Monday 10 May 2010

The Brutal Telling - audio

partly cloudy, cold, temps 4

I think maybe the lilac have survived! Not sure about the peony, and we just heard there's a hard frost expected for tonight. Oh well. It's not the worst thing if we go a year without the flowers, just as long as the bushes etc survive. And I think they will.

Had FAB news about the audio book for The Brutal Telling. Audiofile Magazine has given it a great review, and the prestigious Earphones Award. Here's the review...

THE BRUTAL TELLING
Louise Penny, Read by Ralph Cosham • Unabridged • MAY 2010
Blackstone Audiobooks • Trade Ed.
Blackstone Audiobooks • Library Ed.

This delightful listening experience involves Chief Inspector Armand Gamache as he investigates the murder of an unidentified elderly man in the Quebec town of Three Pines. The story involves the shocking discovery of priceless European treasures that disappeared during WWII. This French-Canadian cozy is infused with humor. Ralph Cosham delivers a delightful accent for Gamache and invests all the characters with small-town likability. His droll presentation displays special empathy for the town eccentric, anglophile Ruth Zardo, and her duck, Rosa. Dry wit and a love of language are evident in this well-crafted mystery. S.C.A. Winner of AudioFile Earphones Award © AudioFile 2010, Portland, Maine

And - Booklist has named the audio version of The Brutal Telling one of the top ten audio mystery books of the year! Ralph Cosham, who reads the books. Congratulations, Ralph!!!

There was a flurry of concerns a week or so ago when it became apparent that there was a problem with the next book. The audio version of BURY YOUR DEAD is being done by another publisher and they'd chosen a different narrator. Everyone objected and they realized that they could not do better than Ralph! I think each audio publisher has their own informal 'stable' of actors, and they thought to go with one of their own...until their heard Ralph. And realized he'd been lauded for his readings of this series, and others.

So - double yippee.

So far I've spent all of today in my sweats in front of the fireplace (dear lord, we still need it...snow has stopped falling but it is still on the ground!!)

The goal today is to find a place to stay on the Sunshine Coast of BC when we're there for the Sechelt literary festival. While at the fest they look after our accommodation, but Michael and I decided we'd like to go a few days early and explore this gorgeous part of British Columbia. But we can't find a place to stay! I think the fact I like luxury and peace and privacy (and a spa) might be limiting the choices. But might as well try. Worst case, we just stay for a few days in Vancouver - which is also gorgeous.

So - a no-lose.

Be well - speak to you tomorrow.

9 comments:

Reen said...

I am so happy that Ralph Cosham will be doing the audio for Bury Your Dead, after all!

Stay warm and dry.

Anonymous said...

Louise - I stayed at Rock Water a few years back when it was Lord Jim's and it was great: http://www.rockwatersecretcoveresort.com. The sunshine coast is amazing - you'll have a great time.

David Alexander

clanchat said...

Many congratulations on this and a third win at the Agatha's Louise. You are a comet and we're all happy stars in your wake.

D.J. McIntosh

Kathy said...

I read The Murder Stone last fall and quickly devoured it. I have since fallen in love with the colourful characters and the village too as I devoured your other books in quick succession. What a joy to find a series to become attached to. I eagerly anticipate your future stories!

Kathy

Mason Canyon said...

Congratulations on the review. Audio books are wonderful for travel. I like the idea that the narrator is the same for a series of books. If the narrator is changed then you feel like you're listening to different characters. Hope the frost won't be as bad as they call for.

Mason
Thoughts in Progress

Unknown said...

The Sunshine Coast is cottage country. There are a number of B&Bs and cottages that will fit the bill of "luxury and peace and privacy (and a spa)". www.bbsunshinecoast.com Enter your dates and amenities and narrow your search. Email president@bbsunshinecoast.com for assistance.

Cheers,
Celia

Diane said...

Wonderful news about the narrator of your series and the peak at "Bury Your Dead" is so tantalizing, can't wait to read. Enjoy beautiful BC, like you say, it's all win-win.

Sandra said...

I am so glad something was worked out. I have listened to all but The Brutal Telling (read that one), and can't imagine anyone else narrating.

Louise Penny Author said...

Hi all,

I'm so glad you're enjoying Ralph's reading. I might ask if he'd be willing to write a blog for us. Will let you know. He's a lovely man.

And thanks for all your support. We did go to a B&B and cottage website and found what looked like a great B&B.

Thanks for your help. We're so looking forward to visiting the sunshine coast.