Not sure

Coming to this series from Matthew Bartholomew’s tales of murder (set in 14th century), I found a similar mix of murder and intrigue, though on a more serious note it seems. It is not my favourite historical period in Britain but that’s exactly why I wanted to listen to it; Susanna Gregory bases her books on excellent historical research that I enjoy immensely and I know that this series won’t disappoint. Still, I miss her wry humour from Bartholomew’s books. As for the narration: articulate and excellent, the only thing for me was that the voice used to illustrate the male characters made them all appear to be in late age. The voice lacks strength for me, which becomes irksome after listening for a while. But it won’t stop me from continuing with the series!

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Could have been

The basic story line and subject had so much potential yet the Narrator failed to be the different characters it may get better with a different Narrator

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A decent book but not brilliant.

The voices used for the leading characters are insufficiently different and this caused me problems at times.

The story is sound but at times it does not move sufficiently onwards and feels overly contrived.

I will give the second book in the series a go, but I am unsure I will like it. We shall see!

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Richly atmospheric and Excellently plotted

Compelling characters in a twisting interwoven plot set within a fascinating time in history that is brought to life for the reader in well-researched and colourful detail. I look forward to the next one.

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Not the best.

I have ‘read’ (listened to) a number of books by this author in the past, and came back to them after a break of a few years. To be honest, I was quite disappointed- the plot/story/characterisation may or may not be ok, but the reading is dull, with misplaced emphases, all the characters sound elderly, the comic moments (which were really quite funny) and the action bits were simply lost and -well- generally I really thought the reading let the plot down. I had to listen to some sections 2-3 times because I actually drifted off, I couldn’t engage with characters, and the ending was so anticlimactic. Sorry. I’m going to go back and listen to the ones I bought years ago, and if they’re the same I shan’t get any others.

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1 person found this helpful

Kept getting lost

I enjoy Susanna Gregory’s other novels, and perhaps it is because I listened to this in bite sized portions, all of the subterfuge and who’s who was pretty confusing. It distracted me from the actual story.

Still, her historical accuracy is superb.

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Welcome Thomas Chaloner

I have been reading Susanna Gregory’s Matthew Bartholomew series and after 8 chronicles decided to look at her Thomas Chaloner series. This was largely prompted by the increased availability of the audio-books on Audible. I am pleased that I did. So what did I like? - the setting was varied and by virtue of clothes more colourful; different sensibilities and a time of cultural tumult; a main character that is skilled, resourceful and well able to defend himself; relationships that are not will-they-won’t-they; a bigger city-scape; a range of characters that look likely to important and likely to return; novelties (who would have thought there was a significant role for a live turkey?); broader inclusion of women characters. This first novel in the series is eventful, rich in its characters and deeply plotted. The resolve has many surprises. Some might think that Susanna Gregory mysteries are convoluted - I liked this, and recommend it. The journey of the mystery is as important to me as the solution. The audio-book narration is good in sense and faithfully presenting characters. On the basis of this my first Thomas Chaloner read I have purchased the next audio-book in the series and several print mysteries

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7 people found this helpful

SUPERB START TO A LONG RUNNING SERIES

This was the most absorbing novel I have read and listened to in a long time I am truly hooked and will enjoy the next 20 or so novels I’m sure

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2 people found this helpful

Great author, good story, poor narrator

Susannah Gregory is a good storyteller so I've no reason to think this won't be as good as her other books. I'll know for sure if I get to the end. Currently I am having to grit my teeth to get past the narrator's really pedantic delivery. His reading recognises the puntuation but at the expense of the meaning. It is almost as if he is reading a language he doesn't speak.
I've written this now because I've just had an email suggesting the sequel for my next purchase. Sadly, not an option with the same narrator.

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1 person found this helpful

Just could not see this through to end

I really tried, but whilst it may be accurate in terms of political spy machinations, the plot is essentially men talking to other men about what they are plotting, scheming or manipulating, I gave up eventually.

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