REVIEWS
2020
All reviews completed in 2020 are listed below in alphabetical order.
15 Minutes
Maizie Albright Star Detective
by Larissa Reinhart
Narrated by: Joan Dukore
Production by: Past Perfect Press
Review by Rox Burkey
Fun, Mystery, and Humor!
Author Larissa Reinhart creates an interesting character in the title role. Maizie Albright (Spayberry) started as an actress playing a teenage detective. In her role, she thinks out of the box and solves cases. She is a star who has issues, and multiple therapists advising her on failings.
Celebrity lives tend to beat to a different drum. Those who feed off the fame of the successful always show their unscrupulous sides. It is impossible to understand what portions of their media appearances are fabricated to further their career versus the actual person. Mazie attended and graduated college with a criminal justice degree.
When the actress's former boyfriend is sentenced to jail for illegal activities, the judge offers Mazie an alternative solution. This young woman's option is to leave LA and return to her hometown of Black Pine, Georgia, plus she must get a job with proof via a paycheck. She decides to take advantage of her degree. She moves in with her father and uses her last name of Spayberry to worm her way into a job with a Private Investigator, Nash, of Nash Security Solutions. No one takes Mazie seriously as a real detective.
Nash, Mazie, and Mr. Waverly are developed with very distinct roles and characterizations. The supporting cast is easy to keep track of. The dialogue is uncomplicated and easy to follow, though in some areas feels repetitive. The tug of war on Mazie by her mom and manager to bring her back to Hollywood creates some good tension. Finding Mr. Waverly's wife but losing her threatens to undermine Mazie's desire for independence and freedom of choice. The story has highs and lows, with humor placed at suitable intervals in a somewhat obvious storyline.
Joan Dukore's narration was good, with only a few minor issues with some words and tone. Also, she provides a good rendition of the characters versus the narration with appropriate emphasis on the story's humorous sides. It is a lighthearted young adult cozy mystery and a fun start to a new series.
There were no issues with the production or quality of this audiobook.
**********
16 MILLIMETERS: A MAIZIE ALBRIGHT
HUMOROUS ROMANTIC MYSTERY
Maizie Albright Star Detective, Book 2
by Larissa Reinhart
Narrated by: Joan Dukore
Production by: Past Perfect Press
Review by: Rox Burkey
Movie Making Adventure with a Twist!
Author Larissa Reinhart continues the adventures of her captivating character Maizie Albright. The dialogue conveys wit, visuals, humor and makes a story that is impossible to turn off. I know if I’d read it rather than listened, I would still be a fan.
Maizie Albright, originally an actress starring in several roles, notably as a teenage detective, is pursuing her dream of joining the ranks as a full-fledged private investigator. Hiring on with the Black Pine’s Wyatt Nash. Nash wants to keep her at arm’s length, and her mind wanders to other things to investigate up close and personal.
Maizie’s probation requires her to avoid acting roles and stay out of trouble. The fun begins when a movie is slotted to film in Black Pine, staring an actress Maizie, Cam-Cam. Maizie’s notoriety with Nash Security Systems lands a job for the company to protect Cambria and keep her on the right track to succeed in her breakout role. Producer Leonard Shackleton insists Maizie is the one he wants handling Cambria because of her familiarity with the industry.
In pure Maizie style, the security work sets up Nash to get closer to show biz than he ever wanted. As our hero, Maizie works at her job, she finds herself at odds with Cam-Cam, Nash, and her mother, her agent.
The mystery begins as Maizie spots bodies that disappear and digs for clues until Cam-Cam wants Maizie fired but will allow Nash to take the role. It gets more thrilling as the body count increases, though inexplicably, they vanish along with the evidence. Body doubles for some actors and actresses, muddy the trail of locating the killer, and risk Maizie’s probation.
The narration by Joan DuKore is even better in book 2. The delivery of the dialogue is snappy, emphasized, and contains perfect pregnant pauses. Voices are diverse and never miss associating with the correct characters. The quality of the audible was excellent, with no issues.
Honestly, I liked book 2 even better than the first one in the series. This is a fun story that kept me engaged from start to finish. Outstanding and highly recommended. The next one in the series is on my list. Wow.
There were no issues with the quality or production of this audiobook.
