P.G. Holyfield rounded up a plethora of stars from the podosphere to act as voice talent in his fantasy tale, Murder at Avedon Hill:
Lord Avedon has a problem. Generations of Avedons have watched over Avedon Hill and controlled the only pass through the Lantis Mountains. Traditions are important to the Avedon family, but one tradition has tragically come to an end. Gretta Platt, Housemistress of Avedon Manor, has been murdered. A member of the Platt family has always served the Avedons as Housemistress. until now. Only a handful of people live at Avedon Hill, and most are suspects. Arames Kragen, retired Aarronic Advisor and scholar of prophecy, arrives at the gates of Avedon Hill, hoping to gain access to the mountain pass. Lord Avedon is not in a giving mood, however.
This is the story of Arames Kragen and his attempt not only to discover who killed Gretta Platt, but also to uncover the truth about a town that apparently has more secrets than inhabitants.
The Land of Caern: It is a world where the gods, the Children of Az, can choose to be born as mortals to directly affect events in the world, and often do. It is a world where the Priests of Caern frantically search for the mortal incarnations of any of the Children, in order prevent the Prophecies of Iberian from coming to pass.
Welcome to The Land of Caern. Welcome. to Murder at Avedon Hill, the podcast novel by P.G. Holyfield.
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on Monday, November 12th, 2007 at 7:07 am and is filed under New Books.
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November 28th, 2007 at 11:26 pm
This is an amazing story! P.G. Holyfield has created an entire universe full of magic and intrigue complete with it’s own mythology. The production quality is excellent with more to offer than your average podiobook. The musical score provides an ambiance that complements the ethereal nature of Caern and it’s inhabitants and guest voices lend a new dimension to the story telling reminiscent of pre-television radio dramas. If you love fantasy, magic and mystery you won’t be disappointed in this series. Be sure to listen to the pre-release episode ‘Seeker’. I’m not sure if P.G. wrapped it into episode one on this site but it’s a must hear and a great introduction to the politcs and people of Caern before the mystery begins.
December 7th, 2007 at 6:53 am
the story is a complicated and interesting one, which is what attracted me and b/c of the complex lot, good narration is needed, but unfortunately, the narration really sucks on this podcast- it’s done too hastily and the reader kept making mistakes on the delivery. It made me frustrated to the point of not listening anymore and deleting all traces of it in my iPod. For a good narrated podcast and great plot line, I recommend One Among The Sleepless and The Doomsday Club. They were very refreshing after my frustrations with this one, enough so to make me feel like a moocher for not donating - So I did :).
December 10th, 2007 at 11:02 am
Wow, great listen! Really looking forward to chapters 11 and beyond.
Not sure what podcast Amanda is referring to, but it isn’t “Murder at Avedon Hill”. I’m frequently frustrated by readers, but this certainly isn’t the case here. The delivery is superb, pauses are where pauses should be and the voices are just outstanding, each and everyone of them and the narrator’s in particular. Moreover, the writing is excellent, the conversations believable and logical.
Well, I could go on but suffice it to say that this is a great listen indeed.
December 13th, 2007 at 4:40 pm
I just read the negative review above. How odd?!?!?
P.G. I think your narration is spot on! From the first episode I listened to, “Seeker”, I found your voice soothing and a pleasure to listen to. I also haven’t heard you flub more than two syllables in 10 episodes.
I agree with “mike” that she must have your podcast confused with another.
10 episodes in and the only complaint I have is that it’s not a weekly release podcast. I’m hungry for more.
December 14th, 2007 at 7:48 am
I think everyone is entitled to an opinion and that was mine. To say that I am confusing this podcast with another is weak attempt to refute my POV. There are far too many more important things in life to be occupied with than what a listener said about the reading of a podcast book. Both of your standards are obviously much different than mine and that’s not necessarily a bad thing. To each his own; everyone has different level of tolerance for certain things and like you, was only expressing my sentiments.
I just wanted to say, Mr. Holyfield that I’m probably better off reading the written version of your novel because I really did believe it to be an interesting story and it piqued my interest.
December 14th, 2007 at 9:27 pm
Amanda - I think the other posters were reacting more to the tone of your comments rather than your opinion itself. The phrasing you chose made it seem like you were attacking the author/narrator, rather than saying “The narration didn’t appeal to my ear.”
It’s a tricky thing to decipher a tone of voice and intent over the posted word. I’ve had my own run ins in Instant Message chat (not the least of which was with a good friend who I knew from my days in high school for over a decade). It happens to all of us at one time or another and I would encourage everyone to take a breath and calm down, lest this explode into something it is not.
