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The Virtuosic Spy #1
Deceptive Cadence
Meet Conor McBride. He's even more interesting than the trouble he gets into. A talented Irish musician reluctantly reinvents himself, disappearing into an undercover identity to search for the man who ruined his career: his own brother. On a journey from the west of Ireland to the tumultuous city of Mumbai, Conor McBride's only goal is to redeem the brother who betrayed him. But he's becoming a virtuoso of a different kind in a dangerous game where the rules keep changing--and where the allies he trusted to help him may be the people he should fear the most.
434 pages, ebook
First published March 17, 2013
774 people are currently reading
1432 people want to read
About the author
Kathryn Guare
15 books77 followersAuthor of the award-winning Conor McBride International Mystery Series, Kathryn Guare’s character-driven novels are a mix of page-turning suspense and travel adventure, balanced with a little romance and humor. She has a passion for exploring diverse cultures and cuisine, Classical music, and all things Celtic, and mixes these into her stories along with other enthusiasms that capture her imagination. Formerly, as an executive with a global health advocacy organization, she traveled extensively throughout the world. Currently, as a native Vermonter, she hates to leave home during foliage season.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 142 reviews
August 6, 2016
My rating: 3.5 of 5 stars
At one point his life, Conor McBride was a successful concert violinist, but he’s reverted back to his roots and has gone home to Ireland to care for his mother and the family farm. This life change came after his brother, Thomas, was involved in an international case of fraud that just so happened to involve Conor after he signed documents that he didn’t bother to review. Thomas disappeared and Conor spent the next several years living a life of simplicity, paying the fines that the McBride family became stuck with. Five years go by and a gentleman from the British intelligence agency knocks on Conor’s door requisitioning his assistance in locating the brother he presumed was long gone. Suddenly, his life of simplicity gets very complicated.
While Deceptive Cadence is a fast paced spy thriller, however, the real essence of the story centers around family and the lengths that you would go for them regardless of history. The idea of a simple farmer (or even musician) being commissioned to become a member of MI6 at the drop of the hat may be far fetched, but Conor McBride is one of those individuals that catch on quick but the fact that he has to do well in order to protect his brother is never far from his mind. His fast-paced training takes him out of the villages in Ireland and thrusts him into a new world. While searching for his brother he experiences religious retreats known as ashrams in Rishikesh India to the cities of Mumbai.
‘For the first time his senses began to register the exotic, heady atmosphere of Mumbai…the odors most insistently demanded his attention. There were layers upon layers of them, all present at once but individually distinct. They shifted in strength and character with the ocean breeze that blew soft, irregular gusts across his face. First came the sharp tang of engine fuel mingled with an even more acrid burning smell, as though something unnatural had been set alight to blanket the city with a smoldering stench. A shift in the air’s direction brought a fresher aroma of salt and brine floating in from the sea. It gave way to the hot smell of spices frying in oil, which in turn incongruously merged with the subtle reek of garbage.’
The authors clear research into this part of the globe takes the reader on a fascinating journey to far off parts of the world and describes Conor’s surroundings in fantastic detail. Conor was an enjoyable character that managed to contribute a dash of whimsy to a story that could have been nothing but dark and mysterious.
‘His instructions for the flight had been unequivocal. He was to remain quiet and anonymous, avoiding unnecessary conversation and making every effort to appear as invisible as possible. He presumed this meant someone had ensured that the aisle seat would remain empty. Surely an intelligence expert of any quality – particularly a British one – would not expect an Irishman to sit next to someone for nine hours without talking.’
In addition to a compelling main character and an enticing storyline, the Ireland born audiobook narrator, Wayne Farrell, only further impressed me with his storytelling ability. If you’re a fan of John le Carré and/or spy-thrillers, Deceptive Cadence could be an unexpected treat.
I received this book free from the Author in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
At one point his life, Conor McBride was a successful concert violinist, but he’s reverted back to his roots and has gone home to Ireland to care for his mother and the family farm. This life change came after his brother, Thomas, was involved in an international case of fraud that just so happened to involve Conor after he signed documents that he didn’t bother to review. Thomas disappeared and Conor spent the next several years living a life of simplicity, paying the fines that the McBride family became stuck with. Five years go by and a gentleman from the British intelligence agency knocks on Conor’s door requisitioning his assistance in locating the brother he presumed was long gone. Suddenly, his life of simplicity gets very complicated.
While Deceptive Cadence is a fast paced spy thriller, however, the real essence of the story centers around family and the lengths that you would go for them regardless of history. The idea of a simple farmer (or even musician) being commissioned to become a member of MI6 at the drop of the hat may be far fetched, but Conor McBride is one of those individuals that catch on quick but the fact that he has to do well in order to protect his brother is never far from his mind. His fast-paced training takes him out of the villages in Ireland and thrusts him into a new world. While searching for his brother he experiences religious retreats known as ashrams in Rishikesh India to the cities of Mumbai.
‘For the first time his senses began to register the exotic, heady atmosphere of Mumbai…the odors most insistently demanded his attention. There were layers upon layers of them, all present at once but individually distinct. They shifted in strength and character with the ocean breeze that blew soft, irregular gusts across his face. First came the sharp tang of engine fuel mingled with an even more acrid burning smell, as though something unnatural had been set alight to blanket the city with a smoldering stench. A shift in the air’s direction brought a fresher aroma of salt and brine floating in from the sea. It gave way to the hot smell of spices frying in oil, which in turn incongruously merged with the subtle reek of garbage.’
The authors clear research into this part of the globe takes the reader on a fascinating journey to far off parts of the world and describes Conor’s surroundings in fantastic detail. Conor was an enjoyable character that managed to contribute a dash of whimsy to a story that could have been nothing but dark and mysterious.
‘His instructions for the flight had been unequivocal. He was to remain quiet and anonymous, avoiding unnecessary conversation and making every effort to appear as invisible as possible. He presumed this meant someone had ensured that the aisle seat would remain empty. Surely an intelligence expert of any quality – particularly a British one – would not expect an Irishman to sit next to someone for nine hours without talking.’
In addition to a compelling main character and an enticing storyline, the Ireland born audiobook narrator, Wayne Farrell, only further impressed me with his storytelling ability. If you’re a fan of John le Carré and/or spy-thrillers, Deceptive Cadence could be an unexpected treat.
I received this book free from the Author in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
September 18, 2017
DNF at 25%. This had promise, but my attention would not hold. It often read like a dozen familiar movies or books, like a potentially fresh story over a predictable template of thriller scenes that didn't seem to be going anywhere. Eventually, other books were calling louder, so I wasn't the right reader here.
October 23, 2013
I won a copy of "Deceptive Cadence" (The Virtuosic Spy, #1) by Kathryn Deceptive Cadence through the Goodreads Giveaway Contest. This was a refreshing take on the mystery/thriller/spy genre. I was totally glued to the novel, and stayed up late last night as I was so captivated with the book. The title of the novel is very appropriate.
The setting for the novel switches from Dingle Peninsula,Ireland
to India.
At one time Thomas lived the life of a simple Irish farmer, on the Dingle Peninsula, Ireland, while his brother, Conor pursued a career in Dublin as a violinist. But one day, Conor was arrested as his brother's accomplice in a conspiracy to commit international fraud, for which he was falsely accused. His brother, Thomas fled the country as he had stolen grant money from the farmers to filter into the IRA. Thomas was trouble...
