Audio Book Review: The Red Shoelace Killer by Susan Sundwall

This is a fun cozy mystery but I was not impressed by the narration.

The Red Shoelace Killer

by Susan Sundwall

Narrated by: Lee Ann Howlett

Length: 6 hrs and 15 mins
Unabridged Audiobook
Release Date:03-24-14
Publisher: Susan Sundwall
Genre: Cozy Mystery
My Rating: 3.75 of 5.0

First in the Minnie Markwood Mysteries: Minnie Markwood can out-sleuth Miss Marple any day of the week - in her imagination. But when a real killer begins to target Minnie and her young sidekicks, reality trumps imagination big time. Who's buying up all the red shoelaces at the mall and stalking a cashier? Is it the killer who terrorized Minnie on the highway and kidnapped her coworker?  It soon becomes frighteningly clear that Minnie's onto something, and The Red Shoelace Killer's days are numbered.
©2012 Susan Sundwall (P)2014 Susan Sundwall

Review:
Minnie Markwood is a widow in her 50s. She works as a survey taker in Albany, New York. Minnie is a down to earth, sweet woman who ends up sleuthing with her co-worker Rashawna and Rashawna’s brand new boyfriend, Joel. Rashawna is a cute, exhuberant 21 year old who is a bit on the ‘ditzy’ side. Joel appears to be a shiftless, but very likable, young man with an affection for Rashawna and a protective streak that conflicts with his self-preservation instincts.

Joel begins to ‘confess’ to Minnie that he has knowledge of the unsolved Red Shoe Lace Killer case. After seeing some strange, staring men at the mall and finding a store that sells red shoe laces these three set off on a not-so-casual investigation of suspicious activity, including a visit to Joel’s “mean” boss-lady, Salina. Minnie is friends with the local police detective who gives her the okay to keep an eye on things but expects her to call for back up if anything truly suspicious or dangerous arises.

Little sightings and details build up to threats with shoe laces tied on Minnie’s car mirror and an attempted kidnapping. I did think that these details should have been turned over to the detective but, of course, that might ruin the story for these rather bumbling investigators.

The characters are fun and the mystery has a humorous absurdity to it. There is a bit of mundane description and action throughout but overall the reading is light, easy and appropriate to the genre. However, I think this is one story that might be better read than listened to on audio, as my audio notes below indicate. I would recommend this to those who like cozy mysteries.

Audio Notes: Sadly, I found the narration to be very monotone and dragging. Initially it might be thought that the plodding narration was suited to the older character Minnie, and it reminded me a little bit of Murder She Wrote. But the voice for Rashawna is a squeaky girl sound and I’m not sure there was much effort to change the tone for Joel. There was minimal excitement and expression shared. It was so distracting that it detracted from my enjoyment of the book. Listen to the sample to see if you could enjoy that reading for 8 hours. It might just be that I wanted a bit more up beat but I don’t think it is just me.

I received this audiobook from the author/publisher through Audiobook Jukebox.

Audio / Audible Book Review: The End is Nigh: Apocalypse Triptych Anthology

I really enjoyed the variety on the anticipating apocalypse theme in this engaging anthology.

Title: The End is Nigh: Apocalypse Triptych
Author: John Joseph Adams, Hugh Howey
Narrator: Mur Lafferty, Rajan Khanna, Kate Baker,
Lex Wilson, RalphWalters, Jack Kincaid,
Norm Sherman, James Keller, Anaea Lay

Length: 15 hrs and 8 mins
Unabridged Audiobook
Release Date:04-08-14
Publisher: Broad Reach Publishing
Genre: Science Fiction
My Rating: 4.5 of 5.0

Publisher: Broad Reach Publishing
Famine. Death. War. Pestilence. These are the harbingers of the biblical apocalypse, of the End of the World. In science fiction, the end is triggered by less figurative means: nuclear holocaust, biological warfare/pandemic, ecological disaster, or cosmological cataclysm. But before any catastrophe, there are people who see it coming. During, there are heroes who fight against it. And after, there are the survivors who persevere and try to rebuild. THE APOCALYPSE TRIPTYCH will tell their stories. Edited by acclaimed anthologist John Joseph Adams and bestselling author Hugh Howey,
THE APOCALYPSE TRIPTYCH is a series of three anthologies of apocalyptic fiction. THE END IS NIGH focuses on life before the apocalypse. THE END IS NOW turns its attention to life during the apocalypse. And THE END HAS COME focuses on life after the apocalypse.
Post-apocalyptic fiction is about worlds that have already burned. Apocalyptic fiction is about worlds that are burning. THE END IS NIGH is about the match.
©2014 John Joseph Adams & Hugh Howey

Review:
Overall observation: This anthology has great variety and is full of a bit of humor, a bit of horror, some bittersweet moments and lots of irony. I enjoyed all of the stories, even the horror ones which is a genre I do not generally read. These were short enough to get the point across and some left me hoping for more which I understand may exist in the subsequent anthologies where some of the stories, but not all, may be continued. All of the authors were new-to-me but I will look forward to reading many of them again. I will be picking up Book 2, The End is Now, as soon as I decide if I want to wait for the audio or get it now in Kindle format.

Audio Notes: All of the narration was well done except for one which was awful due to the narrator having a sniffling cold or some other nasal problem which nearly ruined that story. The changes in narrators helped keep the work interesting and distinguished the stories with individual and suitable voices. The audio enhanced my reading enjoyment and I do recommend this in audio format.


Individual Content descriptions and brief comments:
** Are my favorites with * being next in line.
Introduction by John Joseph Adams: Explains the concept behind the “end is nigh”, “end is now” and “the end has come”.

The Balm and the Wound by Robin Wasserman: A con-man preacher of doom is planning his retirement by pulling in the wealth of believers of God's soon coming return. This sleazy man is surprised to meet his 10 year old son, who may be a true seer. (Some foul language.) This is a brash presentation of religious preparedness with an ironic ending.

Heaven is a Place on Planet X by Desirina Boskovich: Aliens have come to earth to announce a date for destruction and deliverance. Only those who go about their lives as usual will be transported to a new life on Planet X at the hour doom. Enforcers, one out of every thousand people, are assigned to determine who violates the rules and they must  vaporize violators on sight. But can the enforcers obey the rules until the end without questioning who are these aliens that no one has seen? This story exudes conspiracies and people being led like sheep.

Break! Break! Break! by Charlie Jane Anders: This young man has been taught how to take a fall, from a roof no less, since the age of four. How many bone breaks can a boy take for stuntman training? How extreme can the videos get before you realize rebellion is crashing around you? I found this bizarre and bleak.

**The Gods Will Not Be Chained by Ken Liu: A genius mentality captured as “Ghosts in the machine” is revealed as a father protects his family through an old computer. Although the story is light on the impending doom theme, I liked this rather sweet and clever twist to artificial intelligence. I hope to read more by this author.

Wedding Day by Jake Kerr: A lesbian couple wait too late to get married while trying to arrange transportation away from an expected asteroid collision. The characters give a personal look at potentially realistic problems with an end of the world scenario. The emotional focus in this story was less interesting for me than some of the other dilemmas faced.

*Removal Order by Tananarive Due: A responsible, caring young woman disobeys orders by staying in a condemned neighborhood to take care of her terminally ill grandmother who can’t be moved. The story has a sorrowful sweetness as it presents a difficult dilemma of making a choice between caring for a loved one or seeking survival and safety.

**System Reset by Tobias S. Buckell: IT adept bounty hunters trace a hacker who plans to “reboot” the electronic systems of society. This poses a realistic, if not unique, possibility and question: which side would you support? Is the villain right or wrong? I really enjoyed the story and the questions.

