Audio Book Review: Jennings Books: According to Jennings (1954) by Anthony Buckeridge

This is a very enjoyable, old-fashioned, easy listening, story break.

Jennings Books: According to Jennings (1954)

Author:  Anthony Buckeridge

Narrator:  Simon Vance

Audio Book Length:  4 Hrs 29 Min

# of Audio CD's:  4

# of MP3 CD's:  1

Download ISBN:  978-1-926910-41-3

Genre: Middle Grade, Classic

My Rating: 4.0 of 5.0

In this audiobook - the space-craze sweeps through Linbury Court School and the corridors reverberate with 'voom-voom' noises as rockets, piloted by "Butch Breakaway" Jennings and his "bald-headed scientist," Darbishire, take off for the moon. As Mr. Carter prophesies, the craze wears off, but not before Jennings has stuck his head into trouble; nor before he and Darbishire have helped General Merridew, that peppery but most distinguished of Old Boys, to recapture some of the wilder moments of his lost boyhood.

Review:
This visit to Jennings and his class mates shares more fun with “silly little boys” trouble (as Mr. Wilken’s would say). The boys are in a space craft minded phase with chases between sets of boys. They manage to ‘capture’ a visiting dignitary, General Merridew, by locking him in the library instead of another team of boys who were thought to be there. Mr. Carter and Mr. Wilkens are appalled espcially when the key has disappeared with Darbishire. They make a plan to go through a window. Meanwhile Jennings and Darby return and release the General who begins to remember his own days of play and shows them a trick that catches Wilkens ringing the bell.

The boys run into more trouble trying to make sure their team is ready for the upcoming swim meet. Sneaking into the closed pool area ends up leading to more trouble and ultimately a punishment that will keep them back at school when their mates head out to an anticipated soccor match with a big celebrity. Jennings and Darby finish their assignments and decide they must get to the game as they were instructed to deliver the assignments to Wilkens “as soon as” they were done. They manage to get a lift from the famous player and then stumble upon a bugalar in the locker room. During the following confusion and hunt Mr. Wilkens is detained as the thief due to miscommunication.

This is the second audio-book I have enjoyed in this series. This is a delightful tale of school boy pranks and missions gone wrong with unintended trouble that all turns out well. Thank goodness. Although this is not exciting reading it provides a pleasureable break and a look at older, gentler times with childhood fun.

Audio Notes: Once again the narration is perfectly fitting for the characters and subject. Gotta love listening to Simon Vance. :-) It is spot on and makes it smooth, easy entertainment.

Also see review for: Jennings' Diary by Anthony Buckeridge

I received this audio from Post Hypnotic Press for an honest review..

Audio Book Review: The Curve Of Time by M. Wylie Blanchet

This is a delightful listening pleasure.
The Curve of Time
by M. Wylie Blanchet
Narrated by: Heather Henderson

Length: 7 hrs and 24 mins
Format: Unabridged
Release Date:06-17-14
Publisher: Post Hypnotic Press Inc.
Program Type: Audiobook
Genre: Memoir
My Rating: 5.0 of 5.0

Publisher's Summary
At a time when Vancouver Island was still an extremely remote and sparsely populated backwater, a young widow packed her five children into a 25-foot boat dubbed The Caprice and set off on an adventure. Summer after summer the brave young mother, who became known as "Capi," would set sail and explore the rugged coastline for months with her young crew. Although the hazards the family faced were numerous-tides, fog, storms, rapids, cougars, and even grizzlies-Capi brought them through it all. The Curve of Time is Capi's poignant, thoughtful, and poetic recollection of these days.This classic coastal tale has been a bestseller since it was first published in 1961. That was also the year of the author's death. In print continuously since it's original publication, this is the first time it has been made available in audio.
©1961 The Estate of M. Wylie Blanchet (P)2014 Post Hypnotic Press Inc.

