Narrator: Andrea Emmes
Published by Indie on September 20, 2018
Genres: Mystery
Length: 12 hrs and 23 mins
Format: Audiobook
Source: Narrator
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Whispered rumors tickled the ears of the residents of an entire town for decades about the disturbing secrets of the old Halstead House, dating all the way back to the early 1920s. Most people didn't believe them. Several people will soon discover they should have listened.
Three years after struggling to cope with the death of her beloved father and escaping an abusive relationship, Samantha Chapman decides it’s time to return to her hometown of Hot Springs. She buys the ramshackle Halstead House, eager to transform the dilapidated, abandoned piece of history into her new law office and residence, hoping it will be the start of a brighter chapter and a safe haven to escape her personal demons.
Instead of newfound freedom, things take a dark turn when the resurrection of the old home reveals the disturbing secrets hidden within its walls. When youthful transgressions of numerous people come to light, including ones some members of the Chapman family are desperate to contain, it reveals the sins of the past. They collide with the grave mistakes of the present, creating a perfect storm of chaos and death for not only the Chapman family but others as well.
Some will survive.
Others will get burned.
Sam and her loved ones realize some family secrets should have remained buried.
I’m reading more and more thrillers lately. I was exacted to get a copy of this audiobook for review. This is a new-to-me author, but I’ve listened to this narrator before and liked her work. I have to say, this was an enjoyable listen.
Samantha Chapman is a litigator who has left her previous firm and moved back home. She buys an old house to convert into an office with living area upstairs. Her mother and sister are in the same town, along with her father’s mother. Her father has passed away, so he’s not in the picture, though he is mentioned quite a bit.
There’s quite a bit that goes on in this story. It does take place in the small Southern town of Hot Springs, Arkansas. It does have the small town feel; there is a ton of gossip in the town. There are also a lot of skeletons in the closet which came out as the story progressed.
I don’t want to share too much, because I don’t want to spoil anything if you choose to read this story. I will warn that Sam did suffer from a violent relationship (the reason she left the firm in Little Rock). There is quite a bit that is going on in this story, but it’s a very enjoyable story. If you like a good mystery/thriller, this is a great story for you.
Narration:
This is my second listen from Andrea Emmes, the first being a cozy mystery. I have to say, I’m really enjoying her narration. She does a great job bringing the characters to life. The first listen took place in upper Michigan and this one in Arkansas. I think she did a great job with the way the characters of two regions speak. It wasn’t a overly thick southern accent, but still had that southern feel, which I thought fit really well. Her pacing and tone were also perfect for this mystery.
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Oh neat! This does sound good and I’m glad the narrator does a great job, too. I’m putting it on the list.
I hope you enjoy it.
Melanie @ Hot Listens & Books of My Heart
I won a print copy of this and do want to read it. Hopefully soon. I need my mystery / thrillers as a genre switchup regularly. Nice review! Anne – Books of My Heart
I think you’ll enjoy this one. It was a lot of fun.
Melanie @ Hot Listens & Books of My Heart
That’s one I didn’t know about it so I’m curious now!
I hadn’t heard of it before the narrator offered it to me to review.
Melanie @ Hot Listens & Books of My Heart
That does sound good and its a new to me author which is always nice to find.
I enjoy finding new-to-me authors too. 🙂
Melanie @ Hot Listens & Books of My Heart
I’m so glad you enjoyed this too. I read it and now I’m curious to listen to it too!
Glad you enjoyed this one too. If you decide to listen, I hope you enjoy the narrator as much as I did.
Melanie @ Hot Listens & Books of My Heart
This one is completely new to me but I really like the sound of it. I am wondering what kind of skeletons are hidden. I don’t think that I have listened to this narrator before but it is good to know that you enjoyed her work.
There are quite a few skeletons in this small town for sure.
Melanie @ Hot Listens & Books of My Heart
I like the sound of this – thank you so much for a cracking review:)
Thank you. It was a fun story.
Melanie @ Hot Listens & Books of My Heart
Sounds like you picked another winner listen based on the narrator. Great!! I still don’t find myself interested in thrillers, tho. 🙁
I understand that. This is a great narrator. My first listen with her was a cozy mystery. It was fun too.
Melanie @ Hot Listens & Books of My Heart