The Stormy Petrel (Abridged) Audiobook

" 3.5 stars. I liked the setting very much -- a small Scottish island. I liked the heroine and was easily drawn into the story. The ending was a little anticlimatic, but it was a quick, enjoyable read. I certainly did not expect the outcome with Bagshaw -- not sure if those actions were in character, but it certainly made him more likeable. I'll have to try some other Stewart mysteries when I need a quick read/lift -- if they are like this one or better. "

" I really wanted to enjoy this book as it started out really well but in the end (actually the last half) was really weak and felt forced. I would not recommend the book. I did learn what a petrel was, though, no thanks to the book, I had to use Wikipedia ;-) "

" A slight tale from Mary Stewart, her last, and not as good as her earlier romantic suspense novels, but very pleasant nonetheless. "

" Mary Stewart books were read a few years ago and I had fond memories of them. Re-read them recently but found them quite dated and quite predictable. Changing tastes and time! "

" There is not very much of a mystery to truly place this in the "suspense" category. Nor, actually, very much of a romance to recommend it as "romantic" suspense. Nevertheless, there's something about the writing, the setting, and the mid-twenties, bookish, Oxfordian heroine that made this the perfect light reading for my first few days at Rydal Hall. To quote from some Amazon reviews: "Nothing much happens - a robbery, a bit of smuggling and a very staid romance. It doesn't matter . . . gripping against the odds." "It brings with it a sense of calm." Indeed. A softly told story, that was somehow worth reading despite itself. "

" I was let down by the lack of real mystery or romance, but the setting in the Scottish highlands and flow of the writing made it nice for a one-time read. "

" This is the last Mary Stewart book that I've read. I've read all but her childrens books. Mary Stewart invented the gothic romance novel. Her books are all well written and researched. I've loved each and every one of them. "

" A nice short read, but NOTHING happens at all. "

" I really loved Mary Stewart's historical and modern romances when I was a teen/twenty something. Combining historical and modern adventure with (clean) romance, they were fun for me to read. They're a bit dated now, but still fun for those who are still idealistically romantic. "

" Three stars is being generous. This book was just okay, but I am a Mary Stewart fan, so I will go with a 3. This book lacked suspense and therefore plot. I am sorry to say this one is a pass. "

" this stewart is pretty slight too, but i quite liked this one. the suspense/mystery angle is pretty negligible, but the atmosphere she creates and the evocation of the island and atmosphere is done pretty masterfully and i totally wanted my own little ivory tower to retreat to. "

" I love Mary Stewart's writing. I'm not sure what her fascination with islands is (a lot of her straight fiction seems to be set on them), but I can always lose myself in her books. "

" My grandma gave this book for me to read and I did enjoy reading it. I was also told her other books were much better. Can't wait to read them. "

" I never thought I would be disappointed with a Mary Stewart book, but this one just had nothing interesting going for it. Perhaps it's a good read for those who like descriptions of the British Isles, but for those who like a bit more mystery and intrigue, this one was definitely a let down. "

" Mary Stewart is so satisfying to read. She takes you to foreign shores and beautiful climes, then ladles on the suspense and the heroine is always clever and brave. I just love her books. "

" I like Mary Stewarts books. This mystery was quite good. "

" I don't feel there was very good climax in this story. It was bit slow really. "

" A slight tale from Mary Stewart, her last, and not as good as her earlier romantic suspense novels, but very pleasant nonetheless. "

" I don't feel there was very good climax in this story. It was bit slow really. "

" With a Scottish island setting, a hint of mystery, and a hint of romance, this was perfect comfort reading. I realized that I have read it before but that didn’t spoil my enjoyment. "

" this stewart is pretty slight too, but i quite liked this one. the suspense/mystery angle is pretty negligible, but the atmosphere she creates and the evocation of the island and atmosphere is done pretty masterfully and i totally wanted my own little ivory tower to retreat to. "

" A lesser Stewart, though the landscapes and the writing are lovely and evocative. Plot is light to nonexistent. Try one of her others for a better introduction to her work; this one is pleasantly fluffy but doesn't really do her writing justice. "

" I love Mary Stewart's writing. I'm not sure what her fascination with islands is (a lot of her straight fiction seems to be set on them), but I can always lose myself in her books. "

" Mary Stewart is so satisfying to read. She takes you to foreign shores and beautiful climes, then ladles on the suspense and the heroine is always clever and brave. I just love her books. "