Review:
This is a sharing of personal experiences of a young widow who is boating with five children as they explore the remote areas of the rugged Vancouver coast. The author adds some history tidbits along the way as well as the summer adventures. The stories are natural, often charming and humorous. It is extra special as this is set in 1927 so their explorations tend to be true adventures of a more primitive time and setting. Most visits and encounters with strangers, even native Indians, are safe and friendly. They make friends and share time with loners and couples in remote areas. Then again, there are natural dangers too in the form of bears and cougars.

The tales share the events of the young family during their summer vacations and include, at the end, a sweet returning home to their “Little House” on Vancouver Island. The chapters represent separate events and adventures in no particular order of time. The stories include lovely descriptions of the rugged, beautiful and sometimes eerie landscaping, including visits to abandoned tribal villages and burial grounds. There are also some lovely moments of poetic observance.

I particularly enjoyed this experience because my family did a lot of boating when I was a teenager. My experiences were with more modern boats in the Bahamas but we still had similar adventures. We met strangers who became friends and had times when we faced the dangers of shark infested waters and were stranded by engine failures.

This is a book that shouldn't be limited to boaters although that is a large part of the entertainment. This is a lovely, enjoyable family journal with adventures that could be shared with children as well as adults. I have recommended it to my daughter to listen to with my grandchildren, ages 3 to 10. It is perfect for vacation listening as it tells of summer explorations but it doesn’t have to be limited to summer. I recommend this to anyone who enjoys tales of family time adventuring and especially those who might enjoy the excitement of boating in sometimes tight and danger places. Although there is a bit of an old fashioned tone the stories are timeless in the nature of remembering family adventures.

Audio Notes: I found the narration by Heather Henderson to be spot on for the nature of the story. The pacing and inflections fit the circumstances being described. She is able to portray the experiences with a gentle and natural presentation. I am sure that the book is good in print but the audio is a delightful, easy listen.  You can find some comments from Ms. Henderson and lovely images from the family at her own blog: http://heatherannehenderson.com/2014/07/04/a-narrators-joy-the-curve-of-time/

I received this audio download from Post Hypnotic Press for and honest review.

Audio Book Review: Jennings' Diary by Anthony Buckeridge

This is a charming story for middle grade, young adults or adults who might enjoy a nostalgic view of boyish mishaps.

JENNINGS BOOKS: JENNINGS DIARY (1953)
Jennings' Diary by Anthony Buckeridge
read by Simon Vance

Audio Book Length:  4 Hrs 28 Min
# of Audio CD's:  4
# of MP3 CD's:  1
Audio CD ISBN:  978-1-926910-35-2

In this audiobook - it is the Easter term at Linbury Court School and Jennings has been promised five pounds by his aunt if he keeps up his diary every day. When he and Darbishire devise a code for entries, things really start to happen - the nasty incident of Wilkins's mark book is only one of them.

Review:
Jennings is a young English boy away at boarding school for the Easter term. His Aunt gave him a diary for Christmas and promised him five pounds if he writes in the diary each day. When he returned to school one of his classmates found the diary and began teasing him. Jennings entries are rather dull and common-place, tending towards his routines, “ate breakfast”, or the weather with those entries looking a lot like: “hot toddy” instead of “hot today”.

After rescuing his book he decides to write in code in case it gets taken again. Now the entries look like: "Hah-ooh cinosrepus! 'Selbanev, Nosnikta, Senoj-Nitram,'..." Jennings makes an innocent entry about his sometimes impatient forms teacher, Mr. Wilkins, known as Old Wilkie. Mr. Wilkins sees the entry that reads something like ‘Wilkie - lost link’ and takes it as an insult setting the two at odds.

Jennings records his attempts to start a museum with all the ‘treasures’ that young boys are apt to find. He and his best friend, Darbershire, sneak off one day in search of a gift for the school nurse who has been kind to Jennings. One misstep leads to another but the resulting gift giving and confusion is really quite sweet.

