A Grave Talent: A Novel Audiobook

" Who is killing six-year-old brown-haired girls? Rookie Kate Matinelli is teamed with veteran detective Al Hawkin to solve this crime, never dreaming the solution will take them into the world of art. "

" This is the first time I read this author. Sometimes there was too much detail and the 13 disc audio could have been about 10. this character is in a series and I will listen to the 2nd one. "

" This the first of the Kate Martinelli series by Laurie R. King. It is very deeply disturbing in conception and psychological characterization: and that would seem to be it's strength and point. Which is to say that it is written to distress, disturb and discompose. Given these intents, the characters fulfill these intentions, as do the plotting and the twists of tale. Whoever choses books that make their adrenaline burst out, their stomachs wretch and their minds reel with horror, will have the wherewithal to enjoy this book. I could appreciate the writing, the extent to which the author fulfilled her mission, but only at a distance, because I could not let myself feel the full impact of the book itself. "

" I like the Mary Russell series but I enjoyed the first Kate Martinelli story and I'm going to read more of the series. "

" I enjoyed starting this new (for me) series from Laurie R King who I've loved the Mary Russell books from. This one was a good starter, with San Francisco a key part. Would recommend the series having now gone (very quickly!) through the set of 5. "

" Now that I know where the characters come from, I like the series a lot more. I'll up my rating to the others I've read, but now know I should've started with this one. "

" I really enjoyed this book. The only thing that kind of stopped me from giving it five stars is that the book was starting to drag on in the middle. The beginning of the book was great, it had amazing detail, and had excellent details. Then it started to go on and on about Vaun's and Kate's life then about the actual murder case. I know that Laurie R. King had to do that so you would understand who actually murdered the four little girls. I kind of already knew it was Andy Lewis ever since they first mention him in the book so the ending wasn't a real shock to me. I am probably going to read another book by Laurie R. King because I think she is a great author. "

" I enjoyed this series by King- but not as much as Mary Russsell! "

" A Kate Martinelli detective story in San Francisco. An early one. I like her writings. This one is about a guy who takes revenge on a teenage romance that didn't work out. It is how Lee got shot to become partly paralyzed in a wheelchair. But, I like the main characters - kate, Lee, and Al. "

" Read for Mystery Book Club 1/2003 "

" Not bad. I like her Mary Russell series better, but this was a very good first novel. I'm trying out the other books in the series this week. "

" So well written, I want to see the artwork. Even I don't look at strawberries the same way! "

" What can I say, I'm a sucker for detective stories with some level of character development, and Laurie King is one of my favorite authors in this genre. I liked the level of detail that was given to the characters and plot and would recommend this book to anyone interested in detective series. "

" Did not like this book -- it seemed to have a negative tone all the way through the story that was separate from the plot. "

" A well done Mystery I'll definitely read more of her work. "

" I don't know if I'm just into murder/mystery novels with female protagonists but I once again love another series where the main character is a lesbian detective. I think I'm really going to enjoy this series by L.R. King. Love this book. "

" 1st Kate Martinelli, set in SF, didn't like character "

" This is the first Laurie King book I've read and I did so at the encouragement of Martin, my husband. I enjoyed this book a lot. I like mysteries, liked the characters, the local setting, and the writing style. I'm looking forward to the next book! "

" Good. A nice quick read. A couple of the main characters seemed like they were split from another character in another book, but still an enjoyable read. Nice not to have to work so hard. Guess I better order the next one. "

" First read from this author. Difficult beginning, but overall decent story. Interesting characters. "

" I just re-read this for the fourth or fifth time and I must say, it's still very good. Complex, well-written, smart, quirky. "

" It was hard to get into but after awhile I started to enjoy it. At the end I felt conflicted because I wanted to read more and more yet, it left me feeling annoyed and I can't put my finger on why. "

" Laurie King is an amazing writer--this is her first novel and I still found it masterfully written, despite the fact that I pegged the villain at LEAST 100 pages before the protagonists did. "

" Fairly typical, fun murder mystery. Liked the San Fran setting, exploration of how having amazing talent can also be a burden. "

" Overall I enjoyed this mystery. The ending was a total shocker and I look forward to reading more. I think that Kate is a character that Ms. King will be continually developing as she continues this series. "

" I enjoyed this as much as King's Mary Russell series. Fascinating characters, with more to their lives than just the crime to be solved. "

" What can I say, I'm a sucker for detective stories with some level of character development, and Laurie King is one of my favorite authors in this genre. I liked the level of detail that was given to the characters and plot and would recommend this book to anyone interested in detective series. "

" I think this is King's best series. Too bad there are only 5 books in the series. I like the Mary Russell/Sherlock Holmes books too, but I was sorry to see Kate Martinelli get put aside. She is a terrific lesbian protagonist & we need more of those. "

" A light, but gripping, mystery read. Good for listening on the MP3 while walking on the treadmill. The first in a series by this author. "

" I like everything I've read by Laurie R. King whether it's this series starring a lesbian detective in San Francisco or the updated Sherlock Holmes series. "

" I don't know if I'm just into murder/mystery novels with female protagonists but I once again love another series where the main character is a lesbian detective. I think I'm really going to enjoy this series by L.R. King. Love this book. "

" One of my favorite mysteries of all time "

" Liked her Mary Russel series so I gave this a swing. Pretty good mystery novel, but it feels a bit dated. Like the characters in it, very familiar with the rennie/hippie artists in it. "

" I've read all the books in this Kate Martinelli series and this is the best one as far as plot and action go. The last two or so books in the series aren't that great. "

" Intriguing, well developed characters. Nice pacing on the mystery part. All around good detective/mystery book. "