**********
A GIFT … ONLY BORROWED
by Kirk Spencer
Narrated by: William Sipes
Production by: Kirk Spencer
Review by Roxanne Burkey
Family Survival!
Author and father, Kirk Spencer relates a heart-wrenching event he survived 35 years ago. Kirk and his wife had a beautiful daughter, a third child. She spent four months in this world and with this family. A short time most of it spent in a children’s hospital without the medical technology and advancements available today.
Mr. Spencer details everything he recalls from the constant snow, the noise of machines, the balance of their other two children, newfound faith, and an unbelievable reality. He laments more than once regret in not capturing the events in more detail when they occurred.
Lindsay Renee Spencer arrived on December 12, 1981, in Columbus, Ohio. Lynn, her mother, had a fast labor and rapid recovery. They awaited the children’s doctor to release their daughter.
This excerpt cemented the path of the journey of this loving family. The visit from their pediatrician changed their lives forever. Mr. Spencer shares so many details from this point in the memoir forward.
Dr. Mac answered with a voice that seemed comforting, “You can take Lindsay out of the hospital today, but…” That little word would become the biggest little word I would ever hear in my entire life. A quick glance toward Lynn told me she shared the same look of confusion. That look of confusion changed to concern when the doctor added, “I would like you to take her to Columbus Children’s Hospital for some tests before you take her home.”
Mr. Spencer and his wife lived scary perceptions and unplanned insights while Lindsey was cared for in the hospital. In many ways, interactions with the medical team assigned to Lindsay for tests, results, timeframes, and treatments were surrealistic for Kirk and Lynn. They appreciated the care from the hospital staff.
When they learned Lindsay’s diagnosis, a pastor entered their world. He would remain connected to the family, bringing hope and faith to the couple. The pastor’s extended church family gave the Spencer family quiet support from the wings through this challenging time.
The narration provided by William Sipes was perfect, flawless, and felt like Kirk Spencer. There were no issues with the quality of the audiobook format.
This memoir is not a handbook for how others might move beyond this desperately sad loss. Regardless of their age, the memories of a family member last forever. The book illustrates the ability of humans to survive often with the support system that comes from faith, family, friends, and love. I recommend this for those who want to learn about family survival and the love that endures.
**********
A POISON TREE
A DCI Will Blake Novel, Book 1
by J.E. Mayhew
Narrated by: Owen Welsh
Production by: Jon Mayhew
Review by Rox Burkey
Intense Twists and Turns!
Author J.E. Mayhew creates an interesting character, DCI William Blake as he launches this new series. In many ways I found it to be an interesting, complex crime story with a variety of twists and turns. A once beautiful dead teen is found barefoot in the park. Though she is identified early, the clues to her character are shared in pieces. Details of the brutal current and past murders are tied to shoes that find their way into a secondhand shop.
Blake is a complex character that takes care of Serafina, his dead mother’s cat. He takes care of the house, while the cat runs the roost. Their contentious relationship helps clue you in on the man and his approach to solving the case. As the senior investigator of the murdered girl, he directs his team on the investigation while also being hands-on. The details of police procedure appear correct, but in some places slow the story.
The descriptions of the locations, people, and interactions provided a good framework for the story. I liked the descriptions home life of the various families pulled into the investigation.
As the story unfolds the connections between this murder and past murders add a level of suspense and interesting dark secrets which can no longer remain buried. The action is good and keeps the listener moving along with the story. It is one of those murder mysteries which require you to go all the way to the end.
The narration is clean without issues. I found good distinguishable accents by the narrator Owen Welsh. The pace up front was almost too slow yet pick up after a dozen chapters. I enjoyed the faster pace and race to the end.
It seems a good start to a series with a lead character like Will Blake whom I hope will continue to evolve. If you like the darker side of murder mysteries this may be just the ticket to start your new series.
There were no issues with the quality or production of this audiobook, it was clear and well produced.
**********
BE SINCERE EVEN WHEN YOU DON’T MEAN IT
A Fictional Memoir of a Wildly Accomplished Unknown Famous Person
by Jim Flynn
Narrated by: Gary Williams
Production by: Jim Flynn
Reviewed by Rox Burkey
Delightful in every sense of the word!
