Loved this story…

This book I thoroughly enjoyed and it was a fascinating plot -

The narrator did as always a great job

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Wonderful Escapism

Having read all of Stella Riley’s books and listened to Alex Wyndham’s recordings of those available, this is up there with the best. Alex has achieved an extra dimension with his rendition, I will never look at my collection of cheese graters in the same light again, his character voices are believable but then he had superb material to work with. I loved it.

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6 people found this helpful

Brilliant! The Alex Wyndham/Stella Riley collab just is the best

Alex Wyndham’s narrative style continues to be the perfect compliment to Riley’s stories and prose in this latest installment of the Brandon Brothers series. The range of Romney Marsh accents, the familiar voices of Sebastian Audley, and wonderful new characters are expertly brought to life. It all cumulates for a well spent 13hours.

I couldn’t wait for the audio and had already read the book before also buying to listen. Each rendition is wonderful and reciprocally enriches my experience with Riley’s work. Can’t wait for whichever book of Riley’s is narrated by AW next.

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3 people found this helpful

An exciting romance and mystery

Another great collaboration from Stella and Alex! I have very much enjoyed all of the Rockcliffe series and it’s lovely for them to continue in a way through the Brandon Brothers’ stories. This book focuses on Adam, the sword-carrying middle brother, and Camilla, who begins this story disillusioned with life after broken engagement. The two end up following a mystery to Camilla’s family home in the marshes of Kent, where they must learn to get along with each other in order to expose a spy and smuggling ring. Perfect listening for a cold and wet afternoon!

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2 people found this helpful

A stunning Georgian historical romance/mystery

Under a Dark Moon, the second in Stella Riley’s Brandon Brothers trilogy, is set in and around Romney Marsh in Kent, England. As well as the smuggling of luxury goods, something far more sinister is going on and Adam Brandon has been recruited by Goddard, the head of M Division, to join the secret organisation and complement his small, uniquely talented team. Their aim is to crack the conspiracy of silence surrounding these unlawful contraband and treasonous activities and catch the perpetrators. Adam has been covertly observed over a period of time because of his own specialised skill set which will fit well with Goddard’s latest mission; his cool head and utmost integrity won’t hurt either, making him a very worthy Georgian James Bond… my thoughts after seeing the latest movie!

Amongst the other elite group members, Adam will also work with Camilla Edgerton-Foxe, Goddard’s niece, who has a very unusual and unique talent of her own within the group. Unfortunately the lady is not, at first sight, impressed by Adam’s silver-gilt haired hunkiness. Having recently had a very bad and humiliating experience, she has sworn off men for good. Adam was, therefore, always going to have a hard time with Camilla, and has his work cut out as he locks horns with the determined and feisty young woman. Before long, however, seeing Adam’s fairness and decency, Camilla reluctantly begins to like and respect him, and soon, they both realise that working together will reap benefits for the team. Camilla begins to fall under the delectable Adam’s charms. One of the aspects I particularly love about him is that he’s a modest man and unaware of his own attractiveness to women. It also turns out that he’s a one woman man - lucky Camilla. Another, wonderfully developed male character to add to Stella Riley’s ever growing cast of gorgeous men… I find it hard to believe they’re all fictitious.

Alex Wyndham is Stella Riley’s chosen narrator and has, to date, recorded almost all of her backlist as well as her more recently published books, expertly portraying her larger than life characters… feisty, out of the ordinary, no nonsense women and her men…oh her men…long hair, frock coats, and swords, bringing them to life in such a way that they are truly memorable.

Alex Wyndham’s smooth, cultured voice is perfectly suited to this genre, but having said that, he is also, very convincingly, able to alter the quality of his voice and, taking it down a notch or two can very effectively communicate the rougher, gravelly tones of the working class man. In Under a Dark Moon he has a fair few of these men to portray - of all ages. On occasions some of these men are involved in multi-character conversations or arguments with the more cultured Rainham, Sebastian and Adam. In one such scene, he impressively juggles five or more completely different male characters whilst keeping them all distinctly recognisable using only tone and local dialect - I would have known most of these characters even without the dialogue tags. Not only is this quite a feat in itself, but the implied background menace prevalent to the whole conversation/interrogation is very cleverly communicated. This, coupled with the author’s ever present wit and humour, is delivered smoothly and professionally as he effortlessly switches between characters with his usual panache, in the process proving what a versatile and talented actor can add to an already outstanding story.

Under a Dark Moon (Brandon Brothers #2) is a stunning historical romance with the added bonus of a plausible and clever mystery which has been brought to life by Alex Wyndham. Once more, author and narrator have raised the bar to bring us something out of the ordinary, plus of course, more fabulous characters for us to love. With only Leo Brandon’s story to add to this trio of books, I’m wondering where Stella Riley’s clever mind will take her next, because, having very skilfully linked both her Roundheads and Cavaliers and Rockliffe series to the Brandon Brothers, I’m looking forward to what she has up her sleeve in the future.

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1 person found this helpful

outstanding

Great story with enough suspense and drama, without being overdone and an actual leading lady that isn't daft, hurray!
As always Alex Wyndham is excellent and does credit to any book he reads.

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1 person found this helpful

An Absolute Triumph

Book 2 of Stella Riley’s Brandon Brothers series is Adam’s story. An intelligent man who does not waste words. He is a master-swordsman who has honour, style and dignity. He is also extremely good looking with a wonderful body – or so we are told!
The story opens in Paris where Adam is recruited into a clandestine British Government department consisting of a select group of men with the skills necessary to deal with sensitive political issues.
Within this select group there is just one woman, Camilla Edgerton-Foxe who possesses an extraordinary talent but does not feel part of this male-dominated exclusive club. Also, she has just gone through a breakdown in a relationship so is subsequently barbed and defensive with men - especially when Adam is assigned to escort her to her family home on Romney Marsh. And it is here that the story is centred.
Smuggling is rife in this part of England and local folk turn a blind eye to it. However, along with it goes the more sinister trade of espionage.
Once again Stella Riley has created characters that live off the page and Alex Wyndham, who gives a stunning performance, brings her characters to life. His interpretation and seamless transitions create a perfect narrative.
Adam and Camilla are so believable and through all the twists and turns that make this not only a love story but also a real thriller, I was captivated. Secondary leads such as Rainham, the master of disguise, Goddard, the department head, Guy, Camilla’s brother and Finch – who is probably the worst gentlemen’s valet ever – just don’t let him iron shirts! All these people Alex handles adroitly and with ease.
Then there is the setting of Romney Marsh and Dungeness. A bleak and exposed area of England that has been described as its only desert. Stella Riley’s description is so vivid and stimulating that I must make time to visit this area, which is steeped in history with its remote church’s, ancient inns and sheep!
I truly believe that team ‘Riley-Wyndham’ are a marriage made in heaven and I look forward to future productions. All I can add is to say well done to both. This audio is an Absolute Triumph.

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5 people found this helpful

Riveting

This story just kept me hanging on every word looking for the next twist and turn. You get drawn into the period as if you are actually living it. Alex's narration is as always brilliant.
This book has it all, mystery, excitement, location and love.
I would recommend this book most definitely.

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2 people found this helpful

A very enjoyable read

This story had everything required of a stress free enjoyment
A sensible leading lady, a handsome quick witted man and just enough mystery to lead you to the conclusion

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1 person found this helpful

The perfect combination!

Once again Stella Riley's amazing writing blends faultlessly with Alex Wyndham's narration.
I cannot wait for the next book delivered by these two is ready! long nay this partnership last.

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2 people found this helpful