Five years later, Brigid McBride, calls her son Conor to tell him there is a well dressed gentleman from London to see him at the farm house. The gentleman introduced himself as Frank Emmons Murdoch, an agent with the British Secret Intelligence Service (MI6). He filled Conor in on the details, that his missing brother needs his help. Thomas is in India and is involved in something more dangerous than fraud. And Conor is then recruited by MI6 to find him...and bring him home.It is his last chance for redemption.
Conor's assignment is to find Thomas and convince him into helping MI6 disclose the person running a global money laundering operation. For that they will help Thomas.
But Conor had no knowledge of what is to be a spy! He had to receive extensive training and discipline, before he could make the trip to India. He must learn to operate on instinct, and travel under an alias.
This was a fast paced spy suspense thriller, that had you quickly turning the pages to see what would happen next. The characters were well developed and believable. The descriptive scenes in India, added value to the novel, and shows the author's research and passion for culture.
The depths of danger that one brother will gladly go through to save his brother, is a testament to their love for each other.
The setting for the novel switches from Dingle Peninsula,Ireland
to India.
At one time Thomas lived the life of a simple Irish farmer, on the Dingle Peninsula, Ireland, while his brother, Conor pursued a career in Dublin as a violinist. But one day, Conor was arrested as his brother's accomplice in a conspiracy to commit international fraud, for which he was falsely accused. His brother, Thomas fled the country as he had stolen grant money from the farmers to filter into the IRA. Thomas was trouble...
Five years later, Brigid McBride, calls her son Conor to tell him there is a well dressed gentleman from London to see him at the farm house. The gentleman introduced himself as Frank Emmons Murdoch, an agent with the British Secret Intelligence Service (MI6). He filled Conor in on the details, that his missing brother needs his help. Thomas is in India and is involved in something more dangerous than fraud. And Conor is then recruited by MI6 to find him...and bring him home.It is his last chance for redemption.
Conor's assignment is to find Thomas and convince him into helping MI6 disclose the person running a global money laundering operation. For that they will help Thomas.
But Conor had no knowledge of what is to be a spy! He had to receive extensive training and discipline, before he could make the trip to India. He must learn to operate on instinct, and travel under an alias.
This was a fast paced spy suspense thriller, that had you quickly turning the pages to see what would happen next. The characters were well developed and believable. The descriptive scenes in India, added value to the novel, and shows the author's research and passion for culture.
The depths of danger that one brother will gladly go through to save his brother, is a testament to their love for each other.
July 13, 2017
A Long-Winded Bourne-like Thriller
I kept going back and forth on this book. I’ll be blunt up front — it was an enjoyable book that was a little long-winded. Guare wrote a story that was really full of detail and didn’t dart from topic to topic like a lot of first-time authors will. But instead, she may have spent a little bit too much time explaining some of the backstories of the main character(s).
Deceptive Cadence is a story about mistaken identities, unexpected secret agents, and family bonds. There is a lot more going on, but those are the main totems for this book, and most of the story fits within at least one of these.
Guare was able to tell an interesting story here, and one that I did enjoy reading. The characters were fun and different and the title of the book along with the backstory of its main character revolved around music. That was a different touch.
The story itself, other than being a little long-winded, had a nice story arc to it. I did find myself lost in the details from time to time, but maybe I’m just used to reading more developed stories and characters. Every story has to start somewhere.
If/when Guare continues this series, I would definitely be interested in continuing it, especially now that she’s gotten most of the introductions out of the way. That should lend itself to being what it was meant to be — a mix between a Bourne Identity and almost an old “gumshoe” or detective story.
I will add though, Farell’s narration of this was excellent. He was able to lend voices to so many characters and made them all so believable. His narration really helped move this story forward. I can honestly say that due to his narration alone this went from being a 3 or 3.5 to a 4-star book.
I kept going back and forth on this book. I’ll be blunt up front — it was an enjoyable book that was a little long-winded. Guare wrote a story that was really full of detail and didn’t dart from topic to topic like a lot of first-time authors will. But instead, she may have spent a little bit too much time explaining some of the backstories of the main character(s).
Deceptive Cadence is a story about mistaken identities, unexpected secret agents, and family bonds. There is a lot more going on, but those are the main totems for this book, and most of the story fits within at least one of these.
Guare was able to tell an interesting story here, and one that I did enjoy reading. The characters were fun and different and the title of the book along with the backstory of its main character revolved around music. That was a different touch.
The story itself, other than being a little long-winded, had a nice story arc to it. I did find myself lost in the details from time to time, but maybe I’m just used to reading more developed stories and characters. Every story has to start somewhere.
If/when Guare continues this series, I would definitely be interested in continuing it, especially now that she’s gotten most of the introductions out of the way. That should lend itself to being what it was meant to be — a mix between a Bourne Identity and almost an old “gumshoe” or detective story.
I will add though, Farell’s narration of this was excellent. He was able to lend voices to so many characters and made them all so believable. His narration really helped move this story forward. I can honestly say that due to his narration alone this went from being a 3 or 3.5 to a 4-star book.
March 15, 2017
"एक रहस्य एक रहस्य में लिपटे।"
“A riddle fillte i Mystery.”
“A riddle wrapped in a mystery.”
Irish violin virtuosi, Conor McBride has fallen from the podium. Not for anything he did, but for what he didn’t do. He didn’t read the occasional correspondences with his brother, Thomas. Thomas McBride stayed at home, with their mother and working the family farm. In truth, the farm belonged to both brothers equally. The letters from Thomas often include forms for his signature. Conor signed them without even looking at them. Thomas was defrauding the European Union of thousands through fraudulent farming subsidies. Thomas flees and Conor must pay the piper.
When MI6 discovers that Thomas McBride now appeared to be helping the IRA, whether willingly or under duress, they do not know. Conor is recruited to find out and possibly save his brother’s life.
This is a story of deception, betrayal, and espionage that spans the globe. The most unlikely of agents seems to have just the right talents to keep him alive and tenaciously on the mission. Conor isn’t your average fiddler. I found myself intrigued with his virtuousness and ingenuousness. When he finds himself forced to wallow with the underworld swine of Mumbai, he always seems to rise above it and remains uncontaminated. It isn’t anything like the MI6 spy novels made famous by Ian Fleming and others. In this story, their operative of choice has only completed a crash course in espionage 101 before sent out on a mission you are sure he will fail and never set eyes on the emerald isle of Ireland.
“A riddle fillte i Mystery.”
“A riddle wrapped in a mystery.”
Irish violin virtuosi, Conor McBride has fallen from the podium. Not for anything he did, but for what he didn’t do. He didn’t read the occasional correspondences with his brother, Thomas. Thomas McBride stayed at home, with their mother and working the family farm. In truth, the farm belonged to both brothers equally. The letters from Thomas often include forms for his signature. Conor signed them without even looking at them. Thomas was defrauding the European Union of thousands through fraudulent farming subsidies. Thomas flees and Conor must pay the piper.
When MI6 discovers that Thomas McBride now appeared to be helping the IRA, whether willingly or under duress, they do not know. Conor is recruited to find out and possibly save his brother’s life.
This is a story of deception, betrayal, and espionage that spans the globe. The most unlikely of agents seems to have just the right talents to keep him alive and tenaciously on the mission. Conor isn’t your average fiddler. I found myself intrigued with his virtuousness and ingenuousness. When he finds himself forced to wallow with the underworld swine of Mumbai, he always seems to rise above it and remains uncontaminated. It isn’t anything like the MI6 spy novels made famous by Ian Fleming and others. In this story, their operative of choice has only completed a crash course in espionage 101 before sent out on a mission you are sure he will fail and never set eyes on the emerald isle of Ireland.
