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City of Masks: A Cree Black Thriller Audiobook
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(3.02) - 926 listener ratings
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Publisher Description
Introducing Cree Black, a parapsychologist with a haunted past.
When Lila Beauforte takes up residence in her ancestral home, the 150-year-old Beauforte House in the Garden District of New Orleans, she is terrified by ghostly apparitions. The family reluctantly calls Cree Black for help. Based out of Seattle, Cree, a parapsychologist with a degree from Harvard, is a “ghost buster.” But as Cree gets closer to the truth, the proverbial skeletons in the closet of the prestigious Beauforte family come crashing down on her, and she must struggle to keep her own ghosts at bay.
Daniel Hecht has created a plausible, heart-stopping ghost thriller. Relying on the science of parapsychology to spine-tingling effect, he brings to life a remarkably compelling character in Cree Black—as well as the ghosts she confronts.
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"I really liked this book ... but ... I probably won't read any more in the series because I just can't handle such serious ghost stuff. Really creepy! Despite that, I thought the whodunit aspect was VERY well done and the scientific basis behind modern "ghostbusting was absolutely fascinating."
— Tabitha (4 out of 5 stars)
Quotes
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“[Fields] uses an impressive variety of bayou accents to distinguish the other New Orleanians—from the good ol’ boy gruffness of Lila’s worried husband to the cultured, iron magnolia locutions of her aristocratic mother.”
— Publishers Weekly -
“A superb thriller…Because the author deliberately downplays sensationalism, the book’s premise—that ghosts really do exist—seems, even to this confirmed skeptic, surprisingly, uneasily possible.”
— Cleveland Plain Dealer -
“Anna Fields performs this plunge into a closet of family skeletons with conviction. As ghosts terrorize Lila and Cree, Anna Fields keeps the listener in thrall. Her characterizations are original, ranging from masked Mardi Gras monsters and juju women to hysterical victims and diabolical connivers…Fields is top-notch.”
— AudioFile -
“This is a genuine creepfest—a contemporary ghost story blending parapsychology and the steamy exoticism of New Orleans…highly enjoyable.”
— Library Journal -
“Anna Fields gives the smart, crisp dialog a spirited reading, seamlessly shifting between ‘N’Arluns’ yokels and ‘Noo Yawk’ locals.”
— Library Journal (audio review) -
“The authentic, supernatural locale contributes the requisite spooky atmosphere—think Anne Rice at her least histrionic—and the eccentric characters are well drawn and believable.”
— Booklist -
“Reader Fields’ fully voiced performance is so strong that it’s easy to forget that this is a work of fiction.”
— Kliatt -
“Sharp, fast, and deft, a gripping story that, with the skill of a Wallenda, walks the tightrope between the real and the supernatural.”
— Kirkus Reviews
City of Masks Listener Reviews
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" I really do like these novels. "
— Jenny, 2/16/2014 -
" I just can't bring myself to finish this book. I just got bored. "
— Sophie, 1/7/2014 -
" An entertaining mystery novel about a women who is a "paranormal" detective. I liked the book but not sure it's enough to make me want to read others in the series. "
— Susan, 1/4/2014 -
" The first of Daniel Hecht's thought provoking books. The mind and its workings along with relationships is a trademark of his work. The Cree Black character has fears & flaws for which, if not exactly matched, we can relate to. "
— Melanie, 12/29/2013 -
" I'm enjoying the Cree Black series, though ghost stories aren't usually my favorite, the combination of mystery and the fine development of Cree's character makes this a highly entertaining series. "
— Michele, 12/29/2013 -
" A murder mystery with possible ghosts set in New Orleans--this should have been better than it was. "
— Sarah, 12/8/2013 -
" good book..sort of Stephen King-ish...crazy amount of typo errors.... "I" often appeared as / "
— JAnet, 12/6/2013 -
" This book, while not extraordinary, was fun to listen to in the car. "
— Janet, 12/2/2013 -
" I loved parts of the book and cringed in parts. I didn't hate it but I could have loved it if the character hadn't done some classic horror movie silly things. I might read one more by Hecht with the hope that the missteps were due to a 1st book in series issue. "
— Elizabeth, 11/26/2013 -
