Audio

New York Times best-selling author Bagshawe's (www.tillybagshawe.co.uk) sequel to the late Sidney Sheldon's international best seller Master of the Game (1982) focuses on a new generation of Maxwells as the manipulative Lexi battles her cousin, Max, and his mother, Eve, for control of the Maxwell empire. Despite the ridiculous plot twists, Tony Award-winning actress/narrator Karen Ziemba (www.karenziemba.com) throws herself into the enterprise with total abandon. Her breathless, headlong reading sells the story perfectly. For fans of Sheldon and Danielle Steel and those who enjoy fiction about powerful, dangerous women.—Michael Adams, CUNY Graduate Ctr. Lib.

Dostoevsky's 1864 existentialist novella is a brilliant and immensely enjoyable early work by a man now considered one of the greatest Russian novelists of all time. Unfortunately, this audio edition relies on the original 1918 translation by Constance Garnett, which, by modern standards, could almost be considered an adaptation. Those interested in experiencing a more loyal rendition of this work should instead turn to more recent translations, such as that by Richard Pevear and Larissa Volokhonsky (2004), available as a digital download from Audible. This edition, despite Audie Award winner Simon Vance's (see Behind the Mike, LJ 11/15/08) attractive narration, is not recommended.—I. Pour-El, Ames Jewish Congregation, IA

Few recent thrillers have as many heart-skipping moments and as rousing a climax as Finder's (www.josephfinder.com) follow-up to Power Play (2007), also available from BBC Audiobooks America. When Special Forces-trained investigator Nick Heller's estranged brother, Roger, is kidnapped, Nick must face off against some of Washington's most powerful forces to find him. Narrator Holter Graham (www.holtergraham.com) puts his significant acting skills to work, especially in his voicing of the truly unique protagonist. The suspense never falters, and listeners will be pleased by the satisfying ending to this complex tale. [Includes a bonus interview with the author; the St. Martin's hc, published in August, was a New York Times best seller.—Ed.]—Joseph L. Carlson, Vandenberg Air Force Base Lib., Lompoc, CA

This first title in Gregory's (www.philippagregory.com) new "Cousins' War" series, set in the time of England's War of the Roses and centering on commoner-turned-queen Elizabeth Woodville, is full of intrigue, magic, and murder. Tony and Audie Award-winning South African actress Bianca Amado's modulated, aristocratic diction adds a sense of immediacy, though one wonders whether Woodville actually sounded anything like that! For fans of English medieval historical fiction and the works of Anne Easter Smith, Sharon Kay Penman, Jean Plaidy, and Alison Weir. Those preferring an unabridged recording should instead buy the Recorded Books edition, read by Susan Lyons and also available in multiple audio formats. [This edition includes a bonus MP3-CD of Gregory's The Virgin Lover; the Touchstone hc, published in August, was a New York Times and Publishers Weekly best seller.—Ed.]—David Faucheux, Louisiana Audio Information & Reading Svc., Lafayette

This ninth "Badge of Honor" title, following Final Justice (2003), marks Griffin's (www.webgriffin.com) fifth collaboration with his son, with whom he previously coauthored titles in the "Honor Bound" and "Men at War" series. Here, Police Sgt. Matthew Payne partners with a Texas Ranger to hunt down a murderer preying on illegal Central Americans in Philadelphia. Refreshingly, this entry recharges the series, infusing raw energy into familiar characters and introducing dynamic new ones. Audie Award winner Scott Brick's (see Behind the Mike, LJ 10/15/09) narration is superb; he is especially adept at the Hispanic accents and female voices. Highly recommended. [The Putnam hc, published in August, was a New York Times best seller.—Ed.]—Scott R. DiMarco, Mansfield Univ. of Pennsylvania Lib.

Tremendously gifted 17-year-old Quentin Coldwater sets out for a college interview only to find his interviewer dead and himself undertaking a strange and strenuous entrance exam to Brakebills College for Magical Pedagogy. Time book critic Grossman's (levgrossman.com) intriguing third novel—following Warp (1997) and Codex (2004)—is the whole package. Touching on themes of happiness, love, magic, and ennui, it features a highly imaginative fantasy world populated by realistically flawed characters whom Mark Bramhall (The Last Theorem) lets shine with his skillful narration. Highly recommended, particularly for adult fans of Harry Potter and The Chronicles of Narnia. [The Viking hc, published in August, was a New York Times best seller.—Ed.]—Lisa Anderson, Metropolitan Community Coll. Lib., Omaha

Aging gunfighters, fancy flyers, noble officers, and rowdy rebels can all be found in Galaxy Press's latest four entries in its "Stories of the Golden Age" series, also available in trade paperback. Despite the titles' distinct differences, all are rife with action and adventure and laced with melodramatic overtones. All except Hostage to Death include additional stories besides the title feature. While each delivers its own slice of genre fiction dredged up from the pulp magazine in which it was published, together they represent an impressive and stylistically similar whole. From the musical introduction to the final credits, these full-cast, sound effects-laden productions will engage listeners of all ages, particularly fans of old-time radio, Westerns, genre fiction, action and adventure, and full-cast performances. [More info at www.goldenagestories.com.—Ed.]—Lance Eaton, Peabody, MA

