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The Sword-Edged Blonde Audiobook
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(3.04) - 747 listener ratings
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Publisher Description
It should have been a case like any other: a missing princess, a king willing to pay in gold for her return. But before he realizes it, private investigator Eddie LaCrosse, a slightly shopworn sword jockey with a talent for discretion and detection, is swept up in a web of mystery and deceit involving a brutally murdered royal heir, a queen accused of an unspeakable crime, and the tragic past he thought he'd left behind.
In order to uncover the answers he seeks, Eddie must delve into the dark underbelly of society while digging deep into his own private history, drawing past and present together. Vast conspiracies, women both beautiful and deadly, and a centuries-old revenge scheme are only a few of the pieces in a lethal puzzle.
The Sword-Edged Blonde is a tour de force foray into a realm of action, intrigue, and murder.
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"I really liked this story of sword jockey (read P.I.) Eddie LaCrosse, an investigator for hire in a sword-and-sorcery world. I have a weakness for wise-cracking heroes, and Eddie is one of the good ones. The book was original, the plot worked well, and the characters were interesting and fun. "
— Kaje (5 out of 5 stars)
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“The Sword-Edged Blonde has all the finesse and depth of a great hard-boiled mystery but takes place in a fully realized heroic fantasy setting. From start to finish, it’s a treat for readers of either genre and easily one of the better books I’ve had the pleasure of reading this year. Don’t miss this one.”
— Charles de Lint -
“Incorporating elements from both hard-boiled mystery and heroic fantasy, Bledsoe’s genre-blending first novel is both stylish and self-assured: Raymond Chandler meets Raymond E. Feist.”
— Publishers Weekly (starred review) -
“Those who like both fantasy and hard-boiled detective stories will love this genre-crossing novel…With his gravelly voice, Stefan Rudnicki becomes LaCrosse…Rudnicki’s narration shapes the images and emotions that move the plot forward. Intertwined mysteries create a twisting tale of murder and supernatural forces that inhabit the lands of Arentia. Rudnicki carefully delivers every moment of love, faith, and revenge.”
— AudioFile -
“Fans of Glen Cook’s Garrett novels or hard-boiled detective fiction will appreciate this well-crafted gem of a tale.”
— Library Journal -
“The Sword-Edged Blonde is a rollicking and quite enjoyable genre-blending novel. The unlikely pairing of hard-boiled mystery with heroic fantasy is great fun. Stefan Rudnicki is perfectly cast for this reading and brings an obvious enjoyment of the subject matter to his narrative. The characters are distinctive, the narrative is clear and imaginative; Mr. Rudnicki’s performance is a delight.”
— SoundCommentary -
“Intrigue reaches feverish new heights in Bledsoe’s witty mixture of romantic fantasy and hard-boiled detective elements.”
— Booklist
The Sword-Edged Blonde Listener Reviews
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" The Sword-Edged Blonde succeeds at marrying high fantasy and hard-boiled detectives, with a gruffly likable hero and a tight plot. While the worldbuilding can be a little shaky, the novel itself is quite solid. "
— Clare, 2/9/2014 -
" I liked this book more than I should have. A clever mashup of hard-boiled detective and fantasy, I found myself staying up late to finish it. My only gripe...the author drew many of the place-names in the story from towns in southwestern and central Wisconsin. Since no map of the fantasy world was provided, I kept trying to place the action in a fantasy version of the Wisconsin River valley. I kept bumping out of the narrative to wonder when the hero was going to ride the "ducks" at the Dells... "
— Tom, 2/8/2014 -
" Rollicking Debut. "
— Larisa, 1/25/2014 -
" I really liked this story of sword jockey (read P.I.) Eddie LaCrosse, an investigator for hire in a sword-and-sorcery world. I have a weakness for wise-cracking heroes, and Eddie is one of the good ones. The book was original, the plot worked well, and the characters were interesting and fun. "
