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Murder at Avedon Hill

P.G. Holyfield (Goodreads Author)

4.12 · Rating details · 379 ratings · 38 reviews

Lord Avedon has a problem. Generations of Avedons have watched over Avedon Hill and controlled the only pass through the Lantis Mountains. Traditions are important to the Avedon family, but one tradition has tragically come to an end. Gretta Platt, Housemistress of Avedon Manor, has been murdered. A member of the Platt family has always served the Avedons as Housemistress ...more

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Podiobook, 344 pages

Published 2008 by Podiobooks.com

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Jun 17, 2010 Shaft rated it it was amazing

I came to this as a result of Podiobooks I had been going to it for awhile before I noticed this particular story. What brought me to it because of my love of that style of story and the world in which it was set. If you like the writings of Tolkien and Eddings then you will love this. However it does not stop there with the normal sword and staff stuff but instead treats us to a intricate mystery seemingly more suited to Agatha Christie. The blend of fantasy and mystery is something I have not ...more

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Jul 30, 2009 DivaDiane rated it really liked it

Recommends it for: Mytery and Fantasy lovers

Shelves: mystery-adventure-thriller, fantasy

This was a great story with a depth of background that is just astounding. A mystery that keeps you on your toes and plenty of magic and magical creatures. The production values of the Podcast novel are exceptionally high, including a wonderful voice cast and fantastic music by Shira Kammen (from http://magnatune.com). You can listen to the story including chit-chat about the on-going production (which is now finished) directly from P.G. Holyfield's website or just the story itself at http://pod ...more

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Jun 02, 2010 kelley rated it really liked it · review of another edition

Shelves: 2010, kindle

I loaded a free sample of this book onto my kindle--read the first chapter and was sucked into the story immediately.

The story begins with a murder of the house mistress, Gretta Platt, of Avedon Manor. The story is a murder mystery but the setting is the Land of Caern and involves such creatures as God's, Priests, Royalty, Sorcerers, Vampires, Moon Beasts, Orcs and other fantastical creatures. The story is both original and creative. I loved following the protagonist Arames Kragen and his studen ...more

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Jul 30, 2008 Natalie rated it it was amazing

Recommends it for: mystery and fantasy enthusiasts

A masterful blend of fantasy and mystery, the story centers around the strange murder of Gretta Platt, Housemistress of Avedon Manor. When Arames and his young student, Arrin, find pass at Avedon Hill barred, they agree to help Lord Avedon investigate the mystery of Gretta's death in return for gaining access to the pass. In the process, the two outsiders stumble upon a growing list of mysteries surrounding the town of Avedon Hill including vampires, moon beasts, and magic. This is a must listen ...more

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Jul 16, 2008 Ron rated it really liked it

I thoroughly enjoyed this story. I’ve always had a thing for mystery stories as a child. This story is part mystery and fantasy. I thoroughly enjoyed it. The author did a wonderful job with the characters. After listening to a fair share of podcast stories, this is one of the best I’ve listened to. I enjoyed the voices and sounds of the podcast as well.

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May 18, 2017 David rated it it was ok

Shelves: 2017, audiobook

This review has been hidden because it contains spoilers. To view it, click here.

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Jul 25, 2012 Melissa Hayden rated it it was amazing

Shelves: fantasy, audiobook

Wow! Murder mystery in a fantasy world with moon beasts, vampires, and magics. What a story! I am now going in search of anything and all set in this world.

****FULL REVIEW****
Arames and his student, Arrin Perti, come to the city of Avedon Hill, the city all had to go through to get to the mountain pass because there is no other way around, as they were heading to a conference. Arames's cousin tells him he can't get him granted passage, there's been a murder and the city is closed. Lord Avedon wo Wow! Murder mystery in a fantasy world with moon beasts, vampires, and magics. What a story! I am now going in search of anything and all set in this world.

****FULL REVIEW****
Arames and his student, Arrin Perti, come to the city of Avedon Hill, the city all had to go through to get to the mountain pass because there is no other way around, as they were heading to a conference. Arames's cousin tells him he can't get him granted passage, there's been a murder and the city is closed. Lord Avedon won't let anyone leave until the murder of the Housemistress of the Avedon Manor is solved. Arames offers to solve the murder to open the pass on the opposite side. The secrets Arames unveils on his investigation could prove to be very dangerous to him and Arrin. Secrets worth killing for...

