stars 4,952
-
Story4.5 out of 5 stars 4,937
Likable antiques dealer Joseph Bridgeman is back in the present and dreaming of a quiet life. But when a mysterious and enigmatic time traveler arrives in his shop, Joe learns that his first trip was just the beginning and this time, the rules of the game have changed. Blackmailed into accepting a new mission, Joe is flung back to 1960s London where he comes face-to-face with a ruthless gangster and witnesses the brutal murder of an innocent woman. Joe knows better than most that death can be reversed and the final chapter is sometimes where the story actually begins.
-
5 out of 5 stars
-
Didn't want it to end!
- By dana on 06-06-21
- The Shadows of London
- The Joseph Bridgeman Series, Book 2
- By: Nick Jones
- Narrated by: Ray Porter
I need a friend like Vinny!
Reviewed: 01-12-23
I don't know if it's Vinnie or Vinny since I only know this as an Audiobook, but ya gotta love the Cash & Vinny combo here. They aren't sexist pigs, and neither are trying to be an alpha male. They're just a great combination of courageous guys doing the best they can.
Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.
You voted on this review!
You reported this review!
-
Silent Child
- Silent Child, Book 1
- By: Sarah A. Denzil
- Narrated by: Joanne Froggatt
- Length: 9 hrs and 29 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall4.5 out of 5 stars 15,597
-
Performance4.5 out of 5 stars 14,337
-
Story4.5 out of 5 stars 14,278
In the summer of 2006, Emma Price watched helplessly as her six-year-old son's red coat was fished out of the River Ouse. It was the tragic story of the year - a little boy, Aiden, wandered away from school during a terrible flood, fell into the river, and drowned. His body was never recovered. Ten years later Emma has finally rediscovered the joy in life...until Aiden returns.
-
5 out of 5 stars
-
Joanne Froggatt 💕
- By Anonymous User on 09-06-17
- Silent Child
- Silent Child, Book 1
- By: Sarah A. Denzil
- Narrated by: Joanne Froggatt
Faceplant to palm: I should have figured it out!
Reviewed: 11-29-22
The strength of the book is the twist that, in retrospect, the reader is left to think,"Of course! I should have seen it!" It's non-stop suspense and the narrator does a great job. Overall, I really liked the book. I also feel like the author could have dialed it back a notch or two and aimed for more subtlety. It screams and shouts where it would be just as effective if spoken.
Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.
You voted on this review!
You reported this review!
-
The Viognier Vendetta
- A Wine Country Mystery
- By: Ellen Crosby
- Narrated by: Christine Marshall
- Length: 9 hrs and 24 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall4.5 out of 5 stars 157
-
Performance4.5 out of 5 stars 133
-
Story4.5 out of 5 stars 130
When Lucie Montgomery visits Washington, D.C., she doesn't expect that her reunion with old friend Rebecca Natale is a setup. But Rebecca disappears into thin air after running an errand for her boss, billionaire philanthropist and investment guru Sir Thomas Asher. Also missing: an antique silver wine cooler looted by British soldiers before they burned the White House during the War of 1812.
-
4 out of 5 stars
-
Wonderful story--but the narrator left me groaning
- By Kathi on 04-25-13
- The Viognier Vendetta
- A Wine Country Mystery
- By: Ellen Crosby
- Narrated by: Christine Marshall
Will Lucy grow a backbone?
Reviewed: 11-01-22
The main character is an emotionally dependent mess who clings to a domineering badboy" who drops her without a backward glance. She is overly deferential to everyone, deserving or not. The narrator's weak, drawling, monotone reinforces this image. Give this character some gumption or put her out of her misery, please!
Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.
You voted on this review!
You reported this review!