Written by: Nora Roberts
Narrated by: Joyce Bean
Categories: Literature & Fiction, Women's Fiction
4.6 out of 5 stars 4.6 (66 ratings)
Narrated by: Bernadette Quigley
On a hot July afternoon, a worker at an Antietam Creek construction site drives the blade of his backhoe into a layer of soil - and strikes a 5,000-year-old human skull. The discovery draws plenty of attention and a lot of controversy. It also changes the life of one woman in ways she never expected.
By Tiffany on 2021-01-18
Enjoying the view from the mountain she has just climbed, Reece Gilmore sees a woman being attacked. But when authorities comb the area, they find nothing - no signs of struggle. No freshly turned earth. Not even a tire track. No one in town seems to believe Reece, except Brody, a gruff loner.
Nora Roberts rarely disappoints
By Laura on 2018-09-13
Written by: Danielle Steel
Narrated by: Victor Bevine
As Alexandra Winslow climbs the ladder of publishing success, she resolutely adheres to her father's caution: men only read crime thrillers written by men. She publishes under the pseudonym of brilliantly successful Alexander Green, her true identity known only to those closest to her. This creates an isolating double life, but the right time to open up always seems just out of reach and the price of the truth always too high....
By Amazon Customer on 2020-05-01
What the Night Knows
Written by: Dean Koontz
Narrated by: Steven Weber
In the late summer of a long-ago year, Alton Turner Blackwood brutally murdered four families. His savage spree ended only when he himself was killed by the last survivor of the last family, a fourteen-year-old boy. Half a continent away and two decades later, someone is murdering families again, re-creating in detail Blackwood's crimes.
What nightmares are made of
By Cher Desmarais on 2019-01-04
Written by: Michael Robotham
Narrated by: Crispin Redman
Joseph O'Loughlin appears to have the perfect life: a beautiful wife, a loving daughter, and a successful career as a clinical psychologist. But nothing can be taken for granted. Even the most flawless existence is only one loose thread away from unravelling. All it takes is a murdered girl, a troubled young patient - and the biggest lie of his life.
Over the top.
By cj on 2020-11-07
The Liar
Narrated by: January LaVoy
Shelby Foxworth lost her husband. Then she lost her illusions.... The man who took her from Tennessee to an exclusive Philadelphia suburb left her in crippling debt. He was an adulterer and a liar, and when Shelby tracks down his safe-deposit box, she finds multiple IDs. The man she loved wasn't just dead. He never really existed. Shelby takes her three-year-old daughter and heads south to seek comfort in her hometown, where she meets someone new: Griff Lott, a successful contractor.
Outstanding story and narration!
By Jeanie Marie on 2019-02-01
Written by: J. Bengtsson
Narrated by: Andi Arndt, Joe Arden
Quiet and aloof rock star Jake McKallister and outspoken, vivacious college student Casey Caldwell are polar opposites: Casey is bubbly and talkative; Jake is reclusive. Casey enjoyed a picturesque childhood; Jake's childhood could only be described as a well-publicized nightmare. Jake's life revolves around music, and Casey can't carry a tune.
Love this whole series!
By Christine Howard on 2019-08-30
You Will Pay
Written by: Lisa Jackson
Narrated by: Scott Merriman, Teri Clark Linden
It starts as a prank - a way to blow off steam after a long summer at Camp Horseshoe. Among the teen counselors, tensions and hormones are running high. No wonder the others agree when Jo-Beth Chancellor suggests they scare Monica O'Neal a little.... or a lot. Monica has it coming, and no one will really get hurt. What could go wrong? Everything.
Awful Narrator!
Captivated & Entranced
Narrated by: Therese Plummer
His interest in her was purely professional...or so he told himself. Nash Kirkland had sought out Morgana Donovan, self-proclaimed witch, to help him research his latest screenplay. The hardheaded skeptic didn't believe for a minute she was what she professed to be, but Nash somehow found himself falling under her bewitching spell. Nash had never trusted his feelings. How could he be sure the irresistible passion he felt was real and not just some conjurer's trick?
Narrated by: Jennifer Van Dyck
Finally out of the celebrity spotlight and away from her mother's demands, Cilla is free to do what she loves: fixing up houses for profit. Her current project is personal. The Shenandoah Valley farm house was once the vacation home of Hollywood luminary Janet Hardy, Cilla's grandmother. When Cilla uncovers a stash of her grandmother's private letters, and begins asking questions about the past, she becomes the target of a crazed killer.
Narrated by: Nick Podehl
A summer at his grandparents' South Dakota ranch is not 11-year-old Cooper Sullivan's idea of a good time. But things are a bit more bearable now that he's discovered the neighbor girl, Lil Chance, and her homemade batting cage. Even horseback riding isn't as awful as Coop thought it would be. Each year, with Coop's annual summer visit, their friendship deepens from innocent games to stolen kisses, but there is one shared experience that will forever haunt them: the terrifying discovery of a hiker's body.