In New York Times best-selling author Kellerman's (www.fayekellerman.net) 18th Peter Decker/Rina Lazarus title, following The Mercedes Coffin (2008), billionaire developer Guy Kaffey, his wife, and four employees are all murdered one night at his tightly guarded ranch. With the help of an eavesdropping blind court interpreter, Peter and Rina, now Peter's wife, work to uncover the killer's identity. Actor/narrator Mitchell Greenberg's (Sacred and Profane) performance is adequate, but he doesn't display enough variation in tone and voice for listeners to be able to differentiate easily among the many characters. For all suspense/thriller collections and Kellerman's many fans.—Ilka Gordon, Siegal Coll. of Judaic Studies Lib., Cleveland

Larsson's (www.stieglarsson.net) second installment in his posthumously published "Millennium" trilogy follows The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo (2008), also available from Books on Tape and Random House Audio. (The final installment, The Girl Who Kicked the Hornets' Nest, will publish in May 2010.) Lisbeth Salander and Mikael Blomkvist return in a compelling and tense revenge story in which multiple murders precede the publication of a story exposing a nationwide sex-trafficking operation. Audie Award winner Simon Vance's (see Behind the Mike, LJ 10/15/09) nuanced performance is superlative. Highly recommended. [The Knopf hc, published in August, was a New York Times best seller.—Ed.]—Joyce Kessel, Villa Maria Coll., Buffalo

In this family drama with a psychological twist, secrets from Nora Hammond's past threaten to destroy her perfect life. Morris (www.marymcgarrymorris.com), author of the Oprah Book Club selection Songs in Ordinary Time (1995), delivers a largely well-crafted story, though the escalating number of problems the characters face is at times unbelievable, and listeners may find Nora's obtuseness frustrating. Actor/narrator Reneé Raudman (A Weekend To Change Your Life) reads capably, employing a surprising range of voices. For fans of Morris's other works as well those liking the novels of Jacquelyn Mitchard and Jodi Picoult.—Donna Bachowski, Orange Cty. Lib. Syst., Orlando, FL

Silva's (www.danielsilvabooks.com) ninth Gabriel Allon thriller follows Moscow Rules, the Brilliance Audio edition of which, also read by Audie Award winner Phil Gigante, was an LJ Best Audiobook of 2008. Here, the Russian defector whose life Allon once saved goes missing, sending Allon and his team of operatives on a search stretching across Europe and the United States and pitting them against a ruthless Russian oligarch and arms dealer. This gripping, superior entry is especially interesting for its depiction of a Russia swinging back toward the "glory days" of Stalin. Gigante's reading is splendid; he masters the European accents especially well. Highly recommended. [The Putnam hc, published in July, was a New York Times and LJ best seller.—Ed.]—Scott R. DiMarco, Mansfield Univ. of Pennsylvania Lib.

Combining animal symbolism with depictions of animal-human interaction, Tinti (The Good Thief; www.hannahtinti.com) reveals the dark side of human nature in these 11 at-once fascinating and repelling tales originally published in 2004 and newly available on audio. The narration by Laural Merlington (Keeper of the Keys) and Dan John Miller (Good People) is clear, distinct, and accent-free. Merlington's pleasant and flexible voice easily traverses the wide variety of characters. Miller, while stronger on the male voices, also manages well with the female and juvenile voices. One wishes, however, that Merlington and Miller had coread each tale instead of alternating stories, for added impact. A cross between Dr. Dolittle and the works of Dean Koontz and John Saul; for fans of animal stories and American short stories. [The Dial Pr. hc was nominated for a Hemingway/PEN Award.—Ed.]—Laurie Selwyn, formerly with Grayson Cty. Law Lib., Sherman, TX

Should best-selling author Bruni (Ambling into History) ever tire of journalism, he could easily make a career out of audiobook narration. In this self-read memoir, he opens with his 2004 appointment as restaurant critic for the New York Times, then tells of his lifelong struggle with food and weight (at his heaviest, he weighed 270 pounds). How he both deals with and fails to deal with his addiction to food makes this a fascinating listen. Compliments to Bruni for serving up such a candid and enthralling tale; highly recommended. [The review of the New York Times best-selling Penguin hc read, "Bruni's painfully honest, tartly humorous life story will…be a hit with anyone who has struggled with the numbers on the scale," LJ 8/09.—Ed.]—Cliff Glaviano, Bowling Green State Univ. Libs., OH

Noted historian/archaeologist Hale (liberal studies, Univ. of Louisville, KY) provides the first definitive history of the Athenian navy, its spectacular ships, its courageous men, and the epic battles fought to secure the supremacy of Athens. He brings this ancient time clearly into focus, turning what might otherwise have been a dusty history into a riveting tale of victories and achievements. Actor/narrator David Drummond's (Brotherhood of Warriors) easy, pleasant reading provides an unobtrusive backdrop to Hale's tale, which anyone interested in ancient and/or military history is sure to enjoy.—Gloria Maxwell, Metropolitan Community Coll.-Penn Valley Lib., Kansas City, MO

