P. Roos

Hate the phone recording format

Reviewed: 04-03-23

The story is told through hundreds of transcripts of cell phone recordings. While the plot of the code was interesting, it was not enough to overcome the horrible transcript mention of telling the story. I quit half way through I simply couldn't take it any longer. I never "cared" about the characters so why bother.

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Don't believe the negative reviews

Reviewed: 07-15-16

Would you be willing to try another book from James Patterson and Maxine Paetro ? Why or why not?

Absolutely. I have been a Women's Murder Club fan since book one. Over the life of the series some have been better than others but all have been good fun listens. The women in these books are wonderfully strong and resilient women. Their personalities have become more defined with each book and have become friends. Just as I would not abandon a real life friend I won't abandon my literary friends.

Have you listened to any of January LaVoy’s other performances before? How does this one compare?

Yes I have listened to January before. I have, of course, heard her in the 3 or 4 other Women's Murder Club books she has done plus a few others. I did not like her reading of the Women's Murder Club at first but after a couple of books I have gotten used to her style. I really prefer having the same narrator for a series. Every narrator does the characters differently and while this is not necessarily bad it alters the picture of the various characters. Her performance in this book is good. Her vocalization of each of the characters seems consistent with previous books and for me that is a good thing.

Any additional comments?

Before listening I read some very negative comments about this installment of the Women's Murder Club. After listening I find them grossly unfair. Don't let the bad-mouthers stop you from listening the 15th Affair. It is a fun listen even though it exposes the darker side of one of the characters which has a damaging affect on one of the club members. Hopefully this will be explored, explained and resolved in future installments.

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Good first book.

Reviewed: 01-09-13

Would you say that listening to this book was time well-spent? Why or why not?

I like Mr. Churchill's Secretary! Like many first books in a series Ms. MacNeal wanted to tell you everything about everyone so some parts were tedious. Overall I enjoyed the book and I did not figure who the duplicitous character was until very near the revolution point. This was very cleverly done.

I did find one mistake. I am not sure if it was written incorrectly and the editor missed it or if the narrator misspoke. However, it was Edward VIII who abdicated for the woman he loved not Edward VII.

If found it easy to listen to as I drove to and from work. you can follow what is happening without taking away from paying attention to road.

I plan to get the second book and will follow the series as it progresses.

What was one of the most memorable moments of Mr. Churchill's Secretary?

The last few chapters were the best but isn't that usually the case with a mystery. I particularly liked the last scene between Mr. Frame and Michael Murphy.

What does Wanda McCaddon bring to the story that you wouldn’t experience if you just read the book?

Wanda McCaddon (Donada Peters) does a good job of narrating the book. Her lovely British accents are very well done and you just can't get that when reading. She does a darn good American accent for Maggie too.

If this book were a movie would you go see it?

Depending who was in the cast I would go see it. It might make a better "made for TV" movie than a feature film but still the casting is everything.

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State of Fear

Reviewed: 02-06-05

The story is interesting but this is one of the worst books I've listened to. Crichton does not think his reader is smart enough to follow a conversation without telling you who is speeking each sentence. This book is told via a series of conversations, many very preachy. The constant "He said" "Evans said" etc. is extremely distracting. It's a good listen if you can get beyond the "he said" "she said".

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