Audible Book Review: The Collapsing Empire by John Scalzi

A little slow start and then I was engrossed.

The Collapsing Empire
The Interdependency, Book 1
By: John Scalzi
Narrated by: Wil Wheaton
Series: The Interdependency, Book 1
Length: 9 hrs and 24 mins

Length: 9 hrs and 24 mins
Unabridged Audiobook
Release date: 03-21-17
Language: English
Publisher: Audible Studios
Genre: Galactic Empire, Space Opera, Sci Fi
My Rating: 4.0 of 5.0 Overall; Story 4.0; Narration 4.25.

Publisher's Summary
2018 Locus Award, Best Science Fiction Novel
Our universe is ruled by physics, and faster-than-light travel is not possible - until the discovery of The Flow, an extradimensional field we can access at certain points in space-time that transports us to other worlds, around other stars.
Humanity flows away from Earth, into space, and in time forgets our home world and creates a new empire, the Interdependency, whose ethos requires that no one human outpost can survive without the others. It's a hedge against interstellar war - and a system of control for the rulers of the empire.
The Flow is eternal - but it is not static. Just as a river changes course, The Flow changes as well, cutting off worlds from the rest of humanity. When it's discovered that The Flow is moving, possibly cutting off all human worlds from faster-than-light travel forever, three individuals - a scientist, a starship captain, and the empress of the Interdependency - are in a race against time to discover what, if anything, can be salvaged from an interstellar empire on the brink of collapse.
©2017 John Scalzi (P)2017 Audible, Inc.

Review:
The Interdependency is a universe of human occupied worlds, planets and outposts, which are connected by The Flow. The Flow is an extradimensional field which allows travel through space so the worlds can trade together. As in any empire, there are social layers (workers, teachers, scientists), some struggling, some succeeded. And there are ‘elite’ houses competing for power. On the ruling planet, the Hub, a brand-new Emperox, Cardenia, is struggling to learn how to handle her unexpected role which includes balancing the governing council, the mercantile guilds, the spiritual arm and the other interests which are the concern of the ultimate ruler.

A starship captain, after surviving an ill-timed mutiny, arrives at the farthest planet, End, to learn that the Duke, currently in charge but involved in rebel war, wants to quarantine their cargo. Now the captain and the owner’s rep, Lady Kiva, need to figure out how to bring back a profitable return. As the rebellion rages it looks like they might be able to sell passage to people who want to leave the planet.

Meanwhile, there is a family on another section of End where a friend of the prior emperor has been engrossed in quietly studding The Flow. Father and son physicists have determined that The Flow is soon going to collapse. Lord Marce hopes to get his son and the important research on the last starship that will be able to leave End. This information will change the Interdependency and some of the powers on End don’t want the information to get to the Hub.

The lives of these three primary characters become intertwined as the universe begins its drastic change. The story started a little slowly, but I did become involved in personalities and the political plot. I enjoyed the humor and intrigue but was just disappointed by the bad language. The book ends at a point that leaves open a lot for the next struggles. I will finish the Old Man Series while I think if I want to continue this series. I can recommend this to readers who like intergalactic politics and don’t mind the language.

Audio Notes: Wil Wheaton does a nice job with the narration. He provides distinct voices and strong energy. The narration made this a better ‘reading’ experience for me.

Source: September 2017 Audible Daily Deal $2.95. This qualifies for 2019TBR and 2019Audiobook goals.

Book Review: Preserving Liberty by Candice Sue Patterson

I enjoyed the characters and plot in this quick read.
Preserving Liberty
by Candice Sue Patterson

File Size: 1007 KB
Print Length: 113 pages
Publisher: Pure Amore (September 8, 2017)
ASIN: B07QL2YVLS
Genre: Clean Romance, Romantic Suspense
My Rating: 4.5 of 5.0

Historic preservation specialist Liberty Carmichael loves her position at the Library of Congress, caring for America's oldest documents. So when she intercepts an inside threat by a radical group planning to steal part of Thomas Jefferson's original collection, she takes it to the highest authority--her father, the president. When he fails to take the threat seriously, she steals the books to keep them safe.
Undercover FBI agent Cole Harding is close to disbanding the group responsible for killing his father. Believing documents once owned by Thomas Jefferson hold clues to answering a two hundred year old question, the group's next target is the Library of Congress. However, he wasn't expecting the First Daughter to get caught in the middle.
Will Cole convince the president to trust his abilities? Can he keep Liberty safe without blowing his cover? Can either protect their hearts?

Review:
Liberty, aka Libby, is a historic preservation specialist who is also the president’s daughter. She gains knowledge of a threat by a radical group planning to steal important historical documents, but her father doesn’t take the threat seriously. To protect the books Liberty steals them herself, sneaking them out of the collections and hiding them.

As she is purloining the final book, she is stunned to be stopped by someone she trusts. She barely escapes when a stranger on a motorcycle offers to help her. Libby is reluctant to trust a stranger but soon realizes that she can’t complete her mission without help.

Cole is an FBI agent who is undercover with the radical group trying to steal the books. He happens to be in the right place to ‘rescue’ the president’s daughter. He presents himself to help Libby without telling her that he will use her as bait to set-up the true radicals. The two decide to recover the books and decipher the hidden clues themselves. They are on the run, dodging bullets and thrown closer together after losing cash and clothes.

The longer Cole works with Libby the more he wants to keep her safe and explore a future with her. But how will she feel about him when the truth comes out? And how will he face her father, the president, after using Libby as a lure – assuming he can return her safely?

Libby is a strong, mostly likeable character. She had a clever idea about hiding the books, but she is a pampered young woman who didn’t fully plan for being on her own without a handy credit card or guard. Cole is a nice hunky FBI agent who knows better how to live on the run, even if he gets distracted a bit. I very much enjoyed their relationship and the puzzle clues surrounding secrets of Thomas Jefferson.

This is the second book I have read by Ms. Patterson (How to Charm a Beekeeper's Heart) and I will have to add her to my repeat reading list. She provides clear characters, strong plots and a sweet romance that flows in easy writing. I recommend this quick book and author to readers who like clean romance.

Source: Pelican Book Group review gift September, 2018. This qualifies for 2019TBR goal.

Audio Book Review: Sins of the Past: A Romantic Suspense Novella Collection

One of these was slow but they were all nice, easy listening.

Sins of the Past: A Romantic Suspense Novella Collection
Author Dee Henderson, Dani Pettrey & Lynette Eason
Narrator Various Narrators

Runtime 10.17 Hrs. - Unabridged
Publisher Recorded Books
Downloads ZIP M4B MP3
Release Date June 24, 2016
Genre: Christian, Mystery, Romantic Suspense
My Rating: 4.0 of 5.0 Overall; Story 4.0; Narration 4.0.

Description
In this collection of gripping novellas from the top authors of Christian romantic suspense, sins of the past lead to danger in the present. In Dee Henderson's "Missing," a Wyoming sheriff is called to Chicago when his elderly mother gus missing. Paired with a savvy Chicago cop, the two realize her disappearance is no accident, and a race against the clock begins. Dani Pettrey returns to Alaska with "Shadowed," introducing readers to the parents of her beloved McKenna clan. Adventure, romance, and danger collide when a young fisherman nets the body of an open-water swimming competitor who may actually be a possible Russian defector. Lynette Eason's "Blackout" delivers the story of a woman once implicated in a robbery gone wrong. The loot has never been found--but her memory of that night has always been unreliable. Can she remember enough to find her way to safety when the true culprit comes after her?

Review:
"Missing" by Dee Henderson: John, a Wyoming sheriff, is called to Chicago when his elderly mother goes missing from her elder home complex. He is met by Sharon Noble, a savvy Chicago Lieutenant who is already organizing the search. John has a past with criminals as a former Chicago cop and there are several avenues to look at for suspects.

I liked the premise of this plot, the two characters and the clear friendship that grows as they work together. There are good clues in the short story that might let a keen reader figure out the twist. The drawback on this was the very slow beginning. I listened to the first hour and a half during a drive with others and none of us were particularly engaged at that point. Fortunately, I pushed through to listen to the rest as I did enjoy the final package. My rating: 3.75.