Having said all that, I’m enjoying Murder at Avedon Hill very much. Some of the pacing is a little slow for my tastes but the Author more than makes up for it by writing interesting and unique characters that capture my interest when the plot slows down. I’m looking forward to the next episode! Keep it up!
January 13th, 2008 at 3:11 pm
I’m quickly catching up, listening to about a chapter per day the last week. I’m up to chapter 6 and looking forward to much more.
I agree with PC Haring above, the voice for the narration is soothing, yes it’s a little slow at times and not perfect and I wouldn’t expect the author to also be an audio actor so given the fact I’m enjoying it he must be good enough for some of us.
I’m enjoying the different characters, their personalities really pop for me in this series and I’m itching for more. With the author reading several characters there are a couple of times i get temporarily lost in who’s talking but it doesn’t affect my ability to understand what’s going on. I’m glad so many people are jumping in to participate with voices.
Thank you, keep up the good work!
January 15th, 2008 at 4:36 am
Anyone else have a problem with chapter 13? Mine was only 5.5 mb.
January 15th, 2008 at 4:38 am
Anyone else have a problem with a short ch 13? Mine was only 5.5 mb
January 15th, 2008 at 8:54 am
Yep, Chapter 13 is only 5 minutes and 40 seconds long. That can’t be right.
January 15th, 2008 at 10:05 am
A new version of episode 13 has been uploaded. If you still have the issue, use the “Report a problem with this episode” link and we’ll investigate further.
E.
January 15th, 2008 at 11:40 am
Thanks to everyone that reported the issue (especially Jon Nials, who reported this to me VERY early this morning
). And thank you Evo for getting the file updated so quickly this morning!
And since I haven’t commented so far, I just want to thank everyone that has subscribed so far, and that took time to add to the discussion here!
Amanda, thank you too for your comments. I am doing my best, and I know my attempt to mask my southern delivery doesn’t fit everyone’s ear. I am fans of Mike Bennett and Mark Yoshimoto Nemcoff, and those are great suggestions to those that aren’t enjoying this podibook. MYN does make an appearance in this podcast near the end of the novel, so maybe when it’s all said and done you’ll give Murder at Avedon Hill another chance!
Thanks again everybody!
January 17th, 2008 at 11:47 am
You are very gracious, Mr. Holyfield
If it matters, I did decide to do so, previously, and your novel is once again in my playlist on queue for my listening pleasure- during my commute. That’s awesome about MYN. I anticipate his appearance. I would like to apologize if I came off as rude or abrasive towards you. I think if I was offensive, you’re the only person I’d owe an apology to. I’ll try harder at being better at constructive commentary in the future.
January 19th, 2008 at 12:56 pm
Well… “sucks” will always come across as abrasive
, but I got to give you props for coming back and continuing the discussion! I’ll make a fan of you yet, Ms. Amanda.
January 22nd, 2008 at 2:19 pm
I came by to report the short ep, but found the new one already up so I listened instead.
Nice job, P.G. I’m enjoying the story and the production. (What can you mean by southern delivery? I have detected no accent in your delivery, sir.)
I can only imagine the time you spend on this podcast. It’s a lot of fun to listen to, and I thank you for your hard work.
January 30th, 2008 at 9:18 am
P.G. Holyfield I must say I like your podiobook
but I will have to wait till your book is done before I can listen to
it I dont know why but your book seem to fit in to that
category with me. but I have hear the first 6 episodes
February 3rd, 2008 at 1:19 pm
Thanks to everyone that sent me emails about the invalid file. Evo and the crew are working on it (host side issue).
Matthew, I don’t blame you or anyone else that chooses to wait. This is going to be a long year for me (but so very worth it).
March 2nd, 2008 at 12:34 pm
I’m 5 chapters in and just wanted you to know how much I’m enjoying the story. Great theme and characters. Audio is way above board and narration is spot on. Thanks, keep up the great job. I can’t wait to finish the story.
March 13th, 2008 at 9:21 pm
I am really loving this podcast. My very favorite thing about this podcast is that the audio is perfectly mastered, so that I’m -not- constantly having to change the volume to compensate for overly loud and quiet spaces. A couple of other podcasts have left me so irritated because of that very thing that I can’t manage to listen to them. So thank you for letting me enjoy the podcast at one nice, non-ear-shattering volume
March 14th, 2008 at 4:56 am
You’re welcome ariel. I learned my lessons from some of the great podcasters here, and I do try to make the levels consistent.
Rich, I’m honored to have you here listening. Keep on keepin’ on!
