Audible Book Review: The Summer House by James Patterson, Brendan DuBois

I was totally drawn in by this crime/police procedural!

The Summer House
By: James Patterson, Brendan DuBois
Narrated by: Ari Fliakos

Length: 10 hrs and 19 mins
Release date: 06-08-20
Publisher: Hachette Audio
Genre: Crime Thriller, Military, Police Procedural, Suspense
My Rating: 4.75 of 5.0 Overall; Story 4.75; Narration 5.0.

Publisher's summary
When seven murder victims are found in a small town, the homicide investigation shakes a small-town sheriff to her core in James Patterson's tense thriller.
Once a luxurious Southern getaway on a rustic lake, then reduced to a dilapidated crash pad, the Summer House is now the grisly scene of a nighttime mass murder. Eyewitnesses point to four Army Rangers - known as the Night Ninjas - recently returned from Afghanistan.
To ensure that justice is done, the Army sends Major Jeremiah Cook, a veteran and former NYPD cop, to investigate. But the major and his elite team arrive in sweltering Georgia with no idea their grim jobs will be made exponentially more challenging by local law enforcement, who resists the Army's intrusion and stonewall them at every turn.
As Cook and his squad struggle to uncover the truth behind the condemning evidence, the pieces just won't fit - and forces are rallying to make certain damning secrets die alongside the victims in the murder house. With his own people in the cross-hairs, Cook takes a desperate gamble to find answers - even if it means returning to a hell of his own worst nightmares....
©2020 James Patterson and Brendan DuBois (P)2020 Hachette Audio

Review:
A horrendous mass murder occurred in a rundown country house known as the Summer House located in a small town in Georgia. Witnesses direct the local sheriff, Emma Williams, to four Army Rangers who are an elite team known as the Night Ninjas. As soon as Army members are identified, a unique military investigative team is called in to insure justice – to the men and to the community – wherever the facts lead.

Major Jeremiah Cook, a wounded veteran and former NYPD cop, is assigned with his five diverse teammates including a JAG lawyer, an Asian psychologist, a female CID officer, and a Hispanic investigator. Although the facts seem to be packaged and handed to them, the team is quick to see inconsistencies and misdirection. They learn that the four accused were recently returned from Afghanistan after being accused of a similar crime. As the investigation digs deeper and witnesses and evidence begin to disappear, Cook determines he needs to check into the Afghanistan event. He sets off to the place he said he would never return to.

I was immediately drawn to the story and quickly came to like the well-developed investigative team. I was horrified by the corruption that fills the story and the bigotry was obvious too. I feel bad the southerners were stereotyped with these elements, but it fit the story. The story is steady suspense with a few very tense moments.

I do like the direct tone and shorter chapters used by Patterson. I also liked the POV mix with part told from Cook’s first person and the other told third person. The full package makes this a very worthwhile read/listen and reminds me why I used to regularly read Patterson. I plan to get more. I recommend this to fans of good police procedure and crime fiction.

Audio Notes: Ari Fliakos does a wonderful job with the narration. He provides distinct voices and spot on energy. I thought the audio performance enhanced my enjoyment of the story.

Source: 12/21/2020 Audible Daily Deal $3.95. This qualifies for 2023TBR, 2023Audiobook and my Season goals.

Audio Book Review: The Trouble with Dukes, Windham Brides, Book 1, by Grace Burrowes

This is another charming Historical/Regency Romance by an author I like.
The Trouble with Dukes
Windham Brides, Book 1
By: Grace Burrowes
Narrated by: James Langton

Series: Windham Brides, Book 1
Length: 9 hrs and 56 mins
Release date: 12-20-16
Publisher: Hachette Audio
Genre: Historical Romance, Regency Romance, Scottish Romance
My Rating: 4.25 of 5.0 Overall; Content 4.25; Narration 4.25.

Summary:
From the New York Times bestselling author of the beloved Windham series comes 'a wonderfully funny, moving romance,' (Eloisa James) perfect for fans of 'sexy heroes, strong heroines, intelligent plots, [and] enchanting love stories' (Mary Balogh).
THEY CALL HIM THE DUKE OF MURDER... The gossips whisper that the new Duke of Murdoch is a brute, a murderer, and even worse--a Scot. They say he should never be trusted alone with a woman. But Megan Windham sees in Hamish something different, someone different. No one was fiercer at war than Hamish MacHugh, though now the soldier faces a whole new battlefield: a London Season. To make his sisters happy, he'll take on any challenge--even letting their friend Miss Windham teach him to waltz. Megan isn't the least bit intimidated by his dark reputation, but Hamish senses that she's fighting battles of her own. For her, he'll become the warrior once more, and for her, he might just lose his heart.