By Louise Harper on 2020-02-24
Narrated by: Shannon McManus
Naomi Bowes lost her innocence the night she followed her father into the woods. In freeing the girl trapped in the root cellar, Naomi revealed the horrible extent of her father's crimes and made him infamous. No matter how close she gets to happiness, she can't outrun the sins of Thomas David Bowes. Now a successful photographer living under the name Naomi Carson, she has found a place that calls to her, a rambling old house in need of repair, thousands of miles away from everything she's ever known.
The Obsession should have been called The Boring!
Hidden Riches
Narrated by: Sandra Burr
Dora Conroy has a passion for antiques - and any other rarities she can acquire for her quaint Philadelphia shop. A seasoned dealer, she knows all the tricks of the trade. But she is unprepared for the deadly consequences when she purchases a few curiosities at an auction - and unknowingly brings home a priceless cache that makes her the target of an international criminal.
Having trouble with this one
By Stacey Mansley on 2020-12-10
The Last Move
Written by: Mary Burton
Narrated by: Teri Schnaubelt
In this gripping stand-alone from bestselling author Mary Burton, an FBI agent must catch a copycat killer. The only difference this time: she's the final victim.
Good crime, forced romance
By Harris on 2019-03-05
Carolina Moon
Narrated by: Dean Robertson
Tory Bodeen grew up in a run-down house where her father ruled with an iron fist and a leather belt - and where her dreams and talents had no room to flourish. Her one escape was her neighbor Hope, who lived in the big house just a short skip away, and whose friendship allowed Tory to be something she wasn't allowed to be at home: a child. Then Hope was brutally murdered, and everything fell apart.
By GCY Newell on 2019-02-09
Written by: Lucinda Riley
Narrated by: Emily Lucienne
Maia D'Apliése and her five sisters gather together at their childhood home, Atlantis - a fabulous, secluded castle situated on the shores of Lake Geneva - having been told that their beloved father, the elusive billionaire they call Pa Salt, has died. Maia and her sisters were all adopted by him as babies, and, discovering he has already been buried at sea, each of them is handed a tantalizing clue to their true heritage - a clue that takes Maia across the world to a crumbling mansion in Rio de Janeiro in Brazil. Once there she begins to put together the pieces of where her story began.
Chasing Fire
Narrated by: Rebecca Lowman
Little else in life is as dangerous as fire jumping. Flying past towering pillars of smoke, parachuting down to the edge of an all-consuming blaze, shoveling and sawing for hours upon hours, days at a time, all to hold the line and push back against the raw power of Mother Nature. But there's also little else as thrilling - at least to Rowan Tripp. The Missoula smoke jumpers are one of the most exclusive firefighting squads in the nation, and the job is in Rowan's blood: her father is a legend in the field. She's been fighting fires since her eighteenth birthday.
Written by: Harlan Coben
Former special ops pilot Maya, home from the war, sees an unthinkable image captured by her nanny cam while she is at work: her two-year-old daughter playing with Maya's husband, Joe - who had been brutally murdered two weeks earlier. The provocative question at the heart of the mystery: Can you believe everything you see with your own eyes, even when you desperately want to?
Couldn't stop listening
By Michelle Preyde on 2020-11-18
Incomparable #1 New York Times bestselling author Nora Roberts delivers a tale of gut-level fear, human triumph, and the bonds that carry us through our darkest times…
Reena Hale's destiny was shaped in the destructive - yet fascinatingly beautiful - fire that leveled her family's pizzeria when she was young. Now an arson investigator, she finds her strength and wits constantly tested, although sometimes the job seems like a snap compared to her love life. But she can't always blame the men. After all, a soot-caked woman barking orders and smelling of smoke isn't the biggest turn-on in the world. Then she meets Bo Goodnight, who seems different. He's been trying to find Reena for years, and now that she's close enough to touch, he has no intention of letting go.
Nor does the man who has begun to haunt Reena's life - with taunting phone calls and a string of horrifying crimes. And as Reena tries desperately to trace the origins - of the calls, the fires, the hatred aimed in her direction - she will step into the worst inferno she has ever faced...
©2005 Nora Roberts (P)2005 Brilliance Audio
"Romantic suspense queen Roberts lights up Baltimore's Little Italy with this appealing story of love, family, food and arson." ( Publishers Weekly)
"Bean's versatile vocal range skillfully portrays male and female parts without hesitation." ( AudioFile)
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What listeners say about Blue Smoke
4.5 out of 5 stars 4.6 out of 5
Kept my interest throughout!
I really enjoyed this book. I also think the narrator did a really good job. I really admire Robert's style of writing. I guess that is why I have enjoyed the books I have read from her.
1 person found this helpful
Absolute best of Nora Roberts
The story is complete and fast moving . It builds from the loss of innocence of a child and grows with her to a full development. The characters are real and show a family at the highs and lows undefeated by the challenges of life. Recommend this book to anyone who wants a great read!
another good read from Nora. narrator was good as well. can not wait to get into the next Nora book.
Andrew Schell
good story leaves you wanting more
ï enjoyed the story and narrator. Faith based charactors were lacking. ï like to learn or be inspired by these people. This was everyday people living everyday life. Believable but uninspiring To much cussing.