*This Unkempt World is Falling to Pieces by Jamie Ford: In a 1910 setting a group of fancy, wealthy people are celebrating the end-of-the world as they expect a comet collision. The lowly staff are stuck serving instead of having their own last moments to share. But is it all a publicity stunt; a hoax? Although this is a pretty light offering, I enjoyed the writing tone and irony in this story too.

BRING HER TO ME by Ben H. Winters: This presents a strange religious cult where only one teen of the community doesn’t hear “The Voice” of God like everyone else. Will she escape or try to go with them when they do a ritual death cross-over? And what does it mean when “The Voice” tells her mother, and others: “Bring Her to Me”? Well, this story left me clueless on both questions.

**In the Air by Hugh Howey: A man is part of a group that has secret plans to survive a deadly global nano-strike. He isn’t sure if the end will really come and waivers about his choices waiting too late to tell his wife the truth and too late to make certain choices. This raises questions of morality, integrity and survival instincts. I’d be curious to know what happens next. This is intriguing and brought this author to my attention so I will look for his other works.

*Goodnight Moon by Annie Bellet: A group in a space station orbiting the moon are faced with collision and destruction. Only a couple can escape to warn earth. This is a calm and interesting presentation of choices, sacrifice, resignation and acceptance where personal choices matter more than nationalities, age, race or other defining qualities. I liked this gentle presentation of the theme and want to read this author again.

Dancing with Death in the Land of Nod by Will McIntosh: The world is hit by a plague that paralyzes the victims leaving them with only a nodding head and the ability to respond if assisted. Johnny is already taking care of his elderly father who is experiencing dementia and who is obsessed with his dilapidated, money losing drive-in. Johnny faces a dilemma: does he avoid the plague to protect his ailing father or does he help his neighbors and risk exposure? This is a very down to earth reality and heartrending story. Unfortunately the sniffing and awkward breathing during the narration of this, particularly in the beginning, was horribly distracting.

*Houses Without Air by Megan Arkenberg: Breathable air is fading fast. Two women share their work loves with each other as the world dies. One creates delicate virtual reality computer gaming and the other is an artist who creates miniature memorials. Although this seems to be presented in a bubble world of just these two, there is a poignant analogy to the fairy-tale of The Little Matchgirl.

The Fifth Day of Deer Camp by Scott Sigler: A rough group of hunters in a secluded camp cabin step out to find aliens landed not too far off. This is rather funny in its rustic portrayal of some card playing, beer drinking, good 'ole boys and how they react to a totally unexpected danger.

Enjoy the Moment by Jack McDevitt: A scientist is struggling with establishing a principle that will get her name down in history. As a substitute she decides to try to find a new comet that can be named after her. Her husband is content to live each day while she stresses for achievement. Her enjoyment may be short lived as her name-sake comet approaches earth. Different human reactions, and some more irony, are portrayed in this contribution.

Pretty Soon the Four Horsemen are Going to Come Riding Through by Nancy Kress: A few years have passed since a large volcanic eruption in Indonesia left falling ash as far as New York. There is a mystery regarding unknown elements in the ash particals. Meanwhile a mother struggles to raise her two daughters, the elder ever a trouble maker. But now mom is called in because the younger child has created a concern within her teacher for being too much of a pacifist. Mother watches the children and their classmates puzzling over the differences. Could there be a connection? A very subtle tie-in for the reader to pull together made this a little odd but interesting.

Spores by Seanan McGuire: Megan who suffers from OCD works in a bio lab where she is acutely aware of smells and cleanliness. Her wife, Rachel and their daughter, Nikki, have learned to live with and watch for symptoms of the OCD attacks. Megan returns home one night to find a moldy dish of fruit in the kitchen. She struggles to deal with it without lapsing into a full blown attack. However during the night a terrible thing awakens her and she has to face a man-made fungus growth gone wild. Eek! This is a very eeire tale and the OCD adds an interesting factor.

*She's Got a Ticket to Ride by Jonathan Maberry: John Poe is a man sent in to rescue the misled from dangerous cults. Sometimes the results are satisfying but sometimes they are tragic. This time he encounters a girl who is of age and answers ever question with a reasoned response. Does he have the right to drag her away from the choice she has made because the parents are afraid of losing control of her money? Who is right? What are the choices and who gets to make the choice for others? Well done to put the reader in an introspective mood.

**Agent Unknown by David Wellington: A senior agent for the CDC is tracking people who are showing symptoms of a zombie-like infection. The immediate reaction of law enforcement is to kill the monsters but the agent is trying to bring back infested subjects for research by the CDC authorities who are seeking a cause and a cure. The agent has concerns for the methods of research but even more concerns when facts about the infection reveal a potential long term threat. I haven’t read a lot of zombie stories but I liked the progression of this and the humanity of the agent. I’d like to read more of this author.

Enlightenment by Matthew Mather: Effie is an unhappy, overweight, introverted young woman. She has been attending church meetings looking for a place to belong or looking for love. She meets a charming young man with a bionic arm who appeals to her intellect and encourages her to join him on a deeper search for enlightenment and fulfillment. She is initially appalled but slowly is seduced to a twisted perversion of sacrifice. This is one of the horror tales which I found mostly gruesome and repugnant. It is not really my cup of tea.

*Shooting the Apocalypse by Paolo Bacigalupi: The shooting in this story is with a cameraman and a determined journalist. Timo gets the hard, gritty and sometimes shocking photos while he pulls in Lucy to write the stories to reach the people. They live in a country where water has become a protected commodity and states and communities have set up barriers to prevent traveling over boundary lines. As they begin a story with a bizarre murder scene they discover a larger problem that will impact many readers. This was a bit of an odd beginning but a great punch at the end. My early journalism background made this more interesting for me.

Love Perverts by Sarah Langan: An astroid is heading towards earth and only a limited number of people will receive a ticket to safety. Tom, an introverted teen, and his outrageous and sometimes abusive friend, Jules, face the oncoming collision with different attitudes: she is partying and he is angry. What will a young, gay, teen boy do to get a ticket to be with his little sister so he can protect her from the parents that would reject and abandon him? This is an interesting commentary on the meanings and nature of ‘love’.

I am pleased to have received this title from the publisher through Audiobook Jukebox. The comments are my honest thoughts.

Audio Book Review: Dead Case in Deadwood: Deadwood Mystery, Book 3 by Ann Charles

An engaging, fun listening experience (but be prepared for some use of foul language).

Dead Case in Deadwood: Deadwood Mystery, Book 3

Written by: Ann Charles

Narrated by: Caroline Shaffer

Length: 13 hrs and 32 mins

Series: Deadwood Mysteries, Book 3

Unabridged Audiobook

Release Date:06-17-14

Publisher: Made for Succes

Genre: Mystery, Humor, Paranormal

My Rating: 4.0 of 5.0

Click on book title for full description.
Publisher's Summary
"Nothing good ever happens at the butt-crack of dawn. No doubt, the headless corpse on the autopsy table in front of me would agree." – Violet Parker
Real estate agent Violet "Spooky" Parker stumbles upon a body-part theft ring at the local funeral parlor and suspects her caustic coworker has a hand in it - or maybe a foot. Can Violet discover what's in the crates that the crooks are sneaking out of the mortuary in the dark of night? Or will she end up in one of them herself - in pieces?
©2012 Ann Charles (P)2014 Made for Success

Review:
Violet Parker is a single mother working as a real estate agent where she is in competition with her sarcastic nemesis, Ray. Ray is sure that he will out perform “Blondie” to get her out of the office. Meanwhile Violet is sure that Ray and his friend, George, have some nefarious business going on over at the funeral home that George owns.

