Audio

Available for the first time on audio and following The Kissing Game (1996), also available from BBC Audiobooks America, this 1997 title completes RITA Award-winning author Brockmann's (www.suzannebrockmann.com) "Sunrise Key" trilogy, part of Bantam's Loveswept line. Narrator Susan Boyce (Kiss and Tell) manages to transform this simple happily-ever-after title typical of mid-1990s contemporary romances into a far more affecting tale. Her measured rhythm and pacing, together with her skillful voicing of the various characters—e.g., cautious Molly, controlling Preston, and loyal Dominique—even kept this reviewer's husband interested on a recent road trip. Brockmann fans will seek this one out.—Gail Preslar, Eastman Chemical Co. Business Lib., Kingsport, TN

In this novel rich with historical detail, a relative of Queen Elizabeth's is murdered, and William Shakespeare's investigator brother, John, must solve the case as well as foil a plot to assassinate Sir Francis Drake. Audie Award winner Simon Vance (see Behind the Mike, LJ 11/15/08) dexterously portrays the broad range of highbrow and lowbrow characters. For fans of mysteries and historical novels set in Elizabethan England. [The Bantam hc was recommended "for readers who liked Marie Brennan's historical fantasy Midnight Never Comes...or Karen Harper's 'Poyson Garden' mystery series," LJ 5/15/09.—Ed.]—J. Sara Paulk, Fitzgerald-Ben Hill Cty. Lib., Fitzgerald, GA

Shortly following his birth, Junior Thibodeau learns the exact moment when the world will end. His resulting existential life crisis poses the question of whether anything we do matters. Currie's (www.roncurriejr.net) ambitious follow-up to God Is Dead, winner of the 2007 New York Public Library Young Lions Fiction Award, is expertly narrated by a six-person cast. Unfortunately, listeners will be disappointed by the contrived ending and frustrated during the narrative's slower-paced portions. For libraries with a strong literary fiction readership. ["This won't be everyone's cup of tea, but fans of God Is Dead will love it," read the review of the Viking hc, LJ 6/1/09, an Indie Next and Amazon Best selection.—Ed.]—Carly Wiggins, Allen Cty. P.L., Fort Wayne, IN

From the ominous first sentence of Dolan's debut—"The shovel has to meet certain requirements"—noir fans will know they're in for a treat. The fun begins when the enigmatic David Loogan lands an editing job at the Michigan-based mystery magazine Gray Streets. He befriends the publisher, Tom, and also enters into an affair with Tom's wife. When Tom asks David to help him dispose of a corpse, things really start to unravel. While deftly navigating numerous plot twists, actor/narrator Erik Davies (The Orpheus Deception) offers a crisp, droll delivery that's spot on. For all fans of hard-boiled fiction. [The Putnam hc was "highly recommended for readers who enjoy twisty and witty crime thrillers," LJ 7/09.—Ed.]—Beth Farrell, Portage Cty. Dist. Lib., Garrettsville, OH

TV personality Grace's (coauthor, Objection!) fiction debut starts out as a compelling story about an Atlanta-based assistant DA who wins her case against a serial killer. But as it tracks her relocation to New York, her second career as a therapist, and the murder of her young female patients by a copycat killer, subplots that seem at odds with the main story, any growth of suspense is hindered. An improbable ending further disappoints. However, Kate McIntyre's (A Life That Matters) exemplary narration—she makes each character distinct and unique—helps to mitigate the flip-flopping story lines. Recommended for followers of Grace and fans of James Patterson. [The Hyperion hc, published in August, was a New York Times and Publishers Weekly best seller.—Ed.]—Gloria Maxwell, Metropolitan Community Coll.-Penn Valley Lib., Kansas City, MO

The Boatwright family has just won $318 million in the Georgia State Lottery when two grifters concoct a plan to steal half the money. Edgar Award-winning author Green, whose last novel was The Juror (1995), adeptly characterizes this chilling story, conveying the physical and emotional strains for everyone involved. Narrators Maggi-Meg Reed (The Hidden Diary of Marie Antoinette) and Robert Petkoff (Beat the Reaper) read with accents and voices perfectly suited to their respective characters. This book will appeal to lovers of suspense; the large amount of profanity, however, makes it inappropriate for younger listeners. [See Prepub Alert, LJ 3/15/09.—Ed.]—Joanna M. Burkhardt, Univ. of Rhode Island Libs., Providence

