This is a review of the unabridged version of The Art of Detection, a Kate Martinelli story, by Laurie R King and narrated by Alyssa Bresnahan and Robert Ian MacKenzie.
A Book Within a Book
At over thirteen and a half hours, The Art of Detection qualifies as a long listen. The plot presented an interesting challenge for the audiobook format. The main story is a murder mystery, whereby homicide inspector, Kate Martinelli, investigates the death of a famous 'Sherlockian' who may or may not have discovered a previously unknown work of the creator of Sherlock Holmes, Arthur Conan Doyle.
What makes this audiobook interesting, however, is the fact that there is a book within a book. The newly discovered story central to the plot is featured word for word within the book. This could have been confusing for the listener, however this has been cleverly handled by having the short story read by a separate narrator. The fact that the short story was read by British actor, Robert Ian MacKenzie, added an authentic touch to the narration.
Animated Narration
The main story is narrated by Alyssa Bresnahan who injects life into the characters within the main plot, with enough inflection to distinguish the characters without becoming extreme. A certain amount of belief has to be suspended when Bresnahan narrates the male parts of the books, however this is a typical complaint when narrators provide the voice of a character of the other gender. Alyssa Bresnahan is an excellent narrator and moves the book along at as fast a pace as the plot would allow. The author, Laurie R King, created a very detailed plot and a lesser narrator may well have lost listeners.
Recommended For?
This is a long audiobook, however it would be ideal for a long trip or holiday. Readers of Laurie R King's books will enjoy this audiobook, although some may feel that the plot is a little slow. Sherlock Holmes fans will appreciate the details concerning the famous detective and Arthur Conan Doyle.
There are enough facts and snippets of information to demonstrate Laurie R King's obvious knowledge of the great man without becoming boring or sounding exclusive. This detailed 'Sherlockian' knowledge should not come as surprise, King's other well known series of novels is about Mary Russell – and her husband, Sherlock Homes.
Further Information
- Title: The Art of Detection
- Publisher: Recorded Books (May 2006)
- ISBN-13: 978-1419396632
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Kate Pullen - Kate Pullen is a freelance writer specializing in arts and crafts , and is an accomplished craftsperson. As well as being a designer / ...
