9.15.2024
Interesting Start
Chapters 1 thru 12
I admit that I’m really spoiled by the Kim Stone series. I have been DESPERATELY searching for a series because I’m coming to the end of it and I really am sad about it. The stories are just perfect and I love Kim and her team so much.
I’ve been checking recommendations from people who are also fans of the series … but I just haven’t found anything that gives me the same feels. I figured I would just look and see what else Jan Cramer was narrating and see if there was anything new I could find since I generally choose books based on who is narrating them and not the plots. I’ve stumbled across some great books that way.
The first 12 chapters were ok. Erika is not as likeable as Kim Stone and her team is very bland. I don’t know if Robert was heavily influenced by Angela’s books or not … I feel like he’s basically copying the same formula in many ways but with much less success and enthusiasm.
Traumatized woman – check.
Woman with bad handle on her emotions – check. Angry white male who hates powerful women – check.
Diverse team – check.
Someone to keep Erika in check when she acts like a unhinged, emotionally dysregulated woman and not a good cop – check.
Boss who accepts Erika and thinks she’s a good cop despite her personal problems – check.
I’m just not that impressed at all. It’s a pale imitation.
I feel like Kim Stone and Jack Logan are the best books in their respective genres that do crime, humor, twists, and team camaraderie perfectly. I have yet to find anything that comes close to those series and doubt I ever will.
I didn’t mind the book. I would have switched to another if I wasn’t interested … it’s just not very good. I’m listening at this point because I love Jan’s work but the characters are just not very flushed out and don’t feel real at all … just “inspired by” Kim and her team.
It’s not going to be a book that’s going to keep me awake at night eager for drama and intrigue I don’t think, but it is, so far, an ok book to fall asleep to.
Story this session: 3.0 out of 5.0 stars
Narration: 5.0 out of 5.0 stars
09/15/2024
Turned The Book Right Off
I have never just given up on a book before. I usually try to stick it out but this was just such rubbish and a pitiful copy of Angela Marson’s work … complete with a character who is a lesbian.
The police officers – especially the men – are so completely stupid and bullheaded and will look for any excuse, even utterly nonsensical ones, to try and discredit the main character. I just couldn’t listen to one more word of it.
I quit at chapter 32 … I just can’t with this anymore. I won’t be finishing it.
Story this session: 0.0 out of 5.0 stars
Narration: 5.0 out of 5.0 stars