Entertaining story - Superb narration

It took me no more than five minutes of listening to this to know that in Alex Wyndham, Lucinda Brant had found the perfect narrator for her story. Alec Halsey is a terrific hero – handsome, urbane, intelligent and deeply honourable, a man whose birth is shrouded in mystery but who is secure in the knowledge that he is his own man, and Mr Wyndham's interpretation of him is nigh-on perfect.

As this is a mystery, I won't say much about the plot, other than it's very well thought-out and executed, with plenty of twists, turns and red herrings along the way. Ms Brant kept me guessing as to the identity and motives of the villain right up until the last possible moment. The romance between Alec and his old flame, Selina is fairly low-key, as that’s not the main focus of the book, but it bubbles along in tandem with the mystery in a satisfying manner. It’s a minor niggle that things are left unresolved between the couple at the end, but then I suppose there had to be something left for the next book in the series!

The author has clearly researched the period thoroughly and her attention to the historical detail really brings the story to life; this isn’t just a “wallpaper” historical, or a modern mystery featuring people in frock-coats and powdered wigs. She confronts some of the seedier sides of life in her stories, but does it in a manner that feels believable and isn’t at all salacious or sensationalist.

Ms Brant has obviously done her homework when it comes to narrators, too, because she’s found a real gem in Alex Wyndham. I’ve listened to many self-published audiobooks which have been let down by the poor choice of narrator, but fortunately, she seems to have taken a leaf out of Laura Kinsale’s book and spent a lot of time listening carefully before making her final choice.

I believe Mr Wyndham will be recording the next book in the series, and I'm certainly going to be listening to it.

7 people found this helpful

Brilliant!

Fascinating! I hadn't listened to a period whodunit before and it made quite a refreshing change from the usual romantic bodice-rippers in this genre. Nicely described characters, as usual; beautifully read, as usual and a good story, why wouldn't you want to listen to it?!

3 people found this helpful

Entertaining story, good character portrayal

What did you like most about Deadly Engagement?

The Georgian atmosphere created through description of places, clothing, customs gives an air of authenticity to the story.

What did you like best about this story?

I liked how the character of Alec Halsey was unfolded slowly to the listener from the point of view of different participants in the story, and through his actions. I was a bit puzzled during an important part of the story trying to answer the question if he was really a rake or he had only been labled as one by the society. And this added extra tension to the twists and turns in the story.

Have you listened to any of Alex Wyndham’s other performances? How does this one compare?

This was the first time I heard Alex Wyndham narrating an audiobook. He did a great job with this book. He has a warm voice, clear pronounciation and dynamic storytelling that made listening to this audiobook a pleasant experience.

Did you have an emotional reaction to this book? Did it make you laugh or cry?

There are some excentric characters well "portayed" by the narrator that made me laugh.

3 people found this helpful

refreshing change from straight romance

gripped by story, have bought set to read & will get Audible. well read, pleasure to listen to.

2 people found this helpful

This was a find.

I was pleasantly surprised by this book, not what I expected. Looking forward to the next.

2 people found this helpful

Loved every second, Lucinda Brant does it again!!

Would you consider the audio edition of Deadly Engagement to be better than the print version?

I loved this book! I'm quite new to audible and usually read books on Kindle. However, with a stressful and tiring job, I decided to give the audio version a go. I'm now completely hooked!Lucinda Brant is an author I'm familiar with as I've read her Roxton series, Salt Bride and Salt Redux. Alex Wyndham narrates this book perfectly,Another winner from Lucinda Brant, kept me guessing to the end. I would say that audible version is as good as the book.

Who was your favorite character and why?

My favourite character was Selina. A strong woman who even after 6 years of extreme unhappiness, comes through with strength and dignity.I don't give the story away in reviews but I will say it's a mystery set in Georgian England. There are lots of twists and turns and the ending was a surprise.

What about Alex Wyndham’s performance did you like?

Alex Wyndham's voice characterization is perfect! Just as I would have imagined them myself. He really acts out the book. A very talented actor.

Any additional comments?

I would highly recommend this book!

2 people found this helpful

Wonderful

Brilliant narrator. Really enjoyed the book. looking forward to the next instalment. a b c

2 people found this helpful

Enthralling

If you could sum up Deadly Engagement in three words, what would they be?

Exciting, Intriguing, Captivating.

What was one of the most memorable moments of Deadly Engagement?

The most memorable moment was when we found out who was behind the terrible things that had happened throughout the book.

Have you listened to any of Alex Wyndham’s other performances? How does this one compare?

No I haven't, but of course I have seen his work as an actor. His amazing acting prowess is what makes him a perfect narrator. His voice characterisation is the best I have heard by far in any audio book.

Did you have an emotional reaction to this book? Did it make you laugh or cry?

This story is quite an emotional one, there were scenes that had me wanting to cry for the character involve, especially Selena. There were light moments too, and of course the desperate feeling of frustration wanting to know who the 'bad guy' was. If I was reading the book have been tempted to jump to the last page. Just tempted though, I wouldn't have done it.

Any additional comments?

Lucinda Brant is a very talented author, and to have this book read by the equally talented actor Alex Wyndham makes for the perfect audio book. It was a delight to listen to this story, and I will definitely be buying the sequel.

2 people found this helpful

Superb

From the toe curling voice of Alex Wyndham to the excellence of Julia Brant's story telling, this audio book is a delight from start to finish.

Historically inaccurate

I really liked the performance and the plot wasn’t too bad. But why set it in a specific period if you’re not going to research it thoroughly ?