— Kaje, 1/3/2014 -
" Light on the fantasy, stronger on the mystery, great plot and character development. I particularly like not inventing names for everyone - the hero's name is Eddie! "
— Chuck, 12/22/2013 -
" Fun, easy read with believable characters. "
— Misspix, 12/12/2013 -
" An enjoyable book over all. The tale is spun with a eye toward strong character development. Even the minor characters are fleshed out and enjoyable. Think Mike Hammer with a sword. Eye rolling moment: The road side tavern named the Sway Easy with the motto, "Pain don't hurt." "
— Daniel, 11/18/2013 -
" I really enjoyed this mix of noir detective/fantasy. It was light reading, and just plain fun. "
— Sandy, 10/10/2013 -
" Very solid beginning to the Eddie Lecrosse fantasy/mystery series. In some ways better than the second book. "
— John, 7/3/2013 -
" A whodunnit detective piece set in a hack & slash fantasy world. Fun and different, if not exactly brilliant. "
— Nate, 5/29/2013 -
" I read this series out of order so it was great to read the first one and get Eddie's background that is only hinted at in the other books. As usual a great mix of fantasy and mystery. "
— Lisa, 3/28/2013 -
" I love this book. The story is fantastic and the characters are amazing. I totally enjoyed every second of this book. "
— Heather, 10/29/2012 -
" Hard-boiled noir detective fiction meets classic sword & board fantasy, but actually done right! Loved it. "
— Dana, 8/30/2012 -
" A fun book one in a fantasy/mystery series. Hopefully, this is the first of several good stories. "
— Karl, 7/2/2012 -
" This was a fun first novel. The title made me think it was a parody, sort of a noir detective story set in a fantasy universe. Those pop up from time to time. It wasn't that, not at all. The end tied everything up well, and had real emotional punch. "
— LunchBagArt, 4/23/2012 -
" can't wait until the next one "
— Lesley, 3/23/2012 -
" A fun light read; recommended "
— Susan, 6/13/2011 -
" Nice book, I enjoyed the characters and the premise.<br/><br/>Recomended "
— Kevin, 5/1/2011 -
" Read on my nook. Enjoyed it! Great melding of fantasy and noir. "
— Cody, 4/11/2011 -
" I loved the combo of high fantasy and noir detective. Still not clear on where the title comes in but still a very good book despite the title and cover. "
— April, 4/1/2011 -
" Well, I expected yet another sword jockey fights against great odds book, and that part I got. But this is told in a humorous, faux noire style, with back story gradually revealed, and interesting characters who are not always what they seem.<br/><br/>Good book, worth reading. "
— S, 11/5/2010 -
" Better fantasy story than mystery, but an enjoyable mix nonetheless. It will leave you hungry for more without leaving you hanging. "
— Jeff, 11/2/2010 -
" A whodunnit detective piece set in a hack & slash fantasy world. Fun and different, if not exactly brilliant. "
— Nate, 9/15/2010 -
" Debut novel - crime noir meets fantasy adventure. Far better than I expected - I really enjoyed this book. "
— Louise, 9/1/2010 -
" I want to find more like this! "
— Kathy, 8/30/2010 -
" Good take on hard-boiled sword-slinger. Highly enjoyable. "
— Ray, 8/26/2010 -
" A great mashup between hardboiled detective fiction and secondary world fantasy. "
— Lynne, 8/17/2010
About Alex Bledsoe
Alex Bledsoe grew up in west Tennessee, an hour north of Graceland. He’s been a reporter, editor, photographer, and door-to-door vacuum-cleaner salesman. He has published more than fifty short stories on topics as diverse as big-game hunters, mermaids, modern witches, Victorian gentlemen, and country musicians. He has two sons and lives in Wisconsin.
About Stefan Rudnicki
Stefan Rudnicki first became involved with audiobooks in 1994. Now a Grammy-winning audiobook producer, he has worked on more than five thousand audiobooks as a narrator, writer, producer, or director. He has narrated more than nine hundred audiobooks. A recipient of multiple AudioFile Earphones Awards, he was presented the coveted Audie Award for solo narration in 2005, 2007, and 2014, and was named one of AudioFile’s Golden Voices in 2012.