In searching through my old blog posts, I was surprised to discover that I've never written about audiobooks before. Perhaps I shouldn't be surprised, because while I love podcasts, I find audiobooks hard to follow. But I realized last week that I am several books behind in Laura Childs's tea shop mystery series, and I have to read them in order, so I decided to cheat and try an audiobook.
This was a different experience, and there were things about it that I liked and disliked. First, I find that audiobooks drag too much for me, so I listen at 1.2 times the normal speed, which perks things up. I liked the narrator and thought she did a good job with most voices except for that of Delaine Dish, the shopkeeper friend of our heroine, Theodosia Browning. That exaggerated drawl is like nails on a chalkboard, so I was glad that Delaine didn't have too much dialogue in this book.
The story kicks off with Theodosia witnessing a gruesome murder near a local graveyard, then we get word that a serial killer may be on the loose in Charleston. That was clearly the "dark" in this "dark and stormy tea." I found that a bit too dark for a cozy mystery, so I didn't enjoy this book as much as I have the others. And as usual with audiobooks, I sometimes let my mind wander and had to reread (or "relisten to"?) a few pages.
What I enjoyed most, as always, was the description of the tea shop's daily goings-on as well as the special tea events hosted by the Indigo Tea Shop. Childs always does a great job of describing the linens, the tea wares, and the decor, and I found myself really tuning in when the tablecloths and dishes came out. Haley and Drayton and Miss Dimple are like old friends, and scenes with them are always my favorites.
I had a hard time distinguishing a few of the new male characters early on in the book, but as the story progressed, I found them easier to follow. The revelation of the killer was such a surprise that I wondered how I'd missed so many clues, but then I thought, "audiobook." Finally, it was a surprise to hear the recipes with their ingredient lists being read at the end of the book!
So I think I will stick to the print books from now on, though I'm glad I gave this audiobook a try simply for the experience of it. Do you listen to audiobooks? And have you kept up with all of the tea shop mysteries, in print or audiobook?
I love the tea shop mysteries and I have read most or all of them - I might have missed one but I don’t think so. I have not tried audiobooks though, for many of the reasons you listed. I love to read but audiobooks just don’t appeal to me.
ReplyDeleteJoy, I wonder why we don't like audiobooks. Just too enamored of print? Interesting to ponder!
DeleteAngela, was really interested in your take on the audio version of this book. I have all of the Tea Shop Mysteries (in hardback)---in fact, I'm expecting her newest one---High Tea and Misdemeanors---from Amazon today. I agree that actually reading a book gives one a chance to put all the clues together. And, I like being able to go to my "Laura Childs" shelf when I want to look for a tea recipe to try.
ReplyDeleteI, too, have a Laura Childs shelf. And I credit her with being the author who made me want to write cozy mysteries. (She might or might not like to know that, ha!)
DeleteI have kept up on the tea shop mysteries, waiting on the newest. I believe I’ve listened to only one audiobook, when I could not find it in print form. A few e-books, but I always prefer print. Like you, I enjoy Theodosias’ tea shop friends, as well as the descriptions of the city and its history.
ReplyDeleteInteresting! Many of my friends just love audiobooks, but I seem to be in good company here.
DeleteMy husband used to do a lot of traveling for his job, so he "read" a lot of audio books while driving. (His favorites are the Jack Reacher series) He said it was always a welcome change from the radio. I've listened to some of them with him when we've traveled but find they tend to skip paragraphs now and then that sometimes contain useful information and it makes the story hard to follow in places.
ReplyDeleteGive me a "real" book anytime! I've read all the tea shop mysteries and I love them. Don't you wish the Indigo Tea Shop was a real place? I know I'd probably be a "regular" there if it really existed. LOL!!
Nancy, my husband was a Jack Reacher fan, too, and listened to those same audiobooks. I've even kept a few of his (print) Reacher books and plan to give them a try one day. And YES, I wish the Indigo Tea Shop was real. I'm kind of surprised no one has opened such a place in Charleston. Laura Childs has certainly given them the blueprint!
DeleteI'm not a big fan of audio books. I guess my mind wanders if I'm doing any other task while listening, and I miss potentially important information. Perhaps, I should try harder.
ReplyDeleteI am 2 books behind (including this week's new release) and still dearly love the series. I Google the china patterns if I'm not already familiar with them.
I'm not an audiobook fan either. I prefer to read books myself. I don't really like podcasts either.
ReplyDeleteI don't care for audio books, either. I have tried them a few times, and they just don't work for me. I prefer the voices in my own head, not somebody else's voice! Plus, I can't concentrate on an audio book--my mind just wanders elsewhere after a couple of minutes. Listening to a book and reading a book are two totally different things. If a person wants to listen to an audio book, I have no problem with that--to each her own. But it's not the same as actually READING a book.
ReplyDeleteI've read all of Laura Childs' tea shop books. And yes, I ,too, wish that the Indigo Tea Shop existed in real life!
I dislike audio books, except if on a cross country trip. About the only time it’s palatable. I’ve read every book in this series. I agree that the best parts are the tea shop activities. Over the years, I find I like the main character less…her attitude towards everyone is so shallow…and uppity. I always guess the killer. At least she does refer to real tea companies and teas. There are many other tea related mysteries that have likeable protagonists.
ReplyDeleteI love the characters and daily goings-on too .. and the food! I'm not big on the criminal element but I guess it's a must in those kinds of stories, to some degree. I love audio books and I'm never without them... When I spend much time in the car alone, I find it really a nice element. I enjoy the radio but sometimes really need to be in world of books. I mostly get them from the library, and wouldn't really listen to one at home, just in the car. They can be such wonderful performances
ReplyDeleteI am reading another of her books right now.
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