Standoff

by Patricia Bradley

My first foray into the world of audiobooks was on a recent roadtrip by myself. Because I am a newbie to this medium, I was going to forgo a review. By the time I got to the end of Standoff by Patricia Bradley, however, I realized I do have some insights to share.

1. Although the format, an audio book, is interesting, I don’t think it will ever replace actually reading the book. Just as I enjoy print copies and e-books, audiobooks are another tool in my toolbox but not my favorite at this point.
2. You need uninterrupted alone time to be able to enjoy an audiobook.
3. I listened to this book because I had read # 4 (Deception) in the series and wanted the backstory. That is not what I got. I discovered the series is composed of four different protagonists with some overlap in minor characters. These books can truly be read as standalones.
4. As a newcomer to audio books, but not to dramatic arts, I hesitate in my judgement of Rachel Dulade, the book’s reader. She had a difficult task as she spoke in a deep South, Louisiana accent for a variety of characters, both men and women. It was difficult to distinguish her male characters from each other. Her narrator voice was without accent and well done.
5. The plot itself was excellent. The book started out a bit slow, but by the end the pace was heart-thumpingly fast.
6. My favorite supporting character is Daisy, an elderly neighbor of Brooke, the protagonist. Daisy is a wise and independent woman who hovers on the brink of needing extra help in her daily activities.
7. There are a lot of moral and ethical issues the characters must face. Suspicion casts its shadow on a number of Rangers and political standouts. It is hard for Brooke to  know whom to trust. The reader is also given an inside peek at the many ways people deal with grief.
8. I recommend this book and series in whatever format you prefer.

Rating: book—5/5, audio—4/5 

Category: Mystery, Suspense, Christian Fiction

Notes: #1 in the Natchez Trace Park Rangers Series, but is a standalone novel.

Publication:  May 4, 2020—Baker Publishing, Tantor audio