January 9, 2023
Good book! This one is somewhat dark as it deals with the slimy underbelly of organized crime and the sometimes slimy underbelly of the law enforcement that lives (mostly) on the other side.
The people pulled into this Deceptive Mess are Connor and his brother, Thomas. Two innocent Irish lads just trying to get on with their lives. Thomas is unhappy as a farmer and goes off the deep end trying to get ahead. Connor, who is a gifted violinist gets dragged into the mess. Turns out, he is not just intelligent with a stringed instrument but with other items as well: his brain, his cunning, his tenacity, his fists, and a gun. Not at all the life that he wanted or deserves. Still, it is his brother and the bond is undeniable.
Should you choose to begin this series, be prepared to pay attention -- there are quite a few characters and a lot of twists, as is often typical of both criminals and secret agents. Who can an innocent, unworldly Irish lad believe, let alone trust? His in-country guide, his brother, his handler who recruited and trained him? Maybe none of them. They all have secrets and agendas and he will just have to figure out how to navigate in an unfamiliar country (India), while surrounded by hostile (or possibly) friendly people.
I will take a break from the intense action but will definitely continue this series.
The people pulled into this Deceptive Mess are Connor and his brother, Thomas. Two innocent Irish lads just trying to get on with their lives. Thomas is unhappy as a farmer and goes off the deep end trying to get ahead. Connor, who is a gifted violinist gets dragged into the mess. Turns out, he is not just intelligent with a stringed instrument but with other items as well: his brain, his cunning, his tenacity, his fists, and a gun. Not at all the life that he wanted or deserves. Still, it is his brother and the bond is undeniable.
Should you choose to begin this series, be prepared to pay attention -- there are quite a few characters and a lot of twists, as is often typical of both criminals and secret agents. Who can an innocent, unworldly Irish lad believe, let alone trust? His in-country guide, his brother, his handler who recruited and trained him? Maybe none of them. They all have secrets and agendas and he will just have to figure out how to navigate in an unfamiliar country (India), while surrounded by hostile (or possibly) friendly people.
I will take a break from the intense action but will definitely continue this series.
July 3, 2013
I was fortunate enough to receive a free e-copy of Deceptive Cadence to review. Unfortunately, my e-reader's lame battery prevented the late night marathon reading session I would have liked to indulge in. It was so hard to put the story down, even for an hour!
Conor McBride's mission seems straightforward enough at first; go to Mumbai, find his brother, and being him back to London. Only his brother is a criminal who destroyed Conor's career when he let Conor take the fall for his crimes. Plus he's become a money launderer for terrorists. Conor's mission is soon complicated by duplicitous agents and honorable criminals (among other things), and before it's over he will be tested in ways he never imagined.
Deceptive Cadence has all the action and intrigue of a spy novel combined with the emotional punch of a family drama. Ms. Guare's writing style is engaging and the action rolls along at a smart pace. The characters big and small are interesting, well drawn, and believable (though non-spiritual readers may need to suspend some disbelief).
I did wonder whether it was a good idea to clue the reader into an important part of the plot's climax so early in the story but that part, when it came, was so well written that I didn't feel my reaction had been in anyway lessened by foreknowledge of it. I was very impressed with that and highly entertained by the story in general. Ms. Guare is definitely going on my favorite authors list!
Conor McBride's mission seems straightforward enough at first; go to Mumbai, find his brother, and being him back to London. Only his brother is a criminal who destroyed Conor's career when he let Conor take the fall for his crimes. Plus he's become a money launderer for terrorists. Conor's mission is soon complicated by duplicitous agents and honorable criminals (among other things), and before it's over he will be tested in ways he never imagined.
Deceptive Cadence has all the action and intrigue of a spy novel combined with the emotional punch of a family drama. Ms. Guare's writing style is engaging and the action rolls along at a smart pace. The characters big and small are interesting, well drawn, and believable (though non-spiritual readers may need to suspend some disbelief).
I did wonder whether it was a good idea to clue the reader into an important part of the plot's climax so early in the story but that part, when it came, was so well written that I didn't feel my reaction had been in anyway lessened by foreknowledge of it. I was very impressed with that and highly entertained by the story in general. Ms. Guare is definitely going on my favorite authors list!
July 15, 2017
Set in 2003-2004, Conor McBride is willing to go to great lengths for his family. He was a concert violinist when he found out just how badly his older brother Thomas screwed him over. He’s since fled the country, leaving Conor to pay the government back the large debt. He also moved back to the family farm in Ireland to help his ailing mom (Brigid McBride) out. Then a mysterious man shows up offering him knowledge of where his brother is in exchange for service. Pretty soon, Conor is wrapped up in a world of deceit, drugs, corruption, and guns. And magnificent Indian food.
This was a gripping novel! Conor and his brother Thomas have some serious history between them. Conor feels that his life was ruined when he was saddled with his brother’s enormous debt, having to return from London to the family farm on the Dingle Peninsula in Ireland that he never had any interest in. Years have passed and Conor grows comfortable on the farm, even though it’s a far cry from his concert violinist life. Then Frank Murdoch from MI6 shows up offering information on the whereabouts of Thomas but it’s not free. The British Intelligence Service wants something from Conor and that involves 10 hard weeks of spy camp and several long months working in some of the roughest parts of India. I was surprised when Brigid sends Conor off with her blessing, saying that Thomas needs him.
There’s very little about the spy camp. Our hero goes from fiddling cow milker to trained deadly spy in several paragraphs, tho there are a few references to his time there later in the story. Conor brought some of his own skills to table from the beginning, like his intelligence, linguistic skills, and athletic build. With that, he surpassed his instructor’s expectations. Yet he isn’t ready for everything he comes across in the field. There are some tough scenes for this fledgling spy and despite the dirty business he’s in, he never loses his humanity. He’s this wonderful mix of competence, steel nerves, and soft heart.
Most of the book takes place in India, in and around Mumbai. I definitely felt that the author had done her research. She brought the beauty and the grunge. It was a very believable setting complete with child slavery, tasty food, generous hospitality, illegal arms sales, gentle religious rites, and drug use.
There’s several female characters in this spy novel which isn’t the usual for this genre. So that was a breath of fresh air. Yet the ladies were pretty much there to comfort the men. They each have some personality and some role in the story that is more than window dressing and yet none of them ever really touch the central plot. Conor’s world of spies is a man’s world. I would have liked a bit more from the ladies. However, this little weakness of the story didn’t detract from my enjoyment of the novel. Kavita was the most prominent lady in that she provided medical care and comfort of a motherly sort to Conor when he really needed it. I really liked her calm and patience and yet she could also be insistent when needed. Radha is a 13 year old heroin addict and dancer at a pleasure house. Conor’s undercover persona brings him to this seedy side of town where he meets Radha and he wishes he could do something to permanently help her situation. They’re relationship, as fleeting as it is, pulled the emotions out of me.
Let’s chat about Sedgewick, who like Murdoch, presents a well-honed edge to the world at large. Conor in his endearing way manages to catch both men in unguarded moments, revealing something deeper. Sedgewick had a lot more page time and he’s definitely a complicated character. He’s wrestled with his demons but they left scars and he’s just a touch paranoid that those around him don’t trust him…. but he’s in the spy business. I loved this polarity about him. He works in a field that calls for deception yet craves solid relationships. I hope we get to see him again.