Jennings and Darbishire find a genuine fake Roman carriage wheel which causes no small trouble with Old Wilkie and the boys’ museum. The cumbersome wheel assemblage becomes even more of a problem as the boys try to take it to the curator of the Dunhambury Museum.

At one point Old Wilkie confiscates the diary but lends it back to Jennings a few weeks later so that he can transfer the entries from his notebook. Jennings goes through a bad day when he thinks he has lost the diary. Not only will he have to face Old Wilkie when he can’t return the book, but he is afraid the police will find it and think it is about Russian spies due to the nature of his code.

The story is a very charming view of the mischief of young boys in a gentler setting than today’s world. The convoluted, though often innocent, thinking and actions of Jennings makes for awkward and funny situations.

I hope to share it with my own 10 year old grandson. It is not fast action and adventure as we think of them today but it is action and adventure for young boys in a historic time setting.

Audio Notes: I have to state that I would probably enjoy any audio read by Simon Vance. Vance is a consummate narrator who manages to share multiple voices and personalities in his smooth British accent. He does a wonderful job with the school boys, the teachers and headmaster, moving from one to the next so that you can picture the whole scene. This is a book I would probably not pick up in print but found great enjoyment listening to. I am looking forward to listening to more of Jennings’ adventures as shared through Vance’s magical presentation.

I received this audiobook from Post Hypnotic Press Books for review.

Audio Book Review: Greenwillow by B.J. Chute

This is a beautifully written, charming story. I have to agree with the comment: "Everyone needs to visit Greenwillow..."

Audio Book: Greenwillow
by B.J. Chute
Narrator: Ann M. Richardson
Audio Book Length: 6 hrs 44 mins
# of Audio CD's: 6
Audio CD ISBN: 978-1-927817-34-6
Genre: Classic Fiction
My Rating: 5.0 of 5.0

"Everyone needs to visit Greenwillow and meet its wonderful inhabitants - from the two reverends with their 'two ways of walking before the Lord' to the irrepressible Micah who braves the devil."
A lyrical and timeless fable of the small country village Greenwlllow and its unforgettable inhabitants, and the poignant romance between young Gideon Briggs, who lives in the shadow of a family curse and is determined never to marry, and Dorrie, the orphan girl he loves. Perhaps B.J. Chute's best-known novel, a critic described Greenwillow as "a deeply moving, gently humorous and serenely wise story of young love and self-discovery." Greenwillow was brought to the Broadway stage in 1960, starring Anthony Perkins, with book by Lesser Samuels and Frank Loesser, and music and lyrics by Frank Loesser.
A bit of trivia. Anthony Perkins was simultaneously filming Alfred Hitchcock's classic shocker Psycho while rehearsing Greenwillow. Over the years, Perkins, in interviews, always said that his stand-in was used in the filming of the infamous shower scene, because he was rehearsing a Broadway show. Greenwillow was that show.

Review:
The village of Greenwillow is a sweet, pastoral place where everyone knows each other. The villagers have forgotten the name of the river that flows by, so they call it The Meander. The sweet, steepled church houses the lean, stern Reverend Lapp who lives in the village with his equally stern and snobby mother. It is a bit of a surprise when another preacher, the robust, cheerful Reverend Birdsong, appears to share the pulpit. Now the two men of God have to cope with each other, Lapp preaching against hell and demons, and Birdsong soothing and comforting the flock with a gentler message.

Out beyond the fork of the river a small cabin contains the household of Amos Briggs. Amos himself is a wandering man who was gone when his first wife died giving birth to his eldest son, Gideon. Amos has visited his second wife, Martha, often enough to leave five more children in her care, along with Granmma Briggs who is not afraid to voice her opinion on things in the house and village.

Gideon has grown strong and responsible, taking care of the farm and heading the house in the absence of his father. All his life Gideon has been led to expect to receive the cursed wandering call that falls on all the first born Brigg’s sons. Gideon is diligently preparing everything to be in good shape to turn over to his half brother, Micah.

