Giodarno up to his usual tricks

This has been a great series however why change the narrator? This change spoiled the book for me as I loved the previous narrator Laurence Kennedy who always made me think of David Suchet when he played Poirot.

You voted on this review!

You reported this review!

Speedy Gonzalez!!!

I do not usually leave reviews but on this occasion, I decided it could help someone else. Spending a lot of time on the road for my profession, I enjoy marathon audiobooks. I like mysteries and sci-fi for most part as it takes me out of this world while I am physically stuck in traffic.
Unfortunately, for this particular book, Daniel Philpott is rushing through the narrative at such a high pace, that I could not grasp the story and get into the plot. Mainly as he is trying to do so with a dodgy French or a more doubtful Italian accent. I understand that the production needs to keep the full story within a certain amount of hours, but not at the detriment of a good narrative. That is all an audiobook is about. Being read a story is not a race.

You voted on this review!

You reported this review!

Very enjoyable if sometime grisly

Well read and a gripping plot that kept me hooked and wanting to listen. So much learned about late 16 century Paris too.

You voted on this review!

You reported this review!

Change of narrator

Excellent story as expected, but the narrator has changed. Laurence Kennedy did a very good job on the previous titles in the series, but Daniel Philpott keeps forgetting that Bruno is Italian, and so the accent fades. Also the voices of the characters are sometimes so similar as to cause confusion.

You voted on this review!

You reported this review!

An Elizabethan Bond

Another great listen even with a change to narrator. Our hero, Gordiano Bruno has all the derring do of Bond but without the gadgets. If you're after a serious historical novel this may not be for you as our hero escapes over rooftops, jumps out of windows, is regularly beaten up and occasionally reprieved at the last moment. There are anachronisms and the language is in a modern idium but the stories move along quickly and provide suspense and intrigue. I have listened to all the novels so far and very much look forward to the short stories and finding out where Bruno will move on to next in his journey through the palaces of Europe. Recommended.

You voted on this review!

You reported this review!

1 person found this helpful

Not quite the same

Daniel Philpott has done his best to take over the mantle from Laurence Kennedy. He is not the voice of Bruno as we have known him and is sometimes too frantic with his delivery. Nonetheless, the story and intrigue makes listening great fun and entertaining!

You voted on this review!

You reported this review!

1 person found this helpful

Intriguing mystery

Set in France in Elizabeth's times, this was a fascinating listen though the plot was complicated. I had to concentrate and sometimes replay bits to keep with it. It was worth it though. Our hero is a remarkable man! The narrator was excellent.

You voted on this review!

You reported this review!

Great story

This book is a great continuation of the Giordano Bruno series. Well researched and written, the story is brought to life in audiobook form.

However, the change of narrator has slightly marred the performance, hence the 3 star review. Laurence Kennedy truly was Giordano personified!

You voted on this review!

You reported this review!

Best in series so far.

Really enjoyed the final denouement. Extremely well written with tension building constantly. looking forward to the next installment. The narrator does his job in a professional and realistic manner, although on occasion Bruno's accent does seem to come and go...

You voted on this review!

You reported this review!

another addition to the series which delivers

as a fan of the Bruno books by SJ Parris I found this to be as gripping and enjoyable as the others.

I did find out had to suspend my disbelief a little as some of the plot twists were a little far fetched, but accepting it on the level of fantastic adventure it works.

despite (or perhaps because of)the plot overreaching, it kept up the momentum throughout and I always looked forward to my next drive to hear the next instalment of the story.

I recommend to anyone else looking for a gripping historical yarn with rounded and sympathetic characters to pass time driving or waiting for any length of time.

You voted on this review!

You reported this review!