Author Jim Flynn writes a fabulous story about the life and times of Jimmy Sizemore. Jimmy tells the no holes barred, tongue-in-cheek story of his life filled with accomplishments and how they built upon one another. He is open about his wealth and the doors it can open including educational achievement as an astrophysicist.
Each of the vignettes, as he takes you on his life’s journey, are filled with history, insights, commentary, humor, and reasons for everyone to try to make the most of their life. Jim Flynn builds a believable and enviable man who accomplished his life goals despite his parents and oddly different brother.
Jimmy tells his story and sets the reader/listener up early for his fictional memoir contents and then you simply cannot stop. Perhaps it’s my age and familiarity with space travel, The Eagles, Joe Paterno, and The Master’s Golf Tournament that kept me listening, but this is one character I want to invite to dinner, perhaps when Ben Franklin can join too. The following segment is a masterfully written reader grabber. Spoken by the delightful voice actor Gary Williams-the story is realistically fictional.
“If I were going to have a gravestone a fitting epitaph would be “They had to pick somebody.” I have been chosen to or qualified for many wonderful things. Like to be an astronaut, play in the Super Bowl, compete in the Hawaii Ironman. Oh Yeah and become an Astrophysicist. Play in the Masters. I had a small role in advising The Eagles with some lyrics. Some other things.
Only some of these things were random. I chose as a kid to accomplish big things. I didn’t have a specific list, I just looked for things to accomplish that was out of the ordinary. It was easier for me because I didn’t have to worry about little things, like making a living. Ordinary people get nervous around really rich, famous, or powerful people. Not me.”
The matter-of-fact rendition is hysterical and often includes LIFE TIPs along the way. These little takeaways are fun and contain great content, whether you can prove it or not. I truly buy into his LIFE TIP on being a good tipper. It is an investment if you frequent a place often. Being nice to the staff doesn’t hurt either. This is a story you can listen to and laugh at, suck in your breath in awe, and pause for a moment to check if you heard it right before LOFL. Life Lesson – In this case that translates into Laughing Out Freaking Loud
This is my first book by Jim Flynn, but it won’t be the last. It is easy reading or listening as well as captivating. Out of the park, or should I say Hole in one, sincerity. The quality of the audio was fantastic, and Gary Williams inserted the feeling, pauses, and emphasis in perfect alignment with Jimmy. I wouldn’t change a thing. A Winner.
Due to the highly entertaining quality of this book and its well-deserved higher than a 5-star rating, it was awarded the AudioBook Reviewer's Choice Award!
There were no issues with the quality or production of this audiobook. It was clear and crisp.
**********
Deadly Kin
Alec Halsey Mystery, Book 4
by Lucinda Brant
Discoveries and Murder!
Deadly Kin written by Lucinda Brant is a mystery laden with mystery and intrigue. Alec and Selina are expecting their first child. Alec is renovating their Kent estate when not only is a secret vault discovered but information on Alec’s heritage and relationship with his uncle Plantagenet is being revealed little by little. If this is not mystery enough, a young poacher is found brutally murdered while hunting. Historically, this seems to be a very accurate record reflecting this time period especially regarding relationships, position, and societal thoughts.
Brant builds each character with a depth that captures their role and position in life. Further, she creates intriguing actions and situations that both charm and challenge the listener to solve the mystery. I have not had the pleasure of hearing the other books in the series but found that this one could be enjoyed as a standalone.
The narrator, Matthew Lloyd Davies gives a stunning performance. With his voice, he can move the story along at a steady pace, give distinct voices to each character, and maintain a pleasant and charming tone throughout the book. He keeps the dialog realistic as well through his inflection.
There were no issues with the quality or production of this audiobook.
**********
Nathanial Thatcher: The Wish Thieves
by T. C. Chappell
Narrated by: Tara Sands
Production by: Blue Dot Books
Outstanding Adventure in the World of Sprites!
Author T.C. Chappell creates a world that is fantastic, fun, whimsical, and scary. At 12 years old young Nat has an immune issue that has isolated him to his room. Each year on his birthday, he tries to exit his room but falls ill with each attempt. Each year he makes a wish, the same one. This year things change.
Nathaniel, or Natarooney as one of his new friends in the world of sprites calls him, tumbles into a fantasy world that is crazy real. Sprites are living alongside the humans working and thriving behind the scenes as it were.
