To Play the Fool cover art

To Play the Fool

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To Play the Fool

By: Laurie R. King
Narrated by: Alyssa Bresnahan
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About this listen

Homicide detectives Kate Martinelli and Al Hawkin are investigating the death of a man whose cremated remains are found in San Francisco’s Golden Gate Park. Implicated in the death is Erasmus, a wandering soul and latter-day Shakespearean Fool who Kate doubts is guilty. He will say nothing to point the investigation away from himself, and Kate must not only prove his innocence, she must also nail the real killer.

©1995 Laurie R. King (P)2013 Recorded Books LLC
Literature & Fiction Suspense
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Critic reviews

" To Play the Fool is quite wonderful" ( Boston Globe)
"Original and subtle" ( Evening Standard)
"One of the most literate and gifted writers the mystery world has seen" (Val McDermid)

What listeners say about To Play the Fool

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  • Overall
    4 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    4 out of 5 stars

A good story well narrated

A slightly dodgy recording in places but by no means enough to spoil the story. Enjoyable lead characters and interesting ideas.

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  • Overall
    4 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    4 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    4 out of 5 stars

A good story

Where does To Play the Fool rank among all the audiobooks you’ve listened to so far?

It's one that I would listen to again, it's not an absolute favourite but I enjoyed it very much.

What was one of the most memorable moments of To Play the Fool?

I like the side story about the detective and her partner adjusting to the partners (recent) disability, it was sensitively written and the deep affection was clear but not overstated.

Which scene did you most enjoy?

There wasn't one special favourite scene

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

No, it needs a lot of concentration

Any additional comments?

It was an interesting story and the plot was not entirely predictable

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  • Overall
    2 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    1 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    3 out of 5 stars

Okay story, dull reading

What was your reaction to the ending? (No spoilers please!)

Don't think I'm going to make it that far!

What didn’t you like about Alyssa Bresnahan’s performance?

Little expression, no characterisation. Conversations sound like bad 50's acting.

What character would you cut from To Play the Fool?

I haven't connected with any of the characters in this book. The reading infuses little, if any, life into them. Kate appears boring and bland.

Any additional comments?

Usually I listen carefully to my audiobooks, and will rewind if I miss bits. With this book, I just don't care. My mind is drifting frequently, but I can't be bothered going back. The action is so slow, I haven't missed much anyway. On top of this, the recording quality is poor. When the volume is turned up high (which for me is necessary when I'm in the garden) there is a background hiss with another voice faintly audible, as if it was recorded with talkback radio playing in the next room.

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