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Pamela Barnes Acoustic Mystery #1
Sounds of Murder
SOUNDS OF MURDER tells a tale of academic intrigue and death. At Grace University, a small southern college, no one in the Psychology Department likes Charlotte Clark, so no one is particularly upset when she is found murdered in the department's million-dollar computer lab. But because she discovered the body, Associate Professor Pamela Barnes feels obligated to find Charlotte's killer. When she discovers a recording of the murder that was accidentally produced during Charlotte's struggle with the killer, she begins her own investigation.
Along the way, Pamela agonizes with her own conscience as she fights her growing fear. She attempts to understand her mysterious Department Chair, keep her curious colleagues informed, placate her protective husband, and avoid antagonizing a local rube detective who belittles her efforts--all while she struggles to make sense of the sounds on the recording.
As she gets deeper and deeper into her analysis--trying to connect what she hears in the recording with sounds from people (and potential killers) around her--she gets closer and closer to the killer. However, the killer is observing Pamela's efforts and resolving to stop her.
Along the way, Pamela agonizes with her own conscience as she fights her growing fear. She attempts to understand her mysterious Department Chair, keep her curious colleagues informed, placate her protective husband, and avoid antagonizing a local rube detective who belittles her efforts--all while she struggles to make sense of the sounds on the recording.
As she gets deeper and deeper into her analysis--trying to connect what she hears in the recording with sounds from people (and potential killers) around her--she gets closer and closer to the killer. However, the killer is observing Pamela's efforts and resolving to stop her.
206 pages, Kindle Edition
First published April 21, 2010
26 people are currently reading
602 people want to read
About the author
Patricia Rockwell
33 books149 followersPatricia Rockwell has spent most of her life teaching. From small liberal arts colleges to large regional research universities—and even a brief stint in a high school, her background in education is extensive. She has taught virtually everything related to Communication—from a fine arts speech-theatre orientation to more recently a social science research approach. Her Bachelors’ and Masters’ degrees are from the University of Nebraska in Speech and her Ph.D. is from the University of Arizona in Communication. She was on the faculty at the University of Louisiana at Lafayette for thirteen years, retiring in 2007.
Her publications are extensive, with over 20 peer-reviewed articles in scholarly journals, several textbooks, and a research book on her major interest area of sarcasm, published by Edwin Mellen Press. In addition to publications, she has presented numerous papers at academic conferences and served for eight years as Editor of the "Louisiana Communication Journal. " Her research focuses primarily on several areas of communication: deception, sarcasm, and vocal cues.
Dr. Rockwell is presently living in Aurora, Illinois, with her husband Milt, also a retired educator. The couple have two adult children. SOUNDS OF MURDER is her first novel.
Her publications are extensive, with over 20 peer-reviewed articles in scholarly journals, several textbooks, and a research book on her major interest area of sarcasm, published by Edwin Mellen Press. In addition to publications, she has presented numerous papers at academic conferences and served for eight years as Editor of the "Louisiana Communication Journal. " Her research focuses primarily on several areas of communication: deception, sarcasm, and vocal cues.
Dr. Rockwell is presently living in Aurora, Illinois, with her husband Milt, also a retired educator. The couple have two adult children. SOUNDS OF MURDER is her first novel.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 39 reviews
January 24, 2012
The story started off effectively enough—with a murder—giving the reader and the characters a mystery to solve. But much of the story was contained in the head of the protagonist as she fretted about what to do and replayed the list of possible suspects over and over again. There would be brief snippets of dialogue with her colleagues, after which she would run around "wondering" about this person or that person, or some bit of evidence.
As the title implies, the plot revolves around an accidental recording made of the murder. The protagonist discovers this, puts it on a CD, then runs around for an infuriatingly long time before actually listening to it. Pages and pages are spent as she thinks about it in her purse, wondering what it might reveal. The reader just wants to snatch it from her and say "Listen already!" Then, even after she hears it, she learns nothing new, then runs around thinking about it some more.
The rest of the characters do nothing to advance the plot. Occasionally one will do or say something to cast suspicion on him- or herself, but these are always red herrings and the reader soon begins to dismiss them as soon as they occur.
The resolution comes when the protagonist finally applies the skills for which she is renowned and analyzes the disk scientifically, isolating a single anomaly that leads her to the killer's identity. The reader is left to wonder why this wasn't entirely possible two hundred pages earlier.
The writing itself betrays an amateur author, though it's not nearly as egregious as many of the self-published novels I've tried to read. I was actually able to finish this one. The problems in this novel are not so much the blatant grammar and usage errors so ubiquitous elsewhere, but are of the style and voice variety that one learns to avoid in a basic writing class: too many dialogue tags of too many types (in one two page stretch there were 26, 22 of which were unique: shrieked, ordered, noted, announced, agreed, scolded, cried, and so on), too much inner monologue, not enough action, flat plot and character arcs, too much obvious exposition, shallow supporting-character development.
It might have worked as a short story, but other than a murder, the discovery of a telltale recording, and a one-page struggle with the murderer when confronted, there just wasn't enough of a plot to sustain a full-length novel.
As the title implies, the plot revolves around an accidental recording made of the murder. The protagonist discovers this, puts it on a CD, then runs around for an infuriatingly long time before actually listening to it. Pages and pages are spent as she thinks about it in her purse, wondering what it might reveal. The reader just wants to snatch it from her and say "Listen already!" Then, even after she hears it, she learns nothing new, then runs around thinking about it some more.
The rest of the characters do nothing to advance the plot. Occasionally one will do or say something to cast suspicion on him- or herself, but these are always red herrings and the reader soon begins to dismiss them as soon as they occur.
The resolution comes when the protagonist finally applies the skills for which she is renowned and analyzes the disk scientifically, isolating a single anomaly that leads her to the killer's identity. The reader is left to wonder why this wasn't entirely possible two hundred pages earlier.
The writing itself betrays an amateur author, though it's not nearly as egregious as many of the self-published novels I've tried to read. I was actually able to finish this one. The problems in this novel are not so much the blatant grammar and usage errors so ubiquitous elsewhere, but are of the style and voice variety that one learns to avoid in a basic writing class: too many dialogue tags of too many types (in one two page stretch there were 26, 22 of which were unique: shrieked, ordered, noted, announced, agreed, scolded, cried, and so on), too much inner monologue, not enough action, flat plot and character arcs, too much obvious exposition, shallow supporting-character development.