March 27th, 2008 at 7:28 am
I’m really enjoying this book and can’t wait for the next chapter to come out. I really appreciate the time and effort into making the podcast almost like radio theater. Having the different voices for different characters, subtle sound effects, and music, really brings me into the story. I know it’s a lot more work to do, but it’s totally worth it.
Keep up the great work!
March 31st, 2008 at 10:12 am
Murder at Avedon Hill is my favourite podiobook so far.
Like Kelsey said, the sound effects are great and they play a major part in sucking me into the story. No other author (except perhaps Mark Yoshimoto Nemcoff) has managed to get me so hooked to a podcast novel.
The narration is very clear, and the voice of the main narrator is very soothing.
The podcast novel is more of a podcast audio drama because of the various people speaking in place of the various characters, which is quite unlike what usually happens in podcast novels because the authors or readers usually speak for each character in the novel, or at most there are two people speaking for the various characters in slightly modified voices.
All in all, I love the book P.G. and I’m waiting for a print release to be made. Any idea which countries are going to get the print release of the book? I’m asking this because I live in India and I have yet to see any books from authors like Mark Yoshimoto Nemcoff, Scott Sigler, etc. If their books are available somewhere here, then I’ve obviously been looking at the wrong book stores, and I visit a lot of them regularly.
April 2nd, 2008 at 6:47 pm
Thanks Kelsey! and Sukarn, thanks for your continued support! I am so enjoying the process of putting this together.
As for the print release, MaAH is available at Lulu.com - http://www.lulu.com/content/845061 - it won’t make it to a bookstore near you anytime soon, I’m afraid. If the shipping is too high from Lulu (they have several printers around the world, but none in India I believe), MaAH will eventually find its way onto Amazon.com. I’ll let you know when that happens (later this year).
April 3rd, 2008 at 3:45 pm
I have seen this book on the feeds for a while, and of course I have seen the link on Treed’s footer on Sigler’s forums (how could you not), but I just started listening last week. WOW. There is really nothing to criticize. This is great work.
The name Holyfield would not be out of place if found on a list containing the names Sigler, Morris, Rossi, Hutchins, and Lowel. It’s that good!
April 27th, 2008 at 6:35 pm
I multi-task, and play “Name That Podcaster,” and forget to pay close attention to the story line. What? No, it’s not a bad thing, I just listen again.
However, I am still so totally clueless about what’s going on that the print option sounds very nice.
Plus, I could get to the end and see who done it!
April 29th, 2008 at 3:13 am
Gail:
Please don’t post any spoilers for others though.
May 4th, 2008 at 5:19 pm
Sukarn Maini: Do not worry, I would far rather hear P.G. Holyfield read to me than read it for myself. Now, if PG would only post some more episodes…
sign me,
another greedy fan
May 5th, 2008 at 12:19 pm
Ask and ye shall receive. I uploaded a new episode earlier today. It may take a while to see it here, though. I do have several announcements after the episode (the one in my feed, not on the PB version) that might interest everyone… you can go to pgholyfield.com and at least check out the show notes of the episode for more information.
May 15th, 2008 at 11:04 am
Really great story, wonderful characters and the narration is top notch too. But you are KILLING ME by not posting faster!!! UUGGGG! Every time I open my itunes I make sure I have downloaded the latest episode. You have really done a good job painting a picture of Avedon Hill and it’s people! Keep up the good work, and please please give me more!!!!!
May 21st, 2008 at 6:00 pm
Thanks so much for the comments, Cayce! I so wish I could release episodes faster. I’m doing my best (and you should see ep. 22 uploaded here soon!).
May 27th, 2008 at 12:05 pm
Mr. Holyfield,
To add to my previous comment, I should say that your episodes are very well done. I have detected no audio ‘issues’ and love the sound effects (and the fact that they never over-power the dialog). It is obvious that you put a lot of time and effort into making each episode. The overall quality of your podcast, the story and the narration, is more than worth the wait between chapters. I don’t know if this a full time job for you or not at the moment but thank you for spending time away from your loved ones to share this story with all of us. We appreciate it!
May 29th, 2008 at 6:27 pm
Cayce, thanks again.
Podiobooks listeners that are listening to the feed, please stop by the official MaAH website and check out the contest I’ve got going on there. Also in the next few days I’ll be posting audio from interviews, panels, etc. (in case you are interested!)