“Shadowed” by Dani Pettrey: Competitive swimmer, Libby, is in Alaska and plans to enjoy some tourism. She is the only one to show up early on a rainy morning for a whale watching tour. Ben the tour guide (and more) is impressed by Libby’s spunk and determination. He agrees to take her out. In addition to seeing whales they discover something else in the water. When they pull the body on board, Libby is shocked to recognize her number one competitor, a Russian swimmer.

Libby’s competitive schedule hasn’t allowed her to develop relationships and she wasn’t looking for one this trip. But Ben’s competence and gently protective tendencies draw her in. Ben knew at some point he might decide to settle down, but he had never met the right woman until now. The relationship builds between them even as they are dodging a killer as they try to unravel the truth about spies and counterspies.

This story was engaging and an easy listen as it raced quickly through discovery, danger and deception. My rating: 4.25.

“Blackout” by Lynette Eason: Macey has had blackouts for the past six years since she survived a robbery where she was in the wrong place at the wrong time and she was almost killed. She hides her past because the connections don’t look good. Now, as someone is stalking and frightening her, more memories are returning.

Macey’s neighbor Chad is a police detective. He knows that Macey has kept him at arm’s length, but he rushes in when he hears her scream. She isn’t imagining things. Macey’s high school crush, who was involved in the robbery, has returned and it appears he is pressuring her to remember. But someone else doesn’t want her to remember what happened that night, and is prepared to kill Macey to stop her. Macey begins to open up and rely more on Chad as the threat escalates.

This story presents tension from the beginning. I wasn’t overly impressed with Macey as a character, but Chad is a strong, attractive hero. The story moves along well although it seems a little rushed. 4.0.

The collection provides three easy, satisfactory listens. The faith of characters is shared without being preachy or overbearing. I recommend this to readers who enjoy clean romantic suspense. 4.0.

Audio Notes: The narrators were Graham Winton, Christina Moore, and Therese Plummer in that order. All three did a good job with the narration. Winton is the only new narrator to me as I have enjoyed audios narrated by Moore and Plummer before. The narration made this an easier ’read’ for me.

Source: July 2017 Christianaudio Sale. This qualifies for my 2019TBR and 2019Audiobook goals.

Audible Book Review: Sleeping Tiger by Rosamunde Pilcher

This is a quick, interesting story.

Sleeping Tiger
by Rosamunde Pilcher,
Narrated by: Carole Shelley

Length: 2 hrs and 59 mins
Published August 1st 2000 by Random House Audio (first published 1967)
Genre: Novella, Romance
My Rating: 3.0 of 5.0 Overall; Story 3.0; Narration 3.25.

For the first time in her life, Selina Bruce wasn't sure what tomorrow would bring. She had impulsively left behind her lawyer fiancé in London and flown alone to a tiny island off the Spanish coast. She was searching for the father she'd never know, but what she found was an unexpected truth about herself and the man she planned to marry. For exotic San Antonio offered Selina more than the penetrating brilliance of the noonday sun. It offered her the mysterious George Dyer, who held the key not only to her past--but to her heart.

Review:
Selina Bruce, at 20 years old, has wondered who her father is. She receives a book and decides the author is her father. Her fiancé’ lawyer tells her to let it go but she is determined.

Selina sets off to a small island off the Spanish coast to meet the man. She arrives in her proper British attire only to discover that her luggage didn’t make it with her. Then, after passing through customs she gets to the taxi cabs and realizes her wallet has been lifted from her purse. The community is small enough so she manages to talk the English speaking cab driver to take her to her destination with the promise of payment on arrival.

George Dyer has had small success with one book, He enjoys a laid-back life and although congenial enough, he doesn’t seem to have much ambition. It was unclear to me if he had a source of funds but they are not currently handy. There is a wealthy socialite in the community who is George’s age and who has set her eyes on him. She is not inclined to accept an alleged daughter getting in her way.

I found Selina to be spoiled, immature and needy - not a character I would admire. I wasn’t really bothered by a 17 age difference between the characters, I just wasn’t particularly interested. Enough of this was familiar so that I am sure it was a re-read but I didn’t quite remember the ending. I was glad it was quick so I could stick with it for my TBR goal count. I wasn't drawn in to a point that I would seek out this author. However, romance readers who enjoy a bit of drama might enjoy this.

Audio Notes: Carole Shelley does an adequate job with the narration. Her voice seemed to fit well with the story. I am inclined to think it was easier for me to listen to this as I might not have stayed with the written book.

Source: 2002 Audible Purchase. This qualifies for 2019TBR and 2019Audiobook goals.

Audible Book Review: The Ember War, Books 1-2, by Richard Fox

I enjoyed this first contact/space military adventure. I’ll be continuing the series.

The Ember War
Publisher's Pack, Books 1-2
By: Richard Fox
Narrated by: Luke Daniels
Series: The Ember War, Book 1-2
Length: 15 hrs and 37 mins
Release date: 02-23-16
Language: English
Publisher: Podium Publishing
Genre: Sci Fi, Space Fleet, Space Military
My Rating: 4.25 of 5.0 Overall; Story 4.25; Narration 4.5.

Publisher's Summary
The Ember War, book 1: The Earth is doomed. Humanity has a chance.
In the near future, an alien probe arrives on Earth with a pivotal mission: to determine if humanity has what it takes to survive the impending invasion by a merciless armada. The probe discovers Marc Ibarra, a young inventor who holds the key to a daring gambit that could save a fraction of Earth's population. Humanity's only chance lies with Ibarra's ability to keep a terrible secret and engineer the planet down the narrow path to survival. Earth will need a fleet. One with a hidden purpose. One strong enough to fight a battle against annihilation.
The Ember War is the first installment in an epic military sci-fi series. If you enjoyed A Hymn Before Battle by John Ringo and The Last Starship by Vaughn Heppner, then you'll love this explosive adventure with constant thrills and high stakes from beginning to end.
The Ruins of Anthalas, book 2: An ancient holocaust holds the key to humanity's survival.
Only a sliver of mankind survived the Xaros invasion. With Earth's defenses in ashes, nothing can stop the aliens' inevitable return. Hope arrives through a cryptic message from a long-lost alien race, promising the means to rebuild the shattered space fleet. Captain Valdar takes one of the last strike carriers, the Breitenfeld, and his shell-shocked crew on a desperate mission to the dead world. Unfortunately humans aren't the only power that received the ancient message....
The Ruins of Anthalas is the second book in The Ember War Saga, a military sci-fi space opera. If you like David Weber and John Ringo with a touch of Isaac Asimov, then you'll love this fast-paced and captivating adventure where humanity survives at the edge of a knife.
©2015 Richard Fox (P)2016 Podium Publishing

Review:
Book 1: The Ember War.
An alien probe made contact with one nerdy college student on earth. The alien had decided a scientific theory of Marc Ibarra might give the planet a marginally better chance to survive the coming attack by the Xaros, an alien army that wipes out all sentient life it finds. Marc and his alien probe only have sixty years to prepare.

Sixty years later the wealthy Ibarra Corporation has spear-headed space exploration and space mining. Ibarra has kept secrets and made plans to hopefully save a small fraction of humans. He didn’t want to be the one to choose those who survive but …someone has to make the hard choices.

Lieutenant Ken Hale of the Atlantic Union Marine Corps is an experience team leader who runs missions from the spaceship Breitenfeld under the command of Captain Isaac Valdar. Valdar hadn’t really wanted to leave his family but answered the call from his good friend, Admiral Garrett. Valdar had no idea that he’d be leaving for more than a short mission. The Bretenfeld is carrying a precious cargo: Ibarra’s heir and secret weapon, Stacy.

Valdar and his crew will experience events no one else has faced and discover secrets that will tear apart their lives. The space fleet has survived the first devastating attack of the Xaros and even manage to capture an important space travel station from the Xaros. But how will the fleet stay hidden and keep mankind from extinction?

I enjoyed Hale and his Marine team who use their skills well together. They get extra rescue help from some massive, armored humans (I think referred to as Iron Hearts).