Dorrie, a young orphan girl, lives in the village taking care of two elderly spinsters. She is known for her sweet, kind spirit as well as her delicious baking. Dorrie has a fondness for Gideon but he refuses to encourage her affections as he knows he will be leaving in the next year when his call comes. Gideon has vowed to never marry so that he won’t leave a woman behind to birth his children alone.

Micah is a bold, outspoken and brave child. Since Reverend Lapp preaches that Gideon will be called off by the devil if he doesn’t resist, Micah decides to face the devil himself to try to make him leave Gideon alone so he will stay in the village with his family.

This story is absolutely delightful with its stage-full of unique and precocious characters, from the youngest child, Jabez, to old Granmma. There is a wonderful contrast between the two preachers, both offering different strengths and carrying different weaknesses. The lovely prose and mystical story made me think of the ethereal Brigadoon. I had never heard of this story but I am so glad I was offered the chance to listen and review it. I highly recommend this gem to those who are ready for a lyrical tale to take them away from the stress of the world for an idyllic, gentle adventure.

Audio Notes: I think it would be difficult to find a more perfect reading than this one by Ann M. Richardson. Her soft lyrical narration, and the portrayal of the different characters, made Greenwillow come alive in my mind. I am sure the written text is lovely but the audio is a true delight.

I received this download from Post Hypnotic Press Books for an honest review.

Please follow this link to enjoy an audio sample.
(Also available at Audible.)

Audio Book Review: The Thirteenth Rose Charlie D. Mysteries, Book 4 by Gail Bowen

This is another quick, enjoyable mystery with Charlie D's special, gentle kindness.

The Thirteenth Rose
Charlie D. Mysteries, Book 4
by Gail Bowen

Audio Book Length:  1 Hr 24 Min
# of Audio CD's:  2
# of MP3 CD's:  1
Audio CD ISBN:  978-1-927401-95-8
Genre: Mystery
My Rating: 4.25 of 5.0

For his Valentine's night call-in show, host Charlie D plans to offer his listeners two hours on the topic of "satisfaction." His in-studio guest is twenty-five-year-old Misty de Vol Burgh, formerly the highest-paid escort in the city but now happily married to eighty-three-year-old billionaire Henry Burgh. It's all good fun until Charlie receives a chilling message: "It's take-out-the-garbage night. Time to kill all the hookers and wash the streets with blood." When Charlie is directed to a website that allows viewers to watch the murder of a prostitute in real time and promises that another killing will be broadcast live within the hour, the hunt is on. But The World According to Charlie D. has an audience of over a million listeners. The murderer could be anyone, anywhere. Charlie and his team have less than two hours to find and stop the killer.

Review:
This is book four in the Charlie D mystery series. There is a brief recap introduction of Charlie to readers who are new to the series. Host Charlie D has a knack for listening and helping lonely people who call in to share on his late night radio talk show. His special guest for Valentines’ day is his ‘new’ boss, Misty de Vol Burgh who has unique qualifications. Misty is a mid-twenties former high-paid escort who married eighty-three-year-old billionaire Henry Burgh who bought the station as a gift for her.

While Charlie and Misty prepare to answer questions about love on the show, the station production manager, Nova, is becoming alarmed by threats to ‘women of the night’. The threat heats up when a video of a call girl being brutally murdered goes viral on the internet durint the show. There is a threat that another murder will take place by midnight and it is feared that violence is waiting outside to attack Misty when she leaves the studio.

Apparently another show host is a very outspoken and hostile man who has been riling up a group of chauvinist/purists who are condemning women who make their living through sexual relationships. The police try to trace a connection while Misty demands the man return to the studio to try to defuse the situation. What can Charlie and Misty due to prevent another murder?