Violet has a history of stumbling into trouble that includes strange, as well as dangerous, circumstances The local police detective and fire chief are very familiar with finding her where she doesn’t belong. In this episode Violet has located a headless body on the ranch of one her customers which is delaying her sales efforts. While the police are investigating that grim situation she takes on another client who is new in town but asked specifically for her.

Cornelius is a strange, Lincoln-look alike, who wants to buy an old hotel. He is interested in the property because he is a “ghost whisperer’ who loves to restore haunted buildings! Violet doesn’t believe in ghosts and doesn’t want her associates, especially Ray, to realize how crazy Cornelius is. She agrees to visit the hotel with Cornelius so he can test the authenticity of the ghostly claims. She brings along her secret love interest, Doc, who not only believes in ghosts but can see and speak with them. Cornelius and Doc begin to think that Violet is some type of ghost conduit drawing in the spirits to the high-tech seance. Unfortunately one of the spirits she brings out is a demon-like version of the murderer she was involved with from a prior book.

There is a lot of humor in the bumbling investigations that Violet makes at the funeral parlor, dragging along her best friend and/or dirty “Old Man” Harvey, her client and Detective Cooper’s uncle. There is also a lot of sass in the characters and dialogue even if the writing includes quite a bit of cliches. The old and odd phrases have a very down home twist and tone that make them fun. I enjoyed the quirky characters and the twisted mysteries although only one mystery was solved while other investigations were left hanging. I was disturbed by the amount of unnecessary swear language which were a distraction for me.

I have a feeling this would be better if the stories are read in proper sequence. Too bad I realized only after I finished that I already own books one and two on Kindle. I was thinking I might not continue the series because the language hurts my soul – it makes me cringe. However I may go backwards and try book one sometime in the future to see if I can bypass the poor language easier in reading than in listening form.

Audio Notes: Caroline Shaffer does a very effective job with the narration. She captures the snarky humor and quirkiness of the characters. The narration made the story flow quickly and I recommend the book in audio for those who enjoy an engaging, fun listening experience.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Opening lines:

Nothing good ever happens at the butt-crack of dawn.
No doubt, the headless corpse on the autopsy table in front of me would agree.

I received this title from the Publisher through AudioBook Jukebox for an honest review.

Audio Book Review: Of Neptune: Syrena Legacy, Book 3 by Anna Banks

The final book in this trilogy adds some new interest and resolves okay in spite of some weak elements. 
Of Neptune: Syrena Legacy, Book 3
Author: Anna Banks
Narrator: Rebecca Gibel

Series: The Syrena Legacy, book 3
Runtime: 9.6 Hours
Recording: Unabridged
Release date: 5.13.2014
Publisher: Blackstone Audio
Genre: Fiction/Childrens [I would not class this as Childrens]
ISBN-13: 978-1-4829-8785-0

Genre: YA Fantasy
My Rating: 3.75 of 5.0

Summary:
Emma and Galen’s kingdom—and their love—is threatened by long-lost Syrena in the brilliant conclusion to Anna Banks’ bestselling trilogy.
Emma, half human and half Syrena, and her Syrena love, Galen, need time together—alone. Away from the kingdoms of Poseidon and Triton. Emma’s grandfather, the Poseidon king, suggests the two visit a small town called Neptune.
Neptune is home to both Syrena and Half-Breeds alike. But Emma and Galen didn’t sign up to be peacemakers between the ocean and the land-dwelling, freshwater Syrena. They didn’t bargain for meeting a charming Half-Breed named Reed, who can barely disguise his feelings for Emma. And they especially didn’t expect to find themselves in the middle of a power struggle that threatens not only their love but their ocean kingdoms.
In this stunning conclusion to her bestselling Syrena Legacy, Anna Banks thrills fans with more action and romance than ever.
© 2014 by Anna Banks

Review:
Galen is insistent on taking Emma away for some down time after the excitement and loses in book two, Of Triton. Galen is still reeling from the death of his best human friend and assistant, Rachel. Galen’s older brother, Grom, the King of Triton, is against Galen and Emma taking time off especially in the human world. But the Poseidon king, Emma’s grandfather, has directed Emma to take Galen to a particular ‘vacation’ spot in Tennessee.

Emma is delighted to discover that Neptune is a community of land dwelling Syrenas and Half-Breeds. Galen isn’t happy about the discovery because Half-Breeds, other than Emma, are not accepted by the ocean Syrena. Also, a local, charming young man, Reed, has an immediate attraction to Emma.

Unfortunately, Neptune isn’t completely the peaceful place it appears. Some of the inhabitants are intent on forcing the sea tribes of Syrena to accept the land tribes and Half-Breeds.  There is also a deceiving human who is setting traps with the goal to capture and expose the mer-people. Galen and Emma are surprised to find themselves as hostage targets by two different interests. First they need rescue and then they have to deal with human exposure and the problems that Neptune represents to the ocean world.

I enjoyed the underlying plot for the most part although some of the hostage attacks seemed rather “set up”. What really bothered me though was the hormonal attraction between Galen and Emma and the lame, unnecessary attempt at a  love triangle. Okay, I guess it’s to be expected in a YA story, but after the nice restraint in the first two books I find that a bit annoying. Suddenly the strong relationship and respect between Emma and Galen is spoiled with teenage lust, doubt and jealousy. Fortunately their passion and petty issues are way-laid by the activities in Neptune and ultimately the story ends well. Beyond the issues noted, I do recommend the full series as entertaining.

Audio Notes: Initially I was distracted by what sounded to me as "whining" narration. I didn’t remember having that trouble with book one and my audio notes in the review for Of Poseidon indicate that I wasn’t so effected. It took a few hours into this audio before the story took precedence over the narration. Rebecca Gibel’s voice is suitable for the YA characters so it was as much a content issue as voice issue I think that was distracting for me. I suggest that a reader listen to the audio sample and decide if they are comfortable.

I received this download from Blackstone Audio through Audiobook Jukebox for an honest review.

Audio Book Review: Lightning Fall, A Novel of Disaster by Bill Quick

This is an intensely realistic view of the disasters that could occur after an EMP strike on the United States.

Lightning Fall, A Novel of Disaster

Author: Bill Quick

Narrator: Johnny Heller

Runtime: 18.2 Hours

Release date: 4.29.2014

Publisher: Blackstone Audio

ISBN-13: 978-1-4830-2036-5

Genre: Fiction/Science Fiction

My Rating: 4.25 of 5.0

Publisher/Date: Blackstone Audio, 04/29/14
Summary
Three terrorist attacks are launched from freighters against the United States. Only one fully succeeds, but in the blink of an eye all of the country west of the Rocky Mountains is transformed into the technological equivalent of the eighteenth century—no electricity, no computers, no electronics of any kind, or any of the amenities of modern life that depend on them. This is the story of ordinary and extraordinary people, high and low, who struggle to survive in a mortally wounded nation, as America’s enemies within and without circle for the kill.
A Latino gangbanger becomes mayor of a devastated Los Angeles; a gay survivalist fights for his life in San Francisco; an ordinary Indiana housewife and her three children struggle to keep their lives together in a crashing economy; a shrimp fisherman in Louisiana watches a mushroom cloud rise over New Orleans; the admiral in charge of the military defense of the nation faces a storm of enemies from every corner of the compass; and the president of the United States and the Speaker of the House of Representatives battle for supremacy as the lives of sixty million Americans hang in the balance.
Lightning Fall tells a story of terror, tragedy, and triumph that you will never forget.
© 2014 by Bill Quick

Review:
My first review draft was my normal style of setting forth the characters and the plot line. Then I summarized a little about the writing style and what I liked and didn’t like. Unfortunately the review exceeded 600 words before adding my Audio notes. This is a second attempt to review in a more simplified fashion.