Review:
Megan Windham is not the lead debutante although she is part of a wealthy, noble family. She is attractive, but short, a little feisty and her poor eyesight requires she wear glasses. She has not yet chosen a match but there is a particular, bullying man who is sniffing at her heals. She has secrets that make it awkward for her to refuse the attentions of Sir Fletcher. Megan is grateful to have Colonel, now Duke, Hamish MacHugh, step up as a buffer holding Fletcher at bay.

Hamish has terrible memories of the war as attested by his reputation now as the “Duke of Murder”. Very few people know the full story and Hamish has allowed the rumors as he expects to be out of London soon. Hamish is remaining in London to help escort his sisters through the London Season. As part of the activities, he finds himself sharing walks and waltzes with Megan. She brings out a softer side in him, but he thinks that she is hiding something that involves Sir Fletcher. The more Hamish sees Fletcher disrespectfully pursue Megan, the more Hamish is inclined to become her champion.

It has been too long since I enjoyed Ms. Burrowes rich romances. She creates engaging characters and threatened scandalous circumstances to overcome. I like the details she provides for society and war elements. I enjoy the friendship evolving into romance which is passionate but not gratuitous.

I thought that I had read and enjoyed earlier books in this series but now realize that I have read many of the Windham series but not the Windham Brides. So, I have more to look forward to. I recommend this author, book, and series to fans of historical romance.

Audio Notes: James Langton does a fine job with the narration. I was pleased he was able to provide fitting female voices as well as English and Scottish accents. The rich narration added to my enjoyment of the story.

Source: 8/9/18 Two for One Credit Audiobooks.com. This qualifies for 2021TBR and 2021Audiobook goals.

Here is a Link to other Burrowes’ titles I have reviewed.

Audible Book Review: Memory Man by David Baldacci

I like this detective with a mental edge.
Memory Man
By: David Baldacci
Narrated by: Ron McLarty, Orlagh Cassidy

Series: Amos Decker, Book 1
Length: 13 hrs and 17 mins
Unabridged Audiobook
Release date: 04-21-15
Language: English
Publisher: Hachette Audio
Genre: Crime Action, Detective, Mystery
My Rating: 4.0 of 5.0 Overall; Story 4.0; Narration 4.0.

Publisher's Summary
With over 110 million copies of his novels in print, David Baldacci is one of the most widely read storytellers in the world. Now he introduces a startling, original new character: a man with perfect memory who must solve his own family's murder.
MEMORY MAN
Amos Decker's life changed forever - twice.
The first time was on the gridiron. A big, towering athlete, he was the only person from his hometown of Burlington ever to go pro. But his career ended before it had a chance to begin. On his very first play, a violent helmet-to-helmet collision knocked him off the field for good and left him with an improbable side effect - he can never forget anything.
The second time was at home nearly two decades later. Now a police detective, Decker returned from a stakeout one evening and entered a nightmare - his wife, young daughter, and brother-in-law had been murdered.
His family destroyed, their killer's identity as mysterious as the motive behind the crime, and unable to forget a single detail from that horrible night, Decker finds his world collapsing around him. He leaves the police force, loses his home, and winds up on the street, taking piecemeal jobs as a private investigator when he can.
But over a year later, a man turns himself in to the police and confesses to the murders. At the same time a horrific event nearly brings Burlington to its knees, and Decker is called back in to help with this investigation. Decker also seizes his chance to learn what really happened to his family that night. To uncover the stunning truth, he must use his remarkable gifts and confront the burdens that go along with them. He must endure the memories he would much rather forget. And he may have to make the ultimate sacrifice.
Memory Man will stay with you long after the turn of the final tick.
©2015 David Baldacci (P)2015 Hachette Audio.

Review:
Amos Decker is a man who can’t forget – literally. A major hit in college ruined his football career and resulted in a photographic memory. Then he became a cop, working up to detective. Two decades later Amos returns home one night to find his brother, wife and ten-year-old daughter have been murdered. He won’t ever be able to forget the sight and he isn’t sure he wants to live with the memory. He falls into a bottle and ends up on the street as a sometimes private investigator.

A year later his life takes another twist. A man confesses to the murder of his family and Amos sneaks into the jail to interrogate him. He is able to slip in because a large portion of the police force has been pulled out to a horrific school shooting. Amos is pulled in to help with the investigation particularly because his partner and Captain also know that his keen eye and remarkable memory will pick up on details that others might miss. In addition to his partner, Amos gets help from the FBI and a civilian. An eager reporter, Alex Jamison, tries to get Amos to talk but when he refuses she writes a rather brutal report. After she realizes her error Alex becomes Amos’ biggest support.

As Amos uncovers clues, suddenly there is a clear indication that the events all tie into him and someone from his past. The killer seems to always be one step ahead. Will Amos be able to discover the identity and location of the killer before more of his friends are killed?