It might have worked as a short story, but other than a murder, the discovery of a telltale recording, and a one-page struggle with the murderer when confronted, there just wasn't enough of a plot to sustain a full-length novel.
January 27, 2015
As far as cozy mysteries go, this one was quite enjoyable for the most part with an interesting academic setting and a unique way to solve a murder using sound technology.
The story started off quickly with the murder occurring almost immediately. Pamela's determination to find out who killed her unpopular and widely disliked colleague became almost an obsession with her despite the wise advice of her husband, friends and the police detective to leave the investigating to the proper authorities. But, of course, this is normal in these types of mysteries--otherwise, we wouldn't have amateur sleuths running around all over the place solving mysteries! :)
There were plenty of suspects with motive to kill the obnoxious Charlotte Clark, and the author did a commendable job of keeping the reader guessing as to who actually committed the dastardly deed.
The secondary characters were mostly okay, although I did find Pamela's husband, Rocky, almost too perfect. Her daughter, Angela, was a typical sullen, bratty teenager with attitude that made me dislike her quite a bit.
Besides some spacing and editorial issues with the ebook, there were other aspects that left me feeling a little disappointed. There was far too much fretting, introspection and rumination on the part of Pamela throughout much of the book, and she had a habit of repeating known facts far too often. It took an inordinately long time for her to actually apply her expertise in acoustic technology to analyze the CD recording she discovered of Charlotte's murder. Some of the dialogue between the characters was also a bit forced and stilted.
So, all in all, not a bad read but I don't think it will become one of my favourite cozy mystery series.
The story started off quickly with the murder occurring almost immediately. Pamela's determination to find out who killed her unpopular and widely disliked colleague became almost an obsession with her despite the wise advice of her husband, friends and the police detective to leave the investigating to the proper authorities. But, of course, this is normal in these types of mysteries--otherwise, we wouldn't have amateur sleuths running around all over the place solving mysteries! :)
There were plenty of suspects with motive to kill the obnoxious Charlotte Clark, and the author did a commendable job of keeping the reader guessing as to who actually committed the dastardly deed.
The secondary characters were mostly okay, although I did find Pamela's husband, Rocky, almost too perfect. Her daughter, Angela, was a typical sullen, bratty teenager with attitude that made me dislike her quite a bit.
Besides some spacing and editorial issues with the ebook, there were other aspects that left me feeling a little disappointed. There was far too much fretting, introspection and rumination on the part of Pamela throughout much of the book, and she had a habit of repeating known facts far too often. It took an inordinately long time for her to actually apply her expertise in acoustic technology to analyze the CD recording she discovered of Charlotte's murder. Some of the dialogue between the characters was also a bit forced and stilted.
So, all in all, not a bad read but I don't think it will become one of my favourite cozy mystery series.
September 3, 2010
Patricia Rockwell is an academic with an extensive portfolio of publications, journal articles, textbooks and presentations. She holds a doctorate in Communications. This is her first book of fiction. With her solid and prolific background in academics, it would be easy to think the transition to fiction might be a bit weighty, or overly academic. This is absolutely not true of Dr. Rockwell. She has written a cozy novel in an untapped area of the study of sound waves that is very definitely readable. I chose to review this book because I'm fascinated by all kinds of science, and love cozy mysteries. I was not disappointed.
"Sounds of Murder" does take place in a university, and sprinkled throughout, the politics of a university come dashing through. But this is a murder mystery set in a faculty dealing with communications. As in all cozy mysteries, there are several interwoven characterizations. Anyone who has gone to, or worked in, a college or university will appreciate the diverse personalities they find there.
Our heroine, Pamela Barnes, specializes in Acoustics, the study of sound waves, voice patterns, and basically anything to do with sound. She teaches this at a graduate school in the university. On this night, she has a three-hour class and has just made sure that her student assistant, Kent, has locked the Communications Lab before they go to class, since the school is usually empty at this time of the evening and there is a great deal of very expensive equipment in there.
The author's characters range from meek to extreme behaviour. Dr. Charlotte Clark is one of the latter and very quickly the story takes off with a terrible argument between Dr. Clark and the Head of the Department, Mitchell Marks. Pamela has just come into the front of the main office to get her mail and the strength of the argument is coming right through the Head's office door. She can hear it, although she can't hear the words, When she hears Charlotte getting louder as she approaches the door, she hurries out of the office and into class.
On leaving at the end of the evening, Kent is sent to double-check that the door to the lab is locked. Next thing she hears is Kent running and calling her to come to the lab, he has found the door wide open and a body slumped at one of the special computers. Now our story is really underway as police arrive and question them both together and separately, only with a brief pause for Pamela to call her husband Rocky to let him know she would be late.
From this point on, the action begins to build, everybody seems to have a motive of some type, but as well, we are witness to all Pamela's thought processes, which I found to be unique and fascinating. Her mind goes over and over but jumps to inane things in between just as a person who has met with trauma would do. Here I began to have the feeling of being inside her head, a remarkable piece of storytelling. This happens a few times as the investigation moves along, but the reader almost always knows what Pamela herself is thinking. Though this may be anticipated to be monotonous, in reality it most certainly is not; there is even some humor to be found in this method. One thing she is thinking is that she may well be the only person available with the expertise to possibly solve this case or at the very least present compelling evidence, because she has a small sound byte on a CD that she knows she is the most likely to be able to analyze it.
Meanwhile, Rocky and the lead Columbo-like Detective Shoop both try to stop her from "sticking her nose in" but she just can't leave it alone. This is a well-written mystery, with some unique features. I do enjoy finding cozies or any book that has something new and different. This appears to be the first in a series, and I certainly hope so. There is humor and pathos, surprises, lots of interaction of characters, and a most tempting house to come home to. Regardless of the murder and political academia, this is essentially a warm friendly story, a perfect cozy to curl up with.
"Sounds of Murder" does take place in a university, and sprinkled throughout, the politics of a university come dashing through. But this is a murder mystery set in a faculty dealing with communications. As in all cozy mysteries, there are several interwoven characterizations. Anyone who has gone to, or worked in, a college or university will appreciate the diverse personalities they find there.
Our heroine, Pamela Barnes, specializes in Acoustics, the study of sound waves, voice patterns, and basically anything to do with sound. She teaches this at a graduate school in the university. On this night, she has a three-hour class and has just made sure that her student assistant, Kent, has locked the Communications Lab before they go to class, since the school is usually empty at this time of the evening and there is a great deal of very expensive equipment in there.
