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.

Sunday Post October 20, 2019/It's Monday! What are You Reading? Plus Mailbox Monday October 21, 2019

I am linking with Sunday Post at Caffeinated Book Reviewer.

It's Monday! What Are You Reading now at The Book Date (at Wordpress)?

What Are You Reading, is where we gather to share what we have read this past week and what we plan to read this week. It is a great way to network with other bloggers, see some wonderful blogs, and put new titles on your reading list.

We had a lovely weekend on a cruise with the children and grandchildren. I'll have to get some pictures from the kids to post.
This is one of the few that I took:

I just love these cabin towel animals!
Our mornings are lovely and this week we are only supposed to have one day over 80. That will be nice.

I had a good week of reading/listening. I finished five ebooks by last Sunday for Fraterfest in addition to the two audios listed last Sunday. I finished another two ebooks and one more audiobook for a total of TEN for FraterFest, plus one additional audiobook this week. I posted five reviews on the blog and did one at Goodreads. Plus I posted my usual memes.

I visited 22 blogs last week.
Shout Out this week to Ink Votary. Vi is not only an avid book reader and blogger but a painter too.
Thank you to all the nice people who visit me.

These were last week's posts:

• Sunday Post October 13, 2019/It's Monday! What are You Reading? Plus Mailbox Monday October 14, 2019.

• ATBR- Audible Book Review: The Ruins of Gorlan, Ranger's Apprentice, Book 1 by John Flanagan; Genre: Action & Adventure, Children, Ages 11-13, Fantasy; My Rating: 4.25 of 5.0 Overall; Story 4.25; Narration 4.5.

• ATBR- Audible Book Review: Patti Smith at the Minetta Lane by Patti Smith; Genre: Live Events, Storytellers; My Rating: 4.5 of 5.0 Overall; Story 4.5; Narration 4.5.

• NG2019- #NetGalley Book Review: Yours Truly, Thomas by Rachel Fordham; Genre: Christian, Historical Romance; My Rating: 4.25 of 5.0.

• Martha's Bookshelf***Friday Pick Giveaway October 18, 2019. Open Worldwide. Ending 10/24/2019.

• ATBR- Audible Book Review: Ghost Talkers by Mary Robinette Kowal; Genre: Ghosts, Military Fantasy; My Rating: 4.5 of 5.0 Overall; Story 4.5; Narration 4.25.

• ATBR- Audible Book Review: The Monster Men by Edgar Rice Burroughs; Genre: Classic Literature, Horror, Sci Fi Classic; My Rating: 4.0 of 5.0 Overall; Story 4.0; Narration 4.0.

• Sharing Beyond Books #380 Comment Giveaway October 19, 2019. Open Worldwide. Ending 11/2/2019.

• Sunday Words of Encouragement October 20, 2019.

Finished Reading:
I completed these TEN TBR titles for FRATERFEST 2019. I will link to my reviews, Goodreads review or the Audible or Goodreads link.
Dark Reality-A Horror Tale by Billie Sue Mosiman (2012)
Zombie Betrayal by Robert DeCoteau (2011)
Jupiter’s Revenge: An Amber Cook Sequel (The Horror Diaries Vol.18) by Heather Beck (2018)
Turned at Dark: A Bonus Shadow Falls Short Story by C.C. Hunter (2011) My rating 4.0.
ATBR - The Monster Men by Edgar Rice Burroughs (December 2018) My rating 4.0 - Review linked above.
Investing Isobella: A Sci-Fi Horror by Jason Werbeloff (2018)
ATBR- Lullaby by Jonathan Maberry (Oct 2018 Free Audible)
Awaken: A Horror Short Story by Zach Bohannon (2018)
Fated Hearts (A Paranormal Romance Novella) by Patricia Mason (2012)
ATBR- Crackanory Too Cracked for TV (Free Sept 2019)


