Audio

Fiction

Known for her New York Times and Wall Street Journal best-selling "Women of the Otherworld" urban fantasy series, Armstrong now jumps the gender divide to satisfy her male fan base with this collection of four short stories, three of which were originally published on her web site, www.kelleyarmstrong.com. Actor/narrator Charles Leggett (City at the End of Time) has wonderful range and adds depth to the male werewolf protagonists, pinning down exactly Clay's Southern accent, Jeremy's calm authority, and Malcolm's volatility. Leggett's vocal skills also add standing to Jeremy's relationship with Jaime Vegas in the fourth, original story, making her a more credible partner. Although lacking the tension of a full-blown novel, this title gives all Armstrong fans just what they've been clamoring for: more werewolves. Highly recommended.—Jodi L. Israel, MLS, Salt Lake City

Barcomb's (www.waynebarcomb.com) new series starter features NYPD homicide detective Frank Russo, who is under pressure to solve the brutal murder of a man who lived a quiet life with no obvious enemies. That pressure intensifies when additional murders follow and the evidence points to a serial killer. The story moves quickly and keeps the reader guessing, while Russo as a character endears. Actor/narrator Mark Deakins's (Lost Girls) narration starts out flat but picks up as he speaks in character and accents. Recommended for fans of Jeffery Deaver, who should note that the violence is quite graphic. [Embeddable audio clip available through library.booksontape.com; the review of the Minotaur hc called Russo "a likable new series detective who may remind readers of Richard Montanari's Cleveland cop, Jack Paris," LJ 1/09.—Ed.]—Cheryl Miller Maddox, Christian Theological Seminary Lib., Indianapolis

In an effort to locate a missing detective, an agency clerk investigates that detective's most renowned cases. Is he following the right clues? Is he trusting the right people? His steps through the surreal City, the Agency Archives, and the Travels-No-More Carnival take him ever closer to his destiny. Merging a comedic yet dark fantasy world with the hard-boiled school of detection, this clever debut novel both amuses and confuses. Pete Larkin's (The Last Campaign) carefully fashioned portrayals of the stock characters—worldly Detective Sivert, innocent, clueless clerk Unwin, femme fatale Cleopatra Greenwood, folksy janitor Arthur, elderly Colonel Baker, and evil magician Enoch Hoffman—help the listener keep track of who's who but never what's what! Fans of Jasper Fforde and Dashiell Hammett will appreciate. [Audio clip available through www.highbridgeaudio.com; see Major Audio Releases, LJ 2/1/09.—Ed.]—Juleigh Muirhead Clark, Colonial Williamsburg Fdn. Lib., VA

Published in the UK in 2008, this political thriller by internationally best-selling author Cumming (www.charlescumming.co.uk) recalls the work of John le Carré or even Graham Greene—a bold statement, but true. As we follow young British Intelligence agent Joe Lennox from his junior service in the last days of British rule in 1997 Hong Kong to the 2008 Summer Olympics in Beijing, we are swept along in the unseemly and often treacherous machinations of MI6, the CIA, Islamic terrorists, and Red China. Narrator Stephen Hogan's performance is creditable, but his American accent needs some practice. One can only hope that Cumming and his tales are with us for an extended stay. Highly recommended. [Cumming's The Spanish Game and The Hidden Man are also available from Clipper Audio: Recorded Bks.—Ed.]—Scott R. DiMarco, Mansfield Univ. of Pennsylvania Lib.

Chinese American Henry and Japanese American Keiko bond as the only Asian students in a Seattle elementary school in 1942. The two are the victims of both racist attitudes and the patriotic fervor following Pearl Harbor. While emphasizing their deep friendship, first-time novelist Ford also conveys the minute details of that particular time and place. Feodor Chin's (Journey of a Thousand Miles) energetic, sensitive reading makes the story moving without ever resorting to sentimentality. Recommended for Asian Americans and those interested in Pacific Northwest history. [Embeddable audio clip available through library.booksontape.com; the Ballantine hc was described as "a vivid picture of a confusing and critical time in American history," LJ 10/1/08.—Ed.]—Michael Adams, CUNY Graduate Ctr. Lib.

Moving back and forth in time between the Japanese invasion of World War II and its aftermath ten years later, this debut novel by Lee, whose familiarity with her Hong Kong homeland is apparent in her vivid descriptions of the setting, is a sparsely written study of how people react under extraordinary circumstances. Actress/narrator Orlagh Cassidy's (Confessions of a Jane Austen Addict) fluid and charming performance helps listeners better engage with the tale's generally unsympathetic characters. Of interest to larger public libraries. [Audio clip available through www.blackstoneaudio.com; the Viking hc received a starred review, LJ 10/1/08.—Ed.]—Denise A. Garofalo, Mount Saint Mary Coll. Lib., Newburgh, NY