These ‘rapid reads’ are enjoyable, short listens. They have a mystery that addresses current, everyday issues. The author shares philosophy and goodness through Charlie's wise, kind words along with real emotions of sadness and friendship. If you have ever enjoyed talk show radio, or enjoy mysteries with a gentle philosphical message, I encourage you to treat yourself to these quick listens.

Audio Notes: Once again narrator Daniel Maté makes this ‘rapid read’ an easy listen. He manages to express the essence of Charlie as well as portraying the other characters through the voice inflections. The narration adds to my enjoyment of the series.

I received this audio book from Post Hypnotic Press for an honest review.

Audio Review: Shadow Killer, A Charlie D. Mystery, by Gail Bowen

Relationship issues wrapped up in a bit of a mystery.

"Shadow Killer," A Charlie D. Mystery
by Gail Bowen
(Rapid Reads) Post Hypnotic Press

Narrator:  Daniel Maté
Audio Book Length:  1 Hr 21 Min
# of Audio CD's:  2
# of MP3 CD's:  1
Download ISBN:  978-1-927401-89-7
Genre: Mystery
My Rating: 4.25 of 5.0

"Packs a lot of action into a mere 87 pages. The Rapid Reads line of books is perfect for the adult on the go who desires an intriguing read that can be devoured in one setting - amazon.com"

It's Father's Day weekend--a tough time for Charlie D, host of a late-night radio call-in show that offers supportive advice to troubled listeners. For years Charlie has been alienated from his father--a retired politician who was always too busy for his son when Charlie was growing up. The trouble is, his dad has chosen this weekend to attempt to reconcile with his son. Charlie is not keen to forgive. But Charlie's personal issues suddenly seem mundane when an email arrives from a young listener that outlines his very specific plans to kill not just his father but his entire family. The deeply troubled boy could be anywhere, and Charlie has just two hours to discover his identity and stop him from murder.

Review:
Once again the story introduces Charlie and his call in radio show to newcomers. It’s Father’s Day and Charlie is ready to listen to his fans who call in to share their woes. Not everyone has fond memories of their childhood relationship with their fathers, including Charlie. Charlie’s dad was a busy politician who was disappointed by a son whose face was marred by a large birthmark. Charlie understands being estranged from one’s father and isn’t really interested in responding when his father calls and asks to get together.

Charlie arrives at work to have his producer advise him that a young listener has sent in an email indicating his plans to kill his father, the rest of his family and the rest of his family. Charlie now has to focus his talents on drawing the boy out to call in so they can hopefully talk him out of his plans or at least try to identify him. Charlie is initially at a loss but Nova has helped with father-relationship quotes to open up the show.

Charlie’s boss calls in raging over his elderly, wealthy father who is about to marry a sexy woman young enough to be his granddaughter. Charlie tries to encourage the man to be happy for his father but gets fired instead.

Charlie is still trying to get the ‘shadow killer’ to call in when Charlie’s own father calls. He thinks he can share insight to the frustrations of the young boy.

This episode is rather poignant as it deals with father-son relationships. There is still a little bit of mystery and Charlie is his ever engaging character. I enjoy these quick listens.

Audio Notes: Daniel Maté continues to narrate this series with easy distinction. I enjoy the fun, quick story.

I received this audio from Post Hypnotic Press for an honest review.

Audio Book Review: One Fine Day You're Gonna Die Charlie D. Mysteries, Book 2 by Gail Bowen

This is an engaging, psychological mystery that is a good, quick listen.

One Fine Day You're Gonna Die

Charlie D. Mysteries, Book 2

by Gail Bowen

Narrator: Daniel Maté

# of Audio CD's: 2

# of MP3 CD's: 1

Audio CD ISBN: 978-1-927401-92-7

Genre: Mystery

My Rating: 4.25 of 5..0

Charlie D is back doing his late-night radio call-in show. It's Halloween--The Day of the Dead. Not a day filled with good memories for Charlie, but the show must go on. His studio guest this evening is Dr. Robin Harris, an arrogant and ambitious "expert in the arts of dying and grieving," who also seems to be auditioning for her own radio talk show. Charlie and Dr. Harris do not hit it off. Things go from bad to worse when the doctor's ex-lover, Gabe, goes on air to announce that he's about to end his life. Dr. Harris is entirely unsympathetic until she learns that Gabe also has her daughter Kali and plans to poison her too. It will take all of Charlie D's on-air skills to save both Gabe and Kali.

