Winter's Revenge

Guy Winter Mysteries, Book 2

By: James Philip

Narrated by: Melanie Fraser

Winter's Revenge is the second full length Guy Winter mystery. It is set in England in the Second World War at the time of the Battle of Britain and the beginning of the devastating night Blitz of London in September 1940.

London reels under the onset of the Blitz as every night hundreds of Luftwaffe bombers unload their cargoes of death over the beleaguered city.

On the ground as the new brutal realities of the war are brought home to every citizen, the Ripper continues his rampage and the last secrets of Guy Winter's life are stripped away. As the bombs fall the mystery man unravels one mystery after another, knowing that sooner rather than later he must confront his deadliest foe.

This time it is not just Guy Winter's life and loyalties that are under the microscope. Under the Luftwaffe's reign of terror the past mistakes of friends and enemies alike suddenly come home to roost, but Guy Winter never stops hunting his man.

©2014 James P. Coldham (P)2016 James P. Coldham

Entertaining WW2 novel

This is an interesting and well-written book that takes place during WW2. I think the characters are interesting, but it kind of bothers me that everyone cheats on their spouse. Granted, I know the book centers around the "Pearls", who sleep with others in order to gain information and spy, but it would just be nice to see some people who are faithful to their spouses since we are supposed to be rooting for them. I like the whole tie-in to the Jack the Ripper murders and its interesting to see all the details that make the murderer a copycat. I listened to the Audible audio version of this book narrated by Melanie Fraser. I think she does a great job, keeps the energy up and the reader entertained. Overall, its a good and entertaining book. If you like WW2 spy books, and aren't bothered by reading about a lot of infidelities, this would be a great book (and series) to check out.

Better than the first

Note: I was voluntarily provided this free review copy audiobook by the author, narrator, or publisher.

The second entry of the Guy Winter series brings us the answer to who's been killing off the Pearls (a group of female spies posing as - or for real - "ladies of the night"). I admit that the author's writing style can sometimes leave me confused as to what is going on (or maybe I was zoning out at times due to external distractions) but for the most part I could follow along okay. Once again, the story comes to a semi-climax (as in, we don't get the full account of events as they are happening) and ends abruptly by use of an epilogue in the form of a police report. I suppose this is the type of framework the author has settled on for these novels, but it feels a scoch off-putting. That might just be me though.

Once again the narrator, Melanie Fraser, does an excellent job of bringing the characters to life. She gives us a feeling of authenticity for the setting and the people of that time.

Second note: This is not a standalone novel. It's advisable to read/listen to the first book in the series to understand what's going on in this one.

Great Series

I'm really enjoying this series. The writing is wonderful. The narrator is great. I do believe I've also downloaded the actual ebooks to read. The 'problem' with audio books is keeping all the names straight - especially the British upper crust three name names evident in this book, so it might clarify things reading the book itself. As well, with audiobooks there's the tendency to get distracted by something else, or, in my case a lot of the time, waiting for the bus - getting drowned out by traffic. However, one I can enjoy listening to again.

This book is a continuation of the Guy Winter Mysteries first listened to in Winter's Pearl, and Winter's War and answered some of the questions left in those books, and continuing to develop the characters we'd met previously.

I never like giving spoilers of books I've read or listened to - some readers are okay with it, but I'm afraid of giving away to much. Suffice it to say, Winters and Ransom continue their search for the killers of women set up in Winter's War amid personal hardships and obstacles partially due to the war going on around them.

I think George Ransom is becoming my favourite character!

World War 2 Era London Mystery at its Best!

What made the experience of listening to Winter's Revenge the most enjoyable?

The historic atmosphere of life under the Blitz, a mystery with roots going back to the infamous Jack the Ripper crimes, characters that you become involved with and care about.

Who was your favorite character and why?

The Yard's Inspector Guy Winter. The protagonist who the story revolves around. His investigative skills, and interaction with the other players of the story.

Which character – as performed by Melanie Fraser – was your favorite?

Again, Winter. Melanie is perfect for this series! She invokes the drama and the humor of the plot. I feel she makes the time frame and characters come to life. And you can sense Melanie enjoys working on this book and the entire series. Which I have listened to all of thus far produced. She is a pleasure to listen to!

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

Yes. I did take a few breaks. It is a good enough listen to want to savor it longer!

Any additional comments?

Interesting, well written and well performed!

Thank you for the opportunity to review it!

This review copy audiobook was provided by the narrator at no cost. I am happy to give my honest review of it. Thank you, Ms Fraser!

I would be remiss if I fail to mention that I am reviewing it on a voluntary basis.

Great narration on this interesting book

It was a bit hard to get into the story first, probably because I haven't read the first book. But when I got into it I liked it. The narration is great I think.

I was voluntarily provided this free review copy audiobook by the author, narrator, or publisher.

Subterfuge, intrigue and murder

This is another enjoyable story in the Guy Winter series. Set in London during the height of the blitz, Guy hunts for a serial killer who is murdering the female spies of MI5 in a copycat of Jack The Ripper. His brilliance as a detectives is apparent in this story, as is his flaws and infidelities. Not only is this an interesting detective, espionage story but is gives a great look at WWII Britain and its leaders. The narrator does an excellent job of giving the characters individual voices. Her classic British accent and melodic voice draws you into the story and really brings it to life. This is an entertaining tale of subterfuge, lies, intrigue and murder that becomes more complex with each book written.

Superior Narration Enhances This Espionage Story!

Any additional comments?

Winter’s Revenge by James Philip is the 2nd book in the Guy Winter series featuring the Scotland Yard detective during WWII. I recommend this audiobook to anyone who enjoys listening to historical espionage thrillers. However, because each book is like an “episode" I recommend reading or listening to them in order [think of each book like an episode of the TV show, 24, but set during WWII London].

This story begins with Guy Winter still hunting for the serial killer who is mimicking Jack the Ripper’s murders. The victims were all "Pearls" of WWI (female spies for British intelligence) and we finally get a few answers to some of the questions raised in the first book. However, all the sex and infidelity is starting to wear on my nerves. Isn’t there anyone in this series who is faithful? [My hope is that my favorite character Sergeant George Ransom is!] Also, the writing style can be a bit disjointed and confusing at times; and, like in the first book, the story ends abruptly after a police report is handed in.

Thankfully, Melanie Fraser is an accomplished actor narrating this audiobook with aplomb. I don’t think I would have understood half of what was in this book, but for her smooth reading and subtle character nuances. Melanie really brought the characters to life, and the overall rating is increased because of her. In short, Melanie's superior narration really enhances this espionage story!