Book 2: The Ruins of Anthalas.
If the human race wants to survive, the fleet needs to obtain certain elements and secrets that might be found on the destroyed planet of Anthalas. The Breitenfeld is directed to use the Xaros jump station to reach Anthalas and find out if they can mine the needed elements. It is supposed to be an exploratory mission only but the away teams run into opposition and end up stealing crucial artifacts in addition to obtaining important information. Unfortunately, the fight with the natives draws the attention of the Xaros and exposes the humans.

Hale and his brave team are joined by some alien allies in these battle adventures. Steuben is a bit arrogant and sometimes treats the humans with contempt. Still, the longer he fights along side them the more he begins to appreciate their quick reactions and shear drive.

I won’t say that the writing is brilliant, but the world building and aliens are imaginative, and the action is fast paced. The hand full of important characters are likeable and developed so that I was rooting for them all to stay whole and return to the ship alive (at least alive enough to be healed with regeneration).

I am glad that I got the first two books in one and I have added book three to my list for future purchase. I recommend this to reader’s who enjoy space battles from authors such as Isaac Hooke, David Weber, and John Ringo.

Audio Notes: Luke Daniels is a reliable good narrator. As usual, he does well with the pacing in this sort of book and he gives the characters their own voices and personalities. His narration adds to the book and my enjoyment.

Source: November 2016 Audible Sale. This qualifies for 2019TBR and 2019Audiobook goal.

Audio Book Review: No Other Will Do (Ladies of Harper's Station Series, Book #1) by Karen Witemeyer

I really liked this historical romance!
No Other Will Do (Ladies of Harper's Station Series, Book #1)
by Karen Witemeyer
Narrator Johanna Parker

Runtime 11 Hrs. - Unabridged
Publisher Recorded Books
Genre: Christian Romance, Historical Romance
My Rating: 4.5 of 5.0 Overall; Story 4.5; Narration 4.5.

Description:
Men are optional. That's the credo Emma Chandler's suffragette aunts preached and why she started a successful women's colony in Harper's Station, Texas. But when an unknown assailant tries repeatedly to drive them out, Emma admits they might need a man after all. A man who can fight--and she knows just the one. Malachi Shaw finally earned the respect he craved by becoming an explosives expert for the railroad. Yet when Emma's plea arrives, he bolts to Harper's Station to repay the girl who once saved his life. Only she's not a girl any longer. She's a woman with a mind of her own and a smile that makes a man imagine a future he doesn't deserve. As the danger intensifies, old feelings grow and deepen, but Emma and Mal will need more than love to survive.

Review:
Emma Chandler was raised by her spinster Aunts in a small Texas town. As a young girl she rescued a starving, freezing boy she found in their barn. The two are best of friends for a couple of years until Malachi is driven out of town. Emma continues to pursue her dreams to provide a women’s colony as a sanctuary for abused women.

Things have been going well in Harper’s Station for several years when suddenly someone is threatening them and trying to drive them out of their own community. Emma and her staunch women aren’t about to back down without a fight. But Emma knows she needs help and she calls in the one man she knows she can trust – her childhood friend, Malachi.

Malachi is quick to respond to the call of the girl who saved his life. He is ready to help protect her and her community, but he will struggle to keep his distance from the woman he so admires.

I was immediately drawn by the young characters of Malachi and Emma and loved their maturity when they meet as adults and try to resist their obvious feelings. Ms. Witemeyer provides a plot with building mystery, intrigue and danger along with a sweet, tentative romance. The story moved along quickly, and I found it delightful. I will be picking up more titles by Ms. Witemeyer. I recommend this to readers who enjoy Historical Romance.

Audio Notes: Johanna Parker does a lovely job with the narration. She provides appropriate voices for the characters and fitting energy. The narration enhanced the story for me.

Source: Sale at ChristianAudio.com July 2017. This qualifies for 2019TBR and 2019Audiobook goals.

Audible Book Review: The Curse of the Pharaohs by Elizabeth Peters

This is a fun, entertaining historical mystery.

The Curse of the Pharaohs
The Amelia Peabody Series, Book 2
By: Elizabeth Peters
Narrated by: Barbara Rosenblat

Series: Amelia Peabody, Book 2
Length: 11 hrs and 41 mins
Unabridged Audiobook
Release date: 09-02-04
Language: English
Publisher: Recorded Books
Genre: Cozy Mystery, Historical, Victorian
My Rating: 4.25 of 5.0 Overall; Story 4.0; Narration 4.5.

Publisher's Summary
The sun rides high over the British Empire and the light still sparkles brightly in Amelia Peabody's eye as she returns for her second adventure in archaeology and romantic mystery as recounted in her lively journal, The Curse of the Pharaohs.
It was Sir Henry's intention to ensure that no tomb had been overlooked in the previous expedition. Scarcely had the men been at work for three days when their spades uncovered the first of a series of steps cut into the rock.
The Times gave the story a full column, on page three. The next dispatch to come to Luxor, however, rated front-page headlines. Sir Henry Baskerville was dead. He was found next morning stiff and stark in his bed. On his face was a look of ghastly horror. On his high brow, inscribed in what appeared to be dried blood, was a crudely drawn uraeus serpent, the symbol of the divine pharaoh.
Instead of digging up the treasures of a lost age, it appeared that Amelia and her friend Radcliffe were excavating a deadly curse.
Don't miss the rest of the Amelia Peabody series. You can also check out more of our Most Addictive Series.
©1981 Elizabeth Peters (P)1990 Recorded Books LLC

Review:
Amelia is a strong minded, multi-talented woman in 1892 England. She met her scholarly, archaeologist husband, Radcliffe Emerson, in Egypt. Now they are more or less quiet at home with their precocious 4-year-old son, Ramses. But it is clear that both Radcliffe and Amelia are restless and looking for a way to get back to the field. An effort to get a small dig from the neighbor fails gloriously (well more accurately gory and muddy).

Fortunately, an old friend, Lady Baskerville, appears seeking Emerson’s leadership to take over her recently deceased husband’s dig. Amelia and Radcliffe are not perturbed nor deterred by the fact that Sir Henry Baskerville’s death has been reported a result of a black curse, the Curse of the Pharaohs. Baskerville’s assistant has also gone missing and the photographer is currently ill.

Amelia is bound to share in the adventure with her best friend and husband, Radcliffe. They plan ways to approach the dig and minimize the fearful reactions of the native workers. They also have to deal with a jaunty, Irish reporter, a flirtatious widow, a boisterous, domineering woman who claims Radcliffe was her lover in a former life, and a few other unique characters.

The story is told in first person by Amelia with her intractable and irrepressible strength and humor. Amelia addresses women’s issues and primitive superstitions while determinedly investigating the death of Sir Henry, which she insists is murder, and finding the missing assistant who is her prime suspect. Soon other accidents, ghostly appearances and outright attacks begin to stir other suspicions.

I appreciate Amelia’s courage insisting on working with her husband in her era and the exotic setting. The mystery meanders a little but eventually everything pulls together. This is a fun series that is easy to listen to. There is adventure, mystery and humor. I recommend the series to readers who enjoy strong heroines, archaeological settings and cozy mystery.

Audio Notes: Barbara Rosenblat does a wonderful job with the narration. She provides a fitting setting and era tone as well as good character voices. She also provides good emotions that help carry the humor. I enjoy listening to this series.

Source: July 2007 Audible Purchase. This qualifies for 2019TBR and 2019Audiobook goal.

Audible Book Review: The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy: The Primary Phase (Dramatized) by Douglas Adams

This is a fun radio play presentation of a crazy sic fi journey.
The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy: The Primary Phase (Dramatized)
By: Douglas Adams
Narrated by: Peter Jones, Simon Jones, Geoffrey McGivern, Mark Wing-Davey, Susan Sheridan, Stephen Moore
Series: Hitchhiker's Guide (radio plays), Book 1

Series: Hitchhiker's Guide (radio plays), Book 1
Length: 3 hrs and 56 mins
Radio/TV Program
Release date: 11-14-08
Language: English
Publisher: BBC Worldwide Limited
Genre: Humor, Plays, Sci FI
My Rating: 4.25 of 5.0 Overall; Story 4.0; Narration 4.5.