The McBrides have a sixth sense of a sort. It’s left pretty nebulous, something that can be chocked up to chance or a mystical element depending on how the reader wants to interpret such things. For me, I could leave it or take it. This element of the story didn’t do much for me other than keeping Brigid engaged in the storyline even when she wasn’t on the page.
The action scenes were great. There was plenty of tension throughout the tale as Conor does his best to navigate this deadly web. With each layer of lies he peeled back, I became a little more paranoid about who he could trust. Eventually, we learn about the main bad guy that everyone wants, Vasily Dragonov. Things don’t go as planned and I felt deeply for Conor by the end of the story. What an emotional ringer the guy has been through! I was engaged throughout the entire tale. Conor McBride is my new favorite spy!
I received a free copy of this book via The Audiobook Worm.
The Narration: Wayne Farrell nailed this performance. Gallic, English, Hindi, and Russian accents pepper this story and Wayne did a great job with all of them. There’s some Hindi and Gallic prayers and swearing as well which he did with gusto. His female voices were all believable and each character was distinct. He was able to portray the variety of emotions of Conor McBride and the other main characters with moving accuracy.
This was a gripping novel! Conor and his brother Thomas have some serious history between them. Conor feels that his life was ruined when he was saddled with his brother’s enormous debt, having to return from London to the family farm on the Dingle Peninsula in Ireland that he never had any interest in. Years have passed and Conor grows comfortable on the farm, even though it’s a far cry from his concert violinist life. Then Frank Murdoch from MI6 shows up offering information on the whereabouts of Thomas but it’s not free. The British Intelligence Service wants something from Conor and that involves 10 hard weeks of spy camp and several long months working in some of the roughest parts of India. I was surprised when Brigid sends Conor off with her blessing, saying that Thomas needs him.
There’s very little about the spy camp. Our hero goes from fiddling cow milker to trained deadly spy in several paragraphs, tho there are a few references to his time there later in the story. Conor brought some of his own skills to table from the beginning, like his intelligence, linguistic skills, and athletic build. With that, he surpassed his instructor’s expectations. Yet he isn’t ready for everything he comes across in the field. There are some tough scenes for this fledgling spy and despite the dirty business he’s in, he never loses his humanity. He’s this wonderful mix of competence, steel nerves, and soft heart.
Most of the book takes place in India, in and around Mumbai. I definitely felt that the author had done her research. She brought the beauty and the grunge. It was a very believable setting complete with child slavery, tasty food, generous hospitality, illegal arms sales, gentle religious rites, and drug use.
There’s several female characters in this spy novel which isn’t the usual for this genre. So that was a breath of fresh air. Yet the ladies were pretty much there to comfort the men. They each have some personality and some role in the story that is more than window dressing and yet none of them ever really touch the central plot. Conor’s world of spies is a man’s world. I would have liked a bit more from the ladies. However, this little weakness of the story didn’t detract from my enjoyment of the novel. Kavita was the most prominent lady in that she provided medical care and comfort of a motherly sort to Conor when he really needed it. I really liked her calm and patience and yet she could also be insistent when needed. Radha is a 13 year old heroin addict and dancer at a pleasure house. Conor’s undercover persona brings him to this seedy side of town where he meets Radha and he wishes he could do something to permanently help her situation. They’re relationship, as fleeting as it is, pulled the emotions out of me.
Let’s chat about Sedgewick, who like Murdoch, presents a well-honed edge to the world at large. Conor in his endearing way manages to catch both men in unguarded moments, revealing something deeper. Sedgewick had a lot more page time and he’s definitely a complicated character. He’s wrestled with his demons but they left scars and he’s just a touch paranoid that those around him don’t trust him…. but he’s in the spy business. I loved this polarity about him. He works in a field that calls for deception yet craves solid relationships. I hope we get to see him again.
The McBrides have a sixth sense of a sort. It’s left pretty nebulous, something that can be chocked up to chance or a mystical element depending on how the reader wants to interpret such things. For me, I could leave it or take it. This element of the story didn’t do much for me other than keeping Brigid engaged in the storyline even when she wasn’t on the page.
The action scenes were great. There was plenty of tension throughout the tale as Conor does his best to navigate this deadly web. With each layer of lies he peeled back, I became a little more paranoid about who he could trust. Eventually, we learn about the main bad guy that everyone wants, Vasily Dragonov. Things don’t go as planned and I felt deeply for Conor by the end of the story. What an emotional ringer the guy has been through! I was engaged throughout the entire tale. Conor McBride is my new favorite spy!
I received a free copy of this book via The Audiobook Worm.
The Narration: Wayne Farrell nailed this performance. Gallic, English, Hindi, and Russian accents pepper this story and Wayne did a great job with all of them. There’s some Hindi and Gallic prayers and swearing as well which he did with gusto. His female voices were all believable and each character was distinct. He was able to portray the variety of emotions of Conor McBride and the other main characters with moving accuracy.
February 14, 2014
A fun, fast-moving story! I really wanted to see what happened next to the main character. Very descriptive imagery made me feel like I was really there.
February 6, 2021
Spy tale - interesting. Like the cast, plot. Some language, every religion (?) , no graphics.
July 15, 2017
I received this audiobook as part of my participation in a blog tour with Audiobookworm Promotions. The tour is being sponsored by Kathryn Guare. The gifting of this audiobook did not affect my opinion of it.
Connor McBride used to be a virtuous and successful Irish musician who now is relegated to take care of the family farm to pay the debts of his brother Thomas, a con artist, which stole grant money from other farmers and fled the country to filter it into the IRA. One day Connor receives the visit from Frank Emmons Murdoch, an agent within the British Secret Intelligence Service (MI6), asking Connor for help to uncover the operation in which Thomas got mixed up. In order to assist, Connor will have to become an undercover agent and travel to India, where he will make contact with Thomas and try to find the head of the organization and set a trap for them.
This was a book that got me hooked from the start. The beautiful language coupled with an almost melodic narration, and a very interesting story are the good ingredients of this novel.
The characters are pictured with great sensitivity, and one can feel the love and camaraderie among them. We do not get exhaustive information about the characters, but Gaure wove the story in a way that they became alive. None of them is perfect, and this contributes to feeling that we are dealing with real people.
We assist to Connor's drastic metamorphose. From farmer with a background in music to a very efficient undercover agent, with sharp reflexes and unique abilities which demonstrate an innate talent for the job. Something that Connor never imagined before.
There are great subjects treated in the book, being family bonds one of the most important, and how one can be deceived but not by the one who is suspected the most. There is also important character evolution to the point where I could feel the pain in Connor about how everything turned out.
This is a complex and quite convoluted story, and at times I was as lost as Connor was. I am not sure if this was due to some missing information or how it was exposed. Anyway, little by little pieces started falling into place, and I was left with the fuzzy feeling one has after falling in love with a story and its characters.
Wayne Farrell did an excellent job narrating this story and becoming Connor McBride. His musical Irish accent helped in setting at special atmosphere, and made me feel that I was watching a movie. Thanks to Guare's descriptions and Farrell narrations, I was able to see the landscapes and feel the characters' emotions from what was said and what was not. Farrell used different accents, more than a different range of voices, for the characters (there are Irish, American, Indian and Russian). The differences were very subtle and I did not feel that the accents were overdone. I noticed a couple of words with British pronunciation said by the American character, which I found odd. Something that I struggled with was differentiating between Connor and Thomas. Both brothers sounded the same to me, and as they interact a lot during the second half of the book, this complicated things a bit. Fortunately the book was very well written and the narration in general was very good, so my attention did not wander and I guessed quite fast who was talking from the two. The audio production was very professional.
