Audible Book Review: A Change of Plans: A Short Story by Dennis E. Taylor

This is a quick teaser which might make a satisfactory intro to a new series.

A Change of Plans: A Short Story
By: Dennis E. Taylor
Narrated by: Neil Hellegers

• Length: 44 mins
• Release date: 05-26-20
• Publisher: Audible Studios
Genre: Adventure, Colonization, Short Story, Space Opera
My Rating: 3.75 of 5.0 Overall; Content 3.5; Narration 3.75.

Publisher's Summary
Earth is dying, and humanity is scrambling to set up colonies in other star systems. But the search process for habitable planets is not perfect, as the crew of the Ouroboros discover on arrival at their new home.
©2017 Dennis E. Taylor (P)2020 Audible, Inc.

Review:
Earth citizens are vying for the few spaceships available to take them to habitable planets. While many wait in line, a group of citizens has gained the ability to help pay for and build a ship to take them as the first colonists. The captain and crew are on a schedule to drop the colonists on the chosen planet and then return to Earth to get another group of citizens. But when they arrive to the chosen planet they realize that the conditions are not as expected.

Delivering the eager colonists to the surface may result in death rather than a viable colony. The captain can’t take them back because it would put them to the end of the line for another ship. The choices aren’t good. When negotiations fail, the colonists decide to implement a change of plans.

I snagged this for a quick space listen which it is. I really enjoy this author’s Bob universe with space colonization and action laced with danger and humor. Although I liked the fitting science fiction irony in this story, it left me feeling a bit “meh”. I think it might work as an introduction to a new series but as a standalone it left me wanting more and disappointed. I can recommend this as a quick filler and diehard fans of Taylor, especially as a free book on Audible Plus.

Audio Notes: Neil Hellegers does a good job with the narration. He really managed to add life to the story even though voices were not uniquely distinct. I am glad that I listened to this short story.

Source: Audible Plus Catalog March 22, 2021. This qualifies for 2021Audiobook goal.

Audible Book Review: Spring Clean by Dina Gregory

I enjoyed this fun, quick listen.
Spring Clean
By: Dina Gregory
Narrated by: Nneka Okoye

Length: 4 mins
Release date: 05-22-20
Publisher: Audible Studios
Genre: Fantasy, Light Humor, Short Story
My Rating: 4.25 of 5.0 Overall; Story 4.25; Narration 4.25.

Publisher's Summary
What is it like to be spring cleaned? Find out in this tragicomic tale about a self-absorbed Hair Spider, an anxious Fluff Ball, and a friendly Dust Bunny. The perilous journey of these three friends is sure to suck you in.
©2020 Audible Ltd (P)2020 Audible Ltd

Review:
Have you ever wondered what it would be like to be a clump of hair brushed to the floor? A hairy pet fluff ball? Or a dust bunny under the bed? They might frolic together for a time, but then what?

This is a little surprise to begin though the ending is more predictable. It is only 4 minutes, and it is free on Audible Plus. I’m glad I listened. It it is cute and fun and good for adults and children. I plan to add more of Gregory's short gems to my library.

Audio Notes: Nneka Okoye does a spot on narration. She captures the fun and the irony. Her narration added to the experience.

I found this at Audible Plus Catalog - seen at Inside of a Dog. This qualifies for 2021TBR, 2021Audiobook goals, and a “Spring” title.

Book Review: Cold Feet: A Short Story for Christmas (Hand-Me-Downs Book 2) by Meggan Haller

This is a bit heart wrenching but heartwarming too.
Cold Feet: A Short Story for Christmas (Hand-Me-Downs Book 2)
by Meggan Haller

ASIN : B00OI8HSOQ
Publication date : October 13, 2014
File size : 1475 KB
Genre: Christmas, Young Adult, Short Story
My Rating: 4.25 of 5.0.

"He saw the distinct shape of a hand carefully placing one more stocking alongside the others. Though Jakob was sure he saw it, at first he didn’t believe it was real. It took him a long time to figure out there was no Santa, and short of a miracle, he wouldn’t be quick to change his mind."
Another Christmas and nothing had changed for 5-year-old Jakob. Papa still had no job, the family still had no money, and Jakob still had the same pair of old, threadbare socks only now with holes in them. This was the Great Depression, a time of hardship for many families, the Strumpfs included.
Year after year, Santa brought nothing for the Strumpfs but a hand-written promise that next Christmas would be better. Jakob’s older brothers and sisters believed Santa would keep his promise and bring them a gift this year—even Mama and Papa believed—but Jakob doubted. When a sensitive boy loses heart, his family must help him find it.
These days, Christmas may be a season of abundance, but this solemn tale introduces young readers to an era of struggle. A generation after Bern learned to believe in Santa in Light in the Snow, Jakob carries on the Strumpf tradition of turning hardships into happiness. With contemplative and compassionate prose, this remarkable story reminds us that where there is love, hope can flourish despite poverty.

