Deadly Summer Nights by Vicki Delany | Audiobook Review

I received this book for free from Publisher in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.

"An immersive setting with details of running a Catskillsresort in the 1950s (think Kellerman’s in Dirty Dancing) beautifully frame a story with plot twists and a cast of well-delineated characters."--Booklist

A summer of fun at a Catskills resort comes to an abrupt end when a guest is found murdered, in this new 1950s set mystery series.
 
It’s the summer of 1953, and Elizabeth Grady is settling into Haggerman’s Catskills Resort. As a vacation getaway, Haggerman’s is ideal, and although Elizabeth’s ostentatious but well-meaning mother is new to running the resort, Elizabeth is eager to help her organize the guests and the entertainment acts. But Elizabeth will have to resort to untested abilities if she wants to save her mother’s business.

When a reclusive guest is found dead in a lake on the grounds, and a copy of The Communist Manifesto is found in his cabin, the local police chief is convinced that the man was a Russian spy. But Elizabeth isn’t so sure, and with the fate of the resort hanging in the balance, she’ll need to dodge red herrings, withstand the Red Scare, and catch a killer red-handed.

Why Did I Listen To Deadly Summer Nights by Vicki Delany?

Deadly Summer Nights by Vicky Delany appealed to me based on the Catskills element. The back cover copy compares the resort this book is set at to the one in Dirty Dancing which is a superb movie. Given my current time limitations, audiobook seemed like the way when it came to experiencing this cozy mystery. Also? I read one cozy mystery, liked it, and decided to keep going with the genre.

What’s The Story Here?

Set in 1953, Deadly Summer Nights follows Elizabeth Grady who is about to help her mother run Haggerman’s Catskill Resort. You see, Elizabeth’s mother just bought the resort and this is her first year running it. Elizabeth wants to focus on setting up entertainment acts and running a tight ship for the guests. A wrench is put into her plans when a guest is found dead on the grounds. To make matters worse, the guest has a copy of the Communist Manifesto in his room, so the police think he was a Russian spy. To keep the resort financially solvent, Elizabeth is determined to find the killer.

How Did I Like Deadly Summer Nights?

Well, I am trying this whole new to me genre and figuring out what I like and what I do not like. Deadly Summer Nights was a mostly okay read for me. I enjoyed the setting immensely. Also, the side characters were quirky and interesting. The Red Scare bits were not engaging for me. Also, I had such a hard time staying focused on this book. So, your mileage may vary.

How’s The Narration?

The audiobook of Vicki Delany’s Deadly Summer Nights is narrated by Jennifer Van Dyck. It is 8 hours and 35 minutes long. This is one of those books where I kind of wish I was listening to it at a faster speed. However, I am trying to reprogram myself to enjoy audiobooks at their intended speed. However, this one just didn’t keep my attention. Also, I didn’t feel a clamor to get back to it when I was not listening. So, overall, this was an okay experience and if I do read the next one, I am in the air as to whether that will be via audio or physical book.

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April (Books&Wine)

April is in her 30s and created Good Books And Good Wine. She works for a non-profit. April always has a book on hand. In her free time she can be found binge watching The Office with her husband and toddler, spending way too much time on Pinterest or exploring her neighborhood.

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