The author's characters range from meek to extreme behaviour. Dr. Charlotte Clark is one of the latter and very quickly the story takes off with a terrible argument between Dr. Clark and the Head of the Department, Mitchell Marks. Pamela has just come into the front of the main office to get her mail and the strength of the argument is coming right through the Head's office door. She can hear it, although she can't hear the words, When she hears Charlotte getting louder as she approaches the door, she hurries out of the office and into class.
On leaving at the end of the evening, Kent is sent to double-check that the door to the lab is locked. Next thing she hears is Kent running and calling her to come to the lab, he has found the door wide open and a body slumped at one of the special computers. Now our story is really underway as police arrive and question them both together and separately, only with a brief pause for Pamela to call her husband Rocky to let him know she would be late.
From this point on, the action begins to build, everybody seems to have a motive of some type, but as well, we are witness to all Pamela's thought processes, which I found to be unique and fascinating. Her mind goes over and over but jumps to inane things in between just as a person who has met with trauma would do. Here I began to have the feeling of being inside her head, a remarkable piece of storytelling. This happens a few times as the investigation moves along, but the reader almost always knows what Pamela herself is thinking. Though this may be anticipated to be monotonous, in reality it most certainly is not; there is even some humor to be found in this method. One thing she is thinking is that she may well be the only person available with the expertise to possibly solve this case or at the very least present compelling evidence, because she has a small sound byte on a CD that she knows she is the most likely to be able to analyze it.
Meanwhile, Rocky and the lead Columbo-like Detective Shoop both try to stop her from "sticking her nose in" but she just can't leave it alone. This is a well-written mystery, with some unique features. I do enjoy finding cozies or any book that has something new and different. This appears to be the first in a series, and I certainly hope so. There is humor and pathos, surprises, lots of interaction of characters, and a most tempting house to come home to. Regardless of the murder and political academia, this is essentially a warm friendly story, a perfect cozy to curl up with.
June 10, 2010
Sounds of Murder – Review by Martha A. Cheves, Author of Stir, Laugh, Repeat
‘Pamela followed Kent, running behind him around the corner of the main hallway towards the experimental computer laboratory at the far end of the side hallway. She could see in the distance that the door to the lab was wide open and the lights were on. Kent ran through the doorway and Pamela followed on his heels. He went immediately to the first row of computer carrels, to Carrell #4, one of the department’s special “souped up” computers. Pamela could see a woman in the carrel bent over the computer desk, a tousled head of blond curls. As she drew closer, she realized that the woman was Charlotte Clark. “It’s Dr. Clark,” said Kent, “Dr. Barnes! I think she’s dead!”
Dr. Charlotte Clark was Chair of the Tenure Committee and taught courses on addiction at Grace University. She was world famous and popular with students which lined up to take her classes. But by her peers, she was considered abrasive and confrontational. More often than not creating verbal attacks on anyone who crossed her. So, when word of her death made its way around the campus, very few tears were shed.
After completing her evening class, Dr. Pamela Barnes, a Psychology Professor, and her graduate assistant Kent Drummond, found Charlotte’s body in the computer lab. Charlotte being in the lab was normal but the question that pops into Pamela's mind is “why was she in the lab late at night?” Before class, Pamela had heard Charlotte and Department Head, Mitchell Marks, arguing. Charlotte had even made threats to go to the Dean to resolve their argument. So, did Mitchell Marks follow Charlotte to the computer lab and murder her? As Pamela soon finds, there are many others that have reason to take Charlotte out of the picture. For starters there are 3 candidates up for tenure with the Dean only allowing 2. There is also the Animal Psychology Lab which became upset with Charlotte after she announced that their research wasn’t needed and should be cut. The more Pamela searches, the more suspects she ends up adding to her list.
Sounds of Murder ends up being solved by “sound.” This, to me, took the suspense to an entirely different field for. As I read, I found myself listening to Pamela as she details each sound in her attempt to decide which would are beneficial clues in solving the crime. Near the middle of the book I had the case solved as to who had committed the murder but not why, so I thought. It turned out that I was totally off base. The murderer wasn't revealed until the end and to my surprise this character wasn't even on my list of suspects. This book kept me in suspense from beginning to end.
2010
Cozy Cat Press
204 pages
ISBN# 978-0-9844795-0-4
‘Pamela followed Kent, running behind him around the corner of the main hallway towards the experimental computer laboratory at the far end of the side hallway. She could see in the distance that the door to the lab was wide open and the lights were on. Kent ran through the doorway and Pamela followed on his heels. He went immediately to the first row of computer carrels, to Carrell #4, one of the department’s special “souped up” computers. Pamela could see a woman in the carrel bent over the computer desk, a tousled head of blond curls. As she drew closer, she realized that the woman was Charlotte Clark. “It’s Dr. Clark,” said Kent, “Dr. Barnes! I think she’s dead!”
Dr. Charlotte Clark was Chair of the Tenure Committee and taught courses on addiction at Grace University. She was world famous and popular with students which lined up to take her classes. But by her peers, she was considered abrasive and confrontational. More often than not creating verbal attacks on anyone who crossed her. So, when word of her death made its way around the campus, very few tears were shed.
After completing her evening class, Dr. Pamela Barnes, a Psychology Professor, and her graduate assistant Kent Drummond, found Charlotte’s body in the computer lab. Charlotte being in the lab was normal but the question that pops into Pamela's mind is “why was she in the lab late at night?” Before class, Pamela had heard Charlotte and Department Head, Mitchell Marks, arguing. Charlotte had even made threats to go to the Dean to resolve their argument. So, did Mitchell Marks follow Charlotte to the computer lab and murder her? As Pamela soon finds, there are many others that have reason to take Charlotte out of the picture. For starters there are 3 candidates up for tenure with the Dean only allowing 2. There is also the Animal Psychology Lab which became upset with Charlotte after she announced that their research wasn’t needed and should be cut. The more Pamela searches, the more suspects she ends up adding to her list.
Sounds of Murder ends up being solved by “sound.” This, to me, took the suspense to an entirely different field for. As I read, I found myself listening to Pamela as she details each sound in her attempt to decide which would are beneficial clues in solving the crime. Near the middle of the book I had the case solved as to who had committed the murder but not why, so I thought. It turned out that I was totally off base. The murderer wasn't revealed until the end and to my surprise this character wasn't even on my list of suspects. This book kept me in suspense from beginning to end.