The story deals with the disastrous consequences of terrorist attacks which include an EMP (electro magnetic pulse) strike over California and a plutonium bomb at New Orleans.   The story follows at least eight sets of characters to show the impact on people and families in different parts of the country. There are those directly impacted and others who are effected by the resulting societal breakdown and governmental decisions. The work is well researched and the author supplies extensive detail that presents very plausible scenarios of the troubles the country might face, including lack of electricity and food, desperation, vandalism, greed, foreign threats and internal political power struggles.

The author attempts to address many issues in one book which makes it lengthy, though still engaging. The primary characters include a gay couple in San Francisco where Tom has made extensive preparations for survival so that he can protect himself and his life partner, Raymond. This couple is portrayed in a favorable tone while another set of characters consisting of a female President and her husband who was a former President, are presented with scorn. The portrayal is of a power hungry woman who is more concerned with maintaining party supremacy than the welfare of the people.  She struggles to maintain control while sometimes accepting advise from her politically astute, conniving, ruthless and immoral husband.

Other characters are set in circumstances that reveal moral dilemmas people face in the collapse of social systems we are accustomed to.  A common question is ‘how far will people go to protect themselves and defend their property and territory’? When do you lend a hand and when do you bar the door?

This is a world where presumed friends may be enemies and people who would once have been considered enemies become allies.  The rough leaders are full of foul language which isn’t so pleasant but is (sadly) realistic.

The author probably covers more than needed in one book. Although he does a petty good job of  juggling all of the character lines, there are still many loose threads at the end. There is plenty in the book that could offend different readers.  Still I was engaged and entertained by this story and I recommend it to readers who enjoy good EMP strike stories.

Audio Notes:  Johnny Heller does a good job of narrating this story which is somewhat cumbersome by reason of the multiple characters and scenarios shifting back and forth. Heller's voice has a different sound with good energy that worked to keep this moving. The audiobook worked better for me than a print book as the length is not so daunting when I get to listen to the story.

I received this download from Blackstone Audio through Audiobook Jukebox.

Audio Book Review: The Divine Inspiration of the Bible by Arthur W. Pink

This is a wonderfully edifying and encouraging listen.
The Divine Inspiration of the Bible
Author: Arthur W. Pink
Narrator: Ralph Cosham

Runtime: 3.2 Hours
Recording: Unabridged
Release date: 5.6.2014
Publisher: Blackstone Audio
Genre: Nonfiction/Religion
ISBN-13: 978-1-4830-0194-4
My Rating: 5.0 of 5.0

Publisher/Date: Blackstone Audio, 05/06/14
Summary
“Deny that the Bible is, without any qualifications, the very word of God, and you are left without any ultimate standard of measurement and without any supreme authority.”—from the book
The Bible is the foundation of Christianity. In The Divine Inspiration of the Bible, Arthur Pink sets out to defend the belief that this holy book is, in fact, the true word of God. In doing so he examines the idea of divine inspiration and presents various arguments that aim to prove God Almighty is the author of the Bible.
This book not only examines evidence for the trustworthiness of scripture and what belief in inspiration means but also helps Christians achieve a firmer understanding of the Bible’s authority.
Originally published in 1917

Review:
I loved this audio book. I read Pink’s The Sovereignty of God about 20 years ago and remembered that I thought it was sound, if sometimes difficult, theology teaching. I already believe that the Bible is the infallible word of God but I was interested in the presentations that Pink would make. The book is laid out with each chapter dedicated to a specific, concise argument. As an attorney I appreciated that the arguments and proofs are supported by logical statements and examples that make sense to a person with an open mind and heart. The first chapter presents a “Presumption in Favor of the Bible”. Again, this resonates in legal precedence for me. Other chapters discuss the “Character of Its Teachings”, “Fulfilled Prophesies” and the “Wonderful Unity” as just a few of the themes explored with precision and confidence. Some of the supporting statements I had heard before but others were fresh and all of it was edifying.

I found myself excited about how well the text fit with and encouraged my current Bible reading. It also reinforced past studies I have read (and led) that show how the Old Testament and the New Testament speak as one from the beginning (“In the beginning God created...” Genesis 1:1) to the ending warnings not to add or take away from the scrolls (Revelation 22:18-19).

This book was originally published in 1917 but it is timely today. It has a scholarly, gentle, but forceful and confident, tone that lends strength to the arguments. The audio is a quick listen - less than four hours. I highly recommend this to everyone. Believers and followers of Christ will be encouraged and uplifted. Those who are seeking, and even those who would object or rebel, will find sound arguments if they read (or listen) with fair-mindedness.

Audio notes: The narration by Ralph Cosham enhanced the book for me. It matches the text by being precise and on the side of elegant. This is a book I could, and suspect that I will, listen to repeatedly just for the shear joy and uplift it brought me.

I received this from Blackstone Audio through Audiobook Jukebox for an honest review.

Audio Book Review: Edge of Tomorrow by Hiroshi Sakurazaka

I liked this quick listen, Sci Fi Action.

Edge of Tomorrow
by Hiroshi Sakurazaka

• Read by Mike Martindale
• Series: All You Need Is Kill
• Audio CD
• Publisher: Simon & Schuster Audio; Unabridged edition (April 29, 2014)
• ISBN-13: 978-1442367876

Genre: Sci Fi Fantasy
My Rating: 4.25 of 5.0

When the alien Mimics invade, Keiji Kiriya is just one of many recruits shoved into a suit of battle armor called a Jacket and sent out to kill. Keiji dies on the battlefield, only to be reborn each morning to fight and die again and again. On his 158th iteration, he gets a message from a mysterious ally--the female soldier known as the Full Metal Bitch. Is she the key to Keiji's escape or his final death?
First time on CD! The original novel that inspired the sci-fi blockbuster film starring Tom Cruise!

Review:
The world is under attack by an alien army known as Mimics. Their numbers are overwhelming and, in addition to destruction in battle, they poison the waters and earth causing complete devastation to wipe out earth’s inhabitants and prepare the land for Mimic settlement.

Keiji is just a teenager with no real future when he decides to join the battle. He is one of many raw recruits who are used more as fodder while the leaders try to figure out how to slow, much less stop the invasion. Keiji thinks he is prepared for battle but something goes wrong on the unit’s very first engagement. Although they are told the battle will be peripheral it turns out they meet the enemy head on. As Keiji realizes others around him are dying he forges into the fray to strike out at the foe. Keiji kills an enemy warrior but is mortally wounded. As he is struggling with his own death, he sees the beautiful female soldier, Rita, known as the Full Metal Bitch. She has had unprecedented success in battle and is revered as a killing machine. She tries to sooth Keiji as he is dying.

The next morning Keiji awakens in his bunk and thinks that he has dreamed the previous battle and encounters. He soon learns that he has been caught in a time loop living the day before and the day of battle over and over. At first he despairs but then he decides to use the days to train himself more fully in hopes that he can ultimately save his team, if not the base and maybe the world.

I enjoyed the fast paced action and of course the “Goundhog Day” irony of learning to live through repeating days. Through the repeated days the reader/listener learns of Keiji's friendships within his unit as well as his respect for his trainers and command leaders. The views of his squadron add  interest. I especially liked the repeated two day meeting and development of friendship with Rita. There is a twist that is hinted at and revealed at the end.

There is graphic killing that is not suitable for everyone. As the back cover of the CD says: Live, Die, Repeat. The only drawback for me was the harsh, repeated foul words. When used it is repeated in succession. Fortunately it is not throughout the book so you can get to the story beyond the bad language.

Audio Notes: It was a little strange that the narrator was not a younger voice and did not attempt to use a Japanese accent to match the hero. None the less, Mike Martindale does a good job conveying the action and intensity of the story. Listening probably made it easier to get beyond the foul words and definitely made it read faster than a print copy.

I think my husband will like the movie. He doesn't read but says he will "wait for the movie."