Despite these little details I loved the story, and loved the characters. I felt for them and miss them now that I have finished the book. I will definitely continue with these series so I hope Guare and Farrell will not have us waiting for too long.
Connor McBride used to be a virtuous and successful Irish musician who now is relegated to take care of the family farm to pay the debts of his brother Thomas, a con artist, which stole grant money from other farmers and fled the country to filter it into the IRA. One day Connor receives the visit from Frank Emmons Murdoch, an agent within the British Secret Intelligence Service (MI6), asking Connor for help to uncover the operation in which Thomas got mixed up. In order to assist, Connor will have to become an undercover agent and travel to India, where he will make contact with Thomas and try to find the head of the organization and set a trap for them.
This was a book that got me hooked from the start. The beautiful language coupled with an almost melodic narration, and a very interesting story are the good ingredients of this novel.
The characters are pictured with great sensitivity, and one can feel the love and camaraderie among them. We do not get exhaustive information about the characters, but Gaure wove the story in a way that they became alive. None of them is perfect, and this contributes to feeling that we are dealing with real people.
We assist to Connor's drastic metamorphose. From farmer with a background in music to a very efficient undercover agent, with sharp reflexes and unique abilities which demonstrate an innate talent for the job. Something that Connor never imagined before.
There are great subjects treated in the book, being family bonds one of the most important, and how one can be deceived but not by the one who is suspected the most. There is also important character evolution to the point where I could feel the pain in Connor about how everything turned out.
This is a complex and quite convoluted story, and at times I was as lost as Connor was. I am not sure if this was due to some missing information or how it was exposed. Anyway, little by little pieces started falling into place, and I was left with the fuzzy feeling one has after falling in love with a story and its characters.
Wayne Farrell did an excellent job narrating this story and becoming Connor McBride. His musical Irish accent helped in setting at special atmosphere, and made me feel that I was watching a movie. Thanks to Guare's descriptions and Farrell narrations, I was able to see the landscapes and feel the characters' emotions from what was said and what was not. Farrell used different accents, more than a different range of voices, for the characters (there are Irish, American, Indian and Russian). The differences were very subtle and I did not feel that the accents were overdone. I noticed a couple of words with British pronunciation said by the American character, which I found odd. Something that I struggled with was differentiating between Connor and Thomas. Both brothers sounded the same to me, and as they interact a lot during the second half of the book, this complicated things a bit. Fortunately the book was very well written and the narration in general was very good, so my attention did not wander and I guessed quite fast who was talking from the two. The audio production was very professional.
Despite these little details I loved the story, and loved the characters. I felt for them and miss them now that I have finished the book. I will definitely continue with these series so I hope Guare and Farrell will not have us waiting for too long.
February 21, 2019
Deceptive Cadence begins at the end, with our agent (good? bad? certainly deathly ill and seeing ghosts) being hauled back from the brink while on the Indian subcontinent. He calls himself an amateur. Feels he's strayed from his mission. Has some kind of boss named Frank, who will not be happy. Now, how did we get here? Especially considering we start - a mere seven months earlier - with that same man, formerly a concert violinist, now entering year six of running the family dairy farm and caring for his dying-of-cancer mother on the Irish coast.
It's not as implausible as it sounds. A musician has a spy’s memory, ear, and fine motor skills. Farming’s given Conor physical strength and athletic prowess. His spooky accurate intuition is courtesy of his mother's side and their connection to the faeries and beyond. Conor has ample motivation to turn spy when MI6 tracks down his brother Tom - wanted by the EU for a fraudulent business scheme, wanted by their mother before she dies, and wanted by Conor for a few choice words about ruining his career and his engagement and his life in general. Would Conor accept a compressed version of spy school and an American free-agent handler to go find his brother abroad? Heck, yes, because Conor has the best attribute a spy possibly can, and that is nothing left to lose.
The Conor character is surprisingly likable. As he's new to the game, the reader gets to learn spycraft along with Conor, solve puzzles with him, and feel the emotional impacts of a bad act or a double cross in a way you don't get with an old hand. Watching Conor become both good at being a spy and conflicted about his new job keeps the reader going through a plot that's murky in spots and over-complicated in others. Much of that fault is due to minor characters - there are simply too many of them, some go by multiple names, and the heads of organized crime groups are names only that we never meet.
The book ends with more dangling threads than at its beginning. The giant double cross at the bottom of the plot pit is nowhere near resolved. Boss Frank may be satisfied with Conor, but our new spy has accumulated a list of enemies he needs to hide from. Conor's mother's power is only growing as she heads for the other side. Brother Tom is underground somewhere, the American free-agent handler has disappeared, Conor's been gone from Ireland long enough that no one wants him back, and an American dairy farm is calling. Ready for more adventure? Of course you are, because it's a trilogy. And one worth reading, at that.
It's not as implausible as it sounds. A musician has a spy’s memory, ear, and fine motor skills. Farming’s given Conor physical strength and athletic prowess. His spooky accurate intuition is courtesy of his mother's side and their connection to the faeries and beyond. Conor has ample motivation to turn spy when MI6 tracks down his brother Tom - wanted by the EU for a fraudulent business scheme, wanted by their mother before she dies, and wanted by Conor for a few choice words about ruining his career and his engagement and his life in general. Would Conor accept a compressed version of spy school and an American free-agent handler to go find his brother abroad? Heck, yes, because Conor has the best attribute a spy possibly can, and that is nothing left to lose.
The Conor character is surprisingly likable. As he's new to the game, the reader gets to learn spycraft along with Conor, solve puzzles with him, and feel the emotional impacts of a bad act or a double cross in a way you don't get with an old hand. Watching Conor become both good at being a spy and conflicted about his new job keeps the reader going through a plot that's murky in spots and over-complicated in others. Much of that fault is due to minor characters - there are simply too many of them, some go by multiple names, and the heads of organized crime groups are names only that we never meet.
The book ends with more dangling threads than at its beginning. The giant double cross at the bottom of the plot pit is nowhere near resolved. Boss Frank may be satisfied with Conor, but our new spy has accumulated a list of enemies he needs to hide from. Conor's mother's power is only growing as she heads for the other side. Brother Tom is underground somewhere, the American free-agent handler has disappeared, Conor's been gone from Ireland long enough that no one wants him back, and an American dairy farm is calling. Ready for more adventure? Of course you are, because it's a trilogy. And one worth reading, at that.
July 19, 2017
“Deceptive Cadence” was a very entertaining read. I captured from the first chapters, mesmerized not only by the plot that is quickly progressing, but as well by the narrator’s voice and accent. Both him and the author did a great job presenting us whit this story in the audio format.
Conor McBride has to clean the mess his brother left behind, again. After years paying his debts and in the process ruining his own reputation as a famous violinist, he received a visit from an MI6 representative who requests his help in order to find his missing brother. His quiet life next to his sick mother, trying to regain a balance is yet again pulled away. His journey will be one of self-discovery, learning and forgiving. As in any spy story, nothing is what it seams and this makes the book far from boring and very very gripping.
The main character is nothing but an ordinary man, forced to stand up for his family, same as he did when his mother got sick. He has always done the mature (best) things, so maybe just this once he does not want to get involved. Still, the family calls for him. He will learn to fire guns, follow strangers in amazing cities, all to save a reckless brother. I like how the ties between them unfold in Kathryn Guare’s chapters. Not only does she manage to create such an intense, action-packed plot, but also puts in focus the bond between brothers and how they stand up for each other.
