The Curved Blades


Read by Celine Major

(4.3 stars; 143 reviews)

In this suspensful whodunit a mean-spirited and wealthy dowager is found murdered in her boudoir supposedly killed once by poison and also by a blow to the head. Most bizarre is the fact that she is found sitting in front of her mirror lavishly dressed wearing a fortune in pearls and gems. Her niece, her social secretary, her cousin managing her finances, a mysterious count and a maid acting rather suspiciously are the suspects. The police are getting nowhere so famous criminologist Fleming Stone is called in. However is it possible he is so taken with the primary suspect that she could prevent him from solving the mystery??? - Summary by Celine Major (6 hr 34 min)

Chapters

Chapters 1-2 34:50 Read by Celine Major
Chapters 3-4 30:28 Read by Celine Major
Chapters 5-6 34:06 Read by Celine Major
Chapters 7-8 30:43 Read by Celine Major
Chapters 9-10 32:49 Read by Celine Major
Chapters 11-12 29:06 Read by Celine Major
Chapters 13-14 31:35 Read by Celine Major
Chapters 15-16 33:59 Read by Celine Major
Chapters 17-18 35:32 Read by Celine Major
Chapters 19-20 29:04 Read by Celine Major
Chapters 21-22 33:31 Read by Celine Major
Chapters 23-24 39:15 Read by Celine Major

Reviews

PERHAPS THE BEST OF WELLS


(5 stars)

A delightful, well-contrived mystery. read perfectly by one of the finest readers associated with Librivox! Two reviewers took great exception to my review. Let me say that those two pseudo-intellectuals fail to understand that novels generally exhibit the common mores of their period. Thus, even if the novelist did look down on women (and she actually did not), it's not for the reader to rant; it is only for the reader to enjoy the book or quit reading it. Unfortunately, this judgemental attitude apparently affected their hearing, because CM is one of the best readers, being blessed with excellent fiction and perfect place!

Fantastic Story


(5 stars)

Mind blowing description of each character. The character development is surreal and very relatable. The plot seems rather bland but full marks for perfect portrayal of male and female nature.

there's an astounding display of talent ...


(5 stars)

... by Carolyn Wells (June 8, 1862 - March 26, 1942) in 'The Curved Blades'; the manuscript is exceptionally well read by Celine Major; what was initially thought by me to be an one-strata book full of excitement and suspense, the exact category of book that I'll not put down until the very end, was only partially correct; my aha moment came in the last-third of The Curved Blades; what a thrilling moment! My Profound (to me) Discovery: I said to myself, "self" I says "there's more here than meets the eye; this is deeper than you think; you could have been reading this treasure on three levels simultaneously, expanding your pleasure!" in addition, my criteria used for help in selecting my next read or listen, one that is full of excitement and suspense, will include what I've learned from Ms Carolyn Wells; thank you Ms Wells and may your work encourage some writers to strive to be a little more like you https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Carolyn_Wells/

great storyline


(4 stars)

The story is well written. each character described and defined well. Though the underlying tone of prejudice to women is not suitable in today's times. I personally did not like it at all. Somehow I didn't enjoy the narration so much, every character felt like it's of a very old age. Almost narrated with a trembling voice.

nice little mystery


(3.5 stars)

just fyi kind of a misogynistic overtone (not sure if the author intended it) brief section with what i guess i would call an "orientalist" attitude about egypt and some grade-A pseudoscience about handwriting analysis none of the characters were likeable and it kind of made it better

A good simple mystery


(4 stars)

This was an easy listen and a good mystery. I give it 4 stars because it was satisfying but not a "wow" type mystery. I'll be reading more of Wells' work.

Good story. Good narration.


(5 stars)

A compelling whodunit with a bit of romance, narrated by Celine Major, one of best Librivox readers.

Hot Curved Babes!


(5 stars)

A really good whodunnit. Kept me thinking, trying to figure who did it. Super reader