Publisher's Summary
A dynamic remastering of the original BBC Radio 4 full-cast serial - Fit the First to Fit the Sixth - which spawned a phenomenal hitchhiking legend.
The original series of The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy, remastered by Dirk Maggs (director of the Tertiary, Quandary and Quintessential Phases) to give a full, vibrant sound, now with Philip Pope’s version of the familiar theme tune and specially re-recorded announcements by John Marsh.
Join Arthur Dent, Ford Prefect, Trillian, Zaphod Beeblebrox and Marvin the Paranoid Android in their first series of adventures as they witness the destruction of Earth to make way for a hyperspace bypass, stumble upon the ancient planet of Magrathea, dine at the Restaurant at the End of the Universe, and seek an answer to the Ultimate Question of Life, The Universe And Everything.
Peter Jones, Simon Jones, Geoffrey McGivern, Mark Wing-Davey, Susan Sheridan, Stephen Moore and a full supporting cast star in these BBC Radio 4 episodes.
A special 55-minute bonus programme, Douglas Adams’s Guide to the Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy, explores the genesis of the radio series and its incredible success, with contributions from the original cast and production team.
©2008 BBC Audiobooks Ltd (P)2008 BBC Audiobooks Ltd

Review:
I had only marginally recalled how wacky this book is. Arthur Dent is lying in front of his home in order to prevent the demolition team making way for a new road. His friend, Ford Prefect, convinces Arthur to meet him at the pub because his home doesn’t matter because, according to Ford, the Earth is going to be destroyed in minutes. Ford reveals that he is actually an alien not a human. Just before the Earth is destroyed, Arthur and Ford are whisked off planet and a crazy space ride begins.

I don’t recall when I first read or watched this program. I suspect it was a good 12 or so years ago when our son was graduating high school or in college. He has always loved this work.

I totally enjoyed this version as it is a presentation of the original BBC radio broadcast which includes fun character voices and fun sound effects. This audiobook concludes with a very interesting interview which reveals the struggles involved in getting the author to complete the episodes timely.

This is a fun listen of a zany science fiction journey.

Audio Notes: Peter Jones, Simon Jones, Geoffrey McGivern, Mark Wing-Davey, Susan Sheridan, Stephen Moore all do a great job with the broadcast.

Source: February 2014 Audible Purchase. This qualifies for my 2019TBR and 2019Audiobook goal.

Audible Book Review: Fata Morgana by Steven R. Boyett and Ken Mitchroney

This fun, alternate history is full of WWII period, and beyond, action.

Fata Morgana

By: Steven R. Boyett, Ken Mitchroney

Narrated by: Macleod Andrews

Length: 12 hrs and 9 mins

Unabridged Audiobook

Release date: 06-13-17

Language: English

Publisher: Blackstone Audio, Inc.

Genre: Alternate History, Sci Fi, Time Travel

My Ration: 4.5 of 5.0 Overall; Story 4.25; Narration 4.5.

Publisher's Summary

At the height of the air war in Europe, Captain Joe Farley and the baseball-loving, wisecracking crew of the B-17 Flying Fortress Fata Morgana are in the middle of a harrowing bombing mission over eastern Germany when everything goes sideways. The bombs are still falling and flak is still exploding all around the 20-ton bomber as it is knocked like a bathtub duck into another world.

Suddenly stranded with the final outcasts of a desolated world, Captain Farley navigates a maze of treachery and wonderand finds a love seemingly decreed by fate—as his bomber becomes a pawn in a centuries-old conflict between remnants of advanced but decaying civilizations. Caught among these bitter enemies, a vast power that has brought them here for its own purposes, and a terrifying living weapon bent on their destruction, the crew must use every bit of their formidable inventiveness and courage to survive.

Fata Morgana—the epic novel of love and duty at war across the reach of time.

©2017 Steven R. Boyett & Ken Mitchroney (P)2017 Blackstone Audio, Inc.

Review:
Captain Joe Farley and his WWII flight crew are relieved to get a new B17 when their first one barely limps into base. They name their new plane Fata Morgana and Joe describes a mysterious woman to be painted on the nose. They pick up a new crew member, a Native American who bailed from his plane which shockingly arrived back to base with an all dead crew.

The crew is part of a bombing mission during which the formation comes under attack by German bombers. Suddenly the Fata Morgana is pulled into a dark cloud and spit out into a desolated world. The planet appears devastated and the crew is alarmed when two opposing teams converge on them, one trying to protect them and the other attacking them. It appears the teams are from two rival colonies who are trying to get the plane for their own use. And that these people are not the worst enemy they will face.

The wisecracking crew members are stranded unless their mechanic wizard can get the plane working again. Meanwhile they are all surprised, especially Joe, when the woman of his dreams appears in front of them! She convinces them to return to her community but not everyone is as welcoming as she is. The crew makes friends but will have to survive betrayal to have a future.

The story starts a little slowly as the authors introduce and develop the crewmembers. There is fun banter and baseball camaraderie shared even during the stresses of war. The battle scenes are well written with action and tension. Once the plane crashes in the other world there are totally different tensions and conflicts the crew must face. I liked the well-developed characters, the action, the romance and the plot twists. The romance grows slowly and warmly to mature to a point of heartbreak. There is a strange scene involving limited characters around the center of the time whirlwind. This gives some of the surprising background of the world. I anticipated the betrayal but didn’t see all of the twists which made it interesting.

This isn’t as good as my favorite alternate history/universe series, The Destroyermen series, but it was a fun, fill-in listen. I recommend this to readers/listeners who enjoy World War II era and/or the alternate history genre.

Audio Notes: Macleod Andrews does a wonderful job with the narration. He captures the variety of character accents and energies. His narration helped to bring the story alive. The narration enhanced the story for me and I would be glad to listen to more by this narrator.

Source: 12/2/2017 Audible Daily Deal $3.95. This qualifies for 2019TBR and 2019Audiobook goals.

Book Review: Blackout (A Riley Covington Thriller Book 3) by Jason Elam and Steve Yohn

This is a fast-paced Christian suspense thriller.
Blackout (A Riley Covington Thriller Book 3)
by Jason Elam and Steve Yohn

Series: A Riley Covington Thriller (Book 3)
Paperback: 416 pages
Publisher: Tyndale House Publishers, Inc. (January 1, 2010)
ISBN-13: 978-1414331720
Genre: Christian, Suspense Thriller
My Rating: 4.25 of 5.0

Riley Covington is still reeling from his father’s brutal murder when he learns he’s been traded. Meanwhile, the counterterrorism division has detected a plot to detonate electromagnetic pulse bombs that could leave the U.S. without power, communications, and transportation—right down to dropping planes out of the sky. CTD scrambles to stop the attacks, but they run out of time. Amid the fallout, Riley, Scott, Skeeter, and CTD must regroup to make sure the second bomb doesn’t reach its destination.

Review:
Riley is a professional linebacker and a young man who served a tour of duty in Afghanistan. Then he became a hero fighting a terrorist threat on his own turf in American with his special ops team. (Book 1: Monday Night.) The team dealt with a second wave of terrorists that strike directly at Riley and his loved ones. (Book Two: Blown Coverage.) Riley is surprised and confused when he is traded from his beloved Colorado team to a team in Washington, D.C.

Before Riley can even get settled in with the new team he is injured. That doesn’t stop his new bosses from using him for promotional purposes. The situation also intrigues a female friend from back home who sees Riley as a way to journalistic stardom. She is prepared to push her career forward even if it exposes Riley’s covert operations.

Once again Riley’s football career is interrupted as he is drawn back into the special ops team to help track down terrorists who have stolen nuclear weapons. Riley and his team have previously briefed the Whitehouse on the dangers on an EMP strike. Now that threat seems imminent if Riley and the other warriors don’t stop the terrorists.

This is a fast-paced thriller with danger and consequences resulting from an EMP strike over a major city. I enjoyed meeting the team Riley works with, including his personal security guard, his superior, the geeky, genius computer tech “Gooey”, the doctor, Khadi, and others. Khadi holds Riley’s interest, but he has to keep his distance because he is a strong Christian and she is not a believer. This creates conflicts and problems they both are aware of. There are other Christian friends from Riley’s Colorado football team who end up with challenges of their own during this adventure (or misadventure) as they find themselves in the city after all power goes out.

