Blood Stain

By: Ashley Fontainne, Lillian Hansen

Narrated by: Meghan Kelly

Length: 7 hrs and 10 mins

Publisher's summary

Karina and LiAnn settle into their new lives, each enjoying their roles as co-owners of The Magnolia House and as newlyweds to the men of their dreams, all while spending quality time with their elderly family members.

The worries about the mob are over, and fears about testifying against the devilish owner of Jubilee Retirement Corporation are a fleeting memory, so they concentrate on making the lives of their elderly charges as fulfilling and satisfying as possible, guarding the secrets of some of the residents as if their own.

Unfortunately, sins of the past won’t remain buried, and when they resurface, reputations aren’t the only things in danger.

When a new resident moves in with secrets of his own, he brings along well-kept mysteries of the sordid past of Hot Springs, dating back centuries, but that isn't their only problem. Someone from their past is determined to bring misery into their lives. LiAnn and Karina find themselves embroiled in a myriad of tragedies, including murder.

©2024 Ashley Fontainne (P)2024 Ashley Fontainne

Blood Stain

Wow!So much going on and so many deaths,how do people go on? They do.Read on and find out. A good story. Meghan Kelly is a wonderful narrator.I was given this book free for an honest review.

A Southern Gothic Suspense

Wonderful book by these two talented authors. A lot of action and plot twists. Some things were harder to grasp since this is the only book I listened to.

Meghan Kelly was an excellent narrator. Her voice was clear and concise. I will listen to audiobooks narrated by her in the future.

I received this audiobook for free upon my request. I am voluntarily leaving my honest and unbiased review.

Brilliant!

These authors are very talented. I couldn’t believe all of the action and emotions in this story. Speaking of keeping my attention, Meghan Kelly is amazing. She is a brilliant narrator! Her talent brings out the best in every story she does.

What a Ride! Stunning Story! So Well Done by All!

Karina … LiAnn … The Magnolia House … where do I begin … I finished “Blood Stain” hours ago and I … am … still … FLOORED! This story, this STUNNING story rocked my world! The writing is otherworldly MAGNIFICENT! While third in a series, this stunner easily stands alone! I had no issues while listening to this cohesive, smooth flowing story! The “who, what, when, where and how’s” from the past are magically, seamlessly, and interestingly worked into the scenes, dialogues and interactions of THIS story, ensuring newcomers aren’t lost and series veterans are refreshed! The plots fill with mystery, suspense, tension and heartbreak as those without conscience try to prove that no depth is too low to stoop, in an effort to gain what is not rightfully theirs! Fear not, there is also joy, and for some, redemption, as our authors strike a perfect balance! The details won’t be stated here, or now. I won’t be the one to spoil the secrets or mysteries contained in this well balanced powerhouse of a story! The characters, so richly defined, so beautifully detailed, are clearly presented for all to come to know! Decide for yourself whether to embrace, or perhaps wish for a few moments to sequester with no witnesses. I know there were some on BOTH sides of MY chart, and again, I’ll hold my own counsel. The story is not the only masterful balancing act being performed. The narration is truly an unparalleled work of art! Dancing delicately between interesting, informative story narrative, and heart wrenchingly emotional character dialogue, stunning character voicing, (male AND female), is clearly and consistently performed throughout. Each voice is UNIQUELY chosen to suit both the characters personality and the visuals created by our authors descriptions. The “dance” I spoke of earlier … so delicately PERFECT, with the changes between narrative, and multiple characters’ dialogue taking place, almost within THE SAME BREATH, as the story emotionally crescendos! I found myself feeling WITH the characters, tears streaming down my face, as I listened to our authors’ vision come vibrantly ALIVE! This story moved me, affected me, and made me a huge fan of two “new to me” authors, and I can’t wait to see what’s next! Five fantastic stars across all categories!

Settle In For A Thrilling Ride

4.25 out of 5 stars

When I first started listening to Blood Stain by Ashley Fontainne & Lillian Hansen, narrated by Meghan Kelly, I didn’t expect to be completely drawn in so quickly.

From the moment Karina and LiAnn settled into their new lives, I was hooked. The cozy yet mysterious setting of The Magnolia House, combined with the undercurrent of past sins resurfacing, created a perfect blend of intrigue and suspense.

Meghan Kelly’s narration brought the characters to life, making me feel like I was watching a captivating true crime documentary mixed with an enthralling mystery/thriller film.

The narrative’s sneaky, roundabout way of revealing key plot points kept me on the edge of my seat. The authors masterfully maintained a sense of intrigue and foreboding throughout the story. I initially intended to listen for a few minutes but found myself engrossed for hours, unable to tear myself away. The next day, I did the same, completely immersed in the twists and turns of the plot. The unpredictable storyline, with its myriad of secrets and surprises, made it impossible to guess the ending. Instead, I happily settled in for the ride, enjoying every unexpected twist.

As someone who has read other books by Fontainne, Blood Stain did not disappoint. It reminded me of the gripping narratives and well-developed characters that I’ve come to love in her previous works. Despite jumping into the series at book three, I found it easy to follow and understand the ongoing story. There were a few references to the investigator firm/Magnolia that hinted at previous events, but they didn’t hinder my enjoyment or comprehension of the plot.

Overall, Blood Stain captivated me from start to finish and kept my attention throughout, making it a highly enjoyable listen for mystery and thriller fans.