I listened to the audiobook version, and LOVED it! All the voices to many different characters and the background to go with the happenings. I would love to have read this book as well. I know there are a few sections about the gods here that I would have re-read a few times. I know there is a lot of information that goes with the building here and my sticky notes would have been loved so. And I could easily go back to my notes and see about figuring out the mystery too. ;) I did have times where visualizing in my minds eye was a bit hard with the gods information. I think reading would have helped me in these small sections. The beginning of each chapter kind of confused me at times too, these were short phrases about the worlds gods. However, in Chapter 14 P.G. Holyfield explains these are religious text from in the world and will be read by another to lessen confusion. This change helps greatly in listening to the book, in reading it probably won't affect you.

A murder mystery to solve in a fantasy world! Who done it? I like mystery shows/movies but usually struggle with the reads (I love my fantasy and usually not set in a fantasy world). P.G. Holyfield blends all I love here! Yes! Thank you for writing my kind of mystery! And in investigating the murder and along with wanting to know who did it, I became exceedingly curious of the secrets people were hiding. I wanted to know it ALL! And in the end, I do...mostly. ;)

We start in the prologue with being in Gretta's head. Then she is attacked and murdered. We got a glimpse at the killer's thoughts as well. There is a connection here, and I'm curious as to what it is. Then we are with Arames and Arrin, venturing the investigation through both their eyes. The powers Arames and Arrin have are amazing, and they are strong fighters.

As the story goes I become increasingly invested in the secrets Arames and Arrin find along with my growing curiosity as to who and why kill Gretta. What we learn along the way with the gods of this world, as mentioned in the description (they do choose to be born into the world), draws me to the vast world here. We have a vast fantasy world here. There are elves, dwarves, vampires, moon beasts (werewolves), and much magic in different specialties. All of which attract my attention. And then there are the gods and their stories.

We are graced with many stunning happenings in this world. Murder mystery. Secrets of those at Avedon Hill. Action. Supernatural. Magic. And fantasy. I never knew for sure what Arames and Arrin would come across in they investigation, and I looked forward to it! I'm now on the search for anything and all set in this world.

P.G. Holyfield has caught my attention with this world and his writing style along with an amazing mystery story. But in the end, he cinched the deal making me curious of Arrin Perti and the Perti family as a whole. There is more to come, and I WILL be around to see what it is. ...more

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Dec 07, 2012 Jason Banks rated it really liked it

This was an absolute delight to read or listen to in the case of the podcast. Why you may ask? well I will tell you. I am a absolute nerd one of my favorite things is to play D&D(Dungeons and Dragons for those who don't know) a table top RPG and my favorite class is Monk. I said that to explain that the main character in this novel is well a Monk, so I was down from word one. In true Monk fashion our main character Arames Kragen wields the martial weapons and semi supernatural abilities, even so This was an absolute delight to read or listen to in the case of the podcast. Why you may ask? well I will tell you. I am a absolute nerd one of my favorite things is to play D&D(Dungeons and Dragons for those who don't know) a table top RPG and my favorite class is Monk. I said that to explain that the main character in this novel is well a Monk, so I was down from word one. In true Monk fashion our main character Arames Kragen wields the martial weapons and semi supernatural abilities, even some psychic abilities. So already I am speeding down a path of stats and dice rolls that no normal reader should even attempt to venture toward because it would lead to all kinds of nerdy debauchery.

The story of this novel that plays out around Arames is there has been a murder(obviously) of a women that was a key figure in the town of Avedon Hill and rumors abound about the manner of her death thus the town is closed and Arames and his companion Aaron are stuck in town when all they wanted was passage through the mountains Thus the story kicks off into a whirlwind of characters, monsters, and intrigue. I could go on and on about the characters in this story but P.G. does that enough in the story, which does run on a bit long it feels but he does a good job giving you actiony bits and some comedic scenes to break it up.
As an RPG'er the thing that absolutely blind sided me in this story is the lore. Oh my goodness does P.G. build a world full of color, flavor and texture that scream to be explored. In the podcasts first episode P.G. explains this is a story that simply happens in one small part of this very large and flushed out world, which is the absolute truth. One of the things that will strike you is the Tales of the children referred to at the beginning of every chapter and through the story. These children are the deities of this world and fill it will myths and legends of all sorts.

A problem I had with the world P.G. built was that some of its parts were a bit more interesting that the happenings going on in the story at some points. Also this wonderfully built world tended to over shadow some characters mainly Aaron, Arames' companion who you find out through the progress of the story is a very important person but is very subdued to the plot even though he is a key figure in workings of the world. Aaron is also used a big ol' sequel sign at the end of the book. I felt this was rather blatant and was an unneeded cliff hanger when the revelations in the meat of the story did this rather brilliantly.