Nathanial is taken into this world and uses his years of books, television, and exploration to find out how to beat those who would take his birthday wish. The journey is nothing short of a true adventure that any young person, or older adult like me, will thoroughly enjoy.
What made this book outstanding was the narration by Tara Sands. The quality of her voice, tones, accents, modulation were perfect. She never missed a change between the voices. The dramatic pauses and rapid dialogue are always appropriate for the scene. This entire story contains exciting twists, turns, and a surprising ending.
I recommend this author and outstanding narrator for a superb experience. You don’t want to miss this one. Summer midnight reading or listening is coming.
As with books that deserve more than the standard 5-star rating, this book was awarded the Audiobookreviewer's Choice Award.
There were no issues with the production or quality of this audiobook.
**********
Once Upon a Lane
by Duncan Wilson
Creepy Lane, Character-Driven!
The author, Duncan Wilson, takes an ordinary place – a Neighborhood or Lane and turns it into something more frightening. He takes a place that seems normal and unblemished and exposes it for far worse. The Lane has taken on a life of its own. The people who seem normal, are not normal. The Lane has secrets, a life that one must look hard to see. It is a haunting story that shows one is not safe even in a small neighborhood where everyone knows your name. Wilson uses his characters to drive the story – including the Lane.
Wilson seems to imply the house with the dead lawn is encroaching, is growing, is like a drug, an evil that grows unchecked except by one old, hateful resident. We are shown that residents on the lane are much more than their well-manicured lawns, smiles, and niceness – they have experienced loss, joy, fear, and anger. Wilson could tell us who is evil and who is not, but instead, he leaves it to the listener to determine the true story of the Lane and its residents!
Although there are a lot of characters, Wilson gives them a depth that allows the listener to understand them and know them – connect them with people in their own life. This is a rare book that is driven by the characters and is not action-packed. Wilson tells the story of the Lane with ease. An accomplished storyteller, Wilson leaves his listener haunted.
The narrator, Bic Sheaffer gives a delightful performance that makes it easy for the story to flow smoothly and the listener to hear the characters. Sheaffer’s performance had a cadence that kept the listener entertained and spoke in a soothing tone.
The audio production and quality of this audiobook were excellent. There were no issues.
I thoroughly enjoyed this book after I understood Wilson’s style of storytelling.
**********
Random Survival
by Ray Wenck
A non-stop action ride in a dystopian virus land!
Set in a dystopian future, after a virus plagues the earth and kills seemingly random people, a man must overcome the loss and fight for his safety. He soon finds others that want the same and together they battle for survival.
This is one of the more graphic and violent books that I have come across. If you are not sensitive to the subject matter, the book is worth a listen/read. We do not know much about the virus, just the chaos that it has caused. Our characters in the book are developed well and the story moves at a fast pace. The ending wraps up the story line well with no cliffhangers. The epilogue provides nice insight to the future of the series.
Jack de Golia narrates this story. He narrates the story well and provides a different voice for each character. The inflection in tones he provides is a nice touch for the fast paced action filled story.
Overall, this was a great listening experience.
The audio production of this story was clear and well done, there were no issues.
**********
RUMAE: CREATURES OF THE DARK
Book 1
by Lexington Howe
Narrated by: Alexander Doddy
Production by: Lexington Howe
Review by Rox Burkey
Awesome World-Building!
Author Lexington Howe does some awesome world-building filled with magic and fantastic technology designed to impact mankind.
London in the 1900s is before child labor standards were supported. Young children working in both mines and factories were treated to long hours, wretched pay, and dangerous conditions. The descriptions are vivid and hit all the senses. Rumae creatures are terrifying, with only fragments of humanity.
Oliver is portrayed as a young boy who has struggled with living during these times. He is an unlikely hero who wants to survive and thrive. Oliver has an innocence making him an endearing character, even with interactions designed to erode his humanity. I related to Oliver early in the story with this area where the narration completely engulfed me. Oliver’s uncle was a neglectful drunk with a mean streak.
“He hadn’t been in London long. Prior to his living here he had been living in an orphanage just outside the city of London, north of the river Thames. A sad smile jolted his features. In a way, he missed it. It had to have been better than his current condition.