2010
Cozy Cat Press
204 pages
ISBN# 978-0-9844795-0-4
August 19, 2015
Pamela Barnes is a professor in psychology who specializes in speech and sound at Grace University. Kent, her graduate assistant, finds Dr. Charlotte Clark dead in the computer lab, strangled by a cord. Though Clark brought in lots of grant money to the university, she was not popular with the others in the department but Barnes wants to make sure her murderer is found.
Dr. Barnes had heard Clark arguing with the department head Mitchell Marks before the murder and Clark placed a mysterious photo of a former student in Marks mail slot the day she was murdered. The woman arrives and leaves crying. Barnes cannot imagine Marks murdered Clark but thinks it has to be someone in the psychology department. The police are not working as quickly as she would like so she starts investigating.
When the computer lab is again opened, Pamela goes back in to see if she can find something the police may have missed. She wonders if Clark had turned on the sound toggle while she was working at the computer. She checks the main computer and realizes the sounds of the murder had been recorded probably accidentally pushed by Clark in the midst of the struggle. Pamela listens to it and makes a copy. When later than evening Pam tells her husband, Rocky about it he is concerned and tells her to leave the investigation to the police.
Pamela does take the disc to the police but keeps a copy and with her persistence records sounds to find out what is making that non-human clicking sound in the recording that she cannot identify. This leads to a confrontation and the murderer is uncovered.
This book covers the fascinating inner workings of a university dealing with tenure issues, cutbacks, grant money and strong personalities. Rockwell has written interesting characters and I want to read more books about Professor Pamela Barnes.
Dr. Barnes had heard Clark arguing with the department head Mitchell Marks before the murder and Clark placed a mysterious photo of a former student in Marks mail slot the day she was murdered. The woman arrives and leaves crying. Barnes cannot imagine Marks murdered Clark but thinks it has to be someone in the psychology department. The police are not working as quickly as she would like so she starts investigating.
When the computer lab is again opened, Pamela goes back in to see if she can find something the police may have missed. She wonders if Clark had turned on the sound toggle while she was working at the computer. She checks the main computer and realizes the sounds of the murder had been recorded probably accidentally pushed by Clark in the midst of the struggle. Pamela listens to it and makes a copy. When later than evening Pam tells her husband, Rocky about it he is concerned and tells her to leave the investigation to the police.
Pamela does take the disc to the police but keeps a copy and with her persistence records sounds to find out what is making that non-human clicking sound in the recording that she cannot identify. This leads to a confrontation and the murderer is uncovered.
This book covers the fascinating inner workings of a university dealing with tenure issues, cutbacks, grant money and strong personalities. Rockwell has written interesting characters and I want to read more books about Professor Pamela Barnes.
May 19, 2010
Sounds of Murder" is a delightful first book in the acoustic mystery series. Pamela Barnes is a on the tenure Committee along with Charlotte Clark and they have the future of several co-workers in their hands. When Charlotte's body is found in the new lab that Charlotte made possible with grants she acquired for the college, everyone in the department is a suspect. When Pamela discovers a recording of the murder she uses her unique knowledge of sound to figure out who murdered Charlotte.
Rockwell's knowledge of sound and acoustics makes this mystery intriguing. The characters are mostly instructors in the Psychology department. They range from a stuffy professor to a prim and proper instructor to a light and lively research assistant. Pamela Barnes is a smart and affable professor, wife and mother. Rocky, Pamela's husband is marvelous. An ex-military gourmet cook who teaches English at the same college where Pamela works, he's also over-protective of Pamela and their daughter, Angie. Especially when Angie starts dating, Kent, Pamela's graduate assistant.
This is the first "Pamela Barnes Acoustic Mystery". It will be interesting to see how she uses sound in future books.
Rockwell's knowledge of sound and acoustics makes this mystery intriguing. The characters are mostly instructors in the Psychology department. They range from a stuffy professor to a prim and proper instructor to a light and lively research assistant. Pamela Barnes is a smart and affable professor, wife and mother. Rocky, Pamela's husband is marvelous. An ex-military gourmet cook who teaches English at the same college where Pamela works, he's also over-protective of Pamela and their daughter, Angie. Especially when Angie starts dating, Kent, Pamela's graduate assistant.
This is the first "Pamela Barnes Acoustic Mystery". It will be interesting to see how she uses sound in future books.
January 8, 2011
Sounds of Murder(Patricia Rockwell)
Murder/Mystery
Pamela Barnes, psychology Professor finds one of her colleagues Murdered in the computer lab. Charlotte Clark was not well liked, a woman with a lot of power and authority, she had quite a few people angry with her. Pamela is determined to find the murderer. With the aide of an audio recording, she decides to try to figure out just who committed this crime. This is not an easy task, since Charlotte seemed to have more enemies than friends. And speaking of friends several of Pamela's are on the suspect list.
Fast paced who-done-it. Kept me up late into the night. I really enjoyed this book , especially the recipes in back. They sound delicious and easy to make. I intend to try a few. I look forward to more good reads by Patricia Rockwell.
Murder/Mystery
Pamela Barnes, psychology Professor finds one of her colleagues Murdered in the computer lab. Charlotte Clark was not well liked, a woman with a lot of power and authority, she had quite a few people angry with her. Pamela is determined to find the murderer. With the aide of an audio recording, she decides to try to figure out just who committed this crime. This is not an easy task, since Charlotte seemed to have more enemies than friends. And speaking of friends several of Pamela's are on the suspect list.
Fast paced who-done-it. Kept me up late into the night. I really enjoyed this book , especially the recipes in back. They sound delicious and easy to make. I intend to try a few. I look forward to more good reads by Patricia Rockwell.
December 11, 2012
I started with a later volume in the series and enjoyed it enough to go back and read Sounds of Murder. I enjoyed the first volume even more than the later one. The protagonist, Pamela Barnes, is a professor of acoustics at a university and I really enjoyed the information about this field of which I know only a little but find fascinating. Rockwell was a teacher for many years and it shows in the clarity and readability of her prose. The characters are good enough as is the plot.
Altogether an enjoyable read.
Altogether an enjoyable read.
