Beware the Past

By: Joy Ellis

Narrated by: Antony Ferguson

Length: 11 hrs and 3 mins

Publisher's summary

One terrible case always haunted detective Matt Ballard. Now many years later, the killer seems to be back. And this time he's after Matt.

When Matt Ballard was starting out his career, three boys were murdered in the same area, the remote and bleak Gibbet Fen. When the main suspect was killed in a hit-and-run, the killings stopped. But Matt was not satisfied that the real murderer had been caught.

Over 25 years later, Matt gets a photo in an unmarked envelope. It's of the Gibbet Fen crime scene. And the picture was taken before the murder took place. More photos arrive, relating to the historic murders, as well as intimate pictures of Matt's very secret private life.

Then another murder happens, with some of the hallmarks of the old case. Has the killer returned, or is this just a sick copycat determined to ruin Matt's life and reputation?

©2017 Joy Ellis (P)2018 Tantor

surprise ending

loved it! different Ellis...I was surprised in a pleasant way. each character stood on their own. nice to see Rory

Let Go of the Past & It Will Let Go of You

This is a new story line for me in the Joy Ellis collection. The crimes investigated are background to the human tragedies that emerge. Did not figure this story out until the end. Joy Ellis is a great story-teller. The narrator is okay;

A very good read!

This book had me guessing all the way until the end! The narrator took some getting used to, but after that it was captivating!

Great read!

Suspenseful from beginning to end! Couldn't wait for the end. Love the narrator!

THE END?????

What the hell kind of ending was that? It just got crazier and more unbelievable in the last chapters. Why?? Did the author get in a hurry and just pull crap out of her mind to finish?? I have enjoyed all of Ms. Ellis’ books, but did not like the bizarre ending of this one. But, of course, I have the next one ready to listen to and hope she cleans up the ending of this book.

NO WAY!!!!

I was COMPLETELY surprised with the ending. I never saw it coming. Joy Ellis is a phenomenal story teller!!

Amazing twist leaves you on the edge of your seat for the entire book

I came to Joy Ellis though Jackman and Evans mysteries, and I’m just off listening to all of them through. The performance of those is so amazing that even this wonderful performance feels lacking. I much prefer the Rory of the other series, for example.

This book was a bit too much bluster and sex for me. But it was never completely gratuitous. It added to character development and the plot, though I think it could have been toned down. I sampled and discarded the Nikki series as well for much the same reasons.

Last 2/3s better than the first

It almost seems as though Ms. Joy was trying to get all the ' details ' of the characters out of the way in the first part of the book. I wasn't a fan of that BUT once those were out of the way it became a good book. Definitely worth a read/listen.

Umm, not so much

I had trouble with the narrator throughout, especially with the female characters. Then the climax at the end…tried too hard to be intense and shocking to the point that dialogue was just dumb and cliché.

Great story. Terrible performance.

Joy Ellis is a skilled storyteller. Unfortunately the performance by Anthony Ferguson made it difficult to get through to the end. Because it was so over-acted it made it difficult to get into the story. Joy Ellis’ other stories, like the Jackman and Evans series, are so well read that it pulls you in, and you can become engrossed in the story. Not so with this book. I’m glad I listened to the end. The twist made it worth suffering through the read but I would hesitate, listening to another story read by Anthony Ferguson.