Review:
This is the second in the Charlie D mystery series. In this episode it is Halloween and Charlie D has a guest hostess to deal with The Day of the Dead. Dr. Robin Harris is extremely arrogant and thinks that only her opinions on grieving are the right and worthy ones. She hopes to use this night with Charlie as an opportunity to gain her own talk show. There is a big difference between Charlie and Robin. Charlie has learned to listen to his audience and they appreciate him for that. Robin is too busy trying to tell the callers what she thinks instead of waiting to hear their experience and needs.

Robin is angry that Charlie’s producer, Nova, refuses to bar Robin’s ex-boyfriend, Gabe, from calling in. She doesn’t want to talk to him but she finally begins to listen when she learns that Gabe has her young daughter, Kali, and he is planning to poison her before killing himself. Can Charlie manage to talk Gabe out of harming Kali, or at least keep him on the line until they can locate him and the police can arrive. As Robin panics and continues to make a fool of herself some of Charlie’s other callers are able to call in and give some wise advise for the situation.

Once again this is a psychological mystery that is engaging and enjoyable for a quick listen. The introduction fills the listener in on  Charlie’s particular uniqueness and his occupation so a reader could select this title to enjoy as a stand alone.

Audio Notes: Daniel Maté presents the characters with panache and makes this ‘rapid read’ a smooth,
easy listen.

I received this audio book from Post Hypnotic Press for an honest review.

Audio Review: Love You to Death Charlie D. Mysteries, Book 1 by Gail Bowen

This is a great audio way to enjoy a quick mystery story.
Love You to Death
Charlie D. Mysteries, Book 1
by Gail Bowen

Narrator:  Daniel Maté
Audio Book Length:  1 Hr 34 Min
# of Audio CD's:  2
Download ISBN:  978-1-927401-74
Post Hypnotic Press

Genre: Mystery
My Rating: 4.5 of 5.0

Charlie D is the host of a successful late-night radio call-in show. His listeners have a particularly intimate relationship with him and often reveal much about themselves, confident that he will honor their trust and that he can save them. In their minds, he is perfect: one of life's winners. But Charlie feels he's something of a fake. His easy confidence on-air belies the reality for a man born with a wine-colored birthmark that covers half his face. Love You to Death covers one hour on "The World According to Charlie D"--an hour during which he must both discover the long-time listener who is killing the people who trust him and attempt to come to terms with the man behind the birthmark.

Review:
Charlie D has a popular night time radio talk show where he fields calls from many troubled callers who use his show as a type of suicidal ‘crisis’ line. Sometimes he directs them to professional help and sometimes he takes their calls privately to soothe them in times of urgency. The callers view Charlie D as a winner who encourages them to do better and see more in themselves. The callers don't realize that Charlie has his own reasons to feel desperate about life at times so he has a lot of empathy for his callers.

Two of his regular call-in fans have been found dead. The police suspect another fan who has fixated on Charlie D, and wants to eliminate the competition. They set up a call show for “Obsessed Lovers” hoping to draw out the killer. The police, including a police psychologist, are at the studio listening to every call. Not only are Charlie D’s fans in danger but, with the murderer trying to get to Charlie, can the police protect Charlie and his show producer, Nova?

This is a very engaging, quick sound bite, mystery. The villain is an appropriately twisted psychopath. I enjoyed the introduction to Charlie and Nova who have their quirks and a solid working relationship. I recommend this to mystery lovers and it is perfect when you want a quick listen/read to enjoy.