Review:
Jakob is the youngest of six children living during the Great Depression. As the youngest, at five years old, he has never experienced a gift at Christmas (or any other time of year). He is accustomed to having only hand-me-down clothes, including a cap (which he has lost) and socks which are holey. There are only five marbles to play with, so Jakob doesn’t get to play and is shut out of the circle. Although the eldest brother tries to draw Jakob aside to play, Jakob is too sullen, angry and hurt to be cajoled.

As Christmas Eve arrives, the other children are still willing to believe that Santa will visit the family. But Jakob is ready to give up. He has determined there is no reason to believe, there is no hope and all of his life is destined to be deprivation and hardship. Will the events of Christmas be able to change Jakob’s mind?

This story is so sad and heart wrenching as we watch Jakob’s frustration and disappointments. I was further saddened by his actions on Christmas Eve/morning. Fortunately, there is a an uplifting, very sweet ending… with hope. I encourage readers to share this little gem, especially with young people who don’t always appreciate the blessings that surround them.

Source: December 2016 Free Kindle download. This qualifies for 2020TBR goal.

Audible Book Review: Carniepunk: The Demon Barker of Wheat Street by Kevin Hearne

I enjoy the Iron Druid Series and the short novellas that add to the series.

Carniepunk: The Demon Barker of Wheat Street
By: Kevin Hearne
Narrated by: Kirby Heyborne
Series: Iron Druid Chronicles, Book 4.7
Length: 1 hr and 4 mins
Release date: 09-09-14
Publisher: Simon & Schuster Audio
Genre: Short Story, Urban Fantasy
My Rating: 4.25 of 5.0 Overall; Story 4.25; Narration 3.75.
#Fraterfest

Publisher's Summary
From the New York Times best-selling author of Hounded comes an Iron Druid Chronicles short story in the captivating Carniepunk anthology.
The ancient Druid Atticus O’Sullivan gets more than greasy corn dogs and flat soda when he visits a carnival in Kansas to which his apprentice, Granuaile, drags him. He runs across a barker with a strange power over the crowd: attractive women leave their men and disappear into an unmarked tent, never to be seen again, and the men wander away, forgetting that they ever had girlfriends or wives. When Granuaile falls under the barker’s influence and enters the tent, Atticus isn’t about to forget it and move on. He and his Irish wolfhound, Oberon, pursue her and discover the horrifying secret to the carnival’s success.
©2014 Kevin Hearne (P)2014 Simon & Schuster Audio

Review:
Atticus has been busy training his apprentice, Granuaile, after faking her death a few years earlier. Granuaile is concerned how her mother is doing and convinces Atticus to go with her to her home town in Kansas. Atticus is originally reluctant because he last left Kansas on tense terms with the underlying elemental whom he calls “Amber”. There is no telling what might occur to Atticus.

Once Granuaile has confirmed that her mother is fine, she drags Atticus to a local carnival. At first things seem fairly normal until they come upon a tent where the people seem to enter and disappear, leaving, friends behind with a sense of confusion. Granuaile rushes in before Atticus can warn her that he has recognized danger in the booth. Atticus’ faithful wolfhound, Oberon, also realizes there is danger but by the time he tries to pull Granuaile away, she is mesmerized and unresponsive to him. Will Amber help Atticus in his desperate efforts to reach Granuaile before she is destroyed by the evil that has taken over?

I enjoy the Iron Druid series and it is always fun to get the adventure and danger in a short bite novella between the full stories. The usual sass and snark between the characters is present and makes the story the fun I expected. I recommend the short story to fans of the series or to readers who might want to test the waters in the Iron Druid series.

Audio Notes: I have to say that I was disappointed in the audio. The quality was fine and the narrator, Kirby Heyborne, did an alright job, but he is not Luke Daniels. Those of us who have listened to other full stories and novellas in the series which have been narrated by Daniels are clearly aware of the difference in voice and not too happy about the different narrator. It did jolt even my equable senses. I was glad to have the listen for my air-flight but to true fans I might suggest reading this one.

Source: 12/13/2019 Audible Member Sales $.94. This qualifies for 2020TBR, 2020Audiobook goals and #Fraterfest event.

Audible Book Review: Snowflakes by Ruth Ware

I snagged this as I thought this was a good way to try Ware as a new-to-me author. It is a quick, engaging story.
Snowflakes
Hush Collection
By: Ruth Ware
Narrated by: Jess Nahikian

Series: Hush Collection
Length: 57 mins
Release date: 07-30-20
Genre: Collection, Mystery, Short Story, Thriller & Suspense
My Rating: 4.0 of 5.0 Overall; Story 4.0; Narration 4.0.

Publisher's Summary
When a barrier between truth and illusion grows stronger, a family’s trust crumbles in this arresting short story by the number one New York Times 

bestselling author of The Woman in Cabin 10.
Leah has spent her formative years isolated on a remote island with her family. But their quiet existence, far from the devastated mainland, is cracking. Father, sensing a coming threat, demands that a wall be built. As the stone blockade rises, Father’s paranoia escalates. So does Leah’s dread that the violence the family left behind has found its way to their sanctuary.
Ruth Ware’s Snowflakes is part of Hush, a collection of six stories, ranging from political mysteries to psychological thrillers, in which deception can be a matter of life and death. Each piece can be read or listened to in one truly chilling sitting.
©2020 Ruth Ware. (P)2020 Brilliance Publishing, Inc., all rights reserved.