" Great read, but I recommend NOT reading this one at bedtime. "
— Celeste, 11/9/2013 -
" A good thriller, a bit disturbing and sometimes scary, but I really enjoyed it. "
— Tracee, 11/3/2013 -
" Heavily atmospheric tale of ghosts and human predation in New Orleans. Parapsychologist Cree Black is an affecting, honest character and the novel intrigues when solving both the mystery and emotional plots. "
— Siobhan, 11/2/2013 -
" Actually, this is a 3.5 star book. Very scary and riveting in a good deal of the book. It bogs down under all the techie ghost hunting and psycho-babble talk, but I will read the other two books. "
— Donna, 11/1/2013 -
" This one started out promising...but turned out sort of a flop. About half way thru the book, all the overly technical lingo really overshadowed the good story the author had going. "
— I, 3/21/2013 -
" If you like books about New Orleans, and the paranormal, this is the book for you. It was a great read, that I didn't want to put down. "
— Chris, 9/11/2012 -
" My opinion: the very best of the best. Read it! You won't be disappointed. "
— Lorri, 7/20/2012 -
" Nothing special but slightly enjoyable "
— Bridgette, 6/18/2012 -
" Really enjoyed this paranormal thriller/mystery. The romance aspect was ok but the mystery was very good and I didn't figure it out until right before it was revealed. I'm looking forward to reading another in featuring Cree. "
— Wonderbunny, 6/5/2012 -
" Wasn't sure about this at first, but I got into it. I like the addition of technical and cultural tidbits. I might pick up another title by Hecht. "
— Stephanie, 1/9/2012 -
" Definitely like the read. I bought this book on a whim and always have a soft spot for thrillers. The writing was well done, The author painted a good picture in my mind. "
— Tj, 8/1/2011 -
" THis is a rather long book that takes place in New Orleans. Great characterization, details about the city & old homes, too. I enjoyed this mystery - "
— Kathy, 5/17/2011 -
" Hecht did a bang-up job of researching the world of a paranormal researcher, but this was a double edged sword as it drowned out whatever suspense the story might have had. "
— ---, 12/20/2010 -
" Actually, this is a 3.5 star book. Very scary and riveting in a good deal of the book. It bogs down under all the techie ghost hunting and psycho-babble talk, but I will read the other two books. "
— Donna, 12/3/2010 -
" This is an excellent book. Hecht makes you feel as if you are right there in New Orleans, lots of suspense and intrigue. Characters are very believable and the ending is great with all loose ends tied up perfectly. I will definitely be on the look out for more in this series. "
— Karen, 10/15/2010 -
" This one started out promising...but turned out sort of a flop. About half way thru the book, all the overly technical lingo really overshadowed the good story the author had going. "
— I, 9/21/2010 -
" I thought this was a pretty good story. I enjoyed Cree and her ghost hunting conclusions. I'm looking forward to her next one. "
— Paula, 9/21/2010 -
" A very good ghost book. A little clinical Physcho-babble sometimes, but interesting ghost story about NO,LA. "
— Dyanna, 9/12/2010 -
" A melodramatic psycho-mystery about mostly female characters, written unconvincingly by a male. I suggest a pass on this one, unless you enjoy melodrama. <br/> "
— Tom, 9/2/2010 -
" Nothing special but slightly enjoyable "
— Bridgette, 7/8/2010 -
" First of Cree Black novels—a mix between a ghost story and mystery. Engaging, great sense of location. Author went on too long after solving major mystery. (Book on CD) "
— Sharonm, 6/6/2010 -
" Interesting twist to the usual detective (cozy) summer read - she's a psychic professor researcher who ghostbusters haunted places through psychology. Ok for light reading. "
— April, 5/10/2010 -
" I really do like these novels. "
— Jenny, 3/20/2010
About Daniel Hecht
Daniel Hecht is a writer and nonprofit development consultant. He earned an MFA from the Iowa Writers Workshop and is a graduate of the elite Henry F. Williams Homicide Seminar, presented by the New York State Police. He took up long-distance open water swimming in Vermont’s lakes in 1980. His seven previous novels, published in the US and throughout the world, include bestsellers in the US, England, Holland, and Israel.
About Anna Fields
Kate Fleming (a.k.a. Anna Fields) (1965–2006), winner of more than a dozen Earphones Awards and the prestigious Audie Award in 2004, was one of the most respected narrators in the industry. Trained at the Actors Theatre of Louisville, she was also a director, producer, and technician at her own studio, Cedar House Audio.