Judith Boyd is Magnificent

Stating the obvious here but to enjoy an audio book, the narrator's role is the difference between satisfaction or utter disappointment, no matter how good the book is on paper. Judith Boyd takes her readings to another level and is exceptional reading this entertaining crime series by Ann Granger. I listen and waft into another world. Fabulous entertainment.

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Narrator is wonderful

I have really enjoyed this book the narrator is wonderful ( Judith Boyd) the book is a delight.

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Parallel stories, expertly intertwined

I've enjoyed a number of Anne Granger books and think this is one of her best. She cleverly weaves together two murder stories separated by a century that are linked through a family lineage. The author manages to keep the unravelling of the two stories quite clearly delineated so that one is never confused as into which century the current chapter is set. Though a long book the narrative never flags as one is propelled along eager to know what happens next. Judith Boyd, the reader, is pivotal in making this an excellent adio book.

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9 people found this helpful

Another great performance by Judith Boyd

I am addicted to Ann Granger's Mitchell and Markby books, and also her Campbell and Carter mysteries. Judith Boyd's reading of these detective novels is superb, and captures the characters and gentle tone of the storylines perfectly. I reread or relisten to these books when I want comfort - so they have been ideal in lockdown.

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1 person found this helpful

Loved it!

Ann Granger's Mitchell and Markby books are a real treat. Intelligently plotted and well-written, they entertain without dumbing down. I feel quite fond of the two main characters and their couple dilemmas. Beautifully narrated by Lynda Snell! Recommended.

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1 person found this helpful

A very enjoyable listening experience!

I invariably enjoy listening to Ann Granger's books, particularly those read by Judith Boyd. This particular book is now my current favourite detective novel and I would recommend fans of this genre to listen to it. Ann Granger writes in such a way as she keeps her readers guessing until almost the very end. In this particular book, however, she goes further and weaves together two stories, one contemporary and one not. This bringing together of two plots is so skilfully done and is in no way irritating: I'm sure many listeners have had their enjoyment of a book spoilt by the inclusion of too many 'flashbacks'. In 'Shades of a Murder' there are no 'flashbacks', just two stories which support and enhance each other.
The only slight criticism I have of this book is that there are one or two 'holes' (i.e. issues which should have been pursued or elaborated on) but perhaps I am only aware of the existence of these as I have so many of PDJames' carefully-crafted books which seem to have police procedure off to a 'T'.
Thank you Audible for introducing me to Ann Granger. I shall be adding every one of her titles to my library in due course.

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4 people found this helpful

the snobbery

I was surprised and somewhat disappointed with the amount of snobbery and bigotry from so many of the characters. meredith works for the FO and in her career she was frequently based abroad, yet she treated the foreign man as a 2nd class citizen. OK he turned out to be a rotten character, but before that became evident many of the other (English) characters acted similarly. also just the middle class snobbery towards those less well off or especially less well educated was really off putting.

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