March 22, 2011
Sounds of Murder is a quick read, mixing the classic whodunit mystery with modern technology. Patricia Rockwell has spent her career in academics and her familiarity with that world is captured within this story. The characters are entertaining and the plot unique.
This is Rockwell's first novel and at times that shows in her writing style. Facts the reader already knows are often repeated within various dialogues between characters. Overall, though, this is a fun read with an intriguing main character to start this series.
This is Rockwell's first novel and at times that shows in her writing style. Facts the reader already knows are often repeated within various dialogues between characters. Overall, though, this is a fun read with an intriguing main character to start this series.
February 6, 2023
‘Sounds of Murder’ is about Pamela Barnes, an acoustic psychology professor at Grace University who discovered the dead body of her colleague Charlotte Clark strangled in the computer lab. Although Charlotte is not everyone’s favorite, Pamela believes she can find the killer using the technology in the lab and her expertise in acoustics when she discovered a recording of the murder. The detective handling the case and her husband are of course not too keen on this idea but Pamela went ahead anyway.
I definitely enjoyed reading this book. It is fast-paced, a cozy mystery that will leave you guessing the killer as almost everyone seemed like a suspect. The female lead is intelligent, strong, and brave and of course, Rocky, a complete husband material, is so adorable.
I definitely enjoyed reading this book. It is fast-paced, a cozy mystery that will leave you guessing the killer as almost everyone seemed like a suspect. The female lead is intelligent, strong, and brave and of course, Rocky, a complete husband material, is so adorable.
October 3, 2018
A good read, Pamela being an expert in sound technology records the sounds from the main computer from the time a colleague was murdered while working on a computer, this way she sets out to solve the murder.
May 31, 2011
I just finished reading “Sounds of Murder” by Patricia Rockwell. This is the first segment in the Pamela Barnes Acoustic Mystery series. In “Sounds of Murder”, Psychology Professor Pamela discovers the body of her fellow employee and renowned researcher, Charlotte Clark murdered in the schools computer lab. While Pamela, or none of the other Professors, was very fond of Charlotte, it becomes her personal mission to avenge Charlotte’s death and discover her killer. Being an authority in acoustics, Pamela is able to find an accidental recording of Charlotte’s death that the investigators miss. Using the sound waves, Pamela slowly pieces together the mystery and comes terrifyingly close to becoming a victim herself. For an amateur sleuth, Pamela certainly gives this well paced novel a uniqueness that sets itself apart from others.
I absolutely devoured this book. I started it and finished it overnight. Patricia Rockwell is a brilliant story teller and very well written. “Sounds of Murder” was easy to read and enjoyable.
Anyone who enjoys a good mystery will enjoy reading “Sounds of Murder”. For those of you who may be a little standoffish by the title or the genre, as often some are, being concerned that the plot may be too gory and chilling, I urge you to reconsider. Patricia Rockwell takes great care in writing articulately and with good taste. I’m positive that this book will quickly become a favorite to anyone looking for an intriguing, satisfying read. Not only is there excitement with the turn of each page, but there is humor and romance that really make this book stand out. Furthermore, this is one mystery adventure that consists of only clean language, which is in and of itself, a breath of fresh air.
Patricia Rockwell has begun her ascent towards the top of my favorite reading material. Mrs. Rockwell shows great potential and I’m certain that we will see more of her in the future. I personally, look forward to reading more of the Pamela Barnes Mystery series, starting with “FM For Murder”, the second installment.
I absolutely devoured this book. I started it and finished it overnight. Patricia Rockwell is a brilliant story teller and very well written. “Sounds of Murder” was easy to read and enjoyable.
Anyone who enjoys a good mystery will enjoy reading “Sounds of Murder”. For those of you who may be a little standoffish by the title or the genre, as often some are, being concerned that the plot may be too gory and chilling, I urge you to reconsider. Patricia Rockwell takes great care in writing articulately and with good taste. I’m positive that this book will quickly become a favorite to anyone looking for an intriguing, satisfying read. Not only is there excitement with the turn of each page, but there is humor and romance that really make this book stand out. Furthermore, this is one mystery adventure that consists of only clean language, which is in and of itself, a breath of fresh air.
Patricia Rockwell has begun her ascent towards the top of my favorite reading material. Mrs. Rockwell shows great potential and I’m certain that we will see more of her in the future. I personally, look forward to reading more of the Pamela Barnes Mystery series, starting with “FM For Murder”, the second installment.
June 12, 2010
In "Sounds of Murder," Grace University psychology professor Dr. Pamela Barnes turns amateur sleuth when her graduate assistant, Kent Drummond, summons her to the department's state-of-the-art computer lab where Pamela finds prima donna professor Dr. Charlotte Clark strangled to death. Though Charlotte was a real go-getter and brought in mega dollars in research money, she was not well liked by department staff, and for good reason. However, since Pamela discovered Charlotte's body, she feels compelled to find her killer.
Although the local police department's Detective Shoop is investigating the case, Pamela feels her expertise in acoustics may be just what is needed to uncover the killer, much to the chagrin of her husband Rocky, a former Army cook who now teaches English classes at Grace University.
There are plenty of suspects in the murder, including Charlotte's protege, the department dean and other department staff. Pamela discovers a digital recording of the murder and holds onto it to analyze it for clues. When she tells Rocky about it, he demands she give it to Shoop. She does give Shoop the recording but, of course, she keeps a copy for herself. Will Pamela's sleuthing uncover the killer or will the killer decide Pamela knows too much and attempt to stop her?
Patricia Rockwell has created a fun leading lady in Dr. Pamela Barnes. I enjoyed the camaraderie she has with her female colleagues and her husband. And I can relate to her relationship with her teen daughter Angela. Also, Rockwell includes Rocky's recipes at the end of the book, which is a nice touch. Overall, "Sounds of Murder" was an enjoyable read, if a bit slow paced for me. I would recommend this book to cozy mystery lovers.
Although the local police department's Detective Shoop is investigating the case, Pamela feels her expertise in acoustics may be just what is needed to uncover the killer, much to the chagrin of her husband Rocky, a former Army cook who now teaches English classes at Grace University.
There are plenty of suspects in the murder, including Charlotte's protege, the department dean and other department staff. Pamela discovers a digital recording of the murder and holds onto it to analyze it for clues. When she tells Rocky about it, he demands she give it to Shoop. She does give Shoop the recording but, of course, she keeps a copy for herself. Will Pamela's sleuthing uncover the killer or will the killer decide Pamela knows too much and attempt to stop her?