Review:
Leah has lived on a remote island with her father and siblings. Her father has insisted that they have to remain away from the war ridden mainland where their mother was shot and killed. Now Father is obsessed with building a stone blockade around their small cottage. He drives Leah and another brother to get up early and go gather the rocks needed for the wall. When they resist or don’t work hard enough he punishes them. Leah puzzles at his actions but she really becomes concerned when her father pulls their eldest brother away from work in the food gardens which is necessary for their survival.

The children are becoming more and more fearful of what is coming. When confrontation arrives they are shocked.

I picked this story up because I had not yet read anything by Ms. Ware (and the Audible was free). Ms. Ware creates a very real scene with believable, real to life characters. The development of the story and mystery is very well done, and I didn’t catch on to the truth of the situation until just before it is revealed. Although this was short, I felt the situation and characters were well developed.

Audio Notes: Jess Nahikian does a good job with the narration. She provides distinct voices and her inflection enhanced the mystery of the Story. I am glad that I had the chance to listen to this.

Source: August 2020 Free Audible Plus. This qualifies for 2020TBR goal.

Audible Book Review: Spring in Geneva by Sylvia Kelso

This is a delightful listen!
Spring in Geneva
By: Sylvia Kelso
Narrated by: Jesse Einstein

Length: 3 hrs and 17 mins
Unabridged Audiobook
Release date: 08-18-15
Language: English
Publisher: Audible Studios
Genre: Fantasy, Gothic, Short Story, Steampunk
My Rating: 4.75 of 5.0 Overall; Story 4.5; Narration 4.75.

Publisher's Summary
Mary Shelley, a young banker’s son, and William, an excessively tall man with a “lividly hued visage, watery eyes, and blackened lips within a straggling beard,” pit their wits and derring-do against Lord Byron, master of steampunk technology, and his thuggish minions.
©2013 Sylvia Kelso (P)2015 Audible, Inc.

Review:
Like the Frankenstein story, this novella takes the form of a letter correspondence. Anton writes to explain “what it was all about”. Anton sees a “Promethean” in the garden and befriends him. Then a striking young lady comes along to collect the strange-looking creature she calls William. The young lady turns out to be the widow of Percy Shelley. Anton is intrigued by the curious William and smitten by the sad but enchanting Mary Shelley. Anton sets about helping William to present himself appropriately in public.

But the men who helped create William discover that he is alive and they are not inclined to let him reveal their secrets to anyone. When William, Mary, and Anton realize that the men are set to run another creation experiment, they are determined to prevent that tragedy even though it risks their lives.

The story has friendship, romance -or at least the dream of it-, danger, and questions regarding what signifies a man and more particularly a soul. The prose has a European flair that fits the Georgian time period. I enjoyed the rich descriptions and found the Frankenstein connections captivating. It makes me want to read the original story again. I will also look at other stories by Ms. Kelso. I recommend this to fans of the original Frankenstein story and to readers who enjoy a gothic, steampunk fantasy.

Audio Notes: Jesse Einstein does a beautiful job with the narration. He captures the gothic elements as well as providing distinct voices. I found the listening experience delightful.

Source: 12/13/2019 Audible Sale for $1.50. This qualifies for 2020TBR,  2020Audiobook and season "Spring" reading goals.

Audible Book Review: Piles of Bones by Michael J. Sullivan

This is a nice, quick introduction to the young mystic, Suri, who is a character in the larger series.
Pile of Bones - FREE
By: Michael J. Sullivan
Narrated by: Tim Gerard Reynolds

Series: Legends of the First Empire, Book 0.5
Length: 1 hr and 45 mins
Unabridged Audiobook
Release date: 01-07-20
Language: English
Publisher: Audible Studios
Genre: Fantasy, Short Story
My Rating: 4.25 of 5.0 Overall; Story 4.25; Narration 4.25.

Publisher's Summary
When a storm reveals a mysterious cave behind a waterfall, the young mystic’s apprentice and her wolf investigate. Inside, she discovers a secret place containing a pile of human bones and the young girl makes what could be a fatal mistake.
In this Legends of the First Empire prequel, we witness the events that helped shape the woman who would one day become Suri the Mystic, the first Rhune Artist, and a hero to a generation.
©2020 Michael J. Sullivan (P)2020 Audible, Inc.

Review:
The author introduces this short work as a piece to introduce one of the important characters in the Legends of First Empire. Here we meet Suri, a young mystic, and her ‘sister’ wolf, Minna. Suri is being mentored by Tura to become a mystic. Suri has begun to develop a close relationship with nature, the animals, the trees, the wind, and the water. She tries to listen to her friends to stay safe, but sometimes she has to learn through her own errors and curiosity.