I had a little trouble sorting through the characters at first and this might not have been a problem if I had read books 1 and 2. Still, most of my ladies book club really enjoyed this and a couple will get the other books. I picked up the boxed set so I could go back if I wanted and have book four too. I recommend this to reader’s who like action packed Christian Thrillers. You might want to start with book 1.

Source: Print 2017 for Ladies Book Club; I picked up the boxed set on Kindle 2019.  I’m going to count this towards 2019TBR goal.

Audible Book Review: Eye of the Needle by Ken Follett

This is a solid, engaging spy thriller.

Eye of the Needle
By: Ken Follett
Narrated by: Eric Lincoln

Length: 9 hrs and 16 mins
Unabridged Audiobook
Release date: 05-13-08
Language: English
Publisher: Brilliance Audio
Genre: Historical Thriller, Spy Thriller
My Rating: 4.25 of 5.0 Overall; Story 4.25; Narration 4.25.

Publisher's Summary
Edgar Award Winner, Best Novel, 1979
One enemy spy knows the secret of the Allies' greatest deception, a brilliant aristocrat and ruthless assassin - code name: "The Needle" - who holds the key to the ultimate Nazi victory.
Only one person stands in his way: a lonely Englishwoman on an isolated island, who is coming to love the killer who has mysteriously entered her life.
This is Ken Follett's unsurpassed and unforgettable masterwork of suspense, intrigue, and dangerous machinations of the human heart.
©1978 Ken Follett (P)1985 Brilliance Audio

Review:
The Needle, aka Faber, is one of the handful of German spies who has yet to be nabbed in London. He has been living as one invisible workman after another. He is careful to choose his personas, his housing and his employment to minimize suspicion. But if his disguise is at risk, he has few scruples in eliminating those who might expose him.

Faber meets with another German spy whom he believes to have been compromised. The man gives an important message to Faber who sets off to investigate the situation. Faber discovers the biggest deception of the Allies’ war strategy. He gets pictures and now has to get the pictures and his information back safely to Hitler. He is on the run with a dogged inspector hot on his tail.

Faber’s efforts to reach a U-boat rendezvous bring him to isolated Storm Island. One end of the island is occupied by a crippled pilot (David), his sad, conflicted wife (Lucy) and their child. An elderly shepherd lives on the other end of the island and the sheep are in between. Faber is prepared to kill everyone on the island if he has to, but he might be surprised by the resistance he faces.

This spy thriller starts a little slowly but Follet spends that time developing the characters. Not only the Faber, Lucy and David but also several of the authorities involved in the hunt for “the Needle”. Faber is such a precise spy that he stays a step ahead of his trackers. There were some direct sex scenes which weren’t necessary for me even though the scenes added to the depth of the characters I found the deceptive war strategy very interesting and I felt that Follet captured the language and somber tone of the setting. I especially enjoyed the tension of this story as it built to the dangerous climax.

I haven’t read Follet’s longer works but I see he has more WWII spy stories I might like. This may be an older story, but it is still a worthy spy thriller and especially recommended those who like reading in the WWII genre.

Audio Notes: Eric Lincoln does a good job with the narration. His accent fits the story and he provides distinct voices for Faber, the various Englishmen and even for Lucy and her son. The narration added to my enjoyment of this story.

Source: 2011 Audible purchase. This qualifies for 2019TBR and 2019Audiobook goal.

Audible Book Review: A Quiet Life in the Country by T E Kinsey

This is a nice, cozy historical mystery.
A Quiet Life in the Country
A Lady Hardcastle Mystery, Book 1
By: T E Kinsey
Narrated by: Elizabeth Knowelden

Series: Lady Hardcastle Mysteries, Book 1
Length: 7 hrs and 43 mins
Unabridged Audiobook
Release date: 10-04-16
Language: English
Publisher: Brilliance Audio
Genre: Amateur Sleuth, Cozy Mystery, Historical
My Rating: 4.25 of 5.0 Overall; Story 4.25; Narration 4.25.

Publisher's Summary
Lady Emily Hardcastle is an eccentric widow with a secret past. Florence Armstrong, her maid and confidante, is an expert in martial arts. The year is 1908 and they’ve just moved from London to the country, hoping for a quiet life.
But it is not long before Lady Hardcastle is forced out of her self-imposed retirement. There’s a dead body in the woods, and the police are on the wrong scent. Lady Hardcastle makes some enquiries of her own, and it seems she knows a surprising amount about crime investigation…
As Lady Hardcastle and Flo delve deeper into rural rivalries and resentment, they uncover a web of intrigue that extends far beyond the village. With almost no one free from suspicion, they can be certain of only one fact: there is no such thing as a quiet life in the country.
Revised edition: This edition of A Quiet Life In The Country includes editorial revisions.
©2016 T E Kinsey. (P)2016 Brilliance Audio, all rights reserved.

Review:
Flo has been lady’s maid and companion to Lady Emily Hardcastle for many years. They fled China after Lady Emily’s husband was murdered and lived in India before returning to London. Now they have moved to the country expecting to live quietly. Only a few days into settling in Lady Emily and Flo go for a walk in the near by woods and stumble upon a death scene. A local young man is hanging from a tree. At first look the police may think this is a tragic suicide until Emily starts to point out the details that show this is really a crime scene.

Lady Emily decides to help the local authorities. Mistress and maid decide to become detectives like Holmes with sidekick Watson. They continue to visit socially while doing questioning. They are invited to attend a local birthday celebration which ends up with trouble. A man is found dead the morning after the party. Inspector Sunderland is addressing the death while the party hostess pulls Lady Emily aside and asks for her help. Knowing that Lady Emily and Flo are doing amateur sleuthing the hostess asks if they can investigate a special jewel that has gone missing.

Lady Emily and Flo are busy if not quiet. They have a lovely relationship that is unusual for the aristocracy in 1908. There is a little mystery to their history which adds to the intrigue of the story. Flo is skilled in martial arts so she is confident she can protect them for the most part. Both Lady Emily and Flo are quick to discern crime clues and are adept at subtly questioning witnesses. Although the initial reaction with the Inspector is hesitant, he soon recognizes their helpful input and they develop a nice friendship. The country setting presents an opportunity to portray village life.

I enjoyed the combination of historical setting, unusual character friendships and busy mystery. The tongue in cheek relationship between mistress and maid/companion adds nice humor. I would pick up more titles in the series when I am looking for a nice historical mystery. I recommend this to readers who enjoy historical, cozy mystery.

Audio Notes: Elizabeth Knowelden does a lovely job with the narration. She provides distinct voices for the characters and captures the unique British humor. The narration enhanced my enjoyment in this story.

Source: July 2017 Audible Sale $4.95. This qualifies for 2019TBR and 2019Audiobook goals.

Audible Book Review: Monster Hunter Memoirs:Sinners by Larry Correia, John Ringo

This is an easy, fun listen.
Monster Hunter Memoirs: Sinners
By: Larry Correia, John Ringo
Narrated by: Oliver Wyman

Series: Monster Hunter Memoirs, Book 2, Monster Hunter , Book 2
Length: 10 hrs and 30 mins
Unabridged Audiobook
Release date: 12-06-16
Language: English
Publisher: Audible Studios
Genre: Fantasy, Paranormal, Urban Fantasy
My Rating: 4.5 of 5.0 Overall; Story 4.25; Narration 4.75

Publisher's Summary
A new novel in the Monster Hunter Memoirs series. Two authors, who combined have over four million books in print and 10 New York Times best sellers, team up to expand Larry Correia's Monster Hunter universe!
Nightmare in the Big Easy
With New Orleans out of control, Chad Oliver Gardenier, one of Monster Hunter International's premier hunters, has been dispatched from Seattle to reinforce the beleaguered members of MHI'S Hoodoo Squad in their fight against the darkness.
Chad had once taken a werewolf while wearing only jogging gear. With half a dozen or more loup garou appearing every full moon, mysterious shadow demons, houdoun necromancers, 50-foot bipedal crocodiles showing up every couple of months, and more vampires than a Goth concert, New Orleans in the '80s gives a whole new perspective to the term hell on earth. In fact more monsters are popping up than crawfish at a fais do do! Chad may be able to collect enormous bounties for the monsters he kills. But there's one catch: He has to stay alive to do it!
©2016 Larry Correia and John Ringo (P)2016 Audible, Inc.

