Poison Flower

Jane Whitefield Series # 7

By: Thomas Perry

Narrated by: Joyce Bean

In this exciting seventh entry in Thomas Perry's Jane Whitefield series, Jane spirits James Shelby, a man unjustly convicted of his wife's murder, out of the criminal court building in downtown Los Angeles-but the price of Shelby's freedom is high.

©2012 Thomas Perry (P)2012 Tantor

Critic reviews

"Anyone who has read Perry knows the anticipatory pleasure that comes just from holding a new book with his name on the cover. Fans of Jane, last seen in Runner, will enjoy this elegantly written tale of pursuit and revenge." ( Library Journal)

Perry missed with "Poison Flower"

Would you try another book from Thomas Perry and/or Joyce Bean?

Previous Perry novels kept me in constant suspense; "Poison Flower" plods along with unengaging situations and a very predicable bland climax. Nothing new is revealed about Jane Whitefield's character. Even her capture and torture seemed passionless and mechanical

Would you ever listen to anything by Thomas Perry again?

Even a quality author such as Perry can have a bad book once in a while. This is such an exeception that suspense fans should keep reading as he generates new offerings

What about Joyce Bean’s performance did you like?

As a Narrator, Bean moves the story along. She is so skilled she slips into the background giving the listener the experience of being in the story. Well done.

Do you think Poison Flower needs a follow-up book? Why or why not?

Poison Flower deserves to remain where it ended: Dead

Any additional comments?

Jane Whitefield is damaged at the end of this story. Lets hope that Perry has the old magic to revive her and restore her to the engaging heroine she truly is.

Not his best, but pretty damn good

What did you love best about Poison Flower?

The Jane Whitefield character is heroic and wonderfully drawn.

Did the plot keep you on the edge of your seat? How?

The action's fast paced and clever, as always in a Perry novel. But the bad guys are cartoonish, even by the standards of the genre.

What about Joyce Bean’s performance did you like?

Joyce did a fantastic job of covering the many characters and accents, with warmth and consistency. It was a pleasure listening to her.

If you were to make a film of this book, what would be the tag line be?

More sequels than Rocky!

Any additional comments?

Sadly, it''s probably time to retire Jane.

It's a bit short, but I enjoyed it

Would you recommend this audiobook to a friend? If so, why?

I haven't ready any of the Jane Whitefield stories, so I didn't know what to expect. I thought it was well written and interesting. Not my favorite book, but good enough.

Jane Whitefield is human!

Would you listen to Poison Flower again? Why?

Jane has a knack of using the mistakes of others to her advantage.

What other book might you compare Poison Flower to and why?

Poison Flower is consistently as entertaining as 'Runner' and 'The Shadow Woman'. Jane reacts rather than seeks trouble, danger and mayhem.

Which scene was your favorite?

Jane distills another batch of hemlock root poison & finally gets to use it by outsmarting her quarry getting him to drink it.

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

The escape from prison was a twist for Jane & her getting outsmarted by bad guys into thinking they were cops was not the typical Jane... is she rusty for taking time off to be a wife?

Any additional comments?

As always, Thomas Perry provides very good entertainment.

great addition

I really enjoyed listening to the lastest installment. It was darker than the rest. Jane is shown that her time is ending -- everyone is getting very close to her ---

It was worthy addition to Thomas Perry. I understand some of the reviews but Janes job is risky and in this one she is caught and suffers --

read it -- worth a credit

Slightly expected.

Love the character; loved the previous books, but this one was lacking the vitality which comes from surprise. Previous books seemed a touch more imaginative. I hope Perry is not tiring of his own character. Still glad I read it.

A Decent Mystery

Would you try another book from Thomas Perry and/or Joyce Bean?

Probably not. This one was ok, a good story, but not really my cup of tea.

welcome back Jane Whitefield

Would you listen to Poison Flower again? Why?

Yes, I would listen again, as I have the other Jane Whitefield stories.

Who was your favorite character and why?

Jane is always my favorite character. She lives in the modern world , never forgetting her heritage. She honors and reveres those who have gone before us.

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

Joyce has a very soothing voice with proper inflection when needed.. I enjoy listening to her narrations.

Did you have an extreme reaction to this book? Did it make you laugh or cry?

At times, I felt concern for the characters. Like Jane was taking on too much and she would not be able to come home this time.

Any additional comments?

I just love the Jane Whitefield stories and so glad I had the opportunity to read another.. Thanks Thomas Perry for bringing by favorite heroine back!

Running is Taking Its Toll

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

Didn't like this one as much as the previous. Because I was listening instead of reading I couldn't skip over the winceable parts. A little too grim for me.

If you’ve listened to books by Thomas Perry before, how does this one compare?

Have only read before and always loved the Jane Whiteside character.

What three words best describe Joyce Bean’s voice?

Flat affect

Any additional comments?

It's hard to sustain a long running series. While it's important to put the character under pressure I don't like to witness on-going torture.

Grim reality

I love this group of books and I've always found them fabulous. This is the book where the author asked the question, what if it really goes wrong. I did not find it off base, but it sort of spoiled the super hero quality of Jane Whitefield. What I can't see is where he'll go next. I love the qualities of Jane.But it's hard to see who she'll become older and wiser. I hope Thomas Perry tries for that .This is the book where youth and beauty start to fail. Real. But hard to know where it goes next.