Still the rat munched away happily...

A superb second story set amongst the glitterati of Ruritania, so atmospheric it is almost possible to hear the medals clink and jowls tremble. The combining of of the pomposity of the high officials and the titled with humour, as well as the background horror as cloaked figures meet by lantern light to plot murder and mayhem is simply delicious, reminiscent of a mixing of the 1963 film, The Raven, starring, amongst others, Vincent Price, Boris Karloff and Peter Lorre, and the 1959 Peter Sellers' film, The Mouse that Roared. A balance of horror and humour.
Whilst Ruritania and Jermanica attempt to end the long time war by holding peace talks, there are some who would prefer the hostilities not to stop. People start dying horribly, apparently poisoned. And Willie is in despair of ever getting his master and friend, Baron Rudolph Von Meyerling, to cease his nefarious ways. Even to the extent of refusing him his favourite chocolate Tiffin.

If the story alone were not delicious enough, it is read by the superb Jake Urry, whose voice can be both warmly inclusive and simultaneously chilling. He is pace perfect, charismatic, and his portrayal of the various protagonists from the military men to the unhappy Willie are always individually suited. He lifts the story to even greater heights ( or should that be depths?).

A great book to cause both creepy tingles and smiles. My thanks to the rights holder for freely gifting me a complimentary copy of A Nest of Vipers, at my request, via Audiobook Boom. Although this is a stand alone, I recommend that the reader first gets to know the quirky characters in all of their rather pompous glory in the first Ruritanian Rogues story, A Looming of Vultures, also read by Mr.Urry. But it's certainly not essential - just peep in, eavesdrop and enjoy.

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Fabulous

He's a cheeky chappie that Richard Storry! He writes a brilliant tale of duplicity and skulduggery, all of it with a sarcastic slant; an edge of black humour. I absolutely adore the tongue in cheek aura of these books, and Mr Storry has very cleverly ensured that I listen to the next in the series! Almost unbelievably, the wit of this tale is raised to a higher level due to the masterful narration of Jake Urry. How does he do it, time and again? Whether it's a baron, a servant or a sexually excited lady, he manages to give them a whole personality and back story through their voices. Mr Urry is a narrator beyond compare and anything he blesses with his voice is worth listening to. 5 stars and a standing ovation from me.

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1 person found this helpful

A Nest of Vipers

This is exciting and suspenseful right up to the end.Storry writes great stories about the nobility of Ruritania.In this book the murders of a few people can actually undermine an end to war.Vipers indeed!Jake Urry may be my favorite narrator!He has such a pleasant voice.I was given this book by the narrator,author or publisher free for an honest review.

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Brilliant

I Enjoyed this audio book very much from start to finish great story line too

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