One day Suri notes a tree branch has fallen near the waterfall, exposing a tunnel. She is excited thinking the tunnel will take her to a special hidden world. Minna doesn’t want to go in but Suri insists. Once down the tunnel, Suri has to puzzle how to open a hidden door. Instead of a tunnel to another world, she finds a room full of human bones. Inadvertently she and Minna end up with a bone which she takes home. She has no idea the trouble that will follow.

I enjoy Michael Sullivan’s writing as he creates a remarkable world with remarkable characters. He is an excellent storyteller weaving magic that pulls the listener in. There is a lengthy introduction to explain why Sullivan has produced several short stories in his series. This story is only half of the audio, leaving a good half-hour to pull the reader/listener into the first novel, The Age of Myth. I recommend this to readers who enjoy a strong medieval type fantasy.

Audio Notes: Tim Gerard Reynolds is a superb narrator. He infuses the characters with personality that helps to engage the listener. I enjoyed this quick audio experience.

Source: 1/21/2020 Free at Audible. This qualifies for 2020Audiobook goal.

Book Review: Civilly Disobedient (Calm Act Genesis Book 1) by Ginger Booth

I liked this short dystopian prequel.
Civilly Disobedient (Calm Act Genesis Book 1)
by Ginger Booth

File Size: 3840 KB
Print Length: 52 pages
Publication Date: August 18, 2016
Sold by: Amazon Digital Services LLC
ASIN: B01KOXYB2K
Genre: Dystopian, Political Fiction, Sci Fi, Short Story
My Rating: 4.0 of 5.0

The storms before the Calm.
Resourceful programmer Dee Baker is getting worried about climate change. Food prices are skyrocketing, the drought out west deepening, and the storms won’t quit. When her intrusive Fortune 100 media employer forbids her to attend the worsening riots, Dee defies them to visit a rally, and see for herself what they’re trying to hide.
Civilly Disobedient is a short prequel to the Calm Act series.

Review:
Dee Baker, a resourceful programmer with a good job, is annoyed when her employer announces that the staff are forbidden from attending any of the increasingly violent climate protests. Dee already suspects that her media employer is suppressing the truth regarding troubles in their world. She doesn’t always like to toe the line and tends to have a rebellious streak.

Dee decides to sneak into a protest to see what is really going on. She manages to get a seat on a bus loaded with a participating group that has a legal permit for the event. She soon learns that there are many other groups that are attending without permission. The crowd greatly exceeds the numbers that were planned but apparently the police anticipated the overly zealous mob.

Dee finds herself caught up in the moving masses and at risk of being arrested. Can she get out of the mob safely or will she lose her job for this impulsive adventure?

I found this short story to be well written with an engaging character and consistent flow. My attention was quickly engaged and held throughout the adventure. The plot direction isn’t fully clear for the rest of the series but I enjoyed this prequel enough to want to know where the story will go. Readers who enjoy the dystopian genre may wish to try this out.

Source: 2016 Free Kindle. This qualifies for 2019TBR and #SciFiMonth 2019 goals.

Book Review: A Christmas Message From The Moon by Philip Gibson

I learned some history from this quick story!
A Christmas Message From The Moon
by Philip Gibson


File Size: 1234 KB
Print Length: 16 pages
Publication Date: November 22, 2015
Sold by: Amazon Digital Services LLC
ASIN: B018EI7ZTI
Genre: History, Short Story
My Rating: 4.0 of 5.0

On Christmas Eve 1968, the largest worldwide television audience in history tuned in to see the Apollo 8 astronauts become the first humans to reach the Moon. Halfway through their 6-day historic mission, the astronauts broadcast live TV pictures and commentary from lunar orbit.

At that time, no-one had any idea that a mere one minute of their historic journey would cause a nationwide controversy so great that it would end up in a lawsuit to be debated and decided by no less an august body than the Supreme Court of the United States.

The account is written not in the conventional book format, but in the form of today’s social media, imagining that the astronauts, and those following the mission, were able to post their thoughts to the public in real time.

The story begins with the astronauts of Apollo 8 just minutes away from beginning their historic Christmas message to the world.

Review:
Gibson presents the 1968 Christmas message from the Apollo 8 astronauts with a media format of shared commentary including well-known journalists of the day (like Walter Cronkite) and criticism from some who took offense. I was surprised to learn that a lawsuit challenged the Biblical reading as a violation of State and Religion. The case went all the way to the Supreme Court!

I remember (as a teenager) being impressed by the touching Christmas message from the moon. I found this work informative and interesting. I liked the format the author used to share this. It may not be scintillating, but I enjoyed this historically based story. I recommend it as a quick, informative read (and I think it is still free).

Source: January 2017 free Kindle download. This qualifies for 2019TBR and #HoHoHoRAT goals.

Book Review: A Christmas Feral by Mary Matthews

This is a fun, quick read.

