Death in Paradise

By: Carolyn G. Hart

Narrated by: Kate Reading

Henrietta O'Dwyer Collins, better known as "Henrie O", has experienced much sadness and loss in her life - yet nothing more tragic than the sudden death six years ago of her husband, Richard, on Kauai. Then, on a brisk March morning, a package arrives by courier that shatters her fragile peace of mind - a chilling message that claims Richard's fatal fall from a towering island cliff was no accident. It was murder. It is news that enrages the normally self-contained Henrie O, and creates a summons she cannot ignore. She follows cryptic clues and her infallible instincts to a secret-shrouded tropic Eden - a lush and verdant Pacific paradise where giant palm fronds hide evil deeds from inquisitive eyes and the soft, salt-scented ocean breeze whispers of treachery and death.

©1999 Carolyn Hart (P)2012 Random House Audio

Remains a favorite series

I have really been loving this series and the twists and turns it takes. Carolyn Hart does a good job building suspense for me and making me care about her characters. Henrie O is a fascinating, strong willed, and opinionated woman who barrels into lives and places. She tips things over and breaks the peace to get at the truth. As noted in the second book of the series she doesn't feel shame in her brazen behavior when it is for something she considers a good cause. That is interesting to me and I like the wry humor and style of these books.

I admit I was a little put off by the description of this story. I didn't like the sound of the story. I was wrong and should have trusted Carolyn Hart to deliver an interesting and convoluted tale. The eventual revelation that this was a story of kidnapping, revenge, and a cold case tied up with the death of Henrie O's husband was interesting. There were some thematic points I found annoying but overall it was a good story. I do think this one wrapped up a little too quickly, the plot thread with the police officer introduced near the end of the novel doesn't get resolved or talked about to explain how Henrie O gets out of that predicament. Still I really enjoyed the puzzle, the twists, and the evocative use of the setting.

As usual Kate Reading delivers an fantastic performance. A lot of the way she gives voice to Henrie O remain one of my favorite parts of this series. Excellent voice acting as usual Reading is wonderful at giving the various characters different voices and accents. Excellent production values as well.

I'd say if you liked the series so far this one will be enjoyable for you. You dont need to read the other books in the series but if you're considering this one why not start the series at book 1?