Amos is an interesting character and I liked the relationship that developed with Alex. The villain is diabolical and provides a trail of evil. I like Baldacci’s crisp writing that keeps the reader following the clues through Amos’ past. I liked the team that developed, and I liked Amos’ particular skills. I recommend this to readers who enjoy detective mysteries.

Audio Notes: Ron McLarty portrays the male characters while Orlagh Cassidy provides narration for the females. I wasn’t enthralled or distracted by the narration. It worked fine for me, especially since listening moves books faster for me than visual reading.

Source: December 2018 Audible Daily Deal $4.95. This qualifies for 2020TBR and 2020Audiobook goals.

Audible Book Review: The Last Wish by Andrzej Sapkowski

I enjoyed the storytelling in this collection.
The Last Wish
By: Andrzej Sapkowski
Narrated by: Peter Kenny
Series: The Witcher Saga

Series: The Witcher Saga
Length: 10 hrs and 17 mins
Unabridged Audiobook
Release date: 05-05-15
Language: English
Publisher: Hachette Audio
Genre: Anthology Fantasy, Short Stories, Sorcery
My Rating: 4.25 of 5.0 Overall; Story 4.0; Narration 4.5.

Publisher's Summary
Geralt of Rivia is a witcher. A cunning sorcerer. A merciless assassin.
And a cold-blooded killer.
His sole purpose: to destroy the monsters that plague the world.
But not everything monstrous-looking is evil, and not everything fair is good...and in every fairy tale there is a grain of truth.
The international hit that inspired the video game The Witcher.
©2008 Andrzej Sapkowski (P)2015 Hachette Audio

Review:
Geralt of Rivia is a witcher. They are rare; respected by some; reviled by others. They are not quite a sorcerer, nor an assassin but they trade in elements of each. The true purpose of witchers is to kill monsters. They are dedicated from youth and given to be trained to be stronger physically and mentally. They learn potions, spells, and fighting arts. Over the years Geralt has become skilled and wise and able to prevail in most situations.

This book is a collection of stories of monsters- natural and unnatural - friends, twists and surprises. Geralt doesn’t go unscathed but he comes through. The stories include dark tales where choices have to be made between greater and lesser evils, some of which are human. Even fighting a demon genie involves fighting a power-hungry witch.

I wasn’t familiar with the game, but I liked the sound of a cunning ‘wizard’ who fights monsters. I enjoyed the action and the touch of humor in the stories. I especially liked the old-world feel of the stories. I recommend this to readers who like dark fairy tales.

Audio Notes: Peter Kenny does a grand job with the narration. He provides unique voices for the characters and captures the depth and mystery of The Witcher. The narration added to my enjoyment of this work.

Source: June 2018 Audible Sale. This qualifies for 2019TBR, 2019Audiobook and #SciFiMonth 2019.

Audible Book Review: The Wizards of Once by Cressida Cowell

This is a fun, fantasy adventure for kids and adults.

The Wizards of Once
By: Cressida Cowell
Narrated by: David Tennant

Length: 5 hrs and 56 mins
Unabridged Audiobook
Release date: 10-03-17
Language: English
Publisher: Hachette Audio
Genre: Children, Fantasy, Middle Grade (ages 8-10)
My Rating: 4.25 of 5.0 Overall; Story 4.0; Narration 4.5.

Publisher's Summary
In the first book of a new series by the internationally best-selling author of How to Train Your Dragon, the warring worlds of Wizards and Warriors collide in a thrilling and enchanting adventure.
Once there were Wizards, who were Magic, and Warriors, who were not. But Xar, son of the King of Wizards, can't cast a single spell. And Wish, daughter of the Warrior Queen, has a banned magical object of her own. When they collide in the wildwood, on the trail of a deadly witch, it's the start of a grand adventure that just might change the fabric of their worlds.
With Cressida Cowell's trademark wit and the same stunning combination of action, adventure, humor, and heart that made How to Train Your Dragon a beloved best-selling franchise, The Wizards of Once will transport and enchant listeners.
©2017 Cressida Cowell (P)2017 Hachette Audio

Review:
Xar, son of a Wizard, shows no magical ability although he is of an age to have come into those skills. Across the woods and the wall is Wish, the clumsy daughter of the Warrior Queen who has banned magical objects. Wish has suddenly obtained a magical spoon and, more alarmingly, she has acquired a magical sword which indicates it was formerly used to kill witches.

Xar wants to find a way to impress his father. He takes some of his friends into the wildwood to hunt for witches. Xar’s many companions include a slow, sweet giant, Crusher, a wise raven, Caliburn, and squeaky sprite, Squeezjoos. Most of his friends have tried to talk Xar out of this adventure because witches are supposed to be dead and they are in danger of coming across Warriors.

