Prologue to Murder

AudioBook Review: Stars: Overall 4 Narration 5 Story 3 I first grabbed at this series mostly for the setting (a Bookstore!) and in New England (I lived there for years), and stayed for the sharp writing, clever inclusion of booky-facts, bits and bobs, and the character of Addie. Addie was a librarian and ended up in the small town after a death – and stayed – mostly because she’s met several people, found a bit of romance, and isn’t above rooting about for the truth. And we have all of that and more in this story!! Apparently no matter HOW small the town, you can’t escape the rumor / gossip mill, and when the librarian goes missing – it’s Addie who is on the receiving end of the speculation. Mostly because she’s “new”, and then there are other reasons that will come out as things progress. Soon, however, Addie stumbles into yet another mystery of Pirate’s buried treasure, the gossip is starting to take hold, and she’s soon finding herself not the subject of just one, but two “reporters’ – one determined to come in between her and her new-ish romantic interest. Dancing around with a triangle, several red herrings and a clever resolution with a surprise (or it was to me) twists that lead to the culprit – this second book is engaging and a good read. Be aware, however, that the author is still establishing Addie in the setting – so many new characters are introduced, as well as defining her relationships (for good or bad) with people met in the first book), so there is some unevenness to the pacing that rectifies itself quickly. Narration for this is again provided by Karen White – and I don’t have much to say about her that I’ve not already said. She takes her time to ‘preview’ the story before presentation, allowing her to understand the places where pauses, emotion and critical clues (even red herrings) are dropped, thus keeping the reader engaged and following along with the story. Her voice for Addie feels organic and fitting, and her facility with accents both light and heavy for the townspeople we meet all fit what one would hear in the corner store in any small town. A lovely performance that presents the story in an easily accessible way, giving the listener time to digest information and follow along. I received an AudioBook copy of the title from Tantor Audio. I was not compensated for this review: all conclusions are my own responsibility.