June 2nd, 2008 at 10:10 pm
Hey P.G., did you know that your story totally rocks? I think bees will need extra knees for me to be able to say it is the bee’s knees. Why is it so great? It is different. I like detective stuff, this has it. I like swords and slashing, look, there it is! I like priests with shotguns shooting zombies, this comes close! (Jorrus reminds me of the guy in Ravenholm on Half-Life 2) Is it late all the time? Maybe, but I just recently caught up, so the delays didn’t effect me, but now they will, so hurry up! All in good fun. It is worth the wait, I say. This is one of the few podcasts that makes me extra excited when I see it on my iPod after a sync. While some podcasters release an audio version of crack, you release something more like a really tasty dinner and dessert that somehow ends up as addicting as crack, without all the side effects.
To anyone that is reading this comment but does not yet listen to MAAH, stop wasting time and download it, tape your headphones to your ears, and let no one stop you from listening to the end, then you can wait for updates like the rest of us.
June 3rd, 2008 at 4:33 pm
PG,
I gotta say I’ve listened to quite a few of the different books on Podiobooks but find yours is the first one I have to comment on. I have greatly been enjoying your novel and at times I found myself thinking that the killer could be a couple of people going off of how your story was written.
It wasn’t till I listened to one of the interviews you recently posted on your feed that I found out how you set the book up. Being a player of NWN myself I had thought the book had that D&D flare and when I heard that it was an “AHH HA!” moment.
The story moves along well, and although you’ve only had the 1 cliffhanger episode, I find that I’m eagerly awaiting each episode as if it was a cliffhanger.
You leave the listener enough clues as we go along in each episode you have to stick around so that we need to find out if our theories on the story are correct.
I personally am down to one person who I believe has commited the crime but will not name them here. I’m so looking forward for your “Stay at Home Dad” routine to allow you enough time in a day to get the next episode out.
This has been a great listen so far and I cannot wait for the next episode. Kudos to all the great guest voices you’ve gotten like Pip, Tee, Christina and even your wife for that tiny part so far. Keep it up and glad I have the daily grind to keep me occupied so 2 weeks doesn’t seem like it takes so long.
June 5th, 2008 at 11:13 am
Shawn M. - Thanks so much for your kind words (especially the line about my wife, thanks!!!
). Made her evening.
Chivalrybean - Thank you as well. Talk about a weird moment. I got the Orange Box for my birthday in April, and only about a week ago I reached Ravenholm in Half-Life 2. How awesome is that!
Ep. 23 will be dropping on my site tonight, and hopefully here tomorrow.
June 18th, 2008 at 9:42 am
As some of you might have heard, I had a live event on Sunday to promote the release of chapter 23, which is also the end of Part I of Murder at Avedon Hill. It was a live video reading of chapter 23, complete with sound effects, music, and guest voices. It was done using ustream, and probably due to my internet connection was a bit on the laggy side (the video was around 30 seconds behind the audio).
The next morning I re-recorded the event (without the Q&A for the 25 or so people that stuck around to the end) using stickam, which seemed to work much better. That video can be viewed on my website at http://www.pgholyfield.com/maah/stickam-video
If you have friends that have not tried MaAH, the video episode includes a lengthy (nearly spoiler-free) Story So Far by Leann Mabry. This is a good introduction to the novel, so spread the word!!
June 24th, 2008 at 5:54 pm
I honestly have to say that this is by far the BEST podcast novel I have had the pleasure to listen to. As Tolkien has long been one of my favorite authors, I have waited quite a while to be drawn into new great fantasy world. Murder at Avedon Hill is amazing! PG Holyfield welcomes you into the world of Caern in the form of a brilliant podcast novel. The production quality is top notch, his delivery is flawless and the passionate cast of guest readers are wonderful. I was blown away by the sound quality, effects and choice of music. PG Holyfield has given the world a very generous gift. Give Murder at Avedon Hill a listen. You will not be disappointed! I have a feeling Mr. Holyfield has a lot more to share. Please show your support for such a wonderful talent. He graciously invites you into his world…you will want to stay forever.
June 28th, 2008 at 10:17 am
PG, we have run into each other before. I friend-ed you on facebook when I first found MaAH. I believe that it was a promo on Escape Pod that brought me over to you- haven’t really been much of a fantasy gal, but I was intrigued to hear all of my favorite podcasters sharing their voices in one story. I don’t regret this in my iTunes library, ever. The little blue dot of a new episode makes me WANT to do a horrible and long chore, so that I won’t be interrupted. Yesterday, I painted a wall in my bathroom.
MaAH- a murder mystery set in a fantasy land with vampires. Genius!
Thanks to PG, thanks to Mur and Mark and Matt, Christiana, and especially to Rick.
And, PG, tell Lila that I am jealous she gets to hear you say her name at night! If you thought that last mention gave her a thrill… (nah- my hubby has a lovely voice as well… but no southern charm, alas).