Joe O'Hara
Very Good Story
Really enjoyed the book. Narrator was great. Exciting and interesting looked forward to listening.
Not me favorite
I think I'm listening to too many Nora books back to back. They are feeling too similar to eachother. This one was just not my favorite. Narration didn't really match the story.
I usually love Nora Roberts stories but this novel was more violent and disturbing which is why rated it a three star. I won't be buying another Nora Roberts novel any time soon.
SassiKassi
I'm not sure this novel would have had such power without being so graphic in the abuse and fire deaths, but it was a very powerful story. Lots of people to love and cry over in this one. And the narration was good too.
Nora Roberts has crossed the line with me
Is there anything you would change about this book?
The rape and sodomy she included near the end was unnecessary and twisted
Would you recommend Blue Smoke to your friends? Why or why not?
No I would not , I have loved her books for a while now and have so many in my library , but I won't be sending anymore money her way the rape and sodomy near the end was horrible. as a woman I am deeply appalled at the horror she put into words
Which scene was your favorite?
When the couple finally meets
Do you think Blue Smoke needs a follow-up book? Why or why not?
No she said enough in this one
Any additional comments?
I was really enjoying the book and was involved wanted to listen in one sitting until the sexual abuse near the end . It would be really appreciated if audible could put some kind of warning for listeners to know in advance what they are getting
2 ½ stars. A good story until the last third.
AUDIOBOOK NARRATOR:
Narrator Joyce Bean was very good for general narration and female voices. But she was bad with men. She made the hero unattractive and undesirable. She had weird ick voices for some men.
A fun idea was Bo seeing Reena across the room and for him "the music stopped. She was his dream girl." He tried to get to her but she left before he could. On two more future occasions he sees her but is unable to get to her before she leaves. I was curious wondering when and how will they ever meet?
WHAT I DID NOT LIKE:
Bad guy was too perfect and no hope for the good guys.
The last third or fourth of the book was depressing. The serial killer/arsonist was getting away with many murders and fires. He was so smart and so perfect. He never made mistakes. Even though cops are watching and guarding places, the killer gets inside without being seen. That was not good for me. Reading about "perfect characters" (be they good or bad) is not interesting. I prefer stories where little things glum up the works – maybe an accidental witness seeing something. And there was "no hope" for the good guys. They just were not getting it – for years. Finally the bad guy calls Reena and gives her a clue.
STUPIDITY:
CAUTION SPOILERS:
Bad guy sets a fire and places a false fire extinguisher nearby which is an explosive device. So why does the firefighter grab the fake extinguisher instead of using his own equipment?
Reena and the cops know the killer is after people she knows. Reena tells everyone "do not be alone." So what does Reena do? She goes somewhere alone – and the bad guy is there waiting for her.
Reena knows the bad guy has been watching her and mentions her sex life on the phone. So why does she later have sex with someone in her back yard?
END SPOILER.
SENSITIVE READERS:
There is one violent rape/murder scene - very unsettling.
OTHER BOOKS:
Nora Roberts is hit and miss with me. My favorites are: Carnal Innocence, Born in Fire, Angels Fall, The Witness, Northern Lights, and Sea Swept.
Great story, good narration.Found it hard to stop listening. I found myself being caught up in the characters. Always a sign of a good book.
One of her more intense.
Not for the faint of heart. Brutal in some areas, powerful in emotion, and in the end makes you pity the main character. Great detail, a good deal of thought, though the ending was no real surprise once you've heard the first few chapters. A very good book, however. Fans of Nora, I recommend this book
Great listen!!!
I LOVED this book! It was so incredibly detailed, and I felt like I knew the family. The narrator had a knack for subtly changing her voice for each character, which made it easy to follow. I couldn't quit listening :-)
Cindy P.
Kept me on my toes
A little predictable but enjoyed the book. I'd like to meet Bo someday!
To many things
I agree with other reviews it took too long for them to figure out the killer,didn't like this one with the rape,burning of bodies just too much. The love story part was cool
Raemar3356
Entertainment from start to finish
Where does Blue Smoke rank among all the audiobooks you've listened to so far?
Since I have close to 700 audiobooks, it's hard to rate it exactly. I am very fond of Nora Roberts , so this is close to the top.
What other book might you compare Blue Smoke to and why?
I think maybe High Noon. Strong female lead, lots of suspense, good character interaction and good narrators.
What about Joyce Bean's performance did you like?
I think she did a great job on making the voice of each character seem different from the one before. You got a sense of different people. She didn't make the male voices sound as though it was a female doing them. I like her work.
Was there a moment in the book that particularly moved you?
I really enjoyed the fact that when Bo (who had been searching for Reena for years) looked up and see's her next door, he recognized her as the girl he'd dreamed of since college. For all you romantics out there, it's a moment!
I have listened to this book a number of times and always enjoy it. It does have some particularly graphic scenes in it, so you might want to skip over them if you have trouble dealing with that kind of realism. I will listen to this many more times. Well worth the credit.
The detail given is fantastic, that the character took sooooo long to realise who was behind everything was very frustrating.
The characters are interesting and well described.
I did enjoy the listen but it took almost too long to get going and almost too long to finish.