Another aspect that must be mentioned is India’s accurate descriptions, from smells to people, streets and sounds. The colorful country is portrayed with its good and less good traits.
The narration was definitely a big plus for the audio version. Wayne Farrell and his Irish accent go very very well with the character. And the way he expressed each frustration or each insecurity of our main character was as well very well done.
All in all, I believe this was an excellent read and a great beginning for a gripping series. Hope you like it as well J
Conor McBride has to clean the mess his brother left behind, again. After years paying his debts and in the process ruining his own reputation as a famous violinist, he received a visit from an MI6 representative who requests his help in order to find his missing brother. His quiet life next to his sick mother, trying to regain a balance is yet again pulled away. His journey will be one of self-discovery, learning and forgiving. As in any spy story, nothing is what it seams and this makes the book far from boring and very very gripping.
The main character is nothing but an ordinary man, forced to stand up for his family, same as he did when his mother got sick. He has always done the mature (best) things, so maybe just this once he does not want to get involved. Still, the family calls for him. He will learn to fire guns, follow strangers in amazing cities, all to save a reckless brother. I like how the ties between them unfold in Kathryn Guare’s chapters. Not only does she manage to create such an intense, action-packed plot, but also puts in focus the bond between brothers and how they stand up for each other.
Another aspect that must be mentioned is India’s accurate descriptions, from smells to people, streets and sounds. The colorful country is portrayed with its good and less good traits.
The narration was definitely a big plus for the audio version. Wayne Farrell and his Irish accent go very very well with the character. And the way he expressed each frustration or each insecurity of our main character was as well very well done.
All in all, I believe this was an excellent read and a great beginning for a gripping series. Hope you like it as well J
March 1, 2019
I received a free copy of this book for an honest review.
This story was so out of my realm. I typically don't read regular mystery/crime (no magic or love involved) or whatever genre this is considered. At the time, I was looking for something different. I was getting a little tired/bored with my usual genres. While the beginning was slow-going, this ended up being a very interesting story.
There were lots of great characters in this story. I'm not going embarrass myself with my attempt at spelling their names, minus Cole and his brother (I forgot his name), but I loved the young Indian girl that Cole rescued, the old Indian woman was great, and I was fond of Sedgewick as well. The author did a great job with the characters. I don't know if it would be considered sexist or not, but I found it extra interesting that the author wrote a story based on a theme that's typically written by men (spy's and secret government organizations) as well as having a cast where the majority are men. This was definitely different than what I usually read.
I loved the narrator! He did an a-may-za-zing job! I loved his natural accent, but when he did the Indian accent? Wow! He sounded so natural, not that I know any Indian people, but he sounded believable to me.
This story was so out of my realm. I typically don't read regular mystery/crime (no magic or love involved) or whatever genre this is considered. At the time, I was looking for something different. I was getting a little tired/bored with my usual genres. While the beginning was slow-going, this ended up being a very interesting story.
There were lots of great characters in this story. I'm not going embarrass myself with my attempt at spelling their names, minus Cole and his brother (I forgot his name), but I loved the young Indian girl that Cole rescued, the old Indian woman was great, and I was fond of Sedgewick as well. The author did a great job with the characters. I don't know if it would be considered sexist or not, but I found it extra interesting that the author wrote a story based on a theme that's typically written by men (spy's and secret government organizations) as well as having a cast where the majority are men. This was definitely different than what I usually read.
I loved the narrator! He did an a-may-za-zing job! I loved his natural accent, but when he did the Indian accent? Wow! He sounded so natural, not that I know any Indian people, but he sounded believable to me.
July 16, 2017
I chose to listen to this book after receiving a free audio copy. All opinions in this review are my own and completely unbiased.
Conor McBride is what you could call a reluctant spy. The British government wants him to go undercover and find his brother Thomas in India who has gotten himself involved in an illegal operation and they want the boss.
Most of the book is located in India and the descriptions are vivid, both of the country and the people.
The characters are complex and realistic for the most part. Conor goes from violin virtuoso to deadly spy in just a few short weeks when he goes to a camp to learn the skills he needs.
Deceptive Cadence is full of action and has some suspense. I like Kathryn Guare's writing although it does get a little too descriptive at times (my personal taste). The narrator, Wayne Ferrell, did a great job at narrating. He used different accents for the different characters which worked out well.
I definitely recommend Deceptive Cadence for anyone who likes spy thrillers. If I had to choose again, though, I would read the book rather than listen to the audiobook so I could skip over some of the descriptions.
Conor McBride is what you could call a reluctant spy. The British government wants him to go undercover and find his brother Thomas in India who has gotten himself involved in an illegal operation and they want the boss.
Most of the book is located in India and the descriptions are vivid, both of the country and the people.
The characters are complex and realistic for the most part. Conor goes from violin virtuoso to deadly spy in just a few short weeks when he goes to a camp to learn the skills he needs.
Deceptive Cadence is full of action and has some suspense. I like Kathryn Guare's writing although it does get a little too descriptive at times (my personal taste). The narrator, Wayne Ferrell, did a great job at narrating. He used different accents for the different characters which worked out well.
I definitely recommend Deceptive Cadence for anyone who likes spy thrillers. If I had to choose again, though, I would read the book rather than listen to the audiobook so I could skip over some of the descriptions.
July 25, 2020
This is not my usual genre but I loved it and would read more from this author.
Most of the action is set in India and the scenes depicting life in Mumbai and Srinagar are so well written that you can almost perceive the sights and smells. Connor O'Brian is an unlikely spy and indeed he would rather be playing the violin or working on the farm where he lives with his mother on the Dingle Peninsula in Ireland. Connor is recruited by MI6 to fly to India and try to bring his brother home who it is believed is involved in a massive money laundering scheme, defrauding the European Union.
The action is fast paced and credible. Connor finds his brother but on the way gets involved with 'Sedgewick' who seems to be CIA but isn't. He is befriended by a wealthy woman whom he meets on the plane on the way out and she becomes a support person for him. Connor is not James Bond. He does not chase women, but he does help poverty stricken children when he can. He also maintains a strong Catholic belief and there is an element of spirituality that pervades the story. Very well written and narrated beautifully in a delightful Irish accent.
Most of the action is set in India and the scenes depicting life in Mumbai and Srinagar are so well written that you can almost perceive the sights and smells. Connor O'Brian is an unlikely spy and indeed he would rather be playing the violin or working on the farm where he lives with his mother on the Dingle Peninsula in Ireland. Connor is recruited by MI6 to fly to India and try to bring his brother home who it is believed is involved in a massive money laundering scheme, defrauding the European Union.
The action is fast paced and credible. Connor finds his brother but on the way gets involved with 'Sedgewick' who seems to be CIA but isn't. He is befriended by a wealthy woman whom he meets on the plane on the way out and she becomes a support person for him. Connor is not James Bond. He does not chase women, but he does help poverty stricken children when he can. He also maintains a strong Catholic belief and there is an element of spirituality that pervades the story. Very well written and narrated beautifully in a delightful Irish accent.
June 23, 2017
An intriguing and dramatic thriller!
Deceptive Cadence was a thrilling well-written story. There were many twists and turns that formed a believable plot. Some of them you didn’t see coming. There just enough action and suspense to keep my interest. The characters were well develop. You can tell that the author did her research, which added credibility to the story. Kathryn did a splendid job in immersing the reader into the different countries that she writes about. You will that you are really there in that country with the characters.
