The Lost Empress

Jefferson Tayte Genealogical Mystery, Book 4

By: Steve Robinson

Narrated by: Simon Vance

From acclaimed author Steve Robinson comes a bold new Jefferson Tayte mystery.

On a foggy night in 1914, the ocean liner Empress of Ireland sank en route to England and now lies at the bottom of Canada’s St Lawrence River. The disaster saw a loss of life comparable to the Titanic and the Lusitania, and yet her tragedy has been forgotten.

When genealogist Jefferson Tayte is shown a locket belonging to one of the Empress' victims, a British admiral’s daughter named Alice Stilwell, he must travel to England to understand the course of events that led to her death.

Tayte is expert in tracking killers across centuries. In The Lost Empress, his unique talents draw him to one of the greatest tragedies in maritime history as he unravels the truth behind Alice’s death amidst a backdrop of pre-WWI espionage.

This is the fourth book in the Jefferson Tayte mystery series, but can be enjoyed as a stand-alone story.

©2014 Steve Robinson (P)2014 Brilliance Audio, all rights reserved.

Ludicrously contrived

Another well narrated Jefferson Tayte mystery, this one with a plot that unfortunately borders on the ludicrous. Alice’s various actions in the face of an eloborate spying plot against Britain involving her family just don't seem at all credible and the whole narrative structure crumbles as a result. Pity - the historical context (Empress of Ireland) is very interesting and real.

Effete Main Character Plus Prissy Reader-Ick

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

Robinson comes up with great premises for his books. This story is very well thought out and intriguing however the books are irritatingly prissy and incomprehensibly British although the main character is American.

Did the plot keep you on the edge of your seat? How?

The plot is very interesting and moves along well when not being dragged down by the main characters affections for Hershey products, his obsessing about his weight or his school-boy insecurities when pursuing a relationship with his collaborator.

Would you be willing to try another one of Simon Vance’s performances?

Not sure- I certainly will not waste anymore credits on Jefferson Tayte.

Was The Lost Empress worth the listening time?

Again- the story was compelling the performance and characterization were infuriatingly prissy. There is no other word for it.

Any additional comments?

I have always wondered why a book about an American character uses British words for everyday things. It is distracting and inconsistent with the character. I've tried three books but this author and this will be the last. Kindred, an Old Nazi/Neo Nazi plot, was just awful!

Loved the story. The best of his books so far.

The most memorable moments were the events that transpired on the drive to Liverpool. Excellent!

A FANTASTIC READ/LISTEN!!!!

This book is GREAT!! I Ilove the plot, with its many twists and turns!!!

Great book!

You think you have it figured out, but you don't! This book has a little bit of everything, mystery, suspense, action. great for men or women.