New Reviews by Title: A-D

In a marvelous performance, award-winning actor and LGBTQ+ activist Daniel Henning seamlessly provides all the voices, sounds (BEEP, BEEP, HONK, HONK), prompts, and stage directions in Andy Warhol's 1968 anti-story, anti-plot, anti-novel novel. Basically, a word-for-word transcript of tape recordings of various "24-hour conversations," gossip, and asides, the novel stars a... Read More

Actor David Duchovny's day job kept him from completing his Ph.D. in literature, but his poetry is full of allusions to his extensive education. In his own reading of his work, the poems come across as deeply personal and honest, sometimes too much so when they fall into self-indulgence. But his fans will learn much about his interior life from this collection. The performance... Read More

Jade Wheeler narrates the first book in the Claw Haven monster romance series. Stranded in a snowstorm, Luna is appalled by a small Alaskan town's lack of fancy accommodations. Surly innkeeper Oliver isn't fond of the rude woman who's invading his werewolf pack's space. But after drinking from a bottle of bonding wine, they're "werewolf married" until they can get a magical... Read More

Narrator Helen Day leads a full cast in this immersive audiobook. Young Skera and her sister, Lena, live under the thumb of a cruel priest in their medieval Norwegian village. When something unspeakable occurs, Skera is forced to flee into the woods. She meets the witch Valdalla and demands to learn the Old Ways but soon discovers the lessons could lead to disaster. This... Read More

Three narrators guide listeners through a story that intertwines family drama, spiritual mystery, and scientific inquiry. In 2068 AD, another pandemic has Earth's inhabitants worried about the future of humanity. In response, the Centauri Project sends a scientist into the future, where he searches an empty wilderness for evidence of Earth's former population. Bradford... Read More

This audiobook by a British writer and ecologist is well served by Sebastian Humphreys's stage-worthy performance. The perils of capitalism throughout history and the expanding impact of today's technology are center stage in this erudite overview of how civilization and humanity are damaged by the pursuit of economic growth. Humphreys's dramatic skills never compete with the... Read More

Renowned artist Andrew Wyeth grows from childhood to maturity in this audiobook. Listeners meet Andy in his father's art studio, then travel with him between coastal Maine and Chadds Ford, Pennsylvania, as he studies and paints neighbors, nature, and light. For a book about a painter, the narrative adapts well to an aural medium, concentrating on Wyeth's relationships and... Read More

Anna Caputo gives a terrific performance of this memoir about growing up deaf in a hearing world. While author Rachel Kolb is accomplished--she was the first signing deaf person to become a Rhodes Scholar--her writing is down-to-earth and relatable. With an intelligent, empathetic intonation, Caputo imparts Kolb's life story, including the many adjustments she needed to make to... Read More

In 1971 Omaha, Helene and Evelyn meet as their children marry. Mia Barron's detached voice sets the scene and then, almost magically, transforms into women full of personality. Barron takes us back to the '40s and '60s, which molded the women, and forward from the '80s to the 2015s. As the women continue their rivalries, competing for attention and love, Barron gives each her... Read More

Saskia Maarleveld narrates this audiobook, which is part science fiction, part social commentary. Considered dangerous and inconvenient on their home planet, three giants--Alba, Stanley, and Drew--are forced into the largest room of a spaceship called AUDITION. If the three talk, the spaceship moves forward, but if they remain silent, they'll continue to grow and be crushed.... Read More

Martin Cahill narrates his fantasy novel about a young acolyte and her desperate struggle to find a divine chaperone. Nesi is a child of godly blood, which means she must impress at least one of the 99 animal deities in her temple in order to achieve her potential. After an impulsive prayer to T'sidaan, the Fox of Tricks, Nesi finds herself catapulted 300 years into the past,... Read More

Stefanie Powers delivers an exquisite, often thrilling, performance of this deeply researched and unvarnished history of Amelia Earhart. Listeners may be familiar with the basic outlines of Earhart's accomplishments as a pilot. This new audiobook provides a detailed picture of how Earhart, a social worker in the 1920s, became a skilled aviator. George Putnam, well known for... Read More

Narrator Dan Bittner employs his skills to vastly improve Megan Greenwell's exposé on the impact of private equity firms on businesses in the healthcare, retail toys, apartment living, and journalism sectors. She uses four case studies to examine specific individuals' impacts and focuses on them over several timeframes. Bittner offers an optimistic, precise, and nuanced tone to... Read More

For more than 24 stunning hours, narrator Ron Butler immerses listeners in the world of writer James Baldwin. This detailed biography structures Baldwin's life around his greatest loves, the people who filled so many of his thoughts. Baldwin travels the globe and makes a name for himself as one of the greatest writers of the 20th century, but he's always drawn back to the... Read More

Amy Cameron's performance of this story of a lighthouse keeper's daughter who saves a ship's passengers from drowning is inspiring, openhearted, and almost musical. Grace Darling's father manages a lighthouse off the coast of England in the early 1800s. In Cameron's capable hands, Grace's steadfastness is clearly apparent--she loves her lighthouse, her island, her family, and... Read More

Christopher Gebauer narrates this story of Orthodox Jewish Ezra, the Chosen One, who has trained his whole life for two things: Yeshiva study and defeating a monster upon his bar mitzvah to ensure an age of peace. But strange events leading up to that fateful day make him question his mission. Gebauer excels at the indignant tones and youthful energy of preteen boys. Some of... Read More

Anthologies are good for listeners who don't have long periods to devote to an audiobook. But that doesn't mean other audiophiles can't enjoy the pieces as well. This collection of essays on science and nature covers a wide array of topics, such as bird identification software and AI, the language of the land, and the question of whether animals know they will die. The articles... Read More

These annual collections of best short stories are a mixed bag, especially for audiobook listeners. Even before a cast is assembled, the preferences of that year's guest editor have determined how broad or narrow the range of voices, tones, and attitudes will need to be. The good news is that this year's cast is one of the better ensembles-- diverse but compatible, each... Read More

This highly agreeable audiobook presents an engaging plot and introduces multiple spritely characters brought to life by narrator Melissa Advani. An eclectic assemblage of elderly Brits is talked into moving to Bangalore, India, where eldercare is less expensive. They settle into the somewhat derelict Marigold Hotel, a remnant from the era of the Raj. Advani has a gift for... Read More

This rhyming picture book from the Questioneers series introduces Billie Jean Peet, a second-grader and middle child sandwiched between musically gifted siblings. Their father is equally talented. Narrator Jorjeana Marie begins the story in a singsong, saccharine tone indicating the carefree attitude and lack of self-awareness common to many small children. However, when Billie... Read More

This troubling audiobook captures a woman's descent into madness. Narrator Dana Aronowitz deserves credit for keeping listeners invested in a grim story and rooting for a woman who makes misstep after misstep. When film archivist Ellen Kramer, a closeted lesbian who is deeply repressed, becomes possessed by the creatures in a recently discovered movie from the WWII era, her... Read More

Holter Graham returns to narrate another Alpha & Omega audiobook, this time a collection of interrelated stories--two new and three previously published. When Asil's friends set him up on five blind dates as a holiday gift, the ancient werewolf unhappily goes along with their plans. But instead of finding love, Asil finds disasters that require his unique skill set to fix.