Oliver had previously had four siblings, all much older than him. Two had gone off to war-the eldest had died, leaving his twenty-two-year-old brother Marx to fend for himself. He had been refused the living conditions from his aunt’s husband, at the account of “he’s old enough, he needs to live on his own” response from his uncle…”
Alexander Doddy uses realistic accents for the characters with precision delivery to highlight the terror of the situation. The pace is consistent with no technical issues impacting the audio delivery. This is a captivating listen and story that will make you a fan of this author. I look forward to book 2.
There were no issues with the quality or production of this audiobook.
**********
SIX DAYS OF MEMORIES
by Stacy Eaton
Narrated by: Rebecca Ehrenpreis
Production by: Nitewolf Novels
Review by Rox Burkey
Intriguing Mystery!
Author Stacy Eaton creates an intriguing story of the impact of a complex auto accident on the life of the investigating Detective Natasha Foster. Natasha Foster is portrayed early on as fearless, accomplished, and intelligent. Her place in the department is earned by her work ethic and tenacity, excluding her emotional side.
The only survivor, and driver, of a car that careened off the road into a gully, has amnesia. As Natasha calls him, Jay strikes a chord of strength and ignites her imagination during the investigation. She wants the truth, but the gun in his possession, a sack of money in the back seat, an unidentified woman passenger, and body in the trunk need an explanation.
Only the barest of clues are present for the investigation. Natasha believes that determining who did what, to whom, when, and where are trapped in Jay’s mind. Is he faking his memory loss? No identification is available for any of the players in the vehicle. Who is missing money? You’d think someone would have missed half a million dollars. All the clues turn up as dead ends.
Jay, even missing his memory, is solid and vital ready to recover. Struggling for the key to opening his past causes pain and discomfort. He wants the truth, even if it means jail. He has no money, no home, and no one to help him. His attraction to Natasha finds the perfect setting when she offers him a room in her home to recover. Natasha walks a line between needing to solve the case and needing to explore her attraction.
Author Eaton accentuates Natasha’s ability to take care of herself in any situation where she can work from logic and facts rather than her heart. Jay balances his growing attraction to this beautiful, energetic, capable detective against his unknown commitments of a life or family.
Narrator Rebecca Ehrenpreis did not help tell this story in a compelling or exciting manner. I found her voice often dull and monotone rather than engaging for this type of suspense fiction. Her character voices were inconsistent, and the pace was out of sync with this remarkable story. Technically there is nothing wrong with the quality of the recording.
I recommend this story and the writing of this talented author, Stacy Eaton, for those who enjoy a complex romance with delightfully intertwined situations and scenes. This romantic suspense with grab you with action and strong characters.
**********
SOUL SEARCH
The Zackie Stories, Book 1
by Reyna Favis
Narrated by: Eleanor Caudill
Production by: Favis Literary LLC
Review by: Rox Burkey
Thrills and Suspense!
Soul Search is a good story of thrills and suspense in book 1 of the series. Author Reyna Favis creates a creative world with a believable foundation. Reyna pairs the amazing Zackie, a dog who detects spirits lingering amid the living, with a strong character in Fia, who doesn’t fully comprehend her ability to sense the dead. There are surprises at every turn from both living and dead.
Fia and Cam, Zackie’s handler, do not initially like one another. Together this threesome works to search and rescue living people, yet they keep encountering souls who need a different kind of saving. As the story progresses, Cam provides Fia an understanding of her connections to the unliving beings.
The character development is spot on, as is the intermixing of the separate vignettes that allow Fia to understand her powers. Fia is a young girl who left her adoptive parents when they tried to reconcile her behavior with medications. Fia works to earn her way and give back to her community, making her an endearing character. The journey of Fia as she matures and learns to trust is helped by working with Cam and Zackie. Trust is a difficult concept for Fia to accept.
This fast-moving story contains realistic elements and history, making this believable. The mixture of life lessons is skillfully woven throughout the story, making it thought-provoking long after it ends. It is enjoyable suspense that kept me engaged.
The narration by Eleanor Caudill is excellent in her pace and modulation in her narration. Indeed, a voice-actor, Eleanor maintains the different voices of all characters expertly from start to finish. There are no issues with the quality of this audible.