11. Audio/Smartphone (ATBR)

Alien: Out of the Shadows
An Audible Original Drama
By: Tim Lebbon, Dirk Maggs
Narrated by: Rutger Hauer, Corey Johnson, Matthew Lewis, Kathryn Drysdale, Laurel Lefkow, Andrea Deck, Mac McDonald.
Series: Audible Original, Alien, Book 1, Alien, Book 3
Length: 4 hrs and 28 mins
This is a good dramatization and made me want to see the movies again. I started this for Fraterfest but didn't finish it by 10/15. It is another TBR.
Source: 2016 Audible Original.
About This Audible Original
In space, no one can hear you scream. In this gripping Audible Original performance, Ellen Ripley, the last human survivor of the salvage ship Nostromo, once again takes on the relentless Xenomorphs: vicious, intelligent extra-terrestrials notorious for tearing humans apart. When her lifeboat Narcissus locks onto the mining ship Marion, she awakes from hypersleep to a nightmare: the dreaded creatures are lurking on board, ominously prowling a sealed-off shuttle after slaughtering the crew. When one of the merciless beasts escapes the hold, acting Captain Chris “Hoop” Hooper and his team are faced with an unimaginable horror—and Ripley just may be the crew’s only hope.
An ensemble cast, featuring film icon Rutger Hauer and Harry Potter’s Matthew Lewis, commands this unforgettable performance, punctuated by immersive sound design from audio master and fan favorite Dirk Maggs. Awarded the 2017 Audie for Excellence in Production, the result is terrifying–and utterly pause-resistant.
©2016 20th Century Fox (P)2016 Audible, Ltd.

Currently Reading:

1. Audio/Smartphone (ATBR)

The Phantom of the Opera
By: Gaston Leroux
Narrated by: Ralph Cosham
Length: 7 hrs and 35 mins
Release date: 12-06-04
Another TBR title that fits October. 
I'm having a little trouble getting into it.
Source: 12/16 Daily Deal $.99 for me since I already had the Kindle version.
Publisher's Summary
The story begins with an investigation into some strange reports of an "opera ghost", legendary for making the great Paris opera performers ill-at-ease when they sit alone in their dressing rooms. Some allege to have seen the ghost in evening clothes moving about in the shadows. Nothing is done, however, until the disappearance of Christine during her triumphant performance. With an increasing pattern of fear and violence, The Phantom of the Opera begins to strike, but always with a beautiful young performer at the center of his deadly desires.
(P)2004 Blackstone Audiobooks

2. eBook/Kindle (NG2019)

The Bakeshop at Pumpkin and Spice
by Donna Kauffman; Kate Angell; Allyson Charles
I totally enjoyed the strong romance in the first story and I'm looking forward to the other two.
I saw this at Bookfan and was pulled in.
Source: 2019 NetGalley.
Every autumn, Moonbright, Maine, is the picture of charm with its piles of crisp leaves, flickering jack-o’-lanterns … and a touch of the sweetest kind of enchantment.
Witches, goblins, the occasional ghost—they’re all sure to be spotted at the annual Halloween parade, where adults and children alike dress in costume to celebrate Moonbright’s favorite holiday. And no place has more seasonal spirit than Bellaluna’s Bakeshop, a family business steeped in traditional recipes, welcoming warmth—and, legend has it, truly spellbinding, heart-melting treats …
Between good-natured Halloween tricks, frothy pumpkin lattes, and some very special baked goods, for three Moonbright residents looking for love—whether they know it or not—the spookiest thing will be how magical romance can suddenly be …

3. Audio CD/Car (A2019)

The End of America?: Bible Prophecy and a Country in Crisis
by Jeff Kinley
Tom Parks (Narrator)
I am engaged by this.
I will finish it in the next couple of days.
Discussion at Ladies Book Club was delayed as our meeting was postponed.
Source: Print books for book club; I picked up the Audio CD for about $7.00 ($1.64 plus 5.46 shipping).
Click on book title for full description.

4. eBook/Kindle (NG2019)

May It Be So Forty Days with the Lord's Prayer
by Justin McRoberts; Scott Erickson
There are some wonderful quotes in this. 
I am doing the 40 days so I expect to finish the first week of November.
Source: 2019 NetGalley.
Click on book title for full description.