In this long-awaited sixth entry in Edgar Award winner Perry's (The Butcher's Boy) Jane Whitefield series, a bomb explodes during a hospital fundraiser, prompting the Native American guide to go on the run with the bomb's intended target, a young pregnant girl. Though it's been ten years since the publication of Blood Money, the last series entry, Perry effortlessly captures the old juice, further using Jane's sudden return from retirement to add a poignancy and fierce determination to this complex tale. Narrator Joyce Bean (The Long Road Home) struggles a bit with male voices but paces the story well. Highly recommended. [Audio clip available through www.tantor.com; all the previous titles in this series are also available on audio from Tantor Media.—Ed.]—Joyce Kessel, Villa Maria Coll., Buffalo

British suspense author Smith (www.carolsmithbooks.com) weaves a thrilling tale in which journalist Erin, forced into hiding from Russian assassins, discovers her neighbors have equally deadly secrets and will kill to keep them. Narrator Ros Stockwell's reading is clear, distinct, and well paced, if a bit staid. Her range is limited, and a more dramatic performance would have been a plus, but she distinctly voices both the male and female characters, and her British accent suits the book's setting. This professionally produced recording is free of background noise, and each disc contains beginning and ending statements. Anglophiles will like this one. [Three earlier Smith thrillers—Fatal Attraction, Hidden Agenda, and Vanishing Point—are also available from Clipper Audio: Recorded Bks.—Ed.]—Laurie Selwyn, formerly with Grayson Cty. Law Lib., Sherman, TX

When financier Harold Quarles is found dead in a church, Scotland Yard inspector Ian Rutledge discovers that everyone in the small 1920s English village had a motive to kill him. As he attempts to sort out all the suspects, Rutledge gradually learns that the victim was not what he seemed and that there are war crimes more horrible than the ones haunting his own head. Like Todd's (charlestodd.com) previous ten Inspector Rutledge mysteries—the most recent being A Pale Horse, also available on audio from Sound Library—this is a golden-age mystery with an added psychological kick. As always, prolific and deservedly popular British narrator Simon Prebble delivers a distinctive, polished, and unobtrusive performance. Highly recommended for all popular collections. [Audio clip available through www.bbcaudiobooksamerica.com; the Morrow hc was recommended "for all public libraries," LJ 12/08.—Ed.]—I. Pour-El, Des Moines Area Technical Coll., Boone, IA

In this first book in Webb's new "Gunn Zoo" soft-boiled mystery series, California zookeeper and former rich girl Theodora "Teddy" Bentley resorts to amateur sleuthing when a human corpse is found in the zoo's anteater enclosure and the chief of police—her former fiancé—fingers a fellow zookeeper as the primary suspect. Teddy is a lighter-hearted heroine than Webb's (www.bettywebb-mystery.com) other series protagonist, ex-cop-turned-PI Lena Jones (e.g., Desert Run, Desert Cut). Audie Award nominee Hillary Huber (www.hillaryhuber.com) endows Teddy with the unpretentious, wisecracking spark of an independent woman. Webb, who has zoo experience, adds authenticity with zoo lingo and animal facts. For fans of easygoing mysteries. [Audio clip available through www.blackstoneaudio.com; the review of the Poisoned Pen hc recommended this title "to mystery buffs who enjoy light animal mysteries," LJ 10/1/08.—Ed.]—Judith Robinson, LIS, Univ. at Buffalo

Prolific best-selling fantasy authors Weis and Hickman, whose previous collaborations have all been New York Times best sellers (e.g., the "Dragonlance" series), here introduce the first in a new epic six-part series, "Dragonships." The Vindras people have always honored both the Old Gods and the Vektan Dragons, but now their gods are being challenged by new gods, and the dragons are not answering the Vindras's pleas for help. Though the title gets off to a slow start, the plot and character development are strong. Multiple Audie Award-winning narrator Stefan Rudnicki and a full supporting cast further add dramatic flair and help to pick up the pace. Sure to be popular among fans of the authors' many previous titles. [Audio clip available through us.macmillan.com; includes bonus author interviews; the review of the Tor Classics hc advised this series "should have a large following; expect demand," LJ 12/08.—Ed.]—Donna Bachowski, Orange Cty. Lib. Syst., Orlando, FL

Here, Beckwith, a high-profile former Evangelical Theological Society president, tells the provocative story of his return to the Catholic Church. He begins with his early religious upbringing and training, dropping the names of past and present theologians along the way, then explains the rationale behind his atypical spiritual odyssey as well as why he still considers himself an evangelical. Grover Gardner, who's read over 650 commercial audio titles, employs a solemn tone for this tale of transformation. Of limited interest and therefore recommended only to scholars or theologians. [Audio clip available through christianaudio.com.—Ed.]—Deb West, Gannon Univ. Lib., Erie, PA

