Carnal Innocence was part of our Three Gals Talking: Three Gal Favorites event. We’ve pulled it out of our discussion to feature singly as a review.
Narrated by Tom Stechschulte
Brenda: Carnal Innocence takes us to small town Mississipi where concert violinist Caroline Waverly has retreated to the home she inherited from her grandmother after a stress induced breakdown. Becoming involved with Tucker Longstreet, the owner of the historical plantation next door, isn’t on her list, especially considering his reputation as a ladies’ man. But when she finds a murdered woman on her property she is swept up in much more than an unlikely romance.
I think it’s safe to say that it was Tom Stechschulte’s impressive skill as a narrator that brought the three of us to a meeting of the minds on Nora Roberts’ Carnal Innocence. Tucker Longstreet is a hero to swoon over as Tom Stechschulte breathes life into him, a man completely comfortable in his own skin and you hear that each time Tucker’s Southern drawl delivers a line. But the quality doesn’t stop there, every character from the hilarious Aunt Lulu to the down trodden Cy is portrayed with a unique and full personality that shines through as you listen to this gem.
Lea: I can’t say that I’m a Nora Roberts’ fan but Carnal Innocence captured me – for the most part. Melinda made the comment earlier in a discussion preparing for today’s feature that it’s a four star story with a five star narration. I agree with one caveat. It’s a four star story with an A++ narration bringing it to a five star average for me. Tom Stechschulte’s portrayal of Tucker is simply amazing. I know I would have liked Tucker in print but Stechschulte adds so much to his character with his Southern drawl and totally laid-back attitude that Tucker’s character ends up being far beyond mere liking. How about superstar audio hero?
What didn’t work for me? The presence of a number of grotesque scenes. Remove those and the grade of the story moves up considerably. And I need to add my thanks to Brenda for encouraging me a number of times to just give it a chance. Boy, did she know what she was talking about!
Note: Carnal Innocence was first released in cassette tape format in 1998 based on Nora Roberts 1992 novel. Later it was released in CD format as well but remained one of those hard-to-finds until Audible’s 2012 release.
Narration: A
Book Content: A-
Steam Factor: Glad I had my ear buds in
Violence: Graphic
Genre: Romantic Suspense
Publisher: Recorded Books
I absolutely love this book, and it’s because of the narration as much as anything. Stechschulte’s voice for Tucker Longstreet may forever be the sexiest I’ve ever heard. I was able to find it at my local library on CD, but I’m thrilled audible now has it in digital format.
This is one of my favorites by Nora Roberts. I’ve read and listened to it several times now and always fall back into it. I didn’t mind the grotesque bits (but I’m a little twisted) and Tucker is still one of Nora’s best heroes.