Nothing like mortality to get the juices running.

A short story, set in Atlanta, written from the perspective of Vanessa, of the panic ensuing after a visit of The Money Man to the place in which she and current partner, Gerry, were living. He wants 50,000 dollars by the end of the week. But the money is gone, 'Up our noses and into our pipes.' With the threat of violence hanging over them - they get stoned, again. Then Dollar Bill is murdered ...

A brilliantly written characterisation of the self obsessed, mind wandering unfocused addict that is Vanessa, she is both heartless bitch and sentimental friend simultaneously as she lives through what is happening and remembers what she left behind. Vanessa is so well portrayed by narrator, Ramona Master, she truly becomes her, with her warm sexy valley girl voice intoned pitch perfectly to throw all the nuances of her character's thoughts and desires. Despite all of her faults, and, yes, there are many, it is impossible not to like this impetuous, foolish and trapped drug addict of Ms.Master's performance. She is so alive. Simply superb.

I received a complimentary copy of Crystal Queen from the rights holder, at my request, via Audiobook Boom. Thank you so much. I loved the book. I understand that there will be more about Vanessa and her erstwhile husband, Robson, a distant figure in this story. I can't wait.

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