I received this Audio Book from Simon & Schuster Audio through AudioBook Jukebox.

Audio Book Review: I've Got You Under My Skin by Mary Higgins Clark

This is basic reading/listening entertainment. 
I've Got You Under My Skin
by Mary Higgins Clark

• Audio CD: 320 pages (7 Discs)
• Length: Unabridged 7 hrs and 44 mins 
• Publisher: Simon & Schuster Audio; 
• Unabridged edition (April 1, 2014)
• ISBN-13: 978-1442367319

Genre: Mystery
My Rating: 4.0 of 5.0

Book Description
Publication Date: April 1, 2014
When Laurie Moran’s husband was brutally murdered, only three-year-old Timmy saw the face of his father’s killer. Five years later his piercing blue eyes still haunt Timmy’s dreams. Laurie is haunted by more—the killer’s threat to her son as he fled the scene: “Tell your mother she’s next, then it’s your turn . . .”

Now Laurie is dealing with murder again, this time as the producer of a true-crime, cold-case television show. The series will launch with the twenty-year-old unsolved murder of Betsy Powell. Betsy, a socialite, was found suffocated in her bed after a gala celebrating the graduation of her daughter and three friends. The sensational murder was news nationwide. Reopening the case in its lavish setting and with the cooperation of the surviving guests that night, Laurie is sure to have a hit on her hands. But when the estranged friends begin filming, it becomes clear each is hiding secrets . . . small and large.

And a pair of blue eyes is watching events unfold, too . . .

Review:
Laurie Moran’s husband was murdered in broad day light while playing with their three year old son, Timmy. Timmy remembers the murderer turning to him with blue-eyed and saying “Tell your mother she’s next, then it’s your turn”. Laurie’s father, a New York Police officer, retired so that he could guard his daughter and grandson.

Five years later, Laurie, a television producer, pitches a new reality series to her boss. She proposes following up on unsolved murder cases. The first program is to feature a highly publicized case of a murder of a socialite wife, Betsy. Betsy was murdered in her bedroom the night of a gala graduation celebration for her daughter and three of her friends. A handsome, popular defense lawyer will help Laurie present the case by interviewing the staff, the graduates, the husband and a wealthy neighbor who attended the gala. Betsy’s husband, the wealthy widower, agrees to pay a significant chunck of money to each woman to participate in the program. The four women, shadowed by suspicions for twenty years, agree to return and be interviewed for the show as a way to proclaim their innocence to the public.

The story covers the lives and difficulties of the four women. Each one, including her own daughter, had a reason to hate Betsy but the motives have remained secret all these years. While a blackmailer plots to get part of the money they are to receive another man plots to murder Laurie and Timmie in a very public manner.

Over the years I have read around ten titles by Mary Higgins Clark (MHC). She has a knack for creating murder stories which build suspense around numerous suspects, secrets, twists and a romance. This story meets that mystery and romance formula. The pacing is consistent with writing that is direct and easy to follow even with multiple characters. Although I suspected who Betsy’s murderer might be the process of disclosure kept me interested. I enjoyed the suspense although I was disappointed that I could never quite match the title with the events. This is not a stunning read but it is a satisfactory one.

Audio Notes: Jan Maxwell did a basically good job with the narration. There seemed to be a slip now and then in character voices but not enough to make it difficult to follow. Because MHC books tend to follow a similar mystery formula I don’t usually pick them up in print. The narration suits the story for basic entertainment level quality. I find the audio version ‘reads’ faster and therefore I enjoy it more for that ability.

I received this audiobook from Simon & Schuster Audio through AudioBook Jukebox, for an honest review.

Audio Book Review: Erian's Lair #2 by Troy Lee Henderson

This is an engaging, fun adventure listen.
Erian's Lair #2
by Troy Lee Henderson
Read By: William Dufris


ISBN: 9781611141023
(The Hill Brothers Trilogy)
Publisher: Mind Wings Audio (December 4, 2013)
ebook: File Size: 247 KB
Print Length: 59 pages
Genre: Fantasy, Juvenile Fiction
My Rating: 4.0 of 5.0

Simon Hill has been away studying for the past two years. When his parents die suddenly, he returns home to find that he and his two young brothers, Darien and Edwin, have been evicted from their farm. Simon convinces his brothers to join him in an effort to find Erian, the daughter of Eathed, an old dragon who once befriended Simon. The three brothers enlist the aid of Deandra leBec, a dragon hunter whose father was killed by a dragon and setoff to find Erian. [A Novella] -–Book 2 of The Hill Brothers Trilogy.

Review:
Simon was a boy who looked beyond the immediate surroundings to wonder what more there was to explore. He curiosty led him to became friends with a dragon in Eathed. He has been studying away from home but returns to discover his parents died of a plague and his younger brothers are about to be evicted. Instead of remaining to slave for the new farm owner, Simon convinces his brothers to join him in a quest for Eathed’s daughter, Erian.

The journey is long but they push on led by Simon’s determination. When they come to the town where Simon planned to hire a famous dragon killer as a guide he learns that the man has been killed by a dragon. The man’s daughter, Deandra, is now intent on hunting the dragon for revenge. Simon tries to convince her that dragons and humans can be friends but she doesn’t want to give up her anger.

The four young people experience adventure and face danger as they travel to the island of the dragon. Simon knows he will have to act quickly to keep the girl and the dragon from killing each other but he believes he will succeed.

This is an engaging tale of tolerance and friendship. I enjoyed the sense of danger and especially enjoyed the surprises the author includes. It is an easy listen that can be enjoyed by young people as well as adults.

Audio Notes: William Dufris does a wonderful job of narrating. He is able to infuse the wonder and nature of children into the voices of the characters. This is a fun, quick listen.

I received this book from the publisher through Audiobook Jukebox. 

Audio Book Review: Through Many Fires: Strengthen What Remains by Kyle Pratt

This is a strong 'survivor' story with an engaging protagonist and solid storyline.

Through Many Fires: Strengthen What Remains
Written by: Kyle Pratt
Narrated by: Kevin Pierce

Length: 8 hrs and 26 mins
Format: Unabridged
Release Date:11-04-13
Publisher: Camden Cascade Publishing
Genre: Post Apocalyptic, Suspense, Thriller
My Rating: 4.25 of 5.0

Publisher's Summary
Terrorists smuggle a nuclear bomb into Washington D.C. and detonate it during the State of the Union Address. Army veteran and congressional staffer Caden Westmore is in nearby Bethesda and watches as a mushroom cloud grows over the capital. The next day, as he drives away from the still burning city, he learns that another city has been destroyed and then another. America is under siege. Panic ensues and society starts to unravel. Through Many Fires is Kyle Pratt's third novel.
©2013 Kyle Douglas Pratt (P)2013 Kyle Douglas Pratt

Review:
Caden Westmore has a fast paced, politically savvy career path planned out in Washington, DC, along with the high profile, intense, newscaster fiancé, Becky, to make the future even brighter. Then a nuclear bomb hits the Capitol killing most of the top government officials, including Caden’s boss. Caden was lucky to be on the outskirts of the effected area so he is able to head south toward Atlanta to get to Becky.

Caden runs into a road block which delays his journey. He is watching Becky presenting the news when the telecast suddenly goes to static as another bomb hits Atlanta. Caden is stunned and finds himself traveling with a military convoy that is setting up a camp in north Georgia. Along the road Caden rescues an infant who he names Adam. When they are threatened by thieves at the camp, they are saved by Maria, a determined young woman who has lost her family.

Caden has military training and agrees to take a position in security with the Washington State Governor who is the remaining presidential candidate for the upcoming elections. This helps Caden, with Maria and Adam tagging along, get back to his own family who have a small farm in Washington.

