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A review by rellimreads
Seeking the Sheriff by Calle J. Brookes
2.0
This is book 1 by Calle J. Brookes in the Masterson County series. These are shorter novella length romantic suspense books with a small town vibe.
Partially due to the narration (see below), the beginning was a bit rough for me. I also think this suffered from Brookes concentrating more on world-building and setting up the future books rather than developing Joel & Phoebe's relationship and the mystery/suspense element. One other aspect of concern: I know it's cute and many families do it, but giving all the siblings - eight of them - names that all start with the same letter is really confusing in books. Especially when several of them also have nicknames. It took a while for me to mentally sort everyone out in my head.
Also of note: A big impact on the story/plot is that Phoebe is deaf/hard of hearing. Unfortunately this isn't explained well and there are inconsistencies in the use of terms and in what/when Phoebe can hear. A sensitivity reader more familiar with the nuances would have been helpful.
Once I switched to reading and the background info was established I enjoyed the story much more. Phoebe is the oldest but smallest of the the Tyler children. Taking care of her younger siblings and much of the household management after the death of her mother years earlier. When Sheriff Joel Masterson has to bring her oldest brother home due to underage drinking - sparks fly.
I liked the evolution of the relationship. The suspense element toward the end was simplified but enjoyable. It ends kind of abruptly as the story is intended to flow into book 2, Discovering the Doctor. Despite the issues I'm interested in continuing and am looking forward to Matt & Pip's story.
Narration:
I originally started this book by listening to it. Unfortunately the narration by Tom Sleeker was lacking. While he differentiated character voices the delivery itself was flat. Additionally, he made the decision to voice Phoebe in a way that sounded like he was pinching his nostrils. I'm not sure if it's how he voices all female leads or this was some attempt to express how her voice would be impacted by being hard of hearing. It failed and, especially if the latter, was insulting.
Partially due to the narration (see below), the beginning was a bit rough for me. I also think this suffered from Brookes concentrating more on world-building and setting up the future books rather than developing Joel & Phoebe's relationship and the mystery/suspense element. One other aspect of concern: I know it's cute and many families do it, but giving all the siblings - eight of them - names that all start with the same letter is really confusing in books. Especially when several of them also have nicknames. It took a while for me to mentally sort everyone out in my head.
Also of note: A big impact on the story/plot is that Phoebe is deaf/hard of hearing. Unfortunately this isn't explained well and there are inconsistencies in the use of terms and in what/when Phoebe can hear. A sensitivity reader more familiar with the nuances would have been helpful.
Once I switched to reading and the background info was established I enjoyed the story much more. Phoebe is the oldest but smallest of the the Tyler children. Taking care of her younger siblings and much of the household management after the death of her mother years earlier. When Sheriff Joel Masterson has to bring her oldest brother home due to underage drinking - sparks fly.
I liked the evolution of the relationship. The suspense element toward the end was simplified but enjoyable. It ends kind of abruptly as the story is intended to flow into book 2, Discovering the Doctor. Despite the issues I'm interested in continuing and am looking forward to Matt & Pip's story.
Narration:
I originally started this book by listening to it. Unfortunately the narration by Tom Sleeker was lacking. While he differentiated character voices the delivery itself was flat. Additionally, he made the decision to voice Phoebe in a way that sounded like he was pinching his nostrils. I'm not sure if it's how he voices all female leads or this was some attempt to express how her voice would be impacted by being hard of hearing. It failed and, especially if the latter, was insulting.