Soul Search is a great start to the series. I look forward to more Zackie stories. Listeners who enjoy tales of supernatural, thrills, ghosts, and suspense will love this book and the series.
**********
Stardusted
by Deb McCaskey
Review by R. Burkey
Fabulous Mystery of a Bygone Era!
Author Deb McCaskey creates a fun story about an actress, Frankie Franklin, making movies during the Depression. Frankie is a beloved bright spot in American films. The details of Frankie and her environment pull the listener (and I imagine the reader) into this wildly exciting crime, Frankie commits using a prop gun during filming at a major Hollywood studio sound stage.
This unique story takes one inside Hollywood in the 1930s. Here failing stars, studio manipulators, and even the cops become possible suspects for planting a live round that Frankie shoots into a co-actor.
The voice of Frankie, my favorite character, on the set, kept me listening on the edge of my seat.
As I crouched there in my flesh-colored bathing suit, Sam’s bloody hand in mine, the horror remained, now joined by surprisingly fierce anger. Damnit, this was just a picture, with costumes and made-up things to say. With blood that was just glycerin and chocolate syrup. No one was supposed to really be shot. I felt ill. I wanted Sam to be unshot. And I wanted to strangle whoever was responsible.
The writing is vivid and comes across clearly in the narration, where people, places, and things are quickly painted in one’s imagination. The details like the fountain pen and gumshoe squarely identified this story as well-researched and spot-on for the times. I felt like I was walking among the stars, trying to find out who was to blame.
The well-developed characters and scenes make this original storyline even better. As Frankie moves from clue to clue overcoming crazy obstacles compelled me to keep listening. Mary Castillo provides fantastic voice narration, with a great pace from start to finish. Her voice is part of why I am now a fan of Frankie. The quality of the audio is excellent, making the tension loud and clear during every minute. I highly recommend you give this story a listen. I cannot wait for Author Deb McCaskey to release the next Frankie Franklin Mystery.
There were no issues with the quality or production of this audiobook.
**********
Stay with Me
by Janith Hooper
Romance, Mystery, Cowboys and More!
Stay with Me by Janith Hooper is an interesting book in which the characters click and grow, the romance is tasteful and there are plot twists that enhance the mystery with a deliberate pace. I have not had the pleasure of hearing book 1, however, Hooper did an excellent job of explaining things without taking from book 2.
Each character is well-developed and has depth. I thought the interaction between Rosie and Johnnie was well-done. Each character had a purpose and each plot twist was well executed. The dialog was smooth and authentic, moving the story along at a steady pace. The book was long – over 11 hours in length but well worth the time to hear.
The narrator, Dannul Dailey, gives a steady and solid performance. He gives each character a unique voice that makes it easy to distinguish them. His rhythm was steady and deliberate. Dailey interjects the proper amount of emotion and enthusiasm to keep the dialog authentic sounding and the story moving.
Overall, this is a good romance with some western and Christian themes running through the story. Neither is overwhelming.
There were no issues with the production or quality of this audiobook.
**********
SURF AND SAND: THE GIRL IN THE SEASIDE HOTEL
by W. B. Edwards
Narrated by: Zoe Galanopoulos
Production by: W.B. Edwards
Review by Rox Burkey
Delightful Complex Mystery!
Author W.B. Edwards weaves a story centered on the precocious 11-year-old Nell Morgan. Her mother brought Nell and her older brother Lonnie to the once elegant and popular beachfront hotel in California. Their mother works at the hotel, while their father works overseas in Beirut.
The rambling, multilevel structure has rooftop access for viewing panoramic from the ocean to the nearby community, as well as a basement swimming pool. Its claim to fame was as a 1930s dance club and dining destination for the rich and hopeful drawn to Hollywood fame. Nell’s mother danced and partied at the hotel’s weekend events as a young woman before she married. The hotel a boasts popular dining venue for locals and summer guests to the beach. Lonnie works part-time in the restaurant during the summer.
The summer of 1959 begins the story of Nell wanting to surf. The family stayed in the converted Deluxe Honeymoon Suite as a part of Virginia’s employment. Having made friends with the hotel handyman Mr. Barker, Nell has a special key to the pool before it opens in the morning. In the quiet mornings, Nell feels this is her pool. She knows and explores all the secret passages, no longer used by guests. Lonnie, at an age where he wants the companionship of high school-aged buddies as he learns to surf.