Wayne Farrell did a great job with the narration. He had a clear and crisp voice that was easy to follow. He did a great job with the voice inflections and many accents. His narration sounded more like real storytelling than simply reading a book.
This is the first book that I have read by Kathryn Guare. I recommend Deceptive Cadence to anyone that enjoys reading a thrilling espionage suspense novel.
Deceptive Cadence was a thrilling well-written story. There were many twists and turns that formed a believable plot. Some of them you didn’t see coming. There just enough action and suspense to keep my interest. The characters were well develop. You can tell that the author did her research, which added credibility to the story. Kathryn did a splendid job in immersing the reader into the different countries that she writes about. You will that you are really there in that country with the characters.
Wayne Farrell did a great job with the narration. He had a clear and crisp voice that was easy to follow. He did a great job with the voice inflections and many accents. His narration sounded more like real storytelling than simply reading a book.
This is the first book that I have read by Kathryn Guare. I recommend Deceptive Cadence to anyone that enjoys reading a thrilling espionage suspense novel.
November 25, 2018
I recommend the book. *spoiler alert*
The book was slow to start, but moved swiftly after the first one hundred pages. The author's writing mechanics were good except for character development. There were several characters who could have been unforgettable had the author given them more personality. Conor, and Irish farmer, goes to India to find and take back to Ireland his older brother, Thomas. Both brothers have to get themselves out of the trouble they made in the mid-east before they can get home to their dying mother. A very poignant moment happens when Thomas is wounded and his mother appears and calls him to her new home--heaven. That bit of fantasy that be repeated in the next book if Thomas could be revived and brought back to pay his debts in this world. The author should not let him rest in peace. The second book is already written, and I am not looking for a dream sequence or a miracle.
Thank you, Ms. Guare, for a good read.
The book was slow to start, but moved swiftly after the first one hundred pages. The author's writing mechanics were good except for character development. There were several characters who could have been unforgettable had the author given them more personality. Conor, and Irish farmer, goes to India to find and take back to Ireland his older brother, Thomas. Both brothers have to get themselves out of the trouble they made in the mid-east before they can get home to their dying mother. A very poignant moment happens when Thomas is wounded and his mother appears and calls him to her new home--heaven. That bit of fantasy that be repeated in the next book if Thomas could be revived and brought back to pay his debts in this world. The author should not let him rest in peace. The second book is already written, and I am not looking for a dream sequence or a miracle.
Thank you, Ms. Guare, for a good read.
July 29, 2020
I listened to the audio version of this book so maybe that colored my experience, but I absolutely loved this book. I listened while I walked every day which made me walk slower so I didn't have to stop listening. Maybe not a good thing. The reader had a wonderful Irish accent and also did Indian and American accents well. What makes this book different from many thrillers was the excellent character development. I felt like Connor McBride was a close friend or member of my family. There were times it was embarrassing nearly sobbing on my walk. There were some story lines that were a bit predictable. There were a lot of characters and at times it was difficult to keep them all straight, particularly since in an audiobook you can't flip back through the pages to look something up. If you want straight thriller action, skip this one, but if you want a more deeply thoughtful book, you will enjoy this.
May 10, 2018
It never is exactly like it seems.
Older brother goes off to see the world leaving younger brother to take care of farm and family. Younger brother, Conor is very angry with the older brother, Thomas. That in itself would be a good story but the author added Ireland (FARM AND FAMILY) and India. Supposedly India is the place Thomas ended up. Then layers of intrigue with CIA, DEA and other spying agencies. He meets some of the most amazing people as well as nasty people of the underworld. Hopefully the young girl Radha remains innocent and protected. And the money.... Where is the money? How long will it be there before the are multiple groups trying to claim it. Thankfully I checked and there is another book or two in this series.
Excellent read.
Already sharing with others.
Older brother goes off to see the world leaving younger brother to take care of farm and family. Younger brother, Conor is very angry with the older brother, Thomas. That in itself would be a good story but the author added Ireland (FARM AND FAMILY) and India. Supposedly India is the place Thomas ended up. Then layers of intrigue with CIA, DEA and other spying agencies. He meets some of the most amazing people as well as nasty people of the underworld. Hopefully the young girl Radha remains innocent and protected. And the money.... Where is the money? How long will it be there before the are multiple groups trying to claim it. Thankfully I checked and there is another book or two in this series.
Excellent read.
Already sharing with others.
July 15, 2018
Connor would do just about anything for this family. That's probably what impressed me most about him in this book, his loyalty to Thomas was strong and unwavering, even believing that Thomas had betrayed him, he still went to extremes in the hope that it would help him.
The plot is complex, it's got lots of layer going on and the occasional side element that makes things more interesting. The characters are vivid on the page and the crime elements of the story are interesting.
It was a difficult books to put down. There was a good balance of planning and action, ease and tension, and lies and truth.
The narration was well done, good character voices especially the accents and the pace and tone are a great match for the book.
I received a free copy of this book from the author and/or narrator and/or publisher and I voluntarily wrote this honest review.
The plot is complex, it's got lots of layer going on and the occasional side element that makes things more interesting. The characters are vivid on the page and the crime elements of the story are interesting.
It was a difficult books to put down. There was a good balance of planning and action, ease and tension, and lies and truth.
The narration was well done, good character voices especially the accents and the pace and tone are a great match for the book.
I received a free copy of this book from the author and/or narrator and/or publisher and I voluntarily wrote this honest review.
November 20, 2016
Deceptive Cadence held my interest and I was anxious to continue reading it. I finished it in about 2 days. The back story is excellent and provides insight into the workings of the EU. All three members have premonitions and see things that others might not. The mother, Bridget's is the strongest, then Thomas followed by Connor. There were a few things that were hard to grasp such as Connor's leaving in the midst of his mothers's serious illness, even though she pushed him to leave to "bring his brother to her." Connor's activities in India are a little bit hard to follow. It is just troubling to figure out who is who and what they are up to. I feel like I need to go back and read some sections. It is a lot like watching a Jason Bourne movie and trying to keep up with the action.
July 31, 2013
Ok, first and foremost I would like to
deeply
appreciate author Kathryn Guare for presenting me this book for my consideration as I would feel severely lacking if I never got to read it! Oh, the horror! I seriously can't imagine living through without meeting such amazing characters and development! And I must say, as per usual, I can't seriously I can't! wait for the sequel to come out!
I must warn you here, I did my best so as not to unveil the plot. I'm so, so sorry I couldn't name some characters if only just because in naming them I would have to explain why and that would relate to Conor and the plot and things which are best read as the author chose to. For those curious enough and who don't mind (although you should, much better if you read this after reading the book!) some of them, and a quick why:
That being said, I truly admire the courage it took Guare to give me this book to review because I usually don't enjoy thriller books. I can see their allegedly twists a two mile or so before but not this time! The author caught me completely unaware every time, and more so at the beginning of the book when I was a little hum I don't quite get was going on in here... or My, I am truly not getting it! All to "blame" on Kathryn who got me curious to go on, but careful to feed me little morsels of information so as to not stay on my predicament of not-getting-any!Does this make any sense? Reeeaaally late in here and I'm so happy 'cause I just finished the book!
So now, to our leadooor aka I-love-him-definitely-swoon-worthy-material Conor McBride. First and foremost you all need to know I'm a sucker for Irish. Seriously if I dream of being married at all, it would be to an Irish kidding, though I'm not. So I already have a half liking to any Irish character just because I can hear that sweet, lyrical accent on my head every time I read a sentence. But Conor outgrows the looks and the accent, being plain human being, just to say: humble, regretful, impulsive, kind, between others. My, I wish I could describe it all taking examples from the book but the unveiling of Conor is so delicious I would have to spoiler up the whole thing and then it would be pretty awful to read the review and I would pretty much spoil the book!
