Welcome to my weekly feature that focuses on audiobooks. It’s time to…
Audiobook Reviews: Nursery Rhyme Suspense series
Gingerbread Man
Author: Lee Strauss
Narrators: Reba Buhr & Roger Wayne
Audio Listening Speed: 1.5x
Series: Nursery Rhyme Suspense #1
Genre: Mystery with sci-fi elements, New Adult
Source: Tantor Audio
On a whim, I picked up Gingerbread Man, the first book in the Nursery Rhyme Suspense series. I was intrigued by the premise and was not disappointed!
The story is a mix of a detective drama/mystery and a bit of science fiction to it. It reminds me a bit of the movie Frequency or maybe The Lakehouse. That being said, it was reminiscent but truly a unique tale. Without giving anything away, Marlow is tested as he works to discover what is going on and who the killer is. Teaming up with Sage, the roommate of his online crush, they race the clock as they try to stop a serial killer.
It’s difficult to discuss the novel without giving anything away. However, I really enjoyed the dual narrators. With the way the plot twisted and turned, it really helped to have two narrators to convey which point of view is being expressed (as it switches), as well as helping to anchor the plot. It was especially helpful as I got a little confused at first (along with Marlow) when his online date showed up after being murdered. The dual narrators added a depth to the story and enhanced my enjoyment as the plot wove itself around.
I was fascinated by this thrilling novel. I enjoyed the mix of science fiction elements blended with this young adult suspense. Though, technically only one murder is solved, I wonder what happens next. It is also interesting to see what will happen, if anything between Marlow and Sage. I eagerly look forward to listening to the next novel in this series.
My Ratings:
Story: B+
Narration: A
Overall: A-
About the Book:
When that cute chick you met online is murdered – but shows up for your next internet meeting anyway.
Marlow’s just a regular geeky college freshman with little to no experience with girls, so when he has a semi-flirtatious chat with a cute girl online, it’s almost more than his nerves can handle.
Then the girl is brutally murdered.
Or is she?
Marlow finds himself teamed up with intelligent and savvy Sage Farrell, a girl so far out of his league he feels blinded in her presence – literally – damned glasses! Together they work to find the identity of @gingerbreadman. Can they stop the killer before he strikes in more worlds than one?