I made good progress with the TBR thanks to Fraterfest. Now I just need to read/listen to 14 titles in 10 weeks.
I'm continuing to pick titles from my list of TBR audiobooks under 10 hours.


October 20, 2019 - I am still enjoying the devotions and readings with the One Year Bible plan through You Version App. I didn't do another study but continue to spend time on May it Be So. [You can check out audio of the One Year Bible Plan on the companion commentary online.]

I completed eleven books and six reviews. I have nine reviews to cover all the short stories I read for Fraterfest.
I have been adding newer reviews to NetGalley, Goodreads, Amazon, and Audible. (Eventually, I will add older reviews.)
No change to author queue again this week.
My NetGalley shelf is now at 6 unread. I was going to wait till I added more reviews to see if I could get to 95%. But I decided 94% is good and I will start to request some Christmas titles this week.
I am still working on titles I received in July. [Plus I have 4 old titles (2012-13.)]
I have three author ebook titles left in queue. I plan to start these in the next two weeks.
Still many titles through InstaFreebie and many new author requests I haven't replied to.

Welcome to Mailbox Monday.

Mailbox Monday is a gathering place for readers to share the books that came into their house last week and explore great book blogs. This Meme started with Marcia at A Girl and Her Books (fka The Printed Page) and after a tour of hosts has returned to its permanent home at Mailbox Monday. Thanks to the ladies sharing hosting duties: Leslie of Under My Apple Tree, Serena of Savvy Verse & Wit and (yours truly). Warning: Mailbox Monday can lead to envy, toppling TBR piles and humongous wish lists.
One new review title.
Three audios - One free at Christianaudio,com, one free at Audiobooks.com and one credit purchae at Audible.
28 free kindle titles this week. (Note these are in my Amazon library, NOT on my Kindle until I download and transfer them.) Are your mailbox and TBR piles blooming?

Review Titles

Recieved from Pulbishing Push early in October but I forgot to addit to the post.

 
Where Are You Moosehead? (Rosie Bears Adventures)
by Andy Stonehouse
This sounds like a cute story for children.

Won

NONE

Purchased

10/16/19 September 2019 Audible Credit

The Righteous Mind
Why Good People Are Divided by Politics and Religion
By: Jonathan Haidt
Narrated by: Jonathan Haidt
Length: 11 hrs and 1 min
Release date: 07-23-12
I really would like to understand how the other side thinks and approaches political and religious issues.
Part of me wants to listen to this right away and another part is thinking it woud be a great First Read for 2020.

Free

10/16/19 Audiobook.com VIP

The Warded Man
Written By: Peter V. Brett
Narrated By: Peter Bradbury
Publisher: Recorded Books
Date: December 2009
Duration: 18 hours 16 minutes

10/19/19 ChristianAudio.com October Membership Free book
Becoming Dallas Willard
The Formation of a Philosopher, Teacher, and Christ Follower
Author Gary W. Moon
Narrator Joe Geoffrey


I added 28 free Kindle title to my Kindle library. Titles found linked through Bookbub, Bookfun, Ereader News Today, Free Par-tay, Ignite Your Book, Inspired Reads, Pixel of Ink or Kindle ebooks.

Sunday Words of Encouragement October 20, 2019

We shared our praises and pray concerns in Sunday School. Then we watched and discussed a video by Dr. Michael Brown. The book of Esther describes how Haman would not be satisfied until Mordecai bowed to him. But Mordecai would not bow. We are seeing the same attitude by those who will allow no dissenting opinion. They will not be satisfied until the Christian voice is silenced.

The worship team opened the service with several good songs, including The Goodness of God. Pastor then shared Sermon three of The Blessed Life.

The blessed life must be based on God's definition, not our own. As stated in week one, the Blessed Life is having God's supernatural power working for us.

When we learn to ride a bicycle, our parent usually holds onto the back of the bike to keep us steady until we are ready to try on our own, to go free.