Wish likes to visit the woods to get away from the disappointed frowns and remarks of her mother. She takes along her grumbling and frustrated guard and a new ‘friend’, a talking spoon. She also has spirited away from the fort a special magical, therefore forbidden, sword.

Wish and Xar stumble on each other in the wildwood. Wish gets captured by Xar who steals the sword. Xar causes Wish to remain overnight at the Wizard camp but later Xar follows Wish back to the Warrior Fort. Their confrontation results in a reluctant friendship where they have to work together learning dark secrets of the Warrior Queen and facing dangers as they escape the Queen’s dungeons.

I was pulled in right away by the likeable fantasy characters. The story is told by a character who remains unidentified, challenging the reader to guess who it is. The writing style creates fun characters and an engaging story. This is an lively adventure that should delight children but can be enjoyed by adults too. There is disobedience which isn’t good and gets the kids into trouble. But there is also a fine underlying message about accepting your own talents or lack thereof and learning to work around them… especially with the help of friends. I enjoyed watching How to Train Your Dragon and I recommend this to readers who liked those stories and like fun adventure. Although I was delighted by the audiobook, I encourage parents to “look inside” and see the very cute illustrations.

Audio Notes: David Tennant does a wonderful job with the narration. He provides good voices for the different characters and imbues them with fun and feeling. The audio contributed to my enjoyment of the story.

Source: 12/2/2018 Audible Daily Deal $1.95. This qualifies for 2019TBR and 2019Audiobook goals.

Audible Book Review: The Cruel Prince by Holly Black

This is an entertaining YA story with some good twists.
The Cruel Prince
By: Holly Black
Narrated by: Caitlin Kelly

Length: 12 hrs and 36 mins
Unabridged Audiobook
Release date: 01-02-18
Language: English
Publisher: Hachette Audio
Genre: Bullying, Fae, Fantasy, YA
My Rating: 4.0 of 5.0

Publisher's Summary
By number-one New York Times best-selling author Holly Black, the first book in a stunning new series about a mortal girl who finds herself caught in a web of royal faerie intrigue.
Of course I want to be like them. They're beautiful as blades forged in some divine fire. They will live forever.
And Cardan is even more beautiful than the rest. I hate him more than all the others. I hate him so much that sometimes when I look at him, I can hardly breathe.
Jude was seven years old when her parents were murdered and she and her two sisters were stolen away to live in the treacherous High Court of Faerie. Ten years later, Jude wants nothing more than to belong there, despite her mortality. But many of the fey despise humans. Especially Prince Cardan, the youngest and wickedest son of the High King.
To win a place at the Court, she must defy him - and face the consequences.
In doing so, she becomes embroiled in palace intrigues and deceptions, discovering her own capacity for bloodshed. But as civil war threatens to drown the Courts of Faerie in violence, Jude will need to risk her life in a dangerous alliance to save her sisters, and Faerie itself.
©2018 Holly Black (P)2018 Hachette Audio

Review:
Jude is a human teen who was taken from the human world at the age of seven to live with her half-sister’s father in the High Court of Faerie. As a typical teen might, Jude longs to fit in but the Fae look down on human mortals. She is especially taunted by the cruel Prince Carlan, the youngest son of the High King. Jude’s fae foster-“father” is a high guard. He is harsh and would defend Jude and her sister’s if he had any idea of the tricks and pain the fae children are causing.
But Jude is too proud to ask him for help. However, she has asked him to allow her to fight in the upcoming competitions in hopes she may be apprenticed. He denies the request to fight for an apprenticeship, but Jude becomes embroiled in the High Court intrigues after battling with Prince Carlan in public.

There are conspiracies ongoing as the children of the High King conspire to obtain the crown that he is soon turning over. A middle son is deemed to be the likely successor, but the eldest son will not take that well. When the time for the announcement comes, death comes to the royal family and division in the kingdom is clear and threatens more than just the royal family.

There is a surprise descendant who has been kept secret. Jude has uncovered the secret and now has to determine what she and a handful of friends can do to protect the future of Faerie and the humans who are captured to serve. There are several twists before the story concludes.

The characters and world building of Faerie pulled me in. This is my first read with this author and she clearly has a knack for well developed world building, characters and drama. The story moves along well and manages to be interesting despite bullying characters and teen angst. The fae youth are horrendously arrogant and cruel which is unpleasant. I did like Jude’s strength and determination even if I couldn’t always agree with her motives and methods. The friends that she develops add good elements to the story. The package is entertaining, and I recommend it to readers who enjoy fantasy involving humans caught in fae magic.

Audio Notes: Caitlin Kelly does a fine job with the narration. The characters were portrayed with distinct, appropriate voices and the emotions and pacing were handled well. The narration enhanced my enjoyment of the story.

Source: 2018 Win from Bookish Owl. This qualifies for Audiobook Challenge and 2018 Alphabet title.