Tree Pose

Yoga Mat Mysteries series

By: Susan Rogers, John Roosen

Narrated by: Rupert Degas

Length: 10 hrs and 19 mins

Publisher's summary

"Escape to Tasmania" they said. But what was supposed to be a dream for Ric Peters and Elaina Williams has turned into a nightmare.

The Devil's Island is living up to its name, serving up the ghosts of its dark past, while Ric is haunted by his own demons. The truth is unraveling, and death is closing in from all sides. And now, it's stalking Elaina.

Ric's past is catching up to him, with a vengeful man seeking retribution for a catastrophic blunder in Indonesia. Ric has kept a secret hidden from Elaina, fearing that she will not forgive him. That after all they've been through, he's not the man she believes him to be.

In the shadows, a hitman lurks, waiting for the time to strike, unafraid of collateral casualties.

As corrupt officials pull strings and innocents are sold, Ric and Elaina's life together is threatened. Detective Inspector Jack McMasters races against time to piece together the clues before it's too late.

A sociopath and an anguished man are closing in. As the lightning strikes, the uncertainties remain: revenge, redemption, or devastation?

Tree Pose is delivered hot with twists and turns, mixed with secrets and attractions, tossed with suspense and revenge, then blended with classic storytelling.

The third book in the Yoga Mat Mysteries series takes listeners on a thrilling ride through the beautiful and mysterious island of Tasmania, Australia. The story follows Dead Man's Pose, set in Sydney, and Cobra Pose, set in Brisbane.

©2024 Susan Rogers and John Roosen (P)2024 Susan Rogers and John Roosen

A Thrill Ride Start to Finish!

Tasmania is the setting for the third installment of Susan Rogers and John Roosen’s Yoga Mat Mysteries. Tree Pose is the gripping follow-up to Rogers and Roosen’s Cobra Pose. Readers are reintroduced to Ric and Elaina and reminded of their budding romance and the perpetual drama threatening their union. What should be an enjoyable getaway and a chance to cement their relationship thrusts the couple into the precarious position of dodging the repercussions of Ric’s past. When Ric receives a mysterious text on a phone line known only to close associates, he quickly realizes their trip may take a deadly turn.

The audiobook version of Tree Pose, narrated by Rupert Degas, is not to be missed. Throughout the audiobook, the narration varies with a pleasing change of inflection from character to character, making each one equally memorable. Degas adds dramatic pauses and a sense of urgency to the action scenes, building apprehension and creating a fantastic feeling of fear and trepidation throughout the novel. Degas is equally adept at adding a softness to the tender moments Rogers and Roosen have created for main characters Ric and Elaina.

Rogers and Roosen have once more crafted a truly memorable cast of characters embroiled in a thrilling plot. Even though this is the third book and relates directly to events from the previous installments, readers will have no problem following the storyline as the authors have done a wonderful job of building the element of mystery for new readers and keeping fans of the series actively engaged.

I find the authors’ ability to intertwine multiple conflicts throughout the narrative especially appealing. Without leaving the primary conflict behind, they effortlessly manage to keep readers on their toes, following the threat on Elaina’s life as they blend in the desperate search to end a human trafficking conspiracy. There is no lack of action in Book 3, and the perfect assimilation of romance, humor, and mystery for fans of all three genres.

This audiobook captivates readers’ imaginations and draws them into the fascinating mystery behind Ric’s past and the anticipation of a lasting romance with Elaina. Rogers and Roosen never fail to pull readers into the plot and keep them guessing from chapter to chapter. The addition of Rupert Degas’ fantastic skills in audiobook narration makes this a highly recommended audiobook for mystery fans and those seeking a binge-worthy series.

Taut, page-turning mystery with a compelling cast

In their next installment in the Yoga Mat Mysteries series, authors Susan Rogers and John Roosen deftly craft a captivating and multi-faceted depiction of Australia and Tasmania, providing a stunning backdrop for the gripping drama that unfolds. Ric Peters and Elaina Williams seek a fresh start in Tasmania, but find themselves trapped on Devil’s Island. As dangers arise from all sides and their pasts resurface, they must confront their demons and navigate through vengeful enemies and corrupt officials. The stakes are high as secrets are revealed and loyalties are tested. Will they survive the storm of uncertainty?

The evolving relationship between Ric and Elaina is the story’s focal point, depicting the complexities of real-life connections. Ric’s turmoil, driven by past secrets, is portrayed with rawness and depth, adding authenticity to his character. As the pair’s bond deepens, so does the mystery and suspense, drawing the listener in. The authors skillfully navigate the complex effects of these elements on both individual characters and their relationships. The secondary cast is authentic and thoroughly fleshed-out. The conclusion is satisfying and thought-provoking, tying all the narrative threads while leaving room for future exploration.

Rupert Degas’ performance is key to bringing this story to life. His crystalline and emotive voice deftly conveys the profound sentiments and suspense of the narrative. His pacing is deftly judged, balancing tension and contemplation with ease, while his ability to differentiate characters’ voices adds clarity to the complex plot, keeping the listener engaged until the very end.

Perfect for those who enjoy a thoroughly immersive and expertly written mysteries.

Riveting Adventure That Picks Up and Won’t Let Go

From the moment I hit play on Tree Pose by Susan Rogers and John Roosen, expertly performed by Rupert Degas, I was whisked away to the hauntingly beautiful landscapes of Tasmania. This audiobook, the third installment in the Yoga Mat Mysteries series, delivered a thrilling narrative that perfectly balanced suspense, mystery, and a touch of romance. Although it took a bit of time to fully engage with the plot, once the pieces started to fit together, I found myself utterly hooked.