Pursuing the blessed life may lead us to a point where we don't want the steadying hand on the back of the bike. But, unlike riding a bicycle, when we are seeking the blessed life, we need to stay fully connected to Jesus.

The common thread woven through the blessed life is a deep, 100% dependent connection to Jesus.
The blessed life is what God wants for us. If you remain in Jesus you will produce much fruit, have life. This brings great glory to my Father. John 15:1-8.

If we are apart, we produce nothing, we rot, we wither, we die.

We often ask “Can I do both? Can I have my way but with God’s benefits?”

The Point: Remaining in Jesus is the catalyst of a blessed life.

Remain implies Constant connection to Jesus.
Opposite of remain is to cease; to be short-lived. This lifetime is worthless in eternity if it is not connected to Jesus.
Remain is a verb, active. Actively pursue Christ.
Many people go to ‘Jesus places’, do ‘Jesus things’, attend ‘Jesus events.’. But many are not connected to the power and the blessings that only come through a relationship, connection, with Jesus.
If we don't remain in Jesus, then we are cut off from the blessing.
Actively remaining in Jesus produces results; produces fruit.
Accumulation is not the same as connection.
Where is the fruit? What new fruit is shown in your life?
People are waiting for you to share the message of God’s salvation.
John 15:7 allows us to ask for blessings. Verse 8 tells us that when we remain in Jesus we are true disciples and we bring Glory to God.
Are you actively remaining in Jesus or merely doing Jesus things?

I thought I had the song picked out but then I found this one which fits today:
I'm Gonna Hold On To Jesus

Verses for Today:
John 15:4-8 (NIV)
The Vine and the Branches
4 Remain in me, as I also remain in you. No branch can bear fruit by itself; it must remain in the vine. Neither can you bear fruit unless you remain in me.
5 “I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing. 6 If you do not remain in me, you are like a branch that is thrown away and withers; such branches are picked up, thrown into the fire and burned. 7 If you remain in me and my words remain in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be done for you. 8 This is to my Father’s glory, that you bear much fruit, showing yourselves to be my disciples.

Sharing Beyond Books #380 Comment Giveaway October 19, 2019

Hello again and Welcome back to Sharing Beyond Books, SBB.

Thanks to everyone who commented last week.
Thirteen people have not experienced a weird author request. The two items that were mentioned other than mine were: bn100 being asked not to post a review that rated under 4.0 and Rita recalls an author asking readers to send in pictures of them holding the book at the store.

The Winner from SBB #379 comments is: #4 BOOKWORM who can make a GC choice if international or book choice from the Updated (**Finally!) ARC/Review titles or (recently updated) Love and Christmas titles - all linked near the end of the post. -- [12/15/18 I am pulling out some new Christmas and Love titles to add to the Win box choices. I had to move the books due to the water threat in office. I will dig them out again soon.]  10/5/19 I have pulled some new books and will be adding them to the list in the next week or so.

**NOTE: I did post an Updated ARC and Other books for Giveaways. I have to go back and list the titles -- someday.
Please let me know your choice by completing the WINNER FORM.

WEEK #380

(One Question.)

Elizabeth asks: Who are your favorite new (to you) authors that you've read this past year??

Over the past few months I have discovered:
FEBRUARY: Amy Harmon who wrote The Bird and the Sword, a Fairy Tales, Fantasy, Romance.
MAY: Rachel Fordham who wrote The Hope of Azure Springs, a Christian, Historical Romance, Western.
JULY: Maxym Martineau who wrote Kingdom of Exiles an Action and Adventure, Romantic Fantasy; and Juno Rushdan who wrote Every Last Breath another Action Adventure, Romantic Suspense, Terrorism Thriller.
 

Image found at Southeast Elementary School.

Thanks to those who are sending in Questions. DON'T BE SHY! Surely everyone has a Q or two you'd like to ask. Input suggestions in this Suggested Question Form. At the end of each month I draw from the suggestions I used during the month and that person will get a 1/2 book choice or $2.50 towards GC. I thank everyone for submitting questions. Thanks for sending in questions! The supply of questions is dwindling so share some if you think of any -- even if they are duplicates I'll weed through or try to modify.
October Comment were Questions were provided by bn100 and Elizabeth. Both have earned a full book choice.