A Christmas Feral (Magical Cool Cats #3)
by Mary Matthews


Kindle Edition, 24 pages
Published (first published December 4th 2011)
ASIN B006HY67XW
Series Magical Cool Cats #3
Genre: Cats, Holiday, Short Story
My Rating: 4.0 of 5.0

Judge Scrooge won't even heat his home for Christmas in this Roaring Twenties' short story. Judge Scrooge says that when you pay the bill, you don't feel the cold. When Judge Scrooge rules incorrectly in a cat dispute, Magical White Cat Tatania and her companion Zeus teach him the meaning of keeping Christmas and cats.

Review:
This is a very cute, short parody of “A Christmas Carol”. On Christmas Eve an attorney seeks an injunction to keep a man from killing cats in the park. The Judge knows this attorney as “Her”, a colleague from his past. After ruling against the cats, Scrooge finds himself visited by the “Magical Cats” to show him the past, the present and what the future would be like without cats. Will their visit help change his miserly attitude so he can share the joy of Christmas, even with his cook’s son, Tiny Tim?

I found this to be a fun read. It doesn’t hurt that I like cats and I love the kindness that should envelop Christmas. This story made me interested to read more by Ms. Matthews and I realize I have several volumes of Magical Cool Cats Mysteries which I also got free on Kindle. I recommend this to readers who enjoy cats and Scrooge based stories.

Source: November 2016 Free Kindle. This qualifies for 2019TBR and #HoHoHoRAT.

#NetGalley Book Review: Christmas Once Again by D.K. Deters

I really enjoyed this quick, Christmas, time travel romance.
Christmas Once Again
by D.K. Deters


File Size: 2778 KB
Print Length: 43 pages
Publisher: The Wild Rose Press, Inc (November 12, 2018)
ASIN: B07HDG1GRC
Genre: Holiday, Romance, Short Story, Time Travel Romance
My Rating: 4.25 of 5.0

She's dead broke. And eviction looms. On Christmas Eve antique consultant Madison Knight takes a phone call from local rancher Zach Murdock. Through a mix-up at an estate sale, Madison's company purchased his grandmother's beloved painting. He offers double the money for its return.
Madison risks her job to track down the artwork, but success falls short when she's stuck in a blizzard. Stranded, she seeks help from a frontier family. Are they living off the grid, or did she somehow travel through time?
Zach's the only person who knows her plan. He also knows a secret about his gran's painting. It's up to him to rescue Madison, but maybe he's not cut out to be a hero.

Review:
Madison Knight is facing a rather bleak holiday: no money, no fiancé since she discovered his betrayal, and a job on the edge. She can’t have any mishaps at her work, Once Again Antiques, or her boss will terminate her.

She gets a call from a man with a sexy voice claiming that his grandmother’s antique painting was sold to the company by mistake. Zach Murdock offers to pay double for the return of the painting. At first, the piece shows up in inventory and Madison agrees to sell it back for the standard restocking fee. Then she learns the artwork was actually sold and she sets out to locate the piece. In the process of trying to recover the painting, Madison gets stranded in a blizzard.

Suddenly Madison finds herself in unfamiliar territory. She slowly suspects she is out of place even as she befriends a young boy despite the skepticism of his parents.

Meanwhile, Zach has set out to meet up with Madison but fears that he will be too late. Will Madison be able to get back to her SUV and her proper place? If Zach can help rescue her how will she react to what he reveals?

I enjoyed the lively characters of Madison, Zach, and even Zach’s grandmother. The writing is direct and the plot is engaging. The story is complete although short. It gave me a good taste of Ms. Deters's writing and I would like to read a longer story by her. Christmas is a nice time setting although not a crucial element. I recommend this story to readers who enjoy time travel and sweet romance.

Source: 2019 NetGalley. This qualifies for 2019NetGalley, #HoHoHoRAT and #SciFiMonth 2019.

Book Review: The Sheriff's Mistletoe Law by Nita Wick

This is a very quick, sweet read.
The Sheriff's Mistletoe Law
by Nita Wick

File Size: 147 KB
Print Length: 13 pages
Publication Date: December 14, 2011
Language: English
ASIN: B006M95CT2
Genre: Historical, Holiday Romance, Short Story, Western Romance
My Rating: 4.0 of 5.0

Western romance holiday 5 minute quick read.
This very short story is offered as a sample of the author's work.
If you enjoy this, you might also like Nita Wick's award-winning historical western romance, The Wagonmaster.

Review:
Opening line: “You’re standing under the mistletoe.” Rebekah/Becky is surprised when she is confronted by the new town sheriff, Colton. He insists that she owes him a kiss. Even her brothers and parents don’t scare him off. Why is he pushing so hard for a kiss? Will she give in? and then what?

This is a very short and sweet, historical almost romance – really just an introduction to a possible romance. I liked the setting and brief character development. It gives just a taste of the author’s writing and I liked it. I would read more historical romance by Ms. Wick. I recommend this as a five-minute holiday read to those who enjoy historical romance.

Source: 2012 Free Kindle Download. This qualifies for 2019TBR goal and #HoHoHoRat.

Audible Book Review: Lullaby by Jonathan Maberry

This is what I consider a true horror story.
Lullaby
By: Jonathan Maberry
Narrated by: Scott Brick


Length: 37 mins
Unabridged Audiobook
Release date: 10-04-18
Language: English
Publisher: Audible Original
Categories: Fiction, Horror, Short Story
My Rating: 4.25 of 5.0 Overall; Story 4.0; Narration 5.0.

