Crimson Gold

By: Donna Kolling Lear

Narrated by: Ben Kass

Mystery/thriller finalist in the 2015 Red City Review Book Awards.

Alaska, 1939. Three people have been brutally murdered. A fourth person has been found with what appears to be a self-inflicted gunshot wound to the head. The authorities are convinced that this is a simple murder/suicide case until the investigation takes a chilling turn.

©2013 Donna Lear (P)2015 Donna Lear

Interesting Story

Any additional comments?

A great listen and well written story that kept me hooked. The narrator was excellent and really brought the story to life. I don’t usually listen to books in this category, but will be looking for more from this author in the future.

* I was given a free copy of the book from AudiobookBlast dot com in exchange for a fair and honest review.

Not for me

Any additional comments?

I was provided this audiobook at no charge by the author, publisher and/or narrator in exchange for an unbiased review via AudiobookBlast dot com.

This book was okay. I honestly just don't think it was for me personally. It was well written and the characters were well developed, I just didn't enjoy it very much.

Too brutal

What could have made this a 4 or 5-star listening experience for you?

Less brutal description and no swearing.

What could Donna Kolling Lear have done to make this a more enjoyable book for you?

Less brutal description and no swearing.

What aspect of Ben Kass’s performance would you have changed?

His voice is fine and cadence was good.

What reaction did this book spark in you? Anger, sadness, disappointment?

Cringed. Too graphic and don't like swearing.

Any additional comments?

"This audiobook was provided by the author, narrator, or publisher at no cost in exchange for an unbiased review courtesy of AudiobookBlast dot com."

Crimson Gold

Would you say that listening to this book was time well-spent? Why or why not?

It was an enjoyable listen, although repetitive and a little corny at times. The story made it worthwhile.

Would you be willing to try another book from Donna Kolling Lear? Why or why not?

Possibly.

Which character – as performed by Ben Kass – was your favorite?

Carl Smith.

Do you think Crimson Gold needs a follow-up book? Why or why not?

Since the book ended with an overview of how the main characters' lives turned out, probably not.

A Short But Engrossing Murder Mystery

I'm a sucker for a good mystery and Crimson Gold has most of the ingredients to make it an engrossing story. I'm not sure, but I think it's based on actual events. It takes place in Alaska before it beacame a state, during its gold rush of the late 1930s. It's in this setting that a violent and gruesome multiple murder occurs. The writing about the time and place are as interesting as the details of the crime and the mystery surrounding it. The length is just right for the story. Too many writers will dilute a good story by overwriting it. Not the case here.

The only problem with the audiobook is the narrator. He tends to read the story instead of telling it, sometimes breaking up sentences in non-grammatical places. But then, when doing voices, he shines.

Overall, I would definitely recommend Crimson Gold if you're in the mood for an excellent true crime murder mystery, but don't want to invest 10-15 hours on one.

This audiobook was provided by the author, narrator, or publisher at no cost in exchange for an unbiased review courtesy of Audiobook Blast.