Review:
Chad Oliver Gardenier took the chance to get out of Seattle where he had a target on his back for messing with a young (40 year old) elf. Chad doesn’t like the heat of Louisiana but soon realizes that he likes the food, the women and the busy hunting action, not necessarily in that order.

New Orleans is experiencing an increase of supernatural creatures and it is important for the forces who fight the monsters to get control of the infestations before the issues leak to the pubic at large. The local communities aren’t such a problem since they are inclined to believe in the paranormal and magic and most of the people love the HooDoo squad.

I liked the more relaxed relationship between the Monster Hunter International (MHI) team and the local authorities including the local officers in the Federal Monster Control Bureau (MCB). The MCB is tasked with keeping supernatural from the public eye. When an incident occurs the MCB have a clean up crew and a mostly reasonable accidental explanation for the damage and deaths.

I was glad to listen to this cheeky monster hunting journal in the MHI universe. This series is full of action and humor. Chad is fun although on the wild side as a Casanova aka Player. He feels his exuberance in life is justified since he expects to die soon considering the nature of his business fighting werewolves (loup garou), vampires, zombies, strange squid, giant (elephant size) mole rats and eventually giant land scrambling, people eating lobsters (or similar crustacean). Chad actually does have a soft side for his friends and teammates and he tries to save the innocent bystanders whenever he can. This comes out even with some bad language and lots of ‘battle’ action.

It was nice to have some regular MHI characters join the New Orleans battle including, Earl, Ray, Milo and even MCB Agent Franks. This story is presented as a journal of Chad’s early days in New Orleans. The journal includes fun and serious tips for younger hunters and fun details regarding the Puff bounties which were numerous. I recommend this to those who already love the MHI series and as a fun listen to someone who might want to try the series.

Audio Notes: Oliver Wyman does a wonderful job narrating this series. I love his emotional energy as well as his multiple voices. Listening is a wonderfully entertaining experience.

Source: July 2017 Audible Sale $4.95. This qualifies for 2019TBR and 2019Audiobook goal.

Audible Book Review: Cry Wolf by Patricia Briggs

This is reliable Briggs: strong writing and entertainment.
Cry Wolf
by Patricia Briggs
Narrated by: Holter Graham

Series: Alpha and Omega, Book 1
Length: 10 hrs and 2 mins
Unabridged Audiobook
Release date: 01-15-09
Language: English
Publisher: Penguin Audio
Genre: Paranormal, Werewolves
My Rating: 4.25 of 5.0 Overall; Story 4.25; Narration 4.5.

Publisher's Summary
Anna never knew werewolves existed until the night she survived a violent attack...and became one herself. After three years at the bottom of the pack, she'd learned to keep her head down and never, ever trust dominant males. But Anna is that rarest kind of werewolf: an Omega. And one of the most powerful werewolves in the country will recognize her value as a pack member - and as his mate.
©2008 Patricia Briggs (P)2008 Penguin

Review:
Anna suffered pack abuse after first being attacked and turned to a werewolf three years ago. Her pack Alpha, Leo, in an attempt to control her, had given the pack members permission to assault and abuse her. She learned to hide her feelings along with her distrust of the dominant males.

Bran Cornick, the Marrok, (leader of all werewolves), sent his ‘enforcer’ son, Charles, to address problems and to challenge Leo and other leaders of the Chicago pack. Surprising them both, Charles’ wolf claimed Anna’s wolf as mate even as he battled the corrupt werewolves, suffering major injuries.

Bran arrives to take care of the injured Charles and to help move Anna to his home territory. Anna is still intimidated by Bran and Charles as she tries to believe they mean her no harm. Anna is confused when she is told she is a rare werewolf, an Omega. An Omega has unusual strengths and powers if only she can gain confidence to discover them.

Charles is still recovering from his injuries when he is called upon to investigate some suspicious attacks in the nearby mountains. The latest survivor has described the attacker as a ‘wolf monster’. It may be a rogue werewolf or, more dangerously, it may be a purposeful attack.

Bran directs Charles to take Anna with him for the investigation, hoping to give them a chance to get to know each other. They are supposed to just determine the situation, but instead they face a powerful attack with an obsessed character. Not only are their lives threatened but Bran and his entire pack are at risk.

I have read and enjoyed the Mercy Thompson series by Briggs. I was pleased that this book is set in the same world. Anna’s character is allowed to grow into her true strengths which was a nice process to watch. I liked getting a deeper picture of Bran and especially of Charles and the features he inherited from his Native American mother.

There is danger, suspense and shrewd battle situations. I appreciated the fact that the romance is tentative and allowed to mature with sweet rapport rather than sexual heat. I was engaged with the characters and the story. I recommend this to Briggs’ fans and to readers who like strong, but sweet, werewolf stories.

Audio Notes: Holter Graham succeeds in providing wonderful narration. It was a little surprising to hear a male narrator for this, but his performance was spot on. He was able to give appropriate voices and emotions to the characters. The narration enhanced this book experience for me.

Source: Feb 2018 Audible January Credit. This qualifies for 2019TBR and 2019Audiobook goal.

Audible Book Review: Rath's Deception by Piers Platt

This is a suspenseful story of assassins.

Rath's Deception
The Janus Group, Book 1
By: Piers Platt
Narrated by: James Fouhey

Series: The Janus Group, Book 1
Length: 11 hrs and 1 min
Unabridged Audiobook
Release date: 12-04-15
Language: English
Publisher: Piers Platt
Genre: Assassins, Military Thriller, Military Sci Fi
My Rating: 4.0 of 5.0 Overall; Story 4.0; Narration 4.0.

Publisher's Summary
On the cut-throat streets of Tarkis, orphaned teens like Rath end up jailed...or dead. So when the shadowy Janus Group offers Rath a chance to earn riches beyond his wildest dreams, he seizes it. But the Janus Group is as ruthless as the elite assassins it controls. Rath will have to survive their grueling, off-world training, and fulfill all 50 kills in his contract before a single cent comes his way. And ending so many lives comes with a price Rath can't anticipate. It'll certainly cost him what's left of his innocence. It may well cost him his life.
©2015 Piers Platt (P)2015 Piers Platt

Review:
He had a sad childhood, losing his mother to drugs and his beloved older brother to a gang killing. His brother had always encouraged his excellent memory (photographic). Rath is looking at gang life himself when the secret Janus Group offers him a dangerous dream. If he commits to become their trained assassin, he will receive millions of dollars once he completes all 50 kills.

Rath is put through a merciless test to get the job. He is then modified with implants, provided with a portable replication machine and trained to begin his career as an assassin. The monitors watching him see his inexperience and errors. They are sure he won’t make it past 10 kills. But Rath has an unconventional and unexpected success in his assignments.

As time goes on Rath is even pulled in to capture or kill a former assassin who succeeded in the job but has had to dodge the Group who doesn’t plan to honor their pay out commitments. Rath occasionally struggles with the ethical issues of his job. Although most of the targets are wicked, evil people there are also contracted killings purchased by the extremely wealthy. As his job completions increase and the assignments become more dangerous, Rath has reason to suspect he may not be able to trust the Group.

Meanwhile there is a detective who continues to try to uncover the secret Janis Group. He was disgraced after early claims of the existence of such a shadowy group, but he is truly a good detective. A reporter investigating the assassin’s guild reaches out to the detective. When the reporter and his family are killed the detective becomes more convinced that the Group has some highly placed leadership that even controls some enforcement officers.

I liked the danger and twists in this space sci fi thriller, even though I didn’t like the swearing. Rath is not the easiest character to like. He is young, impulsive and sloppy. I had mixed feelings about the  I enjoyed the dogged efforts of the detective and I was engaged to see what would happen with Rath and with the admired, precise assassin who escaped after she completed her 50 kills.

The story moved along at a good pace. There are a few chapters that showcase other assassins whose lives are expected to cross with Rath. I would recommend this to readers who enjoy assassin stories. Just be prepared for some language and gritty killing.

Audio Notes: James Fouhey does a good job with the narration. He provides good voices and appropriate energy. I am glad that I listened to the book on audio.

Source: Audible Sale Purchase December 2016. This qualifies for 2019TBR and 2019Audiobook goals.