Caden discovers himself pulled into service in the National Guards where he faces difficult decisions for safety and survival. Ultimately he has to decide if he will protect the Constitution and American freedom against the orders of the new, successor president who declares marshal law, cancels future elections and makes a surprising and perhaps treacherous deal for aid.

The writing is solid with good action, some surprising twists and strong character development, particularly for Caden. The events are presented from Caden's view with insight to his thoughts and reactions. I was really pulled into Caden’s life and dilemmas. The story moved very quickly and as I became aware that the end was nearing I was saddened as I wanted more. It appears there will be more to the series and I will be watching for the next book.

Audio Notes: Initially I thought the narrating was a little flat. However, I soon was pulled into the story and enjoyed the subtle quirks that Kevin Pierce manages to convey. I can recommend this as a good read and good listening experience.

I received this title from Audible for review through Audiobook Jukebox.

Audio Book Review: The Protector by Marliss Melton

This is a solidly good romantic suspense.

The Protector
by Marliss Melton

Narrated by: David Brenin
Length: 9 hrs and 19 mins
Series: Taskforce Series, Book 1
Format: Unabridged
Release Date:11-05-13
Publisher: James-York Press

Genre: Romantic Suspense
My Rating: 4.25 of 5.0

Publisher's Summary
Eryn McClellan teaches ESL in Washington, D.C., until the day she's targeted by terrorists avenging her father's actions in Afghanistan. The FBI has stepped in, but when it looks like they are using her for bait, General McClellan enlists the aid of the only man he knows he can trust: former Navy SEAL Ike Calhoun.
Embracing solitude in his remote cabin in the Blue Ridge Mountains, Ike thought he'd left the War on Terror behind. Now he's stuck shielding a blue-eyed beauty from ambitious federal agents and crazed jihadists. More disturbing still, the charming Eryn seems intent on shattering his self-imposed isolation. Ike does his best to resist her welcoming ways, but he can feel his restraint eroding like a mountain in a mudslide.
With the FBI hot on their heels and the terrorists not far behind, Ike willingly wages a one-man war in defense of the woman whose passion and faith have given him the strength to rise above his past.
©2011 Marliss Meltlon Arruda (P)2013 Marliss Melton Arruda

Review:
Eryn was accustomed to traveling with her military dad. But a time came when her mother Eryn went off to college and then she had to establish a life and home for herself while her father, now a General, led his troops in dangerous lands like Afghanistan. Eryn is pleased to help teach ESL, English as Second Language, but one evening she barely escapes a kidnapping. Apparently Eryn has become the target of a jihadist who seeks revenge against her father.

Eryn is taken into protective custody by the FBI, unaware that a career climbing agent is using her as bait. Eryn’s father will only trust her safety to specially trained men who used to be under his command. He has called Ike out of his guilt ridden seclusion to rescue Eryn and keep her safe. Eryn has heard her father mention this man but that doesn’t mean she is simply going to walk away with him...that is until the safe house blows up behind her and she realizes that she is not safe with the FBI.

Ike whisks Eryn and her faithful dog away to his remote cabin in the Blue Ridge Mountains. He has a security system and escape routes mapped out. Soon he will need them as the FBI somehow follow Eryn to the remote location and try to get her to return with them. When Eryn and Ike refuse to cooperate the FBI raise enough ruckus to bring the press and lead the terrorists straight to Eryn.

Eryn is a fairly pampered young woman, a ‘princess’ as Ike dubs her. He is a dark, moody and bossy body guard. They don’t seem to have much in common but they are drawn to each other. She wants to pull him out of his solitude and she needs a protector. He tries to resist the temptation of his former commander’s beautiful daughter but he is fighting a losing battle, especially when she throws herself at him.

I really enjoyed the action of this story and, although there were moments when Eryn was bratty and annoying, I came to like both Eryn and Ike and their somewhat reluctant attraction. Their encounter does get to a steamy point but it is well on into the story and is secondary to the suspense and danger of the plot. Caution: There is some swear language. I recommend this to readers who like romantic suspense. I’ll be on the look-out for more titles to read by Ms. Melton.

Audio Notes: David Brenin does a decent job with the narration. He does infuse excitement and emotion even though there is not a lot of accent shift. This was a solid, enjoyable listen.

I received this title through Audiobook Jukebox for an honest review.

Audio Book Review: A Blind Goddess by James R. Benn

This is an engaging double mystery with very interesting racial history from WWII.
A Blind Goddess
Author: James R. Benn
Narrator: Peter Berkrot

The Billy Boyle World War II Mysteries, book 8
Length 10.2 hrs
Unabridged
2014 by Blackstone Audio, Inc.

Genre: World War II Mystery

My Rating: 4.25 of 5.0

SUMMARY
March, 1944. US Army Lieutenant Billy Boyle, back in England after a dangerous mission in Italy, is due for a little R&R—and a promotion. But the now-Captain Boyle doesn’t get to kick back and enjoy his leisure time because two upsetting cases fall into his lap at once.
The first is a personal request from an estranged friend: Sergeant Eugene “Tree” Jackson, who grew up with Billy in Boston, is part of the 617th Tank Destroyers, the battalion poised to make history by being the US Army’s first combatant all–African American company. But making history isn’t easy, and the 617th faces racism at every turn. One of Tree’s men, a gunner named Angry Smith, has been arrested for a crime he almost certainly didn’t commit and faces the gallows if the real killer isn’t found. Tree knows US top brass won’t care about justice in this instance and asks Billy if he’ll look into it.
...© 2013 by James R. Benn

Review:
US Army Lieutenant Billy Boyle is a special investigator working through orders sometimes issued by his “cousin” General Ike Eisenhower. He is in between assignments planning a little vacation with his girlfriend. He is contacted by an estranged childhood friend, Sergeant Eugene “Tree” Jackson. Tree wants Billy to investigate a murder that his gunner, Angry Smith, has been charged with. Tree and Angry are part of the first combatant all African American company and there is a great deal of American racism that harasses them even though the Europeans have accepted the blacks as polite and mannerly forces in their restricted community.

Billy and his Polish co-hort, Caz, agree to look into the circumstances regarding Angry’s arrest but then they are given an assignment in a nearby town. A young man has been killed at a boarding house that is operated by a German couple who are apparently assets of the allied forces. Billy has been called in as the primary suspect is an American soldier and they powers that be want special handling for the case.

Billy and Caz, along with help from local authorities, persistently pursue minimal leads on both cases. A local girl has also gone missing and Billy begins to believe that there is a connection. There is wonderful foot work and detail to the investigation that made this very interesting. At the same time there is a fascinating, if disturbing, picture of the tragedies of racism that have followed Tree all his life, from his childhood days with Billy, to his army days in the prejudiced south and now continuing from the white army companies.

The unraveling of the murders is well done, including an action chase when one of the murderers tries to escape and a tense show-down when the other is discovered. This is a very good blend of mystery and history on a sensitive topic. Apparently there are other Billy Boyle mysteries and I think they would be good stories that any mystery fan and WWII history fan would enjoy.

Audio Notes: The narrator, Peter Berkrot, does a good job with the various accents although it took just a little time to get used to the Boston accent for Billy, who is the primary character. Not only did Mr. Berkrot do a good job with the voices but also with the emotional inflections. This is the sort of story I might not read in print but found entertaining to listen too.

I received this title through Audiobook Jukebox.

Audio Book Review: Silver City Massacre by Charles G. West

This is a fine, entertaining, western listening experience.
Silver City Massacre
by Charles G. West
Narrated by: Jim Meskimen

Length: 7 hrs and 43 mins
Format: Unabridged
Release Date:01-07-14
Publisher: Blackstone Audio, Inc.

