Running on Empty

Main Street Mystery, Book 1

By: Sandra Balzo

Narrated by: Amy DeLuca

The debut title in a new series by the award-winning author of the Maggy Thorsen Coffee Mysteries, optioned for television.

Though a magnet to tourists looking for some Southern comfort, the small lake town of Sutherton - tucked so picturesquely into the mountains of North Carolina - has had its fair share inexplicable hazards. But when Daisy Griggs siphoned three pints of blood from poor Mrs. Bradenham at the resort's annual blood drive - well, that seemed to take the cake. And so, police reporter AnnaLise Griggs comes home to Sutherton to look after her volunteer phlebotomist mother, Daisy (of the accidental bloodletting). But the "accidents" only seem to escalate upon the reporter's arrival in the High Country, leading AnnaLise to question whether Daisy is truly the cause of the trouble, as everyone else seems to believe, or its target.

©2010 Sandra Balzo (P)2014 Sandra Balzo

More Please; I loved it

Not the type of mystery I would normally choose, but, as usual, I'm looking for a new Mystery series.
After reading the publishers blurb I did expect to enjoy the book - somewhat, but what a surprise! I loved it!
The story is fast, quick to draw in the listener, it's full of interesting characters all described so beautifully that I easily gave a face to them all. I found it witty, amusing and clever, what more could I ask for? Well, a good mystery of course, and Sandra Balzo certainly obliged, I was quite surprised at the ending. I can't wait for more.
As a bonus, I have found a new narrator to love, Amy DeLuca does the job so darned well that I shall be on the look out for her name. Pleasant easy to listen to voice, able to magically conjure up all the different characters making it so easy for the listener to differentiate. Age, gender, rythymn, cadence .... None a problem for Amy.

Love this new series!

Where does Running on Empty rank among all the audiobooks you’ve listened to so far?

I love this new series (new to me) by Sandra Balzo. Her Coffeehouse Mysteries are among my very favorite cozy mysteries to listen to, and this ranks right up there with them.

Who was your favorite character and why?

Mama. I like her quirky-ness, directness, and I know a few "older" ladies like her.

What does Amy DeLuca bring to the story that you wouldn’t experience if you just read the book?

I like the softness in Daisy's voice sometimes. I think it really conveys emotion that would have been lost if you were just reading the book.

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

I just about did, and would have if possible. The only problem is, the next one isn't available on audio yet, and now I feel that feeling you get when you are done with a book and want more.

Any additional comments?

I think that Sandra Balzo is a great writer that a lot of people would enjoy if they could discover her!

Very Entertaining

I enjoyed Balzo's Maggie Thornson Mysteries and it looks like I will enjoy this series as well. The characters are smart, funny, realistic and engaging. The plot was interesting and flowed at a natural pace. I hope the next book will be available soon.

Enjoyable

Easy listening while recovering from injury that required total bed rest. Reader did a wonderful job.

Light hearted listening, easy to follow

First of the series that I have listened to. It was an easy listen, nothing overly suspenseful. Will listen to the next in the series and decide on future ones at that time. It wasn't really a book that had me wanting to continue listening, I could easily stop at any time. It was just okay and nothing more.