The Cryptic Lines by Richard Storry: Audio Book Review
This is my first ever audio book tour. The only time that I ever listen to audio books is when I am on long trips in the car. This was different for me, sitting at home reading this. I have to say that I really enjoyed the experience of sitting on my couch with eyes closed and relaxing while listening to this book. It was a nice break from letting my eyes do all the work for once. I highly recommend giving your eyes a break every once in a while and just laying back and relaxing with an audio book. I really think they could help with book slumps as well, because sometimes I think we get in those slumps because we just don’t feel like doing the work of reading. This is definitely a lazy man’s way of reading…and I have to admit I kind of like it.
Audiobook Info
Audiobook Title: The Cryptic Lines
Author: Richard Storry
Narrator: Jake Urry
Publisher: Richard Alan Storry
Length: 4 hours and 13 minutes (unabridged)
Audio Release Date: March 16, 2016
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Synopsis
Set in a sprawling gothic mansion in a remote coastal location, somewhere in the British Isles, the elderly recluse Lord Alfred Willoughby is deciding what is to become of his vast fortune after his death. Whilst his head is telling him to leave nothing at all to his wastrel son, Matthew, his heart is speaking differently. After much deliberation, in a last-ditch attempt to try and show to his son the importance of applying himself to a task and staying with it to the end, he devises a series of enigmatic puzzles cunningly concealed within the lines of a poem – the cryptic lines. If he completes the task successfully and solves the puzzles he will inherit the entire estate; but if he fails he will receive nothing. However, from Lord Alfred’s Will it emerges that Matthew is not the only interested party. The mysterious old house holds many secrets, and nothing is as it first appears…
My Review
This book reminded me of a Sherlock Holmes time of story. It felt like I was listening to a classic. The story was very descriptive and perfect for an audio book. I could see everything come to life in my mind when I say back and closed my eyes. For the most part I enjoyed this story. I can truly say that if it wasn’t for the narrator I don’t know if I ever would have picked this book up. He was what made it most interesting to read. Some of the moments in the book were a little drawn out and at times I kind of became bored and felt my mind drifting off. There were a few twists and turns in the story that I didn’t see coming. It had a great plot and it was played out very well. This book was about second chances, and unconditional love. It was about family. It talked of how we never give up on our loved ones even when they can be very difficult. I did not see the end of this story coming at all. This story was a fun little read that would be perfect to listen to on a rainy night.
I loved the narrator’s voice. It was soothing and pleasant to listen to. However, at times it was a bit hard to distinguish which character’s voice he was narrating. Some of the voices sounded a bit similar and sometimes I wasn’t sure which character was speaking. Other than that this narrator did a wonderful job! His pronunciation was crisp and the pace was just right.
If you enjoy reading murder mysteries or books with a victorian feel to them this is one you will want to read.
*I received this audiobook as part of my participation in a blog tour with Audiobookworm Promotions. The tour is being sponsored by Jake Urry. The gifting of this audiobook did not affect my opinion of it.
About the Author
Richard is the author of four published novels, with his fifth “A Looming of Vultures” due for publication in 2017. Prior to writing his first novel, “The Cryptic Lines” he was very busy in the theatrical world: He composed the incidental music to Chekhov’s Three Sisters, seen in London’s West End, starring Kristin Scott Thomas and Eric Sykes, and subsequently broadcast on BBC4 television. His musical adaptation of “The Brothers Lionheart” premiered at London’s Pleasance Theatre, followed by a successful run at the Edinburgh Festival where it was voted Best Childrens’ Play. “The Cryptic Lines” has now been adapted for both the stage and screen.
Connect with the Author
Website⎮Twitter⎮Facebook⎮Goodreads
About the Narrator
Jake Urry is a British actor and audiobook narrator, and also co-founder of Just Some Theatre. Since graduating from an Acting degree course in 2012 he’s toured with Just Some Theatre as an actor and producer, worked on a number of commercial voice over projects and most recently started producing Audiobooks. Jake has produced over 10 titles since March 2016 and has rapidly found himself at home narrating Thriller, Horror, Mystery and Suspense titles. His audiobook work includes dark psychological thrillers White is the Coldest Colour and Portraits of the Dead by John Nicholl, occult mystery series The Ulrich Files by Ambrose Ibsen, and gritty Sci-Fi novel Shadows of Tomorrow by Jessica Meats.
Connect with the Narrator
Website⎮Twitter⎮Facebook⎮Goodreads⎮Voices⎮Soundcloud