As this is a murder mystery of an epic fantasy proportion a lot of dialogue is needed which can drag down the story at points. I felt that some of the back tracking the characters had to do was a bit over done to play of the mystery element of the story. along with some avenues that felt should have been obviously explored took a bit to get to, though the web crafted to make the mystery was good it was still out shined by the world it took place in. Over all I am chomping at the bit for more from this universe, and more on the travels of Arames Kragen and his companion Aaron. If you love the fantasy genre, and a good mystery to boot then Murder at Avedon Hill is just for you. ...more

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May 14, 2011 Doc rated it really liked it · review of another edition

In Murder at Avedon Hill, P.G. Holyfield sets us a murder mystery against the fantasy backdrop that is the incredibly detailed Land of Caern. The setting is filled with depth and history and begs the reader to dig a little deeper to uncover the mysteries hidden in a world where the gods choose to live out mortal lives in order to shape events. Where the allies of one generation may be the enemies of the next.

But this isn't that story. This is the story of Arames Kragen, an aging monk of the Aaro In Murder at Avedon Hill, P.G. Holyfield sets us a murder mystery against the fantasy backdrop that is the incredibly detailed Land of Caern. The setting is filled with depth and history and begs the reader to dig a little deeper to uncover the mysteries hidden in a world where the gods choose to live out mortal lives in order to shape events. Where the allies of one generation may be the enemies of the next.

But this isn't that story. This is the story of Arames Kragen, an aging monk of the Aaronic Order, and his young student, Prince Aarin Perti, traveling incognito from one land to the next. Their travels take them to Avedon Hill, a small town noted only for its access to the Olvaran Pass, a tunnel through the mountains. But when they arrive they find the town is closed, due to the recent murder of Gretta Platt, the Housemistress of Avedon Hill.

Trying to solve the murder to gain their passage, Arames and Aarin find themselves swept up into the intrigues and secrets of a small town with something to hide. But each secret uncovered seems to point to two more, and none of them seem to point to a killer. Can they solve the case before they become the killer's next victims?

Murder at Avedon Hill is an engaging book and a well told story, but I can't help but feel that it could be a bit better. The pace drags a bit in places, and some of the minor characters seem to be lacking in depth. Having read the book and listened to the podcast version of the story, I find that some parts are easier to follow in the podcast version. And I was somewhat disappointed that the symbols of the various Children of Az that were described in the podcast didn't seem to make it into the printed version.

I still want to see more from P.G. about the Land of Caern and its history, and the petty plots of the Children of Az. And I hope that he plans to pick up one or two of the dangling plot threads left at the end of the book. Overall, this book is well worth the time and money to give it a read. ...more

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Jun 15, 2010 Jeffrey Hite rated it it was amazing

Shelves: authors-i-know, fantasy

This book combines elements of the best that the murder mystery and fantasy genre have to offer. PG Holyfield is a master story teller who keeps the story, not to mention the suspense going right up to the end.
The twists and turns in this book kept me guessing all the way through. The characters are are full and rich, providing more than a backdrop for the drama going on, but also bringing the story alive making you are really there in the story with them.
The story keeps a good solid pg rating ...more

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Sep 04, 2018 Juliana Veale rated it it was amazing · review of another edition

This is more like 4.7 stars, but since Goodreads doesn't allow for fractions in reviews, 5 stars it is. The murder mystery part is really good. The mystery kept me almost to the very end guessing. The majority of the characters are well developed although I question the characterization of Lord Avedon. What's amazing, is the rich mythology of the world of Caern. It ties up into the murder mystery, but the amount of mythology is somewhat confusing that by the time it starts to make sense in the s ...more

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Sep 09, 2010 Nutty rated it it was amazing

I loved this book, it was one of the titles I had been "meaning to read" for a long time, I kept looking at it knowing I wanted to read it but other things got in the way. When I FINALLY sat down and read it I couldn't put it down. I had to know just what happened to Gretta Plat. It was engaging with side stories and tales and leads you to want to read more in the wold that Mr Hollyfield has created. It is a perfect present for anyone interested in fantasy and just the right kind of book to make ...more

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Oct 01, 2010 Diana rated it it was amazing · review of another edition

I've listened to the podcast and absolutely loved the richness of the world P.G. created. The religious and magical systems he created had tremendous depth and really added to my visit to the land of Caern.

I cannot wait until P.G. takes us there again. I'd love to know more about Arames Kragen. The hints at his past are delicious and must be explored further.