Patricia Rockwell has created a fun leading lady in Dr. Pamela Barnes. I enjoyed the camaraderie she has with her female colleagues and her husband. And I can relate to her relationship with her teen daughter Angela. Also, Rockwell includes Rocky's recipes at the end of the book, which is a nice touch. Overall, "Sounds of Murder" was an enjoyable read, if a bit slow paced for me. I would recommend this book to cozy mystery lovers.
January 5, 2016
When psychology professor, Pamela Barnes, and her graduate assistant discover the body of the psychology’s department most renowned (and disagreeable) professor, Pamela is determined to solve the crime. She uses her specialization in acoustics to unravel the murder when she finds an accidental sound recording from the night of the murder. With the department up in arms over a potential killer amidst their ranks, danger lurking in the corners, and her protective husband watching her every move, Pamela solves the crime with her unique skills.
This was a fun and unique little cozy. The college setting was cool, and I enjoyed the interactions between Pamela and her fellow psychology professors, including two good girlfriends, and I was also intrigued by a possible scandal between the head of the department and the murder victim. While reading, nearly every professor in the small department seems suspect at one point or another in the novel, and I was quite sure I had it pegged… but I was surprised at the end when I was wrong about who the murderer was. Needless to say, this book did keep me guessing.
Though the story could have been a bit more polished and exciting, all in all I think it’s an interesting mystery from debut author Patricia Rockwell. The unique cast of characters have certainly made me interested in reading more books in this potential series (no other books have been released yet, but I believe there are plans for a series).
This was a fun and unique little cozy. The college setting was cool, and I enjoyed the interactions between Pamela and her fellow psychology professors, including two good girlfriends, and I was also intrigued by a possible scandal between the head of the department and the murder victim. While reading, nearly every professor in the small department seems suspect at one point or another in the novel, and I was quite sure I had it pegged… but I was surprised at the end when I was wrong about who the murderer was. Needless to say, this book did keep me guessing.
Though the story could have been a bit more polished and exciting, all in all I think it’s an interesting mystery from debut author Patricia Rockwell. The unique cast of characters have certainly made me interested in reading more books in this potential series (no other books have been released yet, but I believe there are plans for a series).
September 10, 2011
Really not worth the time (and I read it in about 3 hours). I am predispositioned to like mysteries set in a university environment and I was hoping to pick up a bit about sound in psychology too.
This book (published in 2010) seemed to paint such an unrealistic picture of today's psychology departments that I couldn't get past it. I can't count the number of times the author referred to "special research databases" that could only be accessed on these four special computers. Yes, she confirms she's talking about things like Dissertation Abstracts Full Text. Anyone with university authentication has been able to access these from their university library from any computer in the world for at least a decade. And the victim got this huge computer lab to do survey research? And the sound specialist shares it? But there's only three computers that record? But there's a long line of research participants? And the researcher specializing in sound doesn't have headphones on her office computer (always concerned about others hearing her play the recording of the murder)?
Then the use of sound is dumbed down so much as to make it hard to imagine that this is someone who specializes in this. There is zero detail about doing sound comparisons or anything that really brings out what this sound person was able to do that the police couldn't have.
I got this as a 0.99 NookBook and I'm glad I didn't pay more.
This book (published in 2010) seemed to paint such an unrealistic picture of today's psychology departments that I couldn't get past it. I can't count the number of times the author referred to "special research databases" that could only be accessed on these four special computers. Yes, she confirms she's talking about things like Dissertation Abstracts Full Text. Anyone with university authentication has been able to access these from their university library from any computer in the world for at least a decade. And the victim got this huge computer lab to do survey research? And the sound specialist shares it? But there's only three computers that record? But there's a long line of research participants? And the researcher specializing in sound doesn't have headphones on her office computer (always concerned about others hearing her play the recording of the murder)?
Then the use of sound is dumbed down so much as to make it hard to imagine that this is someone who specializes in this. There is zero detail about doing sound comparisons or anything that really brings out what this sound person was able to do that the police couldn't have.
I got this as a 0.99 NookBook and I'm glad I didn't pay more.
May 3, 2011
Sounds of Murder is a cozy murder mystery debut which brings back childhood memories of reading the adventures of amateur sleuths like Nancy Drew — except instead of a teenaged detective, we have an older, professional sleuth who uses acoustics to solve crime.
Main character Pamela Barnes is a university professor with an expertise in acoustic technology and the classical personality of an amateur sleuth: she’s passionate, stubborn, and can’t leave well enough alone -- choosing to continue investigating despite common sense.
Set on a university backdrop of academic politics and high-stakes research, the novel features a wide enough range of potential suspects to keep you guessing. The use of acoustic technology to solve the crime is certainly original, although the drawback of using sound waves is that it makes it very difficult for the reader to do any sleuthing of their own, which tends to be one of the appeals of the genre.
Overall, however, the story is well-written and engaging; this is a light-hearted, quick read. While a little slow-paced, the realistic setting and use of acoustic technology are enough to intrigue. Recommended for fans of gentle murder mysteries with strong romantic subplots.
[Read my full review at quillsandzebras.]
Main character Pamela Barnes is a university professor with an expertise in acoustic technology and the classical personality of an amateur sleuth: she’s passionate, stubborn, and can’t leave well enough alone -- choosing to continue investigating despite common sense.
Set on a university backdrop of academic politics and high-stakes research, the novel features a wide enough range of potential suspects to keep you guessing. The use of acoustic technology to solve the crime is certainly original, although the drawback of using sound waves is that it makes it very difficult for the reader to do any sleuthing of their own, which tends to be one of the appeals of the genre.
Overall, however, the story is well-written and engaging; this is a light-hearted, quick read. While a little slow-paced, the realistic setting and use of acoustic technology are enough to intrigue. Recommended for fans of gentle murder mysteries with strong romantic subplots.
[Read my full review at quillsandzebras.]
December 7, 2011
From Lilac Wolf and Stuff
Cozy Mystery...I really like that. Yes, this would be a cozy mystery. You have a psychology professor who specializes in sounds (I never knew there was such a thing) and when her colleague is murdered, she feels she is the only one who can crack the code of the recorded murder.