Audible Book Review: Noble Beginnings by L.T. Ryan

This is a fast listen but a little beyond believable.
Noble Beginnings
By: L. T. Ryan
Narrated by: Dennis Holland

Series: Jack Noble, Book 1
Length: 5 hrs and 30 mins
Unabridged Audiobook
Release date: 10-13-15
Language: English
Publisher: Audible Studios
Genre: Military Thriller
My Rating: 3.0 of 5.0 Overall; Story 3.0; Narration 3.0.

Publisher's Summary
In March of 2002, while the eyes of the world focused on Afghanistan, Jack Noble finds himself on the outskirts of Baghdad, Iraq. A Marine in name only, Jack is on loan to the CIA. Normally an integral part of the team, he finds that he is nothing more than a security detail in Iraq.
Jack and his partner Bear have a run-in with four CIA special agents over the treatment of an Iraqi family. Within hours Jack and Bear are detained.
All Jack wanted was to finish his enlistment and move on with his life. All he did was intervene and save a family from unwarranted violence at the hands of four CIA agents. But he soon discovers that he did far more than intervene. He has placed himself dead square in the middle of a conspiracy that reaches the highest levels of the US government.
This fast-paced political crime thriller by USA Today best-selling author L.T. Ryan will leave you burning through the minutes as Jack races to stop the conspiracy before it claims his life. Fans of Jack Reacher, Mitch Rapp, and Jason Bourne should enjoy Jack Noble.
©2012 L.T. Ryan (P)2015 Audible, Inc.

Review:
Jack, a ‘Marine’ (apparently special forces, specially trained) and his partner, Bear, are on loan to a team of CIA agents in Baghdad. When the CIA leader threatens innocents, Jack balks and gets in the way. He and the leader take it to the street to settle the disagreement by fists. Although Jack gets some good licks in, there are four to one as they have separated him from Bear. When the CIA team is chased off, Jack knows he has really ticked them off. Soon he and Bear are way-laid on their way back to base and find themselves being interrogated and accused of murder. Jack has difficulty reaching his handler and suspects something more serious is afoot.

Jack and Bear narrowly escape one detention cell after another, always suffering beatings and then dodging bullets on the way out. As Jack tries to find answers and get to safety, he begins to realize that someone really wants them, especially him, out of the picture. If only he can figure out how deep or high up the chain the problem goes before it is too late.

I have seen the Jack Reacher movie and read one of the books (by Lee Child). I had hoped this would be similar, but I found it disappointing. I wanted to like Jack as a character, but he was just a bit too quick to fight first and think second for my tastes. I did appreciate his intelligence and the dangerous suspense. I liked how he was able to piece together the threat and address it although the ending wasn’t ideal. It was sad to think that forces would abuse each other – that I suspect is too true. I can only recommend this to readers who like repeated beatings and unrealistic scenarios of escape.

Audio Notes: Dennis Holland does a fair job of narrating. He attempts different voices without creating any particularly interesting characters. The audio made it easier for me to try the series but it didn’t enhance the week story enough to make me want to try more.

Source: 9/21/18 Audible Daily Deal $1.95. This qualifies for 2019TBR and 2019Audiobook goals.

Audible Book Review: The Anatomy of Peace by The Arbinger Institute

This is a wonderful resource and I recommend it to everyone!
The Anatomy of Peace, Expanded Second Edition
Resolving the Heart of Conflict
By: The Arbinger Institute
Narrated by: Oliver Wyman

Length: 6 hrs and 5 mins
Unabridged Audiobook
Release date: 11-13-15
Language: English
Publisher: Blackstone Audio, Inc.
Genre: Relationship, Self Development
My Rating: 5.0 of 5.0 Overall; Story 5.0; Narration 5.0.

Publisher's Summary
What if conflicts at home, conflicts at work, and conflicts in the world stem from the same root cause? What if we systematically misunderstand that cause? And what if, as a result, we systematically perpetuate the very problems we think we are trying to solve?
From the authors of Leadership and Self-Deception comes an international best seller that instills hope and inspires reconciliation. Through a moving story of parents who are struggling with their own children and with problems that have come to consume their lives, we learn from once-bitter enemies the way to transform personal, professional, and global conflicts, even when war is upon us.
Download the accompanying reference guide.
©2006, 2008, 2015 Arbinger Properties, LLC (P)2015 Blackstone Audio, Inc.

Review:
When I picked this audiobook (originally and last week for reading), I wasn’t sure if I would like it or have to push through it. I was wonderfully surprised when I recognized the narrator’s voice (from fiction series Monster Hunter International) and was pulled right in. Although this is nonfiction to the extent it is a self-development work, it is told in an engaging story through the eyes of parents who are struggling with out of control teens. The primary character is also suffering from implosion at his company so the lessons in the workshop hit home doubly for him.

The parents meet in a two-day session to support their children who are entering an intervention camp program. The parents have reason to be secretive, wary and judgmental until the leaders share a story of political/cultural enemies who found their lives transformed by changing their views. The leaders are two unlikely companions: Yusuf al-Falah, a Palestinian Arab and Avi Rozen, an Israeli Jew.

The premise of the presentation is that people live with either a heart at peace or a heart at war. Too often it is the heart of war as we set expectations for others that we don’t necessarily require of ourselves. Since a ‘heart at war needs enemies’, we lift ourselves up at the expense of others and find (untruthful) ways to justify our own behaviors – most often by transferring the blame to others. It often involves self-betrayal (our desires supersede honor) which fuels the anger and unhappiness within us. We must determine to see the worthiness of others so that we can provide ourselves with a heart at peace.

This reminded me very much of the transactional analysis program I took in my 20’s. The bottom line I was reminded of is: we cannot change the behavior or actions of others but we can accept responsibility for and change our own actions (and reactions).

The audio book came with a download resource of the graphs and worksheets that provide direction to identify strengths and weaknesses and help focus on getting out of wrong thinking ‘boxes’. I see so many people, family and strangers, who I think could benefit from reading this book.

Audio notes: I recognized the voice of Oliver Wyman immediately and it made my heart happy. This is very different from the Monster Hunter series he narrates but he does a great job with this too. His voice and character voices pulled me in right away and helped me feel as part of the workshop with the characters. The story and narration are a great fit.

Source: Audible Daily Deal 2016, $2.95. This qualifies for 2019TBR, 2019Audiobook and nonfiction goals.

#NetGalley and Audible Book Review: Nightstalkers, An Area 51 Novel, by Bob Mayer

This is just the sort of monster/alien hunting action I enjoy for a quick read.

Nightstalkers
An Area 51 Novel
By: Bob Mayer
Narrated by: Eric G. Dove

Series: Area 51, Area 51: The Nightstalkers, Book 1
Length: 7 hrs and 27 mins
Unabridged Audiobook
Release date: 12-11-12
Language: English
Publisher: Brilliance Audio
Genre: Action & Adventure, Fantasy, Sci Fi
My Rating: 4.0of 5.0 Overall; Story 4.0; Narration 4.0.

Publisher's Summary
Staff Sergeant Winthrop Carter only enlisted in the army for the steady pay. When he cheated on the Special Forces’ final exam, he never expected his actions would get him drafted into the Nightstalkers - an elite team with a mysterious mission and even more mysterious leader.
For decades, Rifts have been opening and unleashing bloodthirsty alien life forms into our reality. The Nightstalkers’ goal is to shut down these breaches and stop the beings that emerge from rampaging out of control.
While still integrating with his unusual teammates - including a sociopath, a Black Ops washout, and a contemporary MacGyver - Carter gets his first taste of interdimensional action when a Rift opens inside a gated community. With half a dozen deadly invaders threatening the residents, the Nightstalkers must hunt down and eliminate the aliens before they break through containment and wreak havoc on an unsuspecting world.
©2012 Robert Mayer (P)2012 Brilliance Audio, Inc.

Review:
The Nightstalkers are a special, elite team, with a mysterious leader and a mysterious mission. They draw from the best of the army and special forces, seeking those who are willing to commit to a team that puts their lives on the line every assignment. The Nightstalker team has to contain and sometimes annihilate supernatural enemies, creatures that most people don’t know exist. They do their best to minimize collateral damage but are prepared to us excessive force if needed.