But not only the lead takes the golds. All the other characters are awesome and multi-dimensional and I cared for every single one of them in different lights of course. What's up with Frank? Thomas is suuuch a bad guy, or not? So the indignant rant over... Sedgwick? My, I loved the guy. Deeply troubled and double deeply annoying. Kavita was priceless, always in the right place and time. I also deeply enjoy hers and Brigid's kind of sixth sense which was really endearing and totally relatable as "mom's knows it all". This was the lot of good guys (there might be some others but these are the ones that stayed with me and I make a point of never going back to the book to remember something or somebody. Never.) The "bad" lot was remarkable, between mobsters, thiefs and plain assassins they wow you. Hell, the bad guy will completely wow you, I surely knew I wasn't expecting it. I just adore how every single individual where in fact individual. Each had their pasts, their traits and quirks, personalities, and the conjunction of all of them really influenced the behaviour, choices and how they couped with them. Simply marvelous.
My, this is getting long. But now, we reach the settings. You can't go wrong triangulating Ireland, London and India. At least, not for me. And it's noticeable that the author has been there (she HAS been!) for the descriptions make you travel to these places, their smells and cuisine. I know this leaved me drooling for some exotic food.
To wrap it up, I don't have words enough to praise. I've been on the Conor-Kathryn roller coaster and although I loved the ride I'm already missing it. A well conducted thriller brought to life with food, travel, music (see, I did not forget!) and people. Add a touch of spionage and you got yourself a greatride read. I anxiously wait for the deceptive cadence. Godspeed, Kathryn Guare!
* Just an amiable advise: things seem a little weird on the beginning. I already say this but this a more thorough version: there will be a lot of classic music references (google it, don't be lazy, it makes a world of difference as understanding goes), gaelic speaking (generally translated), special awareness and some other interesting feats which is fairly natural as the leads roots from Ireland magic land by definition (no ACTUAL magic, thank goodness). For yourself if not for me, persevere! This book is delectable.
I must warn you here, I did my best so as not to unveil the plot. I'm so, so sorry I couldn't name some characters if only just because in naming them I would have to explain why and that would relate to Conor and the plot and things which are best read as the author chose to. For those curious enough and who don't mind (although you should, much better if you read this after reading the book!) some of them, and a quick why:
That being said, I truly admire the courage it took Guare to give me this book to review because I usually don't enjoy thriller books. I can see their allegedly twists a two mile or so before but not this time! The author caught me completely unaware every time, and more so at the beginning of the book when I was a little hum I don't quite get was going on in here... or My, I am truly not getting it! All to "blame" on Kathryn who got me curious to go on, but careful to feed me little morsels of information so as to not stay on my predicament of not-getting-any!
So now, to our lead
But not only the lead takes the golds. All the other characters are awesome and multi-dimensional and I cared for every single one of them in different lights of course. What's up with Frank? Thomas is suuuch a bad guy, or not? So the indignant rant over... Sedgwick? My, I loved the guy. Deeply troubled and double deeply annoying. Kavita was priceless, always in the right place and time. I also deeply enjoy hers and Brigid's kind of sixth sense which was really endearing and totally relatable as "mom's knows it all". This was the lot of good guys (there might be some others but these are the ones that stayed with me and I make a point of never going back to the book to remember something or somebody. Never.) The "bad" lot was remarkable, between mobsters, thiefs and plain assassins they wow you. Hell, the bad guy will completely wow you, I surely knew I wasn't expecting it. I just adore how every single individual where in fact individual. Each had their pasts, their traits and quirks, personalities, and the conjunction of all of them really influenced the behaviour, choices and how they couped with them. Simply marvelous.
My, this is getting long. But now, we reach the settings. You can't go wrong triangulating Ireland, London and India. At least, not for me. And it's noticeable that the author has been there (she HAS been!) for the descriptions make you travel to these places, their smells and cuisine. I know this leaved me drooling for some exotic food.
To wrap it up, I don't have words enough to praise. I've been on the Conor-Kathryn roller coaster and although I loved the ride I'm already missing it. A well conducted thriller brought to life with food, travel, music (see, I did not forget!) and people. Add a touch of spionage and you got yourself a great
* Just an amiable advise: things seem a little weird on the beginning. I already say this but this a more thorough version: there will be a lot of classic music references (google it, don't be lazy, it makes a world of difference as understanding goes), gaelic speaking (generally translated), special awareness and some other interesting feats which is fairly natural as the leads roots from Ireland magic land by definition (no ACTUAL magic, thank goodness). For yourself if not for me, persevere! This book is delectable.
July 25, 2018
I, like many others, love the author/narrator combination, very well done and I loved it! Great story! Lots of complex characters and relationships, suspense, and intrigue. Love the family bond, it's a beautiful thing, despite the complications. Awesome all around, it kept my attention and I found myself going a tiny bit slower in my commute to listen to more, which I guess is a good thing ;) Would definitely recommend it :)
I was given this free review copy audiobook at my request and have voluntarily left this review.
I was given this free review copy audiobook at my request and have voluntarily left this review.
October 8, 2017
This was WAY different from what I expected. In music theory, a deceptive cadence is sort of a "false ending" leading the composition in an unexpected direction. That is certainly the case in this book. The expected story line gets unexpectedly changed several times. Sadly, the end result ends in a minor key. I am one of those oddballs who actually reads books as an ESCAPE from reality and I enjoy a happy resolution. That does not happen here.
May 16, 2017
I agreed to read an advance e-copy of the book in 2013 to review before the release date. However, I couldn't load the copy to my reader I had at the time. Long story short, I finished a hard copy yesterday.
The irresistible character of Conor McBride may be the best addition to the genre in 25 years.
The irresistible character of Conor McBride may be the best addition to the genre in 25 years.
September 24, 2017
It will leave you spinning
There are so many twists and turns in this book you may find yourself dizzy. The main character sets out to rescue his estranged brother only to discover he is just a pawn in a much bigger game, but who are the bad guys and who are the good? And will he discover it before it's too late?
There are so many twists and turns in this book you may find yourself dizzy. The main character sets out to rescue his estranged brother only to discover he is just a pawn in a much bigger game, but who are the bad guys and who are the good? And will he discover it before it's too late?
June 1, 2019
This book didn't quite grab me. It may be that I didn't "bond" with the location where most of the action occurred. It may be I didn't become immersed in the plot. It may be that I never "got" the protagonist. In any event, we didn't click, and I can't point to clear flaws in the writing, so I'll give it 3 stars and walk away.
September 19, 2020
Fun and exciting read highlighted by the ending exceeding my expectations. The story started and ended strongly, but I felt the middle suffered a bit as the mystery reveal was drawn out too long both for me as the reader and for the characters in the story. 3.5 out of 5 as I also had to deduct .5 for the misspelling of Connor throughout the book.
August 8, 2022
Fast read
I read this In one sitting. Interesting characterization and plotting. I haven't read many books with India as the setting. I had to research several of the locations but this brought me a better understanding.
Great author, I'll be looking for more of her books. Hoping g they are as good.
I read this In one sitting. Interesting characterization and plotting. I haven't read many books with India as the setting. I had to research several of the locations but this brought me a better understanding.
Great author, I'll be looking for more of her books. Hoping g they are as good.
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