Her husband is the perfect man, knows what Pamela needs and delivers. Plus he loves to cook fancy gourmet meals ALL THE TIME. As I said, perfect...it's your first clue that this is a work of fiction. lol Her teenage daughter is excited about the murder...proving she is still a teenager. I was really bothered by her when she walks into her parents room and gives actually tells them to "get a room." HELLO! They were in their ROOM!
The characters are fairly easy to read, and while it never gets too deep, Patricia does a good job of keeping you in suspense. I think that's what they mean by cozy mystery...it doesn't take too much to get through it.
As for the writing, it's without fail and sometimes too perfect. But hey, at least it was easy to follow and well edited. I'm giving this one 3 stars, it's a good story but the characters really didn't do it for me this time around.
Cozy Mystery...I really like that. Yes, this would be a cozy mystery. You have a psychology professor who specializes in sounds (I never knew there was such a thing) and when her colleague is murdered, she feels she is the only one who can crack the code of the recorded murder.
Her husband is the perfect man, knows what Pamela needs and delivers. Plus he loves to cook fancy gourmet meals ALL THE TIME. As I said, perfect...it's your first clue that this is a work of fiction. lol Her teenage daughter is excited about the murder...proving she is still a teenager. I was really bothered by her when she walks into her parents room and gives actually tells them to "get a room." HELLO! They were in their ROOM!
The characters are fairly easy to read, and while it never gets too deep, Patricia does a good job of keeping you in suspense. I think that's what they mean by cozy mystery...it doesn't take too much to get through it.
As for the writing, it's without fail and sometimes too perfect. But hey, at least it was easy to follow and well edited. I'm giving this one 3 stars, it's a good story but the characters really didn't do it for me this time around.
March 18, 2012
Thanks to her specialized skill set, psychology professor Pamela Barnes feels obligated to solve the murder of her much-despised colleague. I was originally drawn to this book due to a common general interest with the professor. But, the author focused so much on the technical aspects of sound (the protagonist's specialty area) that it soon bored me. I found Dr. Barnes to be too flawed (can you say daft and defiant?) for my liking. By the end of the story, I was actually hoping she'd be killed off. And, I find it hard to root for anyone who doesn't like animals. Her daughter was a brat, and her husband was too perfect. I'd read a large percentage of the book and could summarize what I'd read in one sentence. Seriously, I thought I would never finish this book! From about 25% in, it was such a struggle for me. My only motivation was that I wanted to discover who the killer was. Many times, I was tempted to simply skip to the end to find out. The one thing I liked was that the author included recipes at the end. I'm hoping this was a first novel and that the author just hadn't found her pace yet. It's doubtful I'll read the second one, but I may possibly give it a try. If so, I do hope the protagonist has developed some more likable characteristics.
July 6, 2010
A little hard to sink into at first. Mostly because you can't quickly relate to the main character and are given only glances at supporting cast. The murder happens almost right off the bat, so you aren't given a lot of background on the 'suspects', those faculty and students with reasons to want Charlotte Clark dead. However, after the murder occurs you are enveloped by the faculaty and learn more about the main character, Pamela Barnes.
In the end this is a somewhat charming novel, with interesting characters. Plus, I actually learned quite a bit from it about acoustics...scarey, I know!....and I was surprised by the conclussion and my suspect was proven innocent.
Really the only thing that detracted from it, for it to me, was the dialogue. It was a little forced and stiff a lot of the time leaving it feeling unrealistic and often took up the tone of a scientific journal. However, I believe this is a small thing and doesn't detract from the overall story and will gradually become easier for the writer as she acclimates to writing fiction.
Another series that I will be keeping my eyes on!
In the end this is a somewhat charming novel, with interesting characters. Plus, I actually learned quite a bit from it about acoustics...scarey, I know!....and I was surprised by the conclussion and my suspect was proven innocent.
Really the only thing that detracted from it, for it to me, was the dialogue. It was a little forced and stiff a lot of the time leaving it feeling unrealistic and often took up the tone of a scientific journal. However, I believe this is a small thing and doesn't detract from the overall story and will gradually become easier for the writer as she acclimates to writing fiction.
Another series that I will be keeping my eyes on!
January 8, 2011
I liked the story. I mainly read older mystery books. My attention was initially drawn to this book because it was on a list of low cost Kindle books. I figured it was a low-risk to try it out on my new Kindle. The technology aspect of the book (audio analysis) was the second factor.
Overall, I recommend the book. It was a quick read and the story moved along well. The story is placed right in the middle of a university staff environment. Since the author is an academic, I suspect that she knows the politics of that type of environment. I believe her real world experiences added to the realism of the characters. The author gave me a peek into the politics of tenure.
Being picky here:
The electronic version has a handful of odd spacing issues and a misplaced quote mark.
I'm a bit of a geek and do have a tiny beef with a couple of the terms used in the book. I was a bit annoyed that the main character's PC was called a "mainframe." Another thing is that a compact disc (CD) is a "disc" (a flat round object, discus) not a "disk" which is a type of computer storage that contains a disc. I know... picky.
Overall, I recommend the book. It was a quick read and the story moved along well. The story is placed right in the middle of a university staff environment. Since the author is an academic, I suspect that she knows the politics of that type of environment. I believe her real world experiences added to the realism of the characters. The author gave me a peek into the politics of tenure.
Being picky here:
The electronic version has a handful of odd spacing issues and a misplaced quote mark.
I'm a bit of a geek and do have a tiny beef with a couple of the terms used in the book. I was a bit annoyed that the main character's PC was called a "mainframe." Another thing is that a compact disc (CD) is a "disc" (a flat round object, discus) not a "disk" which is a type of computer storage that contains a disc. I know... picky.
September 24, 2011
I was really interested to begin reading this book. I am one of the cozy mystery readers that enjoy cozies because I can learn something new from the book. I was not disappointed in the beginning. The sleuth is a Professor of Psychology specializing in Sound acoustics. The sleuth begins with a seminar on sound and interpretation. I really can see how this would solve a mystery.
The problem was there was the murder and then too much of the book dwelled upon how no one really liked the victim. To me, it was carried too far. I mean, Margarita wakes? Now, I love Psychology and was hoping that the good Dr. Barnes would venture that way, but only at the end, does she use her given and learned talents in these fields.
I was surprised by the killer but not the 'why' of the crime. I had that figured out in chapter one. I think that this series could be a winning one but I ask Dr. Rockwell, please put more of the talents of our sleuth into the detection of the crime.
I have purchased the next in the series and do expect to be blown away and write a five-star review. The premise is terrific and I do like Dr. Barnes and her family and co-workers.