About This Audible Original
The fears and horrors of being a new parent take on a shocking dimension in in this heart-stopping original story, only from Audible. A young married couple, Matt and Gillian have just bought a gorgeous house located next to a lake in the Catskills. They want to escape the hustle and bustle of the city to raise their baby girl, Hope, in relative peace and quiet. When night falls, however, their dream home becomes a house of nightmares. Matt and Gillian soon learn that darkness takes many forms. And sometimes, darkness is hungry.
New York Times best-selling author and Bram Stoker Award winner Jonathan Maberry delivers a haunting Audible Original that will give listeners the Halloween creeps all year round. Scott Brick, the man with the golden voice, perfectly captures the experience of hearing a classic ghost story told around the campfire.
This product features adult language and themes.
©2018 Jonathan Maberry (P)2018 Audible Originals, LLC.

Review:
Matt and Gillian plan to raise their coming baby away from the rat race of the city. They buy a gorgeous home in the Catskills even though they know the house has a dark history. All seems good until one night Gillian wakes up startled and thinks she sees something strange on the baby monitor. She and Matt try to convince themselves everything is fine even as they install more security systems. Events escalate and they have to rush the baby to the hospital. Tension grows and horror follows.

This is what I consider true horror. The writing is direct, clear and appropriately dark. I liked the dark tone but admit that (like another reviewer) I questioned the behavior of the parents. I can’t imagine taking my infant back into that house after the crises that occurred. I still enjoyed the quick “fright night” story and recommend it to those who enjoy a short horror tale.

Audio Notes: Scott Brick does a perfect job of narration for this work. He carries the tone wonderfully making it a ‘fun’ listen -- especially for a free listen.

Source: 10/29/2018 Free Audible Original. This qualifies for 2019TBR and 2019Audiobook goals.

Audible Book Review: All Systems Red by Martha Wells

How self-aware should a robot be?

All Systems Red
By: Martha Wells
Narrated by: Kevin R. Free

Series: Murderbot Diaries, Book 1
Length: 3 hrs and 17 mins
Unabridged Audiobook
Release date: 10-30-17
Language: English
Publisher: Recorded Books
Genre: AI, Sci Fi, Short Story
My Rating: 4.5 of 5.0 Overall; 5.0 Narration

Publisher's Summary
All Systems Red is the tense first science fiction adventure novella in Martha Wells' series The Murderbot Diaries. For fans of Westworld, Ex Machina, Ann Leckie's Imperial Raadch series, or Iain M. Banks' Culture novels.
All Systems Red tackles questions of the ethics of sentient robotics. The main character is a deadly security droid that has bucked its restrictive programming and is balanced between contemplative self-discovery and an idle instinct to kill all humans.
In a corporate-dominated spacefaring future, planetary missions must be approved and supplied by the Company. Exploratory teams are accompanied by Company-supplied security androids, for their own safety.
But in a society where contracts are awarded to the lowest bidder, safety isn't a primary concern.
On a distant planet, a team of scientists are conducting surface tests, shadowed by their Company-supplied 'droid - a self-aware SecUnit that has hacked its own governor module, and refers to itself (though never out loud) as "Murderbot."
Scornful of humans, all it really wants is to be left alone long enough to figure out who it is. But when a neighboring mission goes dark, it's up to the scientists and their Murderbot to get to the truth.
©2017 Martha Wells (P)2017 Recorded Books

Review:
“Murderbot” is a company droid assigned as the security unit (SecUnit) for an exploratory scientist team on a distant planet. Murderbot has spare time on its hands/circuits. It has already hacked its own company module and spends time streaming old movie/TV series while trying to decide who it really is. It hasn’t allowed the humans to know it can override their commands if it wants to.

A nearby mission camp goes silent so the scientists and Murderbot take a trip to discover what happened. Murderbot realizes that there is danger as it discovers murdered humans and destroyed droid units.

Normally Murderbot doesn’t care so much about humans but he finds himself liking the scientist group who seem to care for each other. Now Murderbot has to discover a way to protect its people. Maybe it really can become part of a team.

I do like sentient robots, even though that could be scary. Murderbot is a likeable character and I enjoyed how it strategized and worked with the head of the team, Dr. Mensa, to protect the humans and uncover, and out wit, those behind the murders. This story has good world building and a full plot for just a short story. The author presents prejudices from the humans and the robot and allows them to grow beyond those initial stereotypes. This is my first read by Ms. Wells but I have an older story in my Audible TBR that I plan to listen to soon.

I recommend this to those who enjoy AI sci fi stories. My only concern is that the three additional stories are under 4 hours at a price of $11.99 each so the 12 hours ends up costing a healthy $36.00.

Audio Notes: Kevin R. Free does a good job with the narration. There is an appropriate robotic tone that fits Murderbot as the narrator of the story. Free gives the other characters their own voices that helped to bring the story alive. I am glad I listened to this on audio.