New York Times best-selling author Hitchcock—whose Audie Award-nominated One Dangerous Lady (2006) is also available from Blackstone Audio—uses the Washington, DC, social scene as a backdrop for her fifth mystery, following The Witches' Hammer (2008). Hoping to track down a serial killer known as the Beltway Basher, Det. George Gunner enlists antiques dealer and society insider Reven Lynch to spy on guests at several key area events. The novel is well paced, with several believable twists. Driving it are Hitchcock's satiric tone and wit, ably conveyed by actress/narrator Jennifer Van Dyck (Dark Lover). Highly recommended for mystery audiences and high-society wannabes.—Joyce Kessel, Villa Maria Coll., Buffalo

Her life fraught with loneliness, tragedy, and chaos, Mina Ash struggles to relate to the world as she rises from the status of swimmer in a small Midwestern town to Olympic champion. Keegan's emotional first novel puts your heart in your throat from the start and doesn't let it out until the very end. Young actress/narrator Aya Cash shows impressive range in voicing Mina and the people in her life, adding a distinct sensitivity to Keegan's occasionally choppy prose. A great listen for fans of Pat Conroy and Maxine Swann. [The Knopf hc was described as "a well-crafted exploration of grief," LJ 6/1/09.—Ed.]—Terry Ann Lawler, Phoenix P.L.

Jonathan Payne and D.J. Jones are back in New York Times best-selling author Kuzneski's (www.chriskuzneski.com) third Payne and Jones title, following Sign of the Cross (2006), also available from Brilliance Audio. This time, they're doing their clandestine best to solve all the country's problems while miraculously avoiding death by overwhelming force in increasingly impossible situations. Series reader/multiple Audie Award winner Dick Hill's excellent reading will rev up the pulses of even those listeners stuck in rush-hour traffic. For appreciators of Dan Brown and high-octane fiction, and for Kuzneski's many fans.—Cliff Glaviano, Bowling Green State Univ. Libs., OH

The late Pulitzer Prize winner's posthumously published collection of short fiction features 18 reflective stories that have all previously appeared in print—ten in The New Yorker and all but one in the last nine years. Updike fans will revel in the feeling of the author standing beside them as they listen, acknowledging long-lost characters and reflecting on the direction his own life took. Shakespearean actor Luke Daniels provides a solemn voice and steady pace appropriate for the mundane details so artfully celebrated by this author. A somewhat uneven collection recommended for Updike devotees; those not already smitten with the author will not find reason to be here. [The Knopf hc received a starred review, LJ 4/15/09.—Ed.]—Carly Wiggins, Allen Cty. P.L., Fort Wayne, IN

This third volume in Weber's (www.davidweber.net) "Safehold" series—following By Schism Rent Asunder (2008), also available from BBC Audiobooks America and Macmillan Audio—continues his tale of an epic struggle between religion and technology on a distant planet populated by human colonists in the remote future. Jason Culp's (The Finder) workmanlike narration is adequate but does not greatly invigorate Weber's often pedestrian prose. Given Weber's popularity, this title should attract plenty of listeners; those unfamiliar with the series, however, might have trouble making sense of the narrative. [The Tor hc was described as "another fascinating chapter in an sf epic" that "series fans will demand," LJ 5/15/09; the fourth volume, A Mighty Fortress, will release in March 2010.—Ed.]—R. Kent Rasmussen, Thousand Oaks, CA

Wells (www.rebeccawellsbooks.com) follows up her New York Times best seller Ya-Yas in Bloom (2005) with this story of Calla Lily, who learns about the healing art of hairdressing from her eccentric mother. Tony Award-winning actress/narrator Judith Ivey, who read Wells's four previous novels—all also available from Books on Tape and HarperAudio—does an excellent job with the female characters, but her voice deepens too much when she vocalizes the men, sometimes becoming inaudible. Still, another winning novel from Wells that is sure to be popular among her fans; appreciators of contemporary Southern fiction, coming-of-age tales, and love stories; and those wanting to experience New Orleans in the heady 1960s.—J. Sara Paulk, Fitzgerald-Ben Hill Cty. Lib., Fitzgerald, GA