During my period of impatience while waiting for another book in this world, I'm reading the published version. ...more

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Jun 05, 2009 DDog rated it it was amazing

Recommended to DDog by: Philippa Ballantine

Shelves: genre-fantasy, format-podcast, genre-mystery-crime, vampires, werewolves, balticon-authors

This book is a treat. The characters are varied and the mysteries intense. The world is vibrant even though we never see any of it because the book is set in one insular town, coming alive through the stories of Arames Kragen. The audio cast is stellar and I can listen to P.G. Holyfield's voice for hours. ...more

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Jul 03, 2010 Blair Herzig rated it it was amazing

Shelves: audio

I listened to this book on podiobooks.com and totally loved it. Great traditional mystery plot outline with non-traditional characters. I liked it so much I ordered the book off of amazon. I am perfectly happy to support "new media" podcasting as a form of art. ...more

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Dec 11, 2008 Jodi rated it it was amazing

Shelves: podcast

This podcast is really well written, read and produced. I just hate the wait for the next installment to come.
Great story! I would highly recommend it to anyone who enjoys a good fantasy/mystery.

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Jan 31, 2009 Maureen Reed rated it it was amazing

Am listening to this as a podcast. I am new to podcasts and am really enjoying it. It is well produced and great to listen to.
well done PG Holyfield

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Feb 03, 2009 Charlie rated it it was amazing

Shelves: podcasts, fantasy

This a compelling 'closed room' mystery set in a richly detailed and well realized fantasy world. Highly recommended. ...more

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Feb 09, 2009 Beki rated it it was amazing

Great podcast - PG is a master at cliff hangers! This is one of those mysteries that you think you have figured how who did it only to find out you were wrong, over and over.

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Aug 12, 2009 Dan Absalonson rated it it was amazing

Great Fantasy/Murder Mystery.

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Mar 17, 2011 Kathleen rated it it was amazing · review of another edition

This is the first podio books I've tried. A great "read" or listen. The production value was great and I enjoyed the story. ...more

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May 01, 2013 Pat rated it it was amazing

Excellent blend of fantasy/mystery. I listened to the free audio version of the book and it really made me look forward to my commute every day.

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Jan 09, 2014 Joy Clayton rated it it was amazing

Just finished this book. I thought is slow at first but wow what a story it turned out to be. I loved it! Great writing!

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Aug 21, 2014 Alexia rated it it was amazing

A really great book! I highly recommend it.

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Jul 23, 2017 A rated it it was ok

Had some potential but the writer never achieved it. This is like the first book a writer writes for practice, but doesn't publish. ...more

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Nov 16, 2010 Will Hudson rated it it was amazing · review of another edition

P.G. Holyfield knocks it out of the park. A complete home run. I can't wait for more. ...more

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Nov 30, 2019 Kami rated it liked it

Listened to the podio-book.

A wizened monk-wizard-type man wanders with his disguised royal protege, but after finding the pass through a local town closed due to a recent murder, stays to help solve it.

Great world-building. I was sad to find out there are no more books with these characters, as there were many possibilities. Vampires, moon beasts, magical powers, & competing religious orders... Otherwise, the plot was ok & it’s hard to judge the writing apart from the voice acting. Maybe simpl ...more

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Mar 28, 2020 Simon C rated it really liked it

The podcast version of this features the author and various voices from the early world of podcasting. Some of the sound effects are a bit cheesy but overall it's a fun listening experience, if a touch hard to follow in parts. The whodunnit features elements that Agatha Christie could never include and is a bit confusing again for me. It did keep me wanting to know what happened next. ...more

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Oct 11, 2014 A.F. Grappin rated it really liked it

I was pulled into Murder at Avedon Hill from word one. Holyfield’s characters are true to their own personalities and natures from start to finish. His dialogue is very real, although I do think Arames tended to say, “Just one more question,” a few too many times. But that could just be his nature, and if so, he was definitely true to that. There’s plenty to uncover in Avedon Hill, and the growth of the more prominent characters is admirable. Holyfielod manages to subtly take away layers of deta ...more

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Apr 27, 2010 Esther rated it really liked it

Shelves: audio, fantasy, mystery-thriller, author-male, zz-2010

I loved this story.
It is fantasy but not in the 'sword-and-dragon-let's-go-on-a-quest' style.
This is more like 'Name of the Rose' set in a fantasy, rather than historical, time period.
I enjoyed the gentle measured place of the story-telling, the lively cast of characters and even the somewhat gruesome resolution.
I did think the telling of the resolution could have been a little tighter, with fewer flashes of magical light and less inner dialogue but the logic behind the resolution was solid and ...more

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About P.G. Holyfield

P.G. Holyfield

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While attending the University of Virginia I majored in Religious Studies, focusing on the belief systems of the Eastern world. During that time I also had the opportunity to read the works of Joseph Campbell. My love of gaming and for mythology led to the creation of a fantasy setting I named The Land of Caern.

It is a world where the gods can choose to be born into the world as mortals, and often ...more