Audiobook Review 16 Feb 23

I listened to the audiobook, and the narration was ok. The female narrator was fine. The male narrator took some time for me to get used to his cadence and precision in speaking, for all parts that were not dialogue. The narration became very clipped and stiff sounding to me.

When he read individual characters, the narration was good. I didn’t have trouble figuring out which character was speaking.

Just to be clear, this did not take away from the enjoyment of the book. Other listeners may not even notice. After I got used to the cadence and listened to how he smoothly changed voices for the dialogue, I didn’t notice the difference as much.

I would not change my initial rating. I ended up being as engrossed in the audio version as I was in the ebook.

Original Review 30 Nov 22

This book can be read as a standalone. I suspect that if it is your first in the series, you will want to start at the beginning with book 1, High Meadow.

I never came close to suspecting all of the secrets Lucy was hiding. Even when suspicions about her past started to come to the forefront, I was still completely off base. I had a suspicion about one thing, but never thought it would turn out like it did.

I appreciated Lucy’s independence and strength. The author let me see how difficult it was for Lucy to start to release the control she had on her life. I also appreciated Bo’s patience and sensitivity.

Even when he wasn’t aware of the details of Lucy’s past, he was very careful, protective, and gentle with her. No seemed to have this innate sense of how easy it would be to spook Lucy into running.

I would say that the suspense intensified in the last fourth of the book. There is danger, some action, and a few hold your breath moments.

I have said this in other reviews. I love the maturity of the characters in this author’s books. They sometimes have had hard experiences, life may not have been kind to them, but, they manage to find some peace and happiness when it is all said and done.

Another thing I have to say about Freya Barker’s books is that I if I pick one up, I try to clear enough time to finish it, because it is hard to put down. I am also looking forward to the release of the audiobook.