Fredrickson (psychology, Univ. of North Carolina) applies her solid background in human behavioral research to the overhyped topic of positive thinking. She summarizes ten main forms of positive thinking—including joy, gratitude, serenity, hope, and pride—and presents case studies that exemplify these forms as well as concrete tips for anyone wanting to implement them in their life. Her effort to strengthen this largely Eastern philosophy-based material with clinical research is commendable; unfortunately, actress/narrator Kimberly Farr's (Weedflower) reading is geared more toward unabashedly approving audiences than the cynical listener. Recommended where demand warrants. [Embeddable audio clip available through library.booksontape.com.—Ed.]—Dale Farris, Groves, TX

Together with Gold, who's written several books about the Holocaust, Gies here tells the heartwarming and tragic story of how she and her husband risked their lives to hide the Frank family and four other Jews from the Nazis. Originally published in 1987, the book is now available for the first time on audio. Barbara Rosenblat (www.barbararosenblat.com) delivers a flawless reading, her rich and slightly accented voice conveying Gies's compassion for humanity, her selfless devotion, and especially her delight in her relationship with Anne. Highly recommended. [See Major Audio Releases, LJ 1/09; includes a bonus interview with the author; the S. & S. pb won the American Library Association's Best of the Best Award.—Ed.]—Ilka Gordon, Siegal Coll. of Judaic Studies Lib., Cleveland

Sportswriter Kahn's (The Boys of Summer) 1986 account of Joe DiMaggio and Marilyn Monroe's meeting, courtship, and marriage is now available on CD (the Books on Tape cassette edition has long been out of print). Kahn leans more heavily toward baseball history and the events of the 1950s than Joe and Marilyn's relationship, providing a very surface level accounting of Marilyn's career and life pre-Joe. Those seeking more detailed personal information about Marilyn should consult other dedicated biographies, e.g., those by Donald Spoto and John Gilmore. The production quality is good, but three-time Audie Award winner Dick Hill's (Above the Law) performance is merely average. Best suited for sports, history, and biography buffs. [Audio clip available through brillianceaudio.com.—Ed.]—Nicole A. Cooke, Montclair State Univ. Lib., NJ

Canellos and his team of Boston Globe reporters begin this insightful and informative biography of Ted Kennedy with the 2008 news of his malignant tumor, then chronicle his childhood, relating anecdotes and discussing his good humor, generosity, trials and tribulations, ambitions, many tragedies, and more. The reporting draws from candid interviews with the Kennedys and their inner circle. One of the book's most interesting components is its description of Kennedy's relationship with his wife, Victoria Reggie. Actor/musician/narrator Skipp Sudduth (Just After Sunset) engagingly relays both the personal and professional milestones of the senator's life; strongly recommended. [Audio clip available through simonandschuster.com; the S. & S. hc, published in February, was a New York Times best seller.—Ed.]—Carol Stern, Glen Cove P.L., NY

The people profiled here were definitely not looking to face their final moments on Earth; yet, when tragedy struck, they survived. Why? New York Times best-selling author Sherwood (The Death and Life of Charlie St. Cloud), who also narrates, examines why some people live while others die under the same circumstances. He presents even the most harrowing of escapes in a quiet and calming manner, preferring to focus on the bravery of a few than on the panic of many. Every library, regardless of size, should purchase this potentially lifesaving work. [Audio clip available through www.hachettebookgroup.com; more info at www.TheSurvivorsClub.org; the Grand Central hc was recommended "for large public libraries or to meet demand," LJ 1/09.—Ed.]—Joseph L. Carlson, Vandenberg Air Force Base Lib., CA

Shutt (humane studies & English, Kenyon Coll.) here delivers a superb series of 14 college-level lectures. Drawing largely on the famous Battle of Thermopylae, he explores in depth the origins of ancient Sparta, its type of government, its predominant religious philosophy, its arts and culture, the role of women in its society, and many of the key events that shaped Spartan history. His always-lively, impassioned delivery will keep listeners focused and help to fill any existing gaps in knowledge. The accompanying course guide includes illustrations, maps, and an extensive bibliography. This valuable program nicely competes with the scholarly audio output of the Teaching Company, which to date has not published a program specifically on Sparta. Essential for all students of history. [More info at www.modernscholar.com.—Ed.]—Dale Farris, Groves, TX

Available for the first time on CD, this is a full-cast recording of Williams's famous play as performed at New York's Lincoln Center in 1973. The sound effects and music can overwhelm the production, which suffers somewhat from the lack of visuals (there is no sense of time passing, so listeners unfamiliar with the play might mistake all the action to take place over a brief period). Rosemary Harris's reading of Southern belle Blanche DuBois is excellent; her performance lends an airy, unreal quality to Blanche's follies. James Farentino plays mocking, brutal Stanley Kowalski aptly, and Patricia Connolly, too, plays Stella with suitable passivity. Better seen than heard, this is still an important recording to own. [Audio clip available through www.harperaudio.com.—Ed.]—B. Allison Gray, Santa Barbara P.L., Goleta Branch, CA