The story takes a little while to gather momentum, but when it does, the ride is relentless. Rogers & Roosen expertly weave together multiple storylines, initially leaving me a bit puzzled as I tried to figure out how the various characters would intersect. This deliberate pacing kept me engaged, and the eventual payoff was well worth the wait.

The story felt like two distinct narratives—one following a high-stakes “spy vs. spy” revenge plot and the other delving into the dark world of child slavery. Both narratives were equally compelling and skillfully intertwined, showcasing their talent for crafting complex and multifaceted stories.

What stood out to me immediately was the depth of the characters. Despite being the third book in the Yoga Mat Mysteries series, Tree Pose can be enjoyed independently, thanks to its well-developed cast. I could sense the history and investment in the returning characters, yet new elements were introduced that kept the story fresh and exciting.

I have to take a second to talk about Rupert Degas’ narration. He brought each character to life with remarkable nuance, adding an extra layer of immersion to the experience. I don’t know accents well and couldn’t tell you if something was wrong, but the accents that Degas added were *chef’s kiss* good—and added that validity to an already excellent audiobook.

Overall, Tree Pose is a captivating story that picked up throughout and wouldn’t let go. If you’re looking for an audiobook that delivers intrigue, suspense, and a touch of heart, this is the one to pick up.

A Thrilling Suspense Series

Ric and Elaina are continuing their adventures in this, the third book in the Yoga mat mysteries series.
Listening to their relationship develop as their pasts are revealed keeps you right on the edge of your seat.
The past characters are also reappearing throughout the series creating a real sense of identity with each of them. A sense of a bigger story than just each book keeps you watching for the next release in the series.
If you happen to be visiting Tasmanina listen or read Tree pose first, you will travel about recognising places from Ric and Elainas adventures !!!

Another great read (listen)

The Yoga Mat series just keeps getting better and better. Love the setting, the characters and the stories. More, please!

Excellent series

Book 3 is full of adventure, twists and turns keeping you on pins and needles! As usual the characters and story are wonderful. Highly recommend!

Extremely entertaining! My favorite one yet!

Tree Pose is the third entry in the gripping Crime Noire Yoga Mat Mysteries series by the exceptionally talented, internationally recognized & award-winning authors Susan Rogers and John Roosen.

This audiobook is another suspenseful and engaging addition to the series, bringing a story filled with emotion, strong character development, and mysteries, complemented by comic relief that appears just at the right moments.

Following the excellent Dead Man’s Pose and Cobra Pose, Tree Pose delights and entertains with its beautiful writing style, lifelike characters, vivid descriptions, and impeccable narration.

Get ready for a thrilling ride alongside Elaina Williams, our favorite yoga teacher, who once again teams up with Ric Peters, a photojournalist who definitely does not shoot only pictures, for a work vacation to Tasmania that quickly turns into a deadly cat-and-mouse game.

Ric harbors a dark secret that he believes will end his budding relationship with Elaina, but when both of them become targets of unknown assailants, he is ready to come clean. With a series of unfortunate events following our heroes from location to location, before he can tell the truth about his past life, he needs to stay alive.

Add to this a well-researched wonderfully tantalizing plot involving a human trafficking ring, a ruthless hitman, and some corrupt individuals, and prepare for a breathtaking rollercoaster of action and adventure that will leave you wanting more.

Rupert Degas, the renowned voice actor who has recorded over 400 audiobooks to date, returns to this series and once again brings all our beloved characters to life with emotion and talent, in a flawless performance. Mr. Degas has a smooth and captivating voice that draws you into this adventure, making you feel like part of it. He also excels in creating distinct and realistic voices for each character, using different accents and tones to convey their emotions and multifaceted personalities. I was once again impressed and entertained by his versatility and skill as he switches from one character to another with ease and consistency.

After listening to these three audiobooks comprising the Yoga Mat Mysteries series so far, I can say without a doubt that it quickly became one of my favorites. I am eagerly anticipating Warrior Pose – Book 4, and Half Moon Pose – Book 5, both of which are currently under production and set to be released as soon as possible.

With Tree Pose, I noticed numerous moments where the flawless writing was beautifully complemented by the sublime performance, leading me to award it my Editor’s Choice Award for Excellence in Entertainment. This award celebrates the exceptional cooperation between author and narrator, which always elevates the narrative experience to the highest level of immersion and entertainment as humanly possible and it is accorded to them together.

Congratulations and thank you for the entertainment!

A golden ribbon with the site's logo and the text Editor's choice award for excellence in entertainment

Thrilling Adventure!

Ric Peters and Elaina Williams travel to Tasmania, Australia for a dream vacation and to explore their relationship. However, Ric’s past is catching up to him and it is about to consume Elaina!

The authors, Susan Rogers and John Roosen, once again deliver an enthralling mystery filled with suspense, romance, danger, and plot twists. Rogers and Roosen are expert storytellers who keep their listeners on edge, eagerly anticipating the next twist! Each character is fully developed, and each plot twist is unexpected and complete.

The narrator, Rupert Degas, engages each listener with his consistent and unique character voices, skillfully punctuated with deliberate pauses, emotion, and rhythm. He further enhances the audiobook by bringing each character to life, fully immersing the listener into the story.

While this is a series, each book is written to allow listeners to jump in at any point. However, I recommend experiencing them all for their captivating, engaging, and highly suspenseful stories! I highly recommend this book!

There were no issues with the quality or production of this audiobook.