Solid, standard Crombie - narration lacks

What did you love best about Necessary as Blood?

I love the characters and their development is part of the attraction of this series.

What did you like about the performance? What did you dislike?

Overall, I really don't care for Jenny Sterlin. I've read many books narrated by her and it's somewhat nitpicking to criticize her, because all-in-all she delivers a pretty solid narration. But, when a narration draws your attention from the story to the narration, that's an indication that there is a problem with the telling. I find myself annoyed by her adenoidal vowels, her mispronunciation of words, and, in the specific instance of this book/series, her voice for Duncan (which is dreadful and completely mis-portrays him as a boorish snob.) Bronze narration, maybe. But not Sterling.

Was there a moment in the book that particularly moved you?

I love the 'Charlotte' parts.

Any additional comments?

Would recommend and would read again.

9 personnes ont trouvé cela utile

Crombie delivers

The Duncan Kincaid and Gemma James books always provide a story that works on several levels, enough tension to keep things interesting, and a mystery that holds you. Combined with excellent narration, this volume provides an enjoyable listening experience. I especially like the way Crombie handles all her recurring characters so that each grows and develops additional dimensions, providing a second story that moves apace with the mystery and enriches the whole.

5 personnes ont trouvé cela utile

One of My Favorite Authors

Where does Necessary as Blood rank among all the audiobooks you’ve listened to so far?

Don't think of books as they relate to other books

Who was your favorite character and why?

Gemma and Duncan are both very good characters.

Have you listened to any of Jenny Sterlin’s other performances before? How does this one compare?

Yes. They all rate high which is why I listen.

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

All the above.

Any additional comments?

Can't wait for the next one.

5 personnes ont trouvé cela utile

Mystery!

What did you love best about Necessary as Blood?

The interaction of characters and events.

Who was your favorite character and why?

My favorite character is Gemma James, but it's an ensemble cast. Everyone is necessary to the story.

Which character – as performed by Jenny Sterlin – was your favorite?

Gemma.

Was there a moment in the book that particularly moved you?

That would give the story away.

Any additional comments?

Deborah Crombie, a native Texan, obviously researches her British settings well. This one deals with the assimilation of Bangladeshi immigrants and does it well.

5 personnes ont trouvé cela utile

Terrible narrator

Would you try another book from Deborah Crombie and/or Jenny Sterlin?

I like Deborah Crombie books, this narrator ruined it for me, Ducan sounded like a snob, Toby sounded like a brat, couldn't wait for it to end.

Would you ever listen to anything by Deborah Crombie again?

Yes

How could the performance have been better?

Different reader

You didn’t love this book... but did it have any redeeming qualities?

Not really

2 personnes ont trouvé cela utile

good story that started a bit slow

this was a nice edition to the Duncan/Gemma series. the dynamics are changing between the two and the story reflects this. ending wrapped up nice and tidy even if it wasn't a completely happy one.

1 personne a trouvé cela utile

Another Fabulous Duncan and Gemma tale

I always enjoy listening to this series. The personal story the main character’s lives and how it intertwines with the murder mystery makes great listening pleasure. The murders are always interesting to try and figure out. The writer really expresses the feeling of being in the UK and following behind Duncan and Gemma. Another great read/listen.

Another great book in this wonderful series!

I love the rhythm and flow of life in all of Deborah Crombies books. The characters continue to evolve in the challenges they face in such a human relatable manner. Binge listening to these book one right after another is a thoroughly enjoyable experience!

Informal ties become binding

In this book is where Gemma and Duncan get married and where Charlotte is first introduced.

Another winner

Deborah Crombie has crafted another winner in the Duncan Kincaid / Gemma James series. This is the thirteenth book in the series and still growing stronger with each installment. The characters continue to grow and the stories remain original. If you’re a fan of mysteries you won’t want to miss a single installment, for the best experience, I recommend starting with the first in this series.