The Sleeping Doll: Kathryn Dance, Book 1

Fantastic. The only word to describe this audio book. Well read with suitable definitions between characters, and there are a lot of them. I was totally engrossed with the twisting plot which is quietly subtle and then... wham! a bolt from the blue. The book is long enough to allow the listener to have got to know the 'cast' and delivered with precision. An excellent read and I found myself extending the time on my sleep timer so I could listen to the next chapter, and the next.

I was dubious about the new character Kathryn Dance as I'm a big fan of Licoln Rhyme but I really liked this story. Her character is believable and likeable. My only critisism would be the constant references to kenesics (her speciality), it's obviously how her character thinks but it can get a bit annoying (although interesting). The villain is also very good in this book and I hope that people like him don't exist in the real world! I liked the narrator but wanted her to be a little more dynamic at some points but all in all it's a great story.

Ive only been listening to audiobooks for 4-5 months now and im working my way through lee childs Jack Reacher books, i thought i would give Deaver a go and selected this book based on it reviews.

There are interesting parts in the book with some suspense and some intrigue that does make listening to the book an enjoyable activity. However I've noticed that if i put on a jack reacher book i can finish it within 48 hours of non stop listening whereas i have had this book for 2 months now and im only really two thirds through it and where I would listen to a jack reacher book whenever and wherever i am i only really listen to this when i have nothing else to do. So while i would say the story and plot do retain interest when listening i would say that its not a book that compels me to listen to it.

Kathryn Dance never disappoints ? the story keeps you on the edge of your seat. The plot has strong characters, lots of heart stopping moments and plenty of red herrings. I would agree with a previous reviewer, regarding the constant references to kinesics (her speciality); it?s a bit overdone. However, it would not put me off, its only a minor distraction. Excellent.

A great story, with Deaver's characteristic twists and turns throughout. All the upcoming twists are signposted - but in such a way that you only realise what you heard after the plot changes away from you. Brilliant.

The reader is absolutely perfect - a perfect voice and the story is excellently read. The whole flavour of the reading is hugely strengthened by the careful sadness in the reader's voice to match the main character's attitude.

Wonderful.

Kathryn Dance would no doubt be able to see the sub-text here, why did I not listen to the end? Why did I delete this book for being boring? What unresolved trauma was I betraying?
I just don't care Kathryn/Jeffrey, never again, plus jamais.

This is the first Jeffery Deaver book in which I have been so disappointed . The new character is dreadful, and her speciality of 'reading body language' is shoved down the reader's throat at every available moment. If someone scratched their nose, pointed their toes or breathed in a certain way we were treated to a detailed explanation of WHY this meant that they were 'agitated', 'angry', lying' etc.
The plot was thin, and it is the first Deaver novel that I have been glad to finish. a waste of my time, and of a valuable credit!