Your turn to share. Elizabeth asks: Who are your favorite new (to you) authors that you've read this past year??

SBB Comment Winners can choose a selection from the Updated ARC and Other books, including the "Love" and Christmas titles all in one post.

SBB Rules:
a) Must be a follower.
b) Share a comment on the question above.
Open internationally and an international winner may get a smaller book or a $5.00 GC if I decide the mailing is too much.
I will pick a Comment winner from all comments made through Saturday November 2, 2019 at 5 PM central.

Audible Book Review: The Monster Men by Edgar Rice Burroughs

This is a good ironic, vintage sci fi.

The Monster Men
By: Edgar Rice Burroughs
Narrated by: Sean Murphy

Length: 5 hrs and 57 mins
Published May 4th 2015 (first published November 1913)
Genre: Classic Literature, Horror, Sci Fi Classic
My Rating: 4.0 of 5.0 Overall; Story 4.0; Narration 4.0.

They called him Number Thirteen, the latest and best of Dr. von Horn's attempts to create life from chemicals. He found himself an almost-human on von Horn's hideaway jungle island off the coast of Borneo. He saw the monsters that had preceded him and grew used to those dreadful travesties of humanity.
Not until Number thirteen met the American girl who was von Horn's prisoner did he realize how different he was from the others. Then, monster or not, he turned against his master and his "brothers" and threw in his lot with the girl in a desperate attempt to escape the island of terror.

Review:
Professor Maxon has secretly been working on creating “man”. His attempts have left him with ruined bodies and estranged from his daughter, Virginia. Now the two are headed to a remote Asian jungle island accompanied by the Professor’s new assistant, Dr. von Horn.

As the time passes the Professor remains locked in the cabin with his lab work. One after one the ‘monsters’ are produced and caged. Each creation, from number one through twelve, are a little better developed and a little less monstrous. As Dr. von Horn keeps the professor’s secrets, he also attempts to woe Virginia. She is lovely but he is mostly interested in her inheritance. He is not the only one after the Professor’s treasure chest. Crew members and local natives are conspiring with nearby pirates to take the girl and the treasure.

The camp is attacked and the Professor suspects that his latest experiment has been damaged a few days before it is ready. Instead the pod opens to reveal Number Thirteen – a beautiful manly specimen ready to be taught language and manners.

As the pirates are attempting to kidnap Virginia, they are interrupted by the monsters. Virginia is horrified to be pulled away from the kidnappers to be put in the hands of a ghastly monster. Then she faints only to awaken in the arms of a beautiful man, Number Thirteen. Number Thirteen is enchanted by Virginia but the Professor and von Horn convince him that Virginia could never love a soulless monster.

A chase ensues as von Horn tries desperately to get to Virginia and the treasure. He is quick to tell the Professor that Number Thirteen is the one to blame for the attacks. But von Horn doesn’t realize that there is a shadow watching his every betrayal. A shadow who hopes to save Virginia… and maybe Number Thirteen.

The adventure is full of a macabre atmosphere in a fitting earlier year setting. I may have rolled my eyes a few times at the simplest nature of the beauty and beast romance, but I enjoyed the chase and the fine horror and ironic ending. This is a mix of Frankenstein, Tarzan and Dr. Moreau. I may prefer the Barsoom Series (John Carter on Mars) but I do recommend this to readers who enjoy vintage sci fi mixed with horror.

Audio Notes: The narration by Sean Murphy fits the vintage nature of the story. This is a type of story I am more inclined to listen to than read so I am glad I got it for a bargain at Audible.

There are many covers for this title but I think the most fitting is this one:

I picked this TBR for FRATERFEST.
Source: 2018 December Audible Purchase $.82. This qualifies for 2019TBR and 2019Audiobook goals.