Audio Notes: The narration was spot on for the story, with the narrator appropriately conveying the nuances of voices, personalities and emotions. Stay tuned as I am looking forward to more ‘rapid reads’ and night time talk line with Charlie D.

I received this audio book from Post Hypnotic Press for an honest review.

Audio Book Review: Paradox Resolution: A Spider Webb Novel, by K.A. Bedford

Jump on this book for a mad time trip!
Paradox Resolution: A Spider Webb Novel
Author: K.A. Bedford

Narrator: Cameron McDonald
Audio Book Length:  9 Hrs 55 Min

Genre: Time Travel, Action, Science Fiction
My Rating: 4.5 of 5.0

Audio Book Description:
Aloysius “Spider” Webb fixes time machines for a living. He hates his job; he hates his life, and hates time travel even more. He simply wants to get on with his life. He’s a hard working -Australian bloke — a good man in a bad -situation who is willing to do almost anything to regain his self-respect and the affection of his nearly -ex-wife, Molly; a mad sculptress on her way to international fame and fortune.

Spider’s life and his world are changing. -After quitting the Western Australian Police Service, Spider studied to become a time -machine repair -mechanic, eking out a sparse -living fixing broken down machines. But the -repair business isn’t what it used to be. Once, time machines were as big as cars; but now they’re smaller and compact, portable, and cost too much to get fixed so it’s easier for people to simply buy a new one. Times are tough and there is no end in sight.

Meanwhile, Spider’s new boss at the Time -Machines Repaired While-U-Wait franchise needs help: his -secretly built, totally -illegal, -radically overclocked, hotrod time -machine has been stolen, and Spider is the right man to get it back before it falls into the wrong hands, or worse inadvertently destroys the entire universe.

Spider’s journey begins with a simple favor to help his almost ex-wife, Molly, and moves to the icy wastes of the far, far future.

Surprise and shock are the only -constants in -Spider’s life; why should this job be any -different?

Review:
Spider, a sharp Australian, is a former police-officer who was pushed out of his job after blowing the whistle on a corrupt department. Now he earns a living fixing time machines, which he hates, while he tries to regain a more respectable life and his soon to be ex-wife, Molly.  Spider is really a nice guy who believes in doing the right thing–even though that has gotten him into his current dilemma.

Spider thinks maybe he can win back his wife’s affections if he continues to help her as an available handyman.  Spider is alarmed that Molly is going out of town but he won’t refuse when she asks him to house-sit her sick gold fish. The next morning he is startled to find a dead head– ah, make that a dead talking head!– in his refrigerator at work. Then his boss calls him in to seek his help in finding his young son who has disappeared with a  illegal, totally souped-up, hotrod time machine.  All of a sudden Spider is caught up in a time travel mystery that could lead to end time destruction.

Spider hates time travel and the reason becomes understandable as time travel experiences seem to bring on nothing but trouble and perhaps even the downfall of civilization.  First the trips made by his boss and then Spider’s own trips show a certain circular, inescapable, inevitability.  Is it possible for him to save Molly from becoming an alien monster? And what trouble is he bringing on his cop-friend, Iris, who insists on jumping on board the time machine heading to a far distant future? Can they make changes to save earth before the aliens devour what is left?

This was a mad trip of twisted, future power-mongers and danger wrapped with irony and humor.  This moves along at a good pace and kept me engaged.  I really enjoyed trying to figure out where it was going and what would happen next even as Spider himself ponders his mundane life and the turns that it takes with the different time jumps.

This is apparently a sequel novel although it worked fine as a stand alone. This makes me curious to go back and read the first book.

Audio Notes:  Cameron McDonald does a grand job with the Australian accents, slang and irrepressible spirit. The narration made this a completely enjoyable reading/listening experience.

I received this download to provide an honest review for Post Hypnotic Press through Audiobook Jukebox.