Title: Crying Woman Bridge, The High Country Mystery Series, Book 6
Author: Loretta Jackson, Vickie Britton
Narrator: Michael Bowen
Genre: Mystery, Suspense
Book Blurb:
While returning from Professor Dawson's lecture on haunted places, the last thing Sheriff Jeff McQuede and Dawson expect to encounter is a terrified woman clinging to the railing of Mirabella's Bridge, crying for her lost baby. It looks as if Rae Harris has thrown the infant over the bridge in a fit of despair, but she claims he has been stolen by a ghostly figure she calls Mirabella. Similar to the La Llorona legend Dawson just spoke about, Mirabella was a local pioneer woman who was rumored to have drowned her infant after being abandoned by a lover. At first, McQuede believes Rae was driven by madness, but he soon finds evidence that her story may be true, and the perfectly timed kidnapping of her child may be, in some way, related to lecture attendee and local celebrity Jim Royce and his vast fortune.
Crying Woman Bridge is the sixth book in The Jeff McQuede High Country Mystery Series. Each book in the series contains a complete story and can be heard as a stand-alone.
My Review:
Summary –
Sheriff Jeff McQuede finds himself in the middle of a haunted mystery when he finds a woman crying for her lost baby on a bridge. At first, he thinks she’s gone mad but as Professor Dawson talks more about haunted bridges and their history, he wonders if he himself can help the woman. The more he investigates, the more he realizes her baby may well have been part of an intricate kidnapping ploy aimed at local celebrity Jim Royce and his fortune. Can Sheriff McQuede rescue the innocent baby and return it to its mother before it’s too late?
Narrator’s overall voice –
Michael Bowen is one of the best narrators I’ve ever listened to. His voice is perfect for mysteries like this one, full of suspense and intrigue. I started listening to this story one Sunday afternoon and couldn’t stop listening. Bowen’s timbre is intoxicating to listen to and it’s obvious he’s an accomplished narrator.
Does the narrator fit the characters?
Yes, Michael Bowen is the perfect voice to make this story come to life. He uses different voices for each character plus the one for the narrator and it’s like listening to a play.
Narrator’s reading style –
Michael Bowen is a talented narrator who knows how to draw the audience in. His cadence is the perfect level of intrigue and drama.
Narrator’s impact on reading experience –
Michael Bowen makes Crying Woman Bridge a five-plus star listen. I can’t say enough good things about his impact. I got sucked into the story from the beginning and when I was finished, I wanted to listen to it all over again.
Narrator’s pacing –
Michael Bowen takes his pacing very seriously, like the talented actor he is. He knows what to do to draw the reader in and paces the story with just the right amount of drama, suspense, emotion, and tension to make it an irresistible listen.
Audiobook flow –
The audiobook flows perfectly, and I found myself wanting to listen to it over and over again.
What makes this audiobook unique –
Michael Bowen is what makes this audiobook unique. His take on this mystery is sublime and mystery readers everywhere will enjoy this one.
Would I recommend this audiobook –
YES! I recommend this to suspense and mystery listeners. I also recommend this to anyone who needs to be swept away into a haunting mystery.
My Rating: 5+ stars
Buy it Now:
Chirp https://www.chirpbooks.com/audiobooks/crying-woman-bridge-the-high-country-mystery-series-book-6
Author Biography:
Vickie Britton, along with her sister Loretta Jackson, has written over fifty novels including the popular Jeff McQuede High Country Mystery series, set in Wyoming.
They are also co-authors of the eight-book Ardis Cole archaeological mystery series and many single title suspense novels.
Both writers are drawn to the western setting, which has provided a background for much of their work.
Social Media Links:
https://www.facebook.com/VickieBrittonAndLorettaJackson/
https://twitter.com/vickiebrit
Reviewed by: Mrs. N