The problem was there was the murder and then too much of the book dwelled upon how no one really liked the victim. To me, it was carried too far. I mean, Margarita wakes? Now, I love Psychology and was hoping that the good Dr. Barnes would venture that way, but only at the end, does she use her given and learned talents in these fields.
I was surprised by the killer but not the 'why' of the crime. I had that figured out in chapter one. I think that this series could be a winning one but I ask Dr. Rockwell, please put more of the talents of our sleuth into the detection of the crime.
I have purchased the next in the series and do expect to be blown away and write a five-star review. The premise is terrific and I do like Dr. Barnes and her family and co-workers.
November 13, 2014
Pamela Barnes is one clever gal with her ear to the ground and her understanding of sound! Anyone who dares to murder a colleague, even one who no one really cared for better be prepared to pay for their crime. This is an engaging and fast paced read, that had this mystery writer trying to guess “who-dunnit” all the way through. Loved all the characters, especially the delicious man that Pamela is married to. Let me tell you gals if yours truly were ever to wed, then a man like Rocky would be just the ticket, he can whip up a swell gourmet meal in the kitchen and is a romantic to boot. All this leaves time for Pamela to teach her classes, grade papers, attempt a discussion with her teenage daughter and most importantly of all, solve a murder. Will it be before she is in grave danger herself? Read and you’ll find out! I am already onto book two in this series and can’t wait to read more.
June 9, 2010
What a great mystery. This book kept me guessing all the way to the end. I really liked the mian character Pamela Barnes. She was likable character and I really iked the relationship she had with her husband and daughter. In this day and age when it seems as if there are problems in all the relationships in books it was refreshing to find a husband and sife who had a good marrigage and actually liked eadh other. Yes they had their disagreements but there where legimate reasons. I liked the setting of the book on a college campus and the means by which Pamela goes about finding the killer is unique. Pamel's relationship with her co-workers was good but I didn't relly seem to connect with any of them. I would give this book a four out of five it was very enjoyable and will keep you wondering who dun it.
November 6, 2011
Blake University is small but thanks to Dr. Charlotte Clark it's Psychology department is rich from her generous donations but still someone has seen it fit to kill her in the computer lab she paod for, but why?
Enter Pamela Barnes and ehr graduate student Kent who discover her strangled while do doing research and now the search to find out who in the department wants her dead that badly. Everyone from the department head had fought with her just prior to her death.
Patrica Rockwell pens a great whodunit and why story. She has created likable yet very mysterious characters in Dr. Barnes and the faculty and her family to make Sounds of murder a fantastic fast paced and enjoyable read. I give this paper 5 A+s and look forward to reading the other books in the series.
Enter Pamela Barnes and ehr graduate student Kent who discover her strangled while do doing research and now the search to find out who in the department wants her dead that badly. Everyone from the department head had fought with her just prior to her death.
Patrica Rockwell pens a great whodunit and why story. She has created likable yet very mysterious characters in Dr. Barnes and the faculty and her family to make Sounds of murder a fantastic fast paced and enjoyable read. I give this paper 5 A+s and look forward to reading the other books in the series.
June 12, 2011
I enjoyed this cozy mystery. It took me a long while to get through it, but due in no part to the quality of the book, but rather how busy I've been lately.
I enjoyed the academic setting of this series. Perhaps even more so now with my DH in the thick of graduate school and having recently worked for our local university. I'm still a bit confused as to why an acoustics expert is part of the psychology department, but perhaps the next book will make that a bit clearer? In reality it did not matter for the story.
All in all, a decent start to a series. I will definitely give the next book a read sometime.
I enjoyed the academic setting of this series. Perhaps even more so now with my DH in the thick of graduate school and having recently worked for our local university. I'm still a bit confused as to why an acoustics expert is part of the psychology department, but perhaps the next book will make that a bit clearer? In reality it did not matter for the story.
All in all, a decent start to a series. I will definitely give the next book a read sometime.
October 30, 2013
When Pamela Barnes , a Psychology professor finds her collegue Charlotte Clark murdered in the computer lab Pamela is determined tto find the murderer. With the aide of an audio recording Pamela decides to try to figure out who the killer is Charlotte was not well liked and seemed to have more enemies than friends. And some of Pamela,s friends are on the suspect list. Fast paced who -done -it complete with recipes in the back of the book. I look forward to reading more books by Patricia Rockwell
August 29, 2011
When an unpopular faculty member is found strangled in her lab Professor Pamela Barnes is shocked. She's even more shocked to realize that some of the advanced equipment in the lab has recorded the sounds of the murder.
Dr. Barnes is in her element - acoustics - as she works with Detective Shoop to solve the murder.
Good story. Enjoyed the interactions between characters. Rocky Barnes was a good balance to his wife.
There was a little too much "should I tell Rocky" or "I'll tell him later" back and forth.
Dr. Barnes is in her element - acoustics - as she works with Detective Shoop to solve the murder.
Good story. Enjoyed the interactions between characters. Rocky Barnes was a good balance to his wife.
There was a little too much "should I tell Rocky" or "I'll tell him later" back and forth.
January 13, 2015
Won this in the first reads contest. I was really surprised at how much I like this book. Glad that I won it. The only thing I would have liked to have seen was Pamela listening to the disc earlier in the book and being vexed by the sound she can't identify throughout the book. Having it happen all in one day seems rather unrealistic. She just so happens to come across the sound walking around the school?? Will be a keeper on my shelf and I will be getting the rest of the series.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 26, 2010
I have to say first off, that I am quite picky about my cozy mysteries. I believe there to be a verrrrry fine line between cozy and boring. I think Sounds of Murder found itself teetering for a minute or two, but ultimately came out pretty dang good...
To see the complete review over at The Book Buff, click on the following link: http://thebookbuff.blogspot.com/2010/...
-Kate the Book Buff
To see the complete review over at The Book Buff, click on the following link: http://thebookbuff.blogspot.com/2010/...
-Kate the Book Buff
March 27, 2012
This isn't an "official" review - I usually try to pen intelligent reviews but I'm just jotting down some quick thoughts because I realize I missed adding these books earlier to my collection. I love these books by Patricia Rockwell. There's something very comforting about coming back to the main character's life and friends, etc. I love the fact that it's very easy and smooth reading - well edited and written in a casual and breezy style that goes down easily!
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