****Overall *****Performance ****Story —– Review by Rox Burkey
Mark Dickerman delivers an exciting beginning to the Callum Earley Series with Book 1, ‘Revenge Waits No Longer.’ It begins in the picturesque townland of Glenties in County Donegal, Ireland. Each scene and location are vividly painted in the mind with descriptive prose, though some areas would benefit by showing rather than telling. Callum Early retired Garda Inspector from an illustrious career in law enforcement, much of which was during The Troubles. Ireland suffered widespread violence, with groups like the IRA, from the late 1960s until the Good Friday Agreement of 1998.
Fans will appreciate the fabulous character distinction of each player in this suspenseful mystery. Alone since his wife Sarah had died, Callum returns to his family home after his father passes and decides to renovate it. His mother, Mary, and his half-siblings, Robert and Renée, are his only family, so he decides it’s time for a visit. His arrival follows a brutal murder in Danville, where Robert is a corporal in the Police Department. With Callum’s experience, Rob invites him to help consult. Can Callum assemble the clues of what escalates rapidly into serial killings in time to save lives?
RL Conbran’s voice narration renders a perfect balance of character voices, pacing, and tonality that matches the escalation of the mystery. The details of the violence and detective work during the escalating suspense keep listeners engaged. The tension mounts as each clue gets examined. The growing suspect list keeps authorities busy with interviews. There were no slips or misses in the quality of the listening experience.
Fans of crime mysteries and suspense will enjoy meeting Callum and learning how he approaches crime-solving firsthand. Will he discover how to embrace his family and cherish Ireland? ‘Revenge Waits No Longer’ ramps the suspense until the unexpected ending. The mystery is a good start to a series that listeners and readers will enjoy. Add this one to your library today before Book 2 is released.
About the Author
Mark was born and raised in Brooklawn, NJ. He and his wife, Renee, raised four children there, as well. Since 2012, the family has gradually migrated to the Susquehanna River valley in central Pennsylvania. Mark worked for 37 years at Ancora Psychiatric Hospital, retiring in 2015 as the crew supervisor of the carpenter shop. He plays guitar and has performed in various cover bands since his teen years. He still enjoys woodworking in his shop but now spends a lot of his time writing.
About the Narrator
LH Conbran was a Blade Smith for 20 years who discovered he could be a voiceover artist. He feels fortunate to have found yet another occupation that he loves. He is a former military brat, so his ear for accents is pretty keen. He has always loved books and losing himself in character. Whether you’re looking for that chest-pounding drill instructor voice or the warm baritone of a loving father and husband, he can do it. He has a natural baritone that can either soothe or energize your listener. Resides in Texas.
