Painting the Darkness

Skeletons in every closet

I detest spoilers, so I have been wracking my brain trying to decide how to write a useful review of this book without giving away crucial information. Clearly the central mystery is to determine whether James Norton is really Sir James Davenall returned from the dead. The multitude of characters take sides for or against, with several being uncertain. I took all three positions at different times. This long and densely plotted mystery gives up its clues sparsely and cunningly, requiring you to pay close attention and remember what you’ve heard especially regarding names and dates. The Davenall family has more skeletons in their closets than a whole host of haunted houses. Different interested parties are tracking down different skeletons, resulting in the puzzle pieces being distributed among a variety of characters acting on their own agendas, and not necessarily sharing with the others. Sometimes I thought I had a thread untangled only to be confounded by new information from another direction. I really did have to wait to the end to get all the puzzle pieces in place, and there were still surprises once I got there, with a hint of menace left in the final scene.

This is my first Goddard book, but not the last. The writing is wonderful, and the reading by Michael Kitchen puts this on my list of best narrated books. He is by turns smooth, intense, emotional, cruel and bewildered. He handles male and female, young and old voices believably, adding drama and atmosphere without calling distracting attention to himself. A tour de force performance that has me looking for more of his readings.

40 of 42 people found this review helpful

Mesmerizing

Would you listen to Painting the Darkness again? Why?

I would listen again for two reasons. Primarily for Michael Kitchen's compelling voice. I felt like the snakes in Ireland when they heard the Pied Piper's music. I could hardly shut it off.
The story had me feeling as if I were on a literary tilt-a-whirl. I didn't want it to end.

What other book might you compare Painting the Darkness to and why?

Robert Goddards novels are similar in style and something I definitely enjoy.

What about Michael Kitchen’s performance did you like?

Everything. His voice is incredible. I was so taken by it that ,as I said I couldn't shut off the book.

Did you have an extreme reaction to this book? Did it make you laugh or cry?

No

Any additional comments?

This book is so complex, and intricate, that I am amazed how the author could keep the story line in his head. Truly a genius.

10 of 10 people found this review helpful

One of the best!

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

I picked Painting the Darkness because it was narrated by Michael Kitchen, loving his voice I thought he could not choose a bad book to narrate, I was correct.

This is the first Robert Goddard book I have listened to, in fact I had not heard of him until I did some research. He is one of the Sunday Times top 10 Best Selling authors in the UK. Where have I been?

This is a great mystery thriller in a historical setting. It has fabulous descriptions of settings in London, country houses, period manners, and true to life characters. The words and phrasings are great. The plot has many twists and turns and seems convoluted but It is a simple story of manipulation, conspiracy, betrayal, and greed. It could very well happen today. I will be on the lookout for my next Goddard book, hope you enjoy yours.

9 of 9 people found this review helpful

The plot thickens...and thickens, but nicely

A very entertaining mystery about a family with a very complicated past. When a stranger appears in town claiming to be the long-presumed-dead son, everyone takes sides either believing him or claiming he is an impostor. Is he, or isn't he, you wonder...and wonder. Every character has his or her own agenda when pursuing the answer, allowing Mr. Goddard to feed you bits and pieces of the puzzle from various directions. You think you have figured it out, only to be confounded time and time again by the next revelation.

There are times when the scenes could have used some editing, and there are one or two instances when the characters' actions seem a bit of a stretch. However, my interest never waned.

This was my first Goddard mystery, but I have already downloaded a second.

Mr. Kitchen's performance, as other reviewers have mentioned, is top notch.

9 of 9 people found this review helpful

Held me in its clutches

I just discovered Robert Goddard. I purchased this book because it is narrated by Michael Kitchen, the actor extraordinaire. I knew practically nothing about Goddard's writing prior to this novel.

This is a fascinating, fabulous and captivating listen. If you are looking for an exceptional story and a true fan of high quality historical mystery, this book will be right up your alley.
There are loads of twists and turns. Every time I thought I had solved the mystery, I was wrong!

I don't like to compare authors, but if you are an Anne Perry fan, you will love Painting the Darkness.

I could listen to Michael Kitchen's narration and talent until the cows come home. What a range of characters he can pull off. Brilliant narration and true acting at its finest. He should do more of this work!

Buy it, read it, share the buzz! A must read.

7 of 7 people found this review helpful

mystery, mysteries, and more mysteries!!

If you love mysteries, then this book is for you. There are more mysteries in this book than 'you can poke a stick at. ' The book is well written, set in the late nineteenth century and just when you think you have gleaned the mystery, not another one, but two, three and even four or more pop up just to fan the fires of intrigue, which make you want to never put this book down. The characters are all interesting in their own right and well drawn by the author. Michael Kitchen's narration is more than just that, it is a superb performance and I will be looking out for other books 'read' by him. This is the first Goddard I have read but it certainly won't be the last. If you enjoy mysteries for intellectual satisfaction rather than for 'blood and gore' then you will enjoy this book. Highly recommended.

10 of 11 people found this review helpful

FASCINATING

I ENJOYED THE BOOK,ITS INTRIGUING PLOT,THE EXCELLENT PERFORMANCE, AND ESPECIALLY THE FINE,IF A LITTLE OLD-FASHONED, LANGUAGE.RECOMMENDED.

4 of 4 people found this review helpful

Never a slow moment, may be Goddard's best.

I have listened to a lot of Goddard's books and this one is easily in the top three if not the best. You quickly get into the characters and scene of the 1800s and the twists of plot keep you wanting for more. Typically I feel Goddard's books don't have the great ending but are enjoyable for the story and characters. This one has both. The narrator should get 6 stars. Highest recommendation in my book.

14 of 16 people found this review helpful

Unable to stop listening.

I am often easily bored with novels, but this one was not only well written, but it's plot was so intriguing that I found myself neglecting everything I needed to do, to keep listening to try to find out, if I would be able to dismiss this, with a "Oh, I know where this is going," and put it down, so I could go about my business.

Fascinating characters which are well drawn.

I would highly recommend this book to those who are jaundiced with formulae plots, and want to be kept guessing.

2 of 2 people found this review helpful

Couldn't get into it

This book wasn’t for you, but who do you think might enjoy it more?

Perhaps people who enjoy historical fiction

Has Painting the Darkness turned you off from other books in this genre?

Probably

Who would you have cast as narrator instead of Michael Kitchen?

Don't know that much about British narrators.

You didn’t love this book... but did it have any redeeming qualities?

Couldn't get far enough along. Simply didn't hold my interest.

Any additional comments?

I found the plot uninteresting, predictable and too slow moving. Decided to try it because of all the good reviews but it really wasn't for me!

2 of 2 people found this review helpful