Genre: Westerns

My Rating: 4.25 of 5.0

Publisher's Summary
A treacherous journey…
Joel McAllister is a lieutenant in the Confederate Army – or at least he was, until Lee surrendered. Now he's determined to get as far away from war as possible, somewhere beyond North and South…and maybe somewhere with some gold: Idaho Territory.
Accompanied by his steadfast sergeant, Riley, the two former soldiers travel westward from Texas. But the trail to Silver City is littered with peril - including a band of notoriously merciless Comanche warriors.
When his traveling party expands to include two women survivors of a Comanche raid and a Bannock Indian, Joel will need to rely on what soldier's instinct he has left in him to deliver everyone to Silver City alive - and keep them alive once they're there.
©2014 Charles G. West (P)2013 Blackstone Audio, Inc.

Review:
I enjoyed listening to this western that reminded me of the older, classic western movies my husband watches. I think he would like this in movie form and would probably enjoy listening too.

Joel McAllister leaves his former Confederate army troop to head north to Idaho where he hopes to meet up with his brother in Silver City. His brother had been injured in the war and went off to settle on land, with a small mine, outside of Silver City. Joel hasn’t heard from him in a long time but he has no where else to go.

Joel is joined by a rough Sergeant Riley who has fought with him and they respect and trust each other. Although they are both good men, they push the boundaries where they feel it is justified in their best interest, which includes helping themselves to a couple of horses and some supplies to help the journey.

Riley has some helpful knowledge on the direction and landmarks they need to follow as they head north. But the men must be careful to stay alert as the way is treacherous with the possibility of hostile Indians anywhere along the way. At one point they come upon an Indian attack on a small group of wagons. They arrive too late to help in the main fight but in time to save a woman and young girl. The strong headed woman is clearly used to being independent and able to fend for herself. When Joel would drop them off at a settlement along the way she insists that they will continue with Joel and Riley until they reach Silver City.

They band pick up another traveler when they pass some Indians and one tries to steal a horse. Joel makes a deal with Red Shirt to guide them through the territory in exchange for a horse. Red Shirt too insists on staying when they reach Silver City.

Joel and his group finally arrive to find his brother struggling to protect his cattle, the mine and his home. There is large landowner nearby who wants the McAllister land and although the man holds himself out as a trustworthy business man in town he has actually hired gunslingers to intimidate or, if need be, kill the neighbors to get the land holdings. Joel has survived the long trek home but can he protect his friends and survive the attacks by the local land baron?

This is a well written story with plenty of action as well as interesting characters. If you enjoy tales of the old west this is a great selection.


Audio Notes: Jim Meskimen’s voice is a good match for the story. He is not gruff but strong enough to make it a very easy listen with clear story presentation. I wouldn’t necessarily read this type of book but I enjoyed it as a good audio choice.

I received this audio book from Blackstone Audio through Audiobook Jukebox

Audio Book Review: Forever His: Stolen Brides, Book 1 by Shelly Thacker

This is an intensely romantic time travel, medieval tale.

Forever His: Stolen Brides, Book 1
by Shelly Thacker
 Narrated by Julia Motyka

 Length: 15 hrs and 5 mins
    Series: Stolen Brides, Book 1
Format: Unabridged
 Release Date:09-26-13
Publisher: Summit Avenue Books
Genre: Time Travel Romance
My Rating: 4.0 of 5.0

Publisher's Summary
On New Year's Eve, she tumbles 700 years back in time - and into the bed of a darkly handsome knight.

Sir Gaston de Varennes wanted a docile bride who would fit into his plans for vengeance and justice, but a trick of time finds him married to a thoroughly modern American lady who turns his castle, his life, and his heart upside down. Will her desperate secret tear them apart after only a few bittersweet weeks of stolen passion - or will they conquer mistrust, treachery, and time itself to discover a love that spans the centuries?

Winner of the National Readers Choice Award: Best Historical Romance of the Year

The Stolen Brides Series: One falls through time and finds herself married to a dark stranger...one may never reach her royal wedding if she can't resist her rugged protector...one is abducted by a mysterious swordsman and swept away to a secret island paradise. Three regal brides are about to discover that falling in love with a warrior is the most dangerous adventure of all.
©1993 Shelly Thacker Meinhardt (P)2013 Shelly Thacker Meinhardt

Review:
Celine Fontaine is a twenty-three year old woman of wealth and sophistication. She had been engaged to a charismatic man until some hoodlums tried to steal his car and she suffered a bullet wound in the back. Her ambitious family doesn’t understand her panic attacks nor do they know that she must soon go through another operation to remove a fragment of the bullet that could otherwise end her life. She is struggling with her fears as she stares at the moon through the window of the family ancestral chateau in France. Suddenly she is struck by the light of a lunar eclipse. When she stumbles from the flash of light she finds herself in an oddly familiar room that looks totally different. She is dismayed when she learns that she has been whisked 700 years to the past.

Everyone thinks Celine is Lady Christiane Fontaine, the convent raised cousin of Sir Gaston’s vicious enemy, Duc Alain de la Tourelle. Gaston is convinced that Tourelle murdered his father and elder brother. The battle between Gaston and Tourelle has angered the King to the point that he ordered Gaston to marry Lady Christiane. Gaston could not refuse to marry as ordered but he could refuse to consummate the marriage. He is sure it is just a matter of time to uncover proof of Tourelle’s treacherous lies to reveal to the King so he can seek an annulment.

Gaston is a fierce, handsome warrior who earned the title of the Black Knight. Gaston tries to humiliate Lady Chrisitane by treating her no better than a house servant. But she soon makes friends in the household as she treats everyone with kindness and makes changes around the fortress to help make things easier and improve conditions.

Gaston doesn’t believe Celine’s claims to be from a future time even if there are oddities. And he is adamant that their union will not be consummated no matter how fierce their attraction. He can’t decide if he should keep her close so he knows what threat she poses or stay away from the overpowering temptation. Meanwhile Celine desperately tries to find a way to return to her time for the surgery she needs to save her life.

This story has wonderful chemical attraction and frustrating tension. The medieval settings are believable and beautiful. The time travel dilemma is also believable and well done. There were a few too many vivid sexual encounters for my tastes but they were nicely handled and could be skimmed over without losing the intimacy and emotional depths growing between the pair. If you like medieval and/or time travel romance and strong minded characters who struggle against the pull of true love this is a story you should check out.

Audio Notes: Initially I struggled with the rather breathy narration. Julia Motyka does a good job with the French and accents but has to work to portray the deep, manly voice of the warrior knight. Still, this is a story that I think was easier for me to listen to than if I had picked it to read in print.

I received this audible download to review for the publisher through Audiobook Jukebox.

Note: the Kindle version appears to be free at the time of this posting.

Audio Book Review: The New Space Opera 2

This is a thoroughly engaging collection, as stated, "of interstellar adventure and wonder."
Title: The New Space Opera 2
Edited by Gardner Dozois and Jonathan Strahan
Read by various narrators
Length 23.4 hrs • Unabridged
2013 by Blackstone Audio, Inc. 
Genre: Science Fiction, Collection
My Rating: 4.25+ of 5.0

Publisher/Date: Blackstone Audio, 09/01/13
Following the success of their Locus Award–winning anthology The New Space Opera, editors Gardner Dozois and Jonathan Strahan up the ante with The New Space Opera 2, in which more of the most beloved names in science fiction spin stunning tales of interstellar adventure and wonder. Authors include: Neal Asher, John Barnes, Cory Doctorow, John Kessel, Jay Lake, John Meaney, Elizabeth Moon...

Review:
This is a wonderful mix of sci fi stories full of adventure, humor and an occassional bit of horror. Some of the tales make you ponder the universe, machines, aliens and control - human, godly or other. Some make you laugh while pondering. There are paradoxes of time, philosophical discussions, all too human issues of romance and betrayal. There are mostly unusual settings and some fantastical creatures although others deal with more recognizable or imaginable places, ships and beings.