Source: Audible Daily Deal $1.95 April 2018. This qualifies for Audiobook Challenge.

Audible Book Review: FREE: Summer Farmer: A Story from White Man's Problems by Kevin Morris

This is an interesting (short story) portrayal of human situation.

FREE: Summer Farmer: A Story from White Man's Problems
 Kevin Morris (Author)
Matthew McConaughey (Narrator)

Audible Audio Edition
Listening Length: 18 minutes
Version: Unabridged
Publisher: Audible Studios
Audible.com Release Date: August 4, 2015
Language: English
ASIN: B0108KDKZ8
Genre: Short Story, Fiction
My Rating: 4.0 of 5.0

"Summer Farmer", the first short story in White Man's Problems, sets the stage for the honest and heartfelt themes explored in Morris' debut collection. The meeting of two disparate strangers serves as a cleverly crafted examination of the universality of longing, remorse, and purpose.

Review:
“Summer Farmer” is just one short story in White Man’s Problems. The story addresses the daily ‘grind’ and depression of a businessman as he travels to work in Los Angeles. The protagonist, Harrigan, has lost a daughter to leukemia. In his grief he looks around the busy city and sees the glitter which isn’t important. He thinks about his past, where he came from and where he has come to.

The story gets an extra touch when Harrigan meets an elevator repairman who mirrors his sadness as he too has lost a daughter. Here, the author ties two strangers who share more in the basics of life than they could realize.

The story has a poignancy that I liked. I think the full collection would share similar glimpses that show a common thread among men.

Audio Notes: Matthew McConaughey has a slow, subtle speech presentation. This fit the story’s tone and subtle message. I enjoyed the story and its presentation.

I downloaded this free at Audible 8/17/15. It qualifies for Mount TBR challenge and Audio Challenge.

Audible Review: Good Morning... Processes Must Be Improved by Ray Jay Perreault

This is a quick, ironic portrayal of management concerns.

Good Morning... Processes Must Be Improved
Written by: Ray Jay Perreault
Narrated by: Christopher M. Allport

Length: 59 mins
Unabridged Audiobook
Release Date:03-01-16
Publisher: Ray Jay Perreault
Genre: Sci Fi, Short Story
My Rating: 4.0 0f 5.0

Publisher's Summary
What happens when a man and a computer is put on Saturn's Titan for a year to mine methane? The relationship doesn't always work out the way everyone plans. The relationship should be based on trust, but what if one member of the team isn't doing what the other expects?
©2015 Raymond J. Perreault (P)2016 Raymond J. Perreault

Review:
Ah – irony strikes again in sci fi. Robert felt shorted at his last posting and it seems the company officials have punished him by sending him to a remote station to work in solitary, except for a computer companion. He is transferred to Saturn’s Titan production station to work with the AI in producing methane for shipment to the corporate overseers. The advanced AI computer has been developed to work with the single human operative and improve production in any way possible. As management, the computer applies different methods to motivate the human operative. The computer is still testing what is the best approach for humans – praise, fear, nagging, comparisons?

The story is told through the dialogue between the two characters. It progresses through the monthly changes and challenges addressed by Robert and "Tessi", the AI. Robert has to deal with typical factory type struggles that include shorted supply requisitions, failed deliveries, and overheard conversations that are shared by Tessi. How successful will the year of work be?

This was a quick, interesting vignette of large company issues. I liked the incorporation of the computer as a character and management tool. Anyone having to deal with quota production might find this humorous .... or at least appreciate the irony. I recommend this to readers who would enjoy a quick, ironic view of a computer in management position.

Audio Notes: It took me a bit to get used to the voices portrayed by Christopher M. Allport. Initially

I thought the computer voice could be more distinctly robotic but then I realized that, like HAL in 2001 Space Odyssey, it was intended to have more of a personality. Then the narration made sense and I appreciated how Mr. Allport succeeded in conveying the escalating tension and frustration between the two characters.

I received this from the author through Audiobook Blast. This qualifies for my Audiobook Challenge and G on Alphabet Soup.

Book Review: The Kindness of Neighbors (A Short Story) by Matthew Iden

This is a short, gripping mystery with a punch at the end. Well done!

The Kindness of Neighbors (A Short Story)
by Matthew Iden

• File Size: 1372 KB
• Print Length: 50 pages
• Publisher: StoryFront (April 9, 2014)
• ASIN: B00IPT3FNM

Genre: Mystery
My Rating: 4.5 of 5.0

Book Description
Publication Date: April 9, 2014
No one likes Jack. His wife is gone and his neighbors avoid him. He's a recluse and a creep, and that's just the way he wants it; he can ignore what they say behind his back if they leave him to his work and his daily walks. But when ten-year-old Emma goes missing in the nearby woods, the eyes of his neighbors turn toward him, their fear and accusations escalating as the days go by. Jack proclaims his innocence, but what the neighbors--and the reader--find out is the last thing anyone would suspect.
Previously published as Finding Emma.