Regardless of whether or not you agree with New York Times best-selling political consultant Carville's (www.carville.info) opinions, the so-called "Ragin' Cajun" of the Democratic Party can't be ignored. Here, he draws on his remarkable knowledge of politics to dissect the Bush administration's reign with autopsy-like precision. Multiple Audie Award winner Alan Sklar (see Behind the Mike, LJ 3/1/09) perfectly voices Carville's verbal snarl. Where sarcasm is called for, Sklar provides it; where snarkiness is needed, Sklar oozes it in abundance. Whether Carville's prediction of the Republican Party's dwindling future is correct remains to be seen. What's certain is that he here provides intelligent insight into the historical 2008 election and its resultant ripples. For listeners on both sides of the aisle.—Joseph L. Carlson, Vandenberg Air Force Base Lib., Lompoc, CA

The Dalai Lama further augments his growing body of best-selling works with this enlightening treatise on leadership and decision making born from ten years of discussion with international management consultant van den Muyzenberg (www.leadersway.org). The steadily paced, conversational narration by actor Feodor Chin and voice-over artist Marc Cashman succeeds in realizing the authors' intention of connecting certain aspects of Buddhist philosophy with those of the capitalist, free-market system of economics. For listeners of all religious faiths and those interested in works connecting Eastern philosophy to Western thinking, e.g., The Tao of Leadership, The Book of Leadership and Strategy, and The Way of Leadership.—Dale Farris, Groves, TX

Swiss author/TV presenter De Botton (www.alaindebotton.com) follows The Architecture of Happiness (2006) with this book exploring the highs and lows—mostly the lows—of work. De Botton asserts that work keeps us from facing the reality of impending death, but his argument seems to reflect his own insecurities rather than some universal truth. Veteran actor/narrator David Colacci sounds bored here, not wholly effectively conveying De Botton's dry wit. The Pantheon hc edition contains approximately 100 original images by documentary photographer Richard Baker; listeners can view the images that didn't make it into that edition at www.alaindebotton.com. A good match for The New Yorker crowd.—Johannah Genett, Hennepin Cty. Lib., Minneapolis

This detailed examination of Norwegian Roald Amundsen and Brit Robert Scott's 1911–12 race to the South Pole highlights how Amundsen's superb planning and attention to detail resulted in his arriving at the Pole a month ahead of Scott—and returning alive. First published as Scott and Amundsen (1979), this dual biography captures the excitement and tension of the two men's efforts, although Huntford's characterization is quite biased, with Scott appearing reckless and incompetent in comparison with the extraordinary-seeming Amundsen. British actor/regular CSA Word reader Tim Pigott-Smith narrates with a perfect blend of clarity and cool detachment. Recommended for those who enjoy true-life adventures packed with plenty of behind-the-scenes info.—Nancy R. Ives, SUNY at Geneseo

In this refreshing tract by Kenyan activist Maathai (Unbowed), the Nobel laureate and founder of the Green Belt Movement analyzes what she considers to be the major impediments to Africa's development and calls for change at the community level. Maathai draws on her wealth of experience and doesn't hesitate to speak her mind, particularly in her summons that Africa's leaders assume a greater degree of personal responsibility for the continent's problems. A fact-filled and stimulating book made even more engaging by Nigerian actress Chinasa Ogbuagu's distinctive narration; highly recommended.—R. Kent Rasmussen, Thousand Oaks, CA

Welch (coauthor, Winning) here shares her simple yet sound strategy for making major life decisions: by first considering their impact in ten minutes, ten months, and ten years. She engagingly narrates this audio edition, presenting examples from her own life as well as from the lives of others. Welch's regular TV and radio appearances and her nationally syndicated columns (e.g., for BusinessWeek) make her a familiar face, voice, and name, so expect demand. A captivating book highly recommended for all. [The Scribner hc, published in April, was a New York Times and Wall Street Journal best seller.—Ed.]—Risa Getman, Hendrick Hudson Free Lib., Montrose, NY