Ended much better than it began

The dialog in the first chapters is meant to show how the team of detectives is a witty, carefree group of people who are so good at their jobs they can make light of everything. It comes across like an elderly grandmother trying to speak to teenagers in their own language. It's so painful and off target I almost stopped listening. All of the characters come off the same and definitely not very interesting. It doesn't help that the narrator is completely tone deaf to the story. The problems with the dialog fade as the story progresses and the dialog turns to the case, but there are still moments so bad I couldn't help but groan.

Ultimately the story turned out ok, though not groundbreaking. The author puts in some long passages that are well written and interesting. Maybe later books are built on that foundation, and if so they are probably worth a read, but much of this book was too hit or miss to give it a higher rating. It would probably be better not as an audiobook.

And for what it's worth, I don't think the tough-as-nails, fight the system as long as she gets the bad guy police woman would insult her teammates by calling them little girls. In the end she even brags about how great women are. Doesn’t seem like someone like that would find being a girl insulting.

I don’t think I would read another book by this author, and I definitely would not listen to this narrator again, but I’m guessing some people will relate to the way the story is told.

30 people found this helpful

Great start to this crime thriller series

One of the best books I've listened to this year. I love the cast of characters, Marsons made me want to know more about many of the supporting characters, in addition to my curiosity about Stone's past.

The plot winds its way around and keeps you guessing all the way to the end. The pacing is blazing fast and perfect, I never once wanted to stop listening.

I've already downloaded book 2, Evil Games, can't wait to see what new adventure lies ahead for D.I. Kim Stone.

22 people found this helpful

Superb story and wonderful performance!

Angela has catapulted herself to stand with the best crime writers out there today.

This story is a fantastic blend of mystery, twists and investigation while giving us insight into the mind of the cops and killers involved.

I'm an instant fan and would recommend Angela Mason's to those who love Ranking, Cornwell and Billingham.

19 people found this helpful

Great story! Good plot twists.

DI Kim Stone is the " House M.D." of the English Constabulary. A very good story without unessecary gore or explicit sex, but plenty of action and plot twists. I enjoyed very much and will look for other DI Stone stories

17 people found this helpful

Police Procedural with Fair but Unsatisfying Plot

This is the first in a series about DI Kim Stone.

Kim Stone and her team investigate serious crime in the black lands (a favorite place for mysteries to be set in the UK). They have just helped to win a conviction against a serial rapist and her team have been out celebrating with a drink. Stone has gone home to work on the Triumph Thunderbird motorcycle that she has been restoring in her garage. Then she gets a call about a body that has been discovered.

This is one of my favorite types of books--- but the author almost seems to writing off a list. DI Stone is socially inept-- check. She is emotionally unavailable in many circumstances-- check. She is more emotionally invested in the victims of crime than in her former lover-- check. She fights for her territory-- check. Head hopping into a killer's mind for the killer's eye view of certain events-- check. I could go on longer but I'm probably going to hit a spoiler so I better stop.

There's odd episodes dropped in here and there that don't particularly connect to this mystery and just seem to be left hanging. For example an interviewee is obviously attracted to DI Stone which might have made an interesting twist, but it doesn't go anywhere. Then she verbally spars with an expert at a crime scene who has a one eyed dog and that doesn't go anywhere.

It's not poorly written but I ended up feeling dissatisfied. I'll probably read the next one to see if the author can pull it together with a little more time to work on the series.

15 people found this helpful

Happy Customer says, "This is aces!"

Having watched Prime Suspect and Endeavor series, I have grown quite fond of British mysteries, colloquial language, humor, and police ranks. A DCI led team lends familiarity to this novel. The characters are well developed and I drew clear pictures of them in my mind. The voices of the performers added a lot to the story.

The story itself derives from what happened to girls at a "care" home, of which the lead character also has first hand knowledge. The action moves along at a good clip and suspense builds to a climax that surprised me. There are more surprises that follow and an epilogue of sorts wrapping up the story with a neat bow. I hate loose ends.

In summary, the plot is suspenseful and the characters are interesting; they keep you coming back. The performance definitely adds to the enjoyment. I gave it 4 stars because I really don't have anything bad to say, but it's not "I Am Pilgrim".

13 people found this helpful

The Harpy would have been a more accurate title

Would you try another book from Angela Marsons and/or Jan Cramer?

No.

The protagonist is a one-dimensional caricature who evokes no sympathy. She's always right; everyone else is always wrong. She alone treads the moral high ground, and she never makes a mistake. Nor does she care about the how her actions affect those around her.

The narrator doesn't know how to pause and overemotes.

What do you think your next listen will be?

Something with a more complex, nuanced protagonist and a storyline that recognizes the ambiguities of life.

Would you listen to another book narrated by Jan Cramer?

No. Breathe, Jan, breathe. Pause from time to time.

Was Silent Scream worth the listening time?

No. It's one of the few audiobooks that I abandoned halfway through.

12 people found this helpful

Totally unexpected!!!

I am very critical and never leave reviews... That having been said, bravo! This was everything a book should be. I hope the author reads this review. I want to thank her for many hours of pure enjoyment. I look forward to the next installment.

11 people found this helpful

Zero Stars Narration

This would've been a decent experience if not for the terrible narration, and by terrible, I mean bottom three of hundreds of audiobooks. Except for a few accent changes there was absolutely no differentiation between characters. And as someone else mentioned, no breaths between sentences. Awful, awful, awful.

10 people found this helpful

Excellent

Perfect thriller. Loved the story and the narration. I will be reading more from this author. I often find police banter annoying in crime novels, but enjoyed it here.

10 people found this helpful