In this captivating book on why we overeat and what we can do about it, pediatrician and former Food and Drug Administration commissioner Kessler (A Question of Intent) incorporates a healthy balance of scientific research and personal anecdotes. He addresses the allure and preponderance of foods rich in sugar, salt, and fat, examines the psychological and sensory forces driving excessive food consumption, and speaks to how we can change our view of and approach to food. Adroitly read by Blair Hardman, this accessible and excellent-quality production will appeal to those seeking materials about dieting, weight loss, metabolism, and lifestyle changes.—Nicole A. Cooke, Montclair State Univ. Lib., NJ

Business consultant/motivational speaker Poscente (www.vinceposcente.com) draws on his experience as an Olympic speed skier to inform this guide to remaining competitive in an increasingly fast-paced world. He advises readers/listeners to assess their tolerance for risk, multitask consciously and effectively, pursue goals in line with their strengths and passions, and more. Sean Mangan's (Area 7) narration is well paced; he smoothly transitions to the "fast facts" interspersed throughout the text. In keeping with the subject, the recording is just four hours long—perfect for a short commute. A smart option for those interested in unconventional approaches to optimizing their performance in business and in life. [The Bard Pr. hc, published in 2007, was a New York Times and Wall Street Journal best seller.—Ed.]—Nann Blaine Hilyard, Zion-Benton P.L., IL

In this Junior Library Guild selection, Reef, who has previously written over 40 nonfiction books for YA audiences, tackles one of the 20th century's most significant writers, proficiently weaving together key moments in Hemingway's career and personal life. YA listeners new to Hemingway will be enthralled not only by Reef's accounts of his literary accomplishments, travels, and adventures but also by her exploration of his darker side; more mature audiences, while sure to appreciate Reef's simple, direct writing style and Jill Shellabarger's (Sabrina) timeless narration, may be annoyed by the defining of such basic words and terms as jaundice, aficionado, and Madison Square Garden. Mainly for YA audiences.—Theresa Stoner, St. Joseph Cty. P.L., South Bend, IN

This series of 14 fascinating college-level lectures on the Russian Revolution of 1917 begins with a discussion of the geography of prerevolutionary Russia and closes with an examination of how the Russian Civil Wars of 1917–21 brought the Bolshevik party to power and ushered Russia into the modern world. Lecturer Smele's (Queen Mary Univ. of London) steady and well-paced delivery transports listeners into his virtual classroom and sustains their attention throughout. A supplementary course guide contains an outline and lecture notes, resources for further study, color maps, and black-and-white photos. This impressive presentation is sure to appeal to erudite audiences who appreciate the works of Sovietologists David Bullock, Orlando Figes, Bruce Lincoln, Richard Pipes, and Harrison Salisbury. [More info at www.modernscholar.com.—Ed.]—Dale Farris, Groves, TX

In 24 lively and absorbing lectures each averaging 30 minutes long, Spurgin (English literature, Lawrence Univ., Appleton, WI) presents numerous practical techniques to help users maximize their enjoyment of any book (e.g., by leafing through to explore its organization and structure), using classics in American literature as reference points to demonstrate and expound on these techniques. This work nicely updates Mortimer Adler's 1940 classic, How To Read a Book (revised with Charles Van Doren in 1972), and will appeal to all students of American literature. An accompanying course guide includes lecture notes and resources for further study. Essential for all college students; the DVDs especially, with all their visual elements (quotations, teaching points, photographs), help to optimize the learning experience. [More info at www.library-teach12.com.—Ed.]—Dale Farris, Groves, TX

Forbes staff writer Steiner's (chrissteiner.com) solidly researched book draws on the latest scientific research as well as interviews with experts in the fields of energy, urban planning, farming, and transportation. He begins with a vignette illustrating the pervasiveness of petrochemical by-products in American life, then predicts which industries will flourish (local organic farming) and which will become obsolete (airline travel) as petroleum prices rise. In our future as Steiner sees it, efficient electric cars will be recharged via smart-grid technology and high-speed rail will be ubiquitous. From chapters titled "$6 a Gallon" through to "$20 a Gallon," actor/narrator John Wolfe sustains listeners' interest. A critically important and superbly written and read title highly recommended to all listeners of nonfiction.—Gail Preslar, Eastman Chemical Co. Business Lib., Kingsport, TN

In this audio edition of Warren's (www.rickwarren.com) seventh book, originally published in 2008, the evangelical minister/New York Times best-selling author (The Purpose Driven Life) brings his considerable preaching talents to explaining the Christian meaning of Christmas. He talks of celebration, salvation, and reconciliation and speaks to the belief that God was made human through the birth, life, and sacrifice of Jesus Christ and that grace and salvation are available to all those who believe. Warren himself reads, clearly enunciating his thoughts. A great addition for the upcoming holiday season, especially considering the popularity of Warren's previous titles. [The Howard Bks: S. & S. hc was a New York Times best seller.—Ed.]—J. Sara Paulk, Fitzgerald-Ben Hill Cty. Lib., Fitzgerald, GA