Nell is tenacious, curious, fearless, intuitive, and well-read. She finds an unsolved story of a missing up-and-coming starlet, Irene Young, from the 1930s that piques her interest because portions of her outfit were found in the basement pool. The story centers around her search for answers to the mystery that dovetails with the missing daughter of the current hotel owner. Nell finds the evidence and is subsequently questioned by the police.
The plot of the story is delightfully woven between the late 1950s and the events surrounding Irene Young’s disappearance in 1938. The transitions between the times are done well and work to build the story’s suspense throughout. I was delighted at the intertwining of the two events and a surprising ending.
Narrator, Zoe Galanopoulos does a good job of the general story. The dialogue was different for the characters yet inconsistent. The technical quality of the audiobook was adequate, but switches seemed choppy to me, with long pauses in between sections within a given chapter. I found these disruptive to the listening experience as they continued through the audio delivery. There is also what I presume is the noise of waves crashing beginning of each new chapter which also did not work across any of the various speakers I used to listen to the story. I can recommend the story, but not the audio portion.
**********
THE BENEVOLENT LORDS OF SOMETIMES ISLAND
by Scott Semegran
Narrated by: Tim Sailer
Production by: Mutt Press
Review by R. Burkey
Outstanding Sentimental Adventure
Author Scott Semegran masterfully tells the story of four best friends, William, Miguel, Brian, and Randy, who survive the trials of 1986 in Texas suburbia. They battle bullies and fears in a coming-of-age framework. These teenagers fall in and out of trouble exploring life and learning to make decisions. Some of the consequences of their actions, like most youths, were only realized upon reflection.
William Flynn delivers the story’s point of view. His memories add a natural flavor. It made me think of the movie The Sandlot, which my sons watched repeatedly. Pictures appeared in my mind, listening to the vivid smells, tastes, sights, and sounds masterfully described throughout this adventure.
Several things struck me as I listened to this story come to life. The diverse backgrounds of these boys, no bigotry here, did not deter them from being closer than brothers. They always had each other’s backs. They created a bond without cell phones, pagers, or high-tech amenities, just bicycles, backpacks, and that unique method of communication between close friends.
Tim Sailer did an excellent job maintaining the pace with clear delineation between character voice and pure narrative. Tim’s voice acting brought the brilliant writing of Scott to life. Those readers fond of Stand by Me, by Stephen King, or Lord of the Flies by William Golding will find this story a cut above due to the heartwarming camaraderie of these boys.
I highly recommend this to adolescents and would like to see it required reading in high school. Most older adults will enjoy flashing back to their youth and remembering the value of honest friendships. Once you start this one, you won’t stop until the end.
There were no issues with the quality or production of this audiobook, it was clear and well-produced.
**********
THE CHARM FABLE
Mousey and the Golden Book
by Author Nicholas S. Casale
Narrated by: Miguel Rodriguez
Production by: Alpine Line Publishers
Review by Rox Burkey
Inspirational Story with Great Lessons!
Author Nicholas S. Casale creates a fun world where Mousefred (Mousey) Souris is at the mercy of the cat sorceress Felicia Muur. Queen Felicia ruled all the mice with an iron fist. The descriptions were detailed, and the dialogue believable between all creatures.
As a youngster, Mousey finds he has the power to overcome many obstacles. His approach to other creatures as a helper is a good trait that the evil Queen does not reward. He longs to escape and find his way.
I found the adventures and challenges that Mousey faces a good source of entertainment and life lessons for children. The lessons including helping others, doing the right thing, and conquering fears. The introduction of the golden book opens the story for magical fun. Learning this magic provides the talisman to Mousey to find his inner strength.
Narrator Miguel Rodriguez delivered this story at a good pace to keep young readers and adults engaged. His rich, warm voice and intonations kept me listening. The story is compelling on its own, but listening to this story brought me back to my childhood. I highly recommend this to children and adults. I think it would be a fun story to listen to during a road trip this summer.
There were no issues with the sound or quality of this audiobook.
**********
The Pips of Paradise
by Michael Ciminera
Review by R. Burkey
Reminiscent of Gangster Wanna Be Guys!