Review:
Jack lives alone and secluded as a single man in a family neighborhood. Even before his wife, Susan, left him they were not really part of the 'family with kids' group. Jack works at home on his computer as a freelance illustrator. This allows him time to run chores on his own schedule when he can avoid crowds and neighbors. He can also go out for solitary walks in the nearby wooded preserve.

Jack realizes that neighbors perceive him as a recluse and maybe even creepy. This perception really hits home when a small girl, Emma, goes missing. At first Jack reluctantly joins the search. He is a little annoyed by the resentment he feels when some families treat his dinner time knock as an intrusion. Then neighbors, and especially Emma’s parents, become suspicious of him when they find Emma’s bike and dark chalk drawings on the sidewalk near his house.

Jack tries to cooperate with the police questioning but he is tense and offended by their accusatory attitude. He becomes more estranged when his offer to help in the continued search is rejected as it is clear that he is becoming a suspect. Jack ends up having a fight with Emma’s rampaging and trespassing father but his actions afterward were puzzling to me as I thought “This could really look bad for him later. What is he thinking?”

Matthew Iden’s writing includes descriptions which I enjoy as being crisp and natural to the setting and circumstance. I was pulled into the eerie, creepy sensations and the awkward difficulty that Jack faced as a suspect trying to prove he wasn’t involved with Emma’s disappearance. It made me wonder how many of us know our neighbors and how we are perceived in our neighborhoods.  It made me grimace and smile at the same time when I hit the ending which has a surprise (think Edgar Allan Poe eerie) twist!

This is a fast, gripping and entertaining read. I recommend it to mystery lovers, and others, who enjoy a quick read, good writing and an ironic ending. This is the second story I have enjoyed by Mr. Iden and I will be glad to read more.

I received this title from the author for an honest review.

Audio Book Review and Download Giveaway: Eathed, A Dragon's Tale by Troy Lee Henderson

This is a delightful, imaginative, short tale. 

Eathed, A Dragon's Tale

Troy Lee Henderson
Format: MP3 Download

Narrator: William Dufris

• Label: Mind Wings Audio
• Total Length: 1:18:00
• ASIN: B006QSXOHQ

Genre: Fantasy, Juvenile Fiction

My Rating: 4.5 of 5.0

The last of his kind, Eathed, an ancient dragon, has finally found a place to live out his last days peacefully. He is discovered by three young brothers hiding in a cave near their village. Few villagers believe there really is a dragon, so only an old knight, Sir Allistair Bayne, is sent to seek out the dragon. A battle ensues during which both knight and dragon fall in spectacular fashion. Simon takes pity on Eathed, and an unlikely friendship ensues.

Review:
This is a charming short story.
Eathed is a tired and bedraggled old dragon, the last of his kind. All he wants is peace and quite to rest out his last days. He thinks he has found a quiet spot until three young boys from a nearby village discover his cave.

The boys are frightened and race home to tell their father who takes them to the local authority. The Lord isn’t convinced that they really saw a dragon, but in caution he calls in an old knight who used to fight dragons. It so happens that the knight, Sir Allistair, is the boys’ grandfather. The eldest boy, Simon, talks Sir Allistair into allowing him to go along as his squire. The first visit is only supposed to be investigative but instead a rather disastrous battle ensues. Simon helps his injured grandfather home and comes back to check on the dragon. Simon is stunned when Eathed starts to talk to him and slowly they develop a friendship that pulls the listener in to share.

This gem is just over an hour long and it is completely engaging and entertaining. The story is imaginative and emotionally warm as well as offering a lesson on not stereotyping humans...or dragons. The narration is effective with a deep, resonant voice for the dragon, a young boy’s voice for Simon and an appropriately gruff, elderly voice for Sir Allistair. Drufis manages to convey the emotions of the scenes, whether excitement or sadness, with good tonal control and pacing.

This is the second short audio I have had the pleasure to review for Mind Wings Audio. If you want a short, quality listen I suggest you take a look through their offerings. You do not need an MP3 player to listen to this as you can download it to your computer and enjoy listening through Windows Media Player or other audio player. I am going to share the joy of listening to this delightful story by gifting a download to one lucky commenter.

Thank you to Mind Wings Audio for providing this download through the review program at Audiobook Jukebox.

I will add this to my New Authors and Audio challenge lists.

TO ENTER THIS GIVEAWAY for an MP3 Download:
1. Visit Mind Wings Audio site and tell me a story you might like to listen to. This is required for entry.

2.  For an extra entry, become a follower on any media (GFC, Twitter @MSEREADS, Facebook fanpage: http://www.facebook.com/ReviewsByMarthasBookshelf , Goodreads or Linky - links on right sidebar) or tell me if you are already a follower.

It isn't necessary to use separate entries unless you want them in different chronological order.
(Two total entries possible.)

* This contest is open WORLDWIDE.
* This contest will close 10 PM (Central) on August 3, 2012.
The winner will be randomly selected from all entries.
WINNER WILL BE ANNOUNCED on August 4.
Winners will have 72 hours to respond by email or the winners form linked in the announcement.