The team opens with an action-packed mission to close a dimensional rift and in the process one team member gets pinned with cactus spines causing him to question why he is doing this work. When that injured member walks away, Staff Sergeant Winthrop Carter, is asked to fill the opening on the team.

The team is led by “Moms” and under the direction of a mysterious woman who speaks with a Russian Accent. She has rarely been seen in person as she usually meets with the team in holographic form. The team consists of members who have unusual skills that work together: sharpshooting, troubleshooting, tech expertise, bomb specialist and communications.

Carter is just getting used to the strange team members when they are called out to a wealthy country club subdivision to eliminate the alien “fireflies” which inhabit inanimate objects. The team is setting up ‘undercover’ in one of the elite houses, but a smart, sassy teen from the house across the street is watching every move. “Scout” shows up at the door and offers her services since she knows the neighborhood and clearly the team needs some guidance to fit in.

While they are hunting the creatures to eliminate, they are also concerned about an important artifact that has gone missing and could be misused in the wrong hands. It is soon clear that someone who knows their protocols has brought an attack against the team.

Neither the characters, nor the plot are deeply developed but they are sufficiently set out to make it fun. I totally enjoyed the action and the quirky characters. Scout makes a fun addition. I liked the 1970’s references – they worked for me. I recommend this as an easy read for readers who like monster hunting, military sci fi.

Audio Notes: Eric G. Dove does a nice job with the narration. He distinguishes the character voices, male and female. His voice fits the quick action. The narration added to my enjoyment of the story.

Source: NetGalley 2013 originally and Kindle Unlimited and Whisper Sync pick up 5/4/19. This qualifies for 2019TBR, 2019 NetGalley and 2019Audiobook reading goals.

#NetGalley Book Review: Read on Arrival by Nora Page

This is a fun, cozy, who-done-it mystery.
Read on Arrival
A Bookmobile Mystery
by Nora Page

File Size: 3314 KB
Print Length: 329 pages
Page Numbers Source ISBN: 1643850032
Publisher: Crooked Lane Books (May 7, 2019)
ASIN: B07HM7PGTG
Genre: Amateur Sleuth, Animals, Cozy Mystery
My Rating: 4.0 of 5.0

Death, deadly omens, and a decades-overdue book put senior librarian Cleo Watkins on a collision course with a killer in the second Bookmobile mystery.
Septuagenarian librarian Cleo Watkins believes in gracious manners, sweet tea, and justice―library justice. For over forty years, Cleo has tried every trick in the book to get delinquent patron Dixie Huddleston to return the most overdue volume in Catalpa Springs, Georgia. When Dixie says she’ll finally relinquish the book, Cleo is shocked. She’s even more startled by the reason: superstitious Dixie says she’s seen the signs: she’s about to die and is setting her affairs in order.
Cleo dismisses Dixie’s ominous omens…until she and her gentleman friend, Henry Lafayette, arrive at Dixie’s home to find her dead. Cleo suspects murder. The police agree but promptly list Cleo among the likely culprits. To clear her good name and deliver justice, Cleo uses her librarian skills to investigate, with Henry and her trusty bookmobile cat, Rhett Butler, at her side.
However, the killer has opened a new chapter of terror. Death threats appear around town, and residents start seeing bad luck everywhere, including in Cleo and her beloved bookmobile Words on Wheels. With her bookmobile and legacy on the line, Cleo accelerates her sleuthing. Suspects and clues stack up, but so does the danger. Another death is coming due, and Cleo fears the killer may be about to turn the final page on someone she loves most.

Review:
Cleo Watkins is a woman in her 70s who has been the local librarian, spreading her passion for books for over 40 years. During those years Cleo has tried to recover a special library book, Luck and Lore, from local real estate broker, Dixie. Dixie insists the book has been her lucky token for her successful career and she has flaunted it under Cleo’s nose. But suddenly Dixie is experiencing death omens and she wants to return the book. When Cleo and her gentleman friend, Henry, goes to Dixie’s home to pick up the book. Instead of the book they find Dixie’s dead body in clearly suspicious circumstances.

Cleo has previous used her amateur skills to solve a local murder. It is natural that community members are coming to her for information and encouraging her to dig up clues. Even her neighbor, Gabby, a Deputy Sheriff, is willing to accept input from Cleo, although Gabby warns Cleo to stay safe. While Cleo continues to look for the missing library book and clues about the murder, she is also fighting attempts from a bouncy blonde who is flirting with the library board president while proposing modernization of the library, including Cleo’s beloved bookmobile.

This is a true, warm ‘cozy’ mystery. I enjoyed the elderly characters with their precious pets (cat for Cleo and dog for Henry). I also liked Cleo’s friendship with her neighbor, Deputy Sheriff, Gabby. The small community is full of lively characters and a list of possible suspects who had various motives for disliking and ultimately killing Dixie. The murder is creative and the ongoing death threats to other members of the community adds to the mystery.

The small-town setting is ‘cozy’ and the easy flowing writing is a clear fit for the cozy, who-done-it genre. I sort of wished I could have read this in the fall to fit with the cover which pulled me in. But, anytime of the year, it is a satisfactory read for the cozy mystery fan.

Source: NetGalley 2018 This is the last of my 2018 NetGalley picks. This qualifies for 2019TBR and 2019NetGalley goal.

Book Review and Giveaway: The Breaking Point by Karen Ball

This is full of emotional conflict.
The Breaking Point
by Karen Ball

File Size: 5983 KB
Print Length: 400 pages
Publisher: Multnomah (September 26, 2009)
ASIN: B002QJZ9PO
Genre: Christian, Family Drama, Inspirational
My Rating: 3.5 of 5.0

Caught in a blizzard, they expected to fight for their lives. What they didn’t expect was a miracle…
Renee and Gabe Roman are on the edge—relationally and spiritually. Both believe they are followers of Christ who know God. So why is their marriage so difficult? After years of struggle, they wonder if it’s all been for nothing.
Then, on an anniversary trip to a remote resort, their truck hurtles down the side of a mountain. Suddenly, they find themselves at the mercy of the rugged Oregon wilderness, forced to fight for survival by relying on each other. But both must surrender their last defenses if they are to come home at last—to God and to each other.
Can the Romans overcome their greatest obstacle—themselves—in time?

Review:
Renee is a young woman who was raised in a family strongly grounded in faith. This doesn’t protect her from physical desires and emotional upheaval.

Gabe was raised under the tyranny of an abusive father who filled Gabe with negative self-views. Gabe is only able to find approval when he discovers he has the ability to put on a face that is praised by his church group. Gabe is able to hold that mask even though his youth pastor questions if his supposed ‘calling’ is real. His biggest problem, other than living behind a mask, is controlling his raging temper.

Renee and Gabe meet on college campus and quickly are enthralled with each other. Their relationship leads to unexpected consequences and, sooner than planned, marriage. Although they love each other they have a great capacity to hurt each other and find their love traveling into hate and resentment. This emotional roller coaster continues for years. Finally they get help from a caring, Godly couple, and agree to separate to seek self-healing so they, hopefully, can heal their marriage. Even with that, they end a short vacation with arguing and silence while driving home through a snowstorm.

The story telling is interesting as it flows from present to past events following both characters. Peppered through the story are diary entries sharing the pain of an estranged marriage. The story reveals real life struggles that face even Christ followers. Issues are shared with strong faith while the chapters begin with paired quotes from secular works and the Bible. Although there were some wonderful, meaningful phrases, I found the fractious relationship to be sad, tiring and a bit drawn out.

One of the genre listings at Amazon is "psychological thriller" which I think is misleading. This may be considered psychological fiction but I would call it family drama. I have to admit that this isn’t my favorite genre or style of reading. I much prefer adventure and entertainment over emotional trauma. The ladies in my ladies’ book club had mixed reactions too. Several loved it while a couple of us said… ‘okay – it wasn’t my style’. If you read for entertainment, this might not be a book for you. However, if you enjoy a faith based story that shares real life emotional turmoil, this is one you should want to pick up.

I bought the print book several years ago and picked up the Kindle version in April to read for our April Ladies Book Club meeting. I’m going to count this toward 2019TBR goal.

GIVEAWAY

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