Author Michael Ciminera creates a compelling short story thriller with two low-level stereotype mobsters, aka grave diggers, as the lead characters. The dialogue between Otto and Mordy shows insight into these characters. Mordy clearly annoys Otto often.
There are some tongue-in-cheek moments that are essential to the storytelling. For example:
“Envelopes I don’t mind so much. It’s what’s inside them,” Mordy said.
Otto played along. “What’s inside them?”
Cock nosed assignments is what’s in these envelopes,” Mordy said again.
He took the card from the envelope and read it out loud with more attitude that the first time, “Dig a two and a half foot wide, eight-foot-long hole, next the fourth gravestone on the right.”
He counted the gravestones, one,
two, three and with a middle finger landed on four and shrugged back to Otto.
“That ain’t a gravestone,” Otto said.
“What do you mean it ain’t a gravestone?”
“That’s a boulder, dummy.”
Even though these two guys are not as high in the organization as they desire, they are familiar with the mob rules. Sallie the Horse, their immediate boss, has a distinctive personality, often referring to the boss above them as The Man with The Plan. Fast-paced and entertaining.
This story is a good listen with a surprising ending. The quality of the audio is good. The narrator is consistent with the voices, tone, and pace of telling the story. The voice of Kay Elusvian is well-suited to these characters. The style and emphasis enhance the thriller aspects.
**********
The Swan Bonnet
by Katherine L. Holmes
Narrated by: Pamela Hershey
Produced by Couchgrass Books
Review by R. Burkey
Quite a Swan Bonnet!
Katherine L. Holmes created this young adult as a coming-of-age story of Dawn. The character development of Dawn and her family is well done as well as integral to the story. The small-town mindset of the Alaskan territory included civilized changes. The descriptions were vivid with the delightful narration by Pamela Hershey.
The swans' story and their annual migration on the Alaskan coast roughly one hundred years ago is a focus. For three generations, Dawn's family has been involved with the swans' migration as they return in summer. Dawn's Grandma Glenda recognizes many of the swans and names them. They care for them and teach their children and children's children to appreciate these magnificent creatures.
Swan feathers are valuable, and poachers are illegally shooting them then exporting them. Getting common hunters redirected became a common practice. Dawn's Uncle Alex is a hunter and tries to misdirect poachers to help preserve the swans. Since swans mate for life when a spouse dies, their mate soon follows. Such was the case with one of the birds named Bustle. The family found the dead carcass and fashioned a hat for Dawn's mom. At the height of the changes in poaching laws, she makes quite a statement by wearing it to town.
This is a good story and recommended for the young adult reader. I liked the flavor and description of the times. The language is easy to listen to and understand. It provides a little history of other cultures and a time sadly gone. The narration was excellent with pacing and tone. There were no issues with the quality of this audible.
**********
WOLFISH
Book 2
by Matt Ward
Narrated by: Max Bowen
Production by: Matt Ward
Review by: Rox Burkey
Exciting World - Unexpected Outcomes!
Wolfish is the second book in the series, but the first of Matt Ward I have experienced. Author Matt Ward builds a complex world as the foundation to his dystopian science fiction. Raek was challenged with augmented functionality that both helps and harms his resiliency as a hybrid. Thrust into a leadership role following his wife and their unborn child's deaths, he battles within himself—frustrated at the unknown. Elected as President overwhelms him to a degree as he deals with internal uncertainty.
The listener experiences Raek’s success, escaping to get in touch with his wolf side, and joy with reuniting with his brother, whom he thought was dead. Clearly, the masses are cheering his success. Raek’s journey is complex as the thrills escalate from unexpected places. With the betrayal of Vynce, his brother, and Thorne, the nemesis who wishes to kill him, he must find a way to rebuild this new government.
The story continues to build intensity until the last battle finishes. The unexpected ending and fate of the world are driven by the incredible characters created by this author.
The audible rendition was without error. Max Brown is a technically correct narrator, but I found the emotion flat in places. The voices of characters seemed to overlap, and I had to replay a couple of sections to verify which character.
I recommend this book as Matt Ward creates an exciting, believable world with multidimensional characters. I would like to read book one, though this is easily a standalone story.
Disclaimer: This Audiobook was provided free of charge by the author, narrator, and/or publisher in exchange for a non-biased, honest review.