When I started listening I intended to make a note on each story. That plan failed since I was often listening while traveling or doing chores and I didn't stop to make notes. There were two or three stories that were duds or “huh?s” for me. However the overall collection was wonderful listening.

Here are some highlight stories and authors I will look to read more from. Beyond the first, which is my favorite, there is no special order among these highlighted.

Chameleons by Elizabeth Moon http://www.elizabethmoon.com/
This was my favorite tale although it starts out as annoying as a skilled body guard is traveling with two rich and spoiled boys-a teen and a ten year old- who don’t think they need a glorified babysitter. When they become stranded on a seedy space station they begin to appreciate their chaperone and discover hidden depths in their own developing characters. There is a battle with past enemies and a very huge betrayal. This was a wonderful piece and I am going to look for more to read by this author.

From the Heart by John Meaney
This is a tale blending, espionage, double lives and space pilot training...but mostly a tale of how young pilots are awarded their ships and how dreams fall and relationships become divided by pride and choices.

Inevitable by Sean Williams
This engaging short tells of a twist in time paradox bringing two enemies together to see things from different point of views. It is a very good story and I didn’t want it to end when it did but...it was Inevitable.

Fearless Space Pirates of the Outer Rings by Bill Willingham
This fun story is filled with action, humor, piracy, betrayal and heroism — sort of.

Defect (Assassins Universe) by Kristine Kathryn Rusch
Assassins have skills and enemies, including their bosses. Attempts to break free have consequences.

The Island by Peter Watts
This addresses issues in a far reaching galaxy where a newly discovered, greater life form is found that stands in the path of 'the mission'. There is an intriguing philosophical discussion of altruism versus manipulation, mission versus purpose, cold machine versus compassionate and curious humanity.

Audio Notes: Each story is read by a different narrator. Most of them do a ‘stellar’ job and the overall package makes for grand listening entertainment. I highly recommend this to sci fi fans and other readers as you may discover a new author or two to explore!

I received this for review from Blackstone Audio through Audiobook Jukebox.

Audio Book Review: The Last Battle by Stephen Harding

This is an interesting and worthwhile presentation of a special historic event.
The Last Battle:
When US and German Soldiers Joined Forces in the Waning Hours of World War II in Europe
by Stephen Harding
Narrated by Joe Barrett
    Unabridged
    LENGTH    7 hrs and 16 mins
    RELEASE DATE    09-03-13
    PUBLISHER    Blackstone Audio, Inc.

Genre: Nonfiction
My Rating: 4.25 of 5.0

Publisher's Summary

May 1945. Hitler is dead, and the Third Reich is little more than smoking rubble. No GI wants to be the last man killed in action against the Nazis. But for cigar-chewing, rough-talking, hard-drinking, hard-charging Captain Jack Lee and his men, there is one more mission: rescue 14 prominent French prisoners held in an SS-guarded castle high in the Austrian Alps. It's a dangerous mission, but Lee has help from a decorated German Wehrmacht officer and his men, who voluntarily join the fight.

Based on personal memoirs, author interviews, and official American, German, and French histories, The Last Battle is the nearly unbelievable story of the most improbable battle of World War II - a tale of unlikely allies, bravery, cowardice, and desperate combat between implacable enemies.

Review:
World War II is almost over in early summer of 1945. The American soldiers want to finish up and get home. None of them want to be the last man killed by the Nazis. There are 14 prominent French officials who are being held as special, political prisoners in a famous, but declining, castle in the Austrian Alps. The prisoners have always been treated fairly well but they are at risk of being killed before the war ceases.

One of the prisoners has been exercising and making unsuccessful escapes during which he learns the surrounding forest paths. A couple of them have become friends with the staff who are secretly working with the resistance. Even some of the German officers have turned to help the resistance forces. One of the staff manages to get out to meet up with the American forces where he has to convince rough Captain Jack Lee that the Americans must take on the mission to rescue the French prisoners.

The book sets out the history of the castle and the prisoners. It then follows the efforts to reach help and the obstacles and mishaps that occur as Jack Lee and only a small group of men make it through to the castle. Some of the troops are diverted and much of the heavier equipment has to be left behind as it would not fit over the narrow, weak bridges. There is tension as the battle begins with the small group of Americans facing the determined German troops surrounding the castle. Some of the German soldiers are no more than boys and have little training or heart for the fight. On the other hand there are the determined, well-trained SS soldiers engaging in what they may realize will be the last battle of the war.

When I saw this title offered for review I thought it would be worthwhile to listen to a real-life battle. This is different than fiction as it is like a documentary in the way it is told. The characters are identified with background and personality traits and the author even follows up to tell what happens to each after the war. The real difficulties of communication, transport and territorial lines of the troops are all part of the remarkable event. It was interesting to hear how the prisoners, who had their own animosities, pulled together during the battle only to separate again as soon as the danger was passed. Although this didn’t have the flair of a novel, anyone who is interested in real-life war history would find this a good listen.

Audio Notes: Joe Barrett manages to keep the documentary approach moving so that it doesn’t fall into ‘too dry’ mode. He provides nuances to convey the challenges, chagrin and frustrations that are faced during the rescue mission.

I received this for review from Blackstone Audio through Audiobook Jukebox.

Audio Book Review: Five Million Dollar Cat by Laura Lond

This is a delightful, fun, fast listen with a good twist.
Five Million Dollar Cat: A Novella

    UNABRIDGED
    by Laura Lond
    Narrated by Tavia Gilbert

    LENGTH    1 hr and 52 mins
    RELEASE DATE    06-22-12
    PUBLISHER    Laura Lond
Genre: Contemporary Fiction
My Rating: 4.5 of 5.0

Publisher's Summary
When Amy's sleazy ex reemerges, she is wary, for two good reasons. One, she is still paying off the debts Jack had gotten her in. Two, his scheme, as usual, smacks of fraud. Jack, however, insists that everything is perfectly legal, safe, and easy, especially Amy's part. All she needs to do to earn her share, which would be a quarter million dollars, is - adopt a cat.
©2012 Laura Lond (P)2012 Laura Lond

Review:
Amy is a kind young woman who has already been duped by her ex-boyfriend, Jack. She thought she was finally free of him, after he ran up her credit cards and used up all her savings in sure-fire but bad investments. Amy is busy working two jobs trying to get back on her feet when she gets an unwelcome call from Jack. He proposes that she help him by adopting a cat in the hopes of receiving a secret five million dollar reward of which she will get to keep $255,000.00.

Amy is reluctant but then decides that at least she would care for a cat and it would get a good home. Besides, perhaps it won’t be such a bad thing and won’t really hurt anyone. Amy goes to the pet-adoption agency and falls in love with the cats. She decides that one terribly injured cat is the one that must come with a reward. She takes home that sweet cat but no call comes in with a reward. Meanwhile, having lost one part time job, she spends time volunteering at the shelter and helping with the other cats.

When Jack begins to threaten harm to her cat, her apartment and all she owns, she decides to make a change in course. Will she have to hide from Jack or will she be able to protect her loved ones and manage to work herself out of debt?

I read a fantasy by this author which I also enjoyed. I was pleased that this book flows well and is entertaining even if in a different fashion than the other.  This quick story is delightful for cat lovers and has a wonderful, surprising twist. I recommend it to those who love a quick little intrigue.

Audio Notes: Tavia Gilbert does a very good job making this an easy, natural sounding presentation. She is able to convey the emotions of concern and care from Amy and bullying from Jack. I think this would be a fun story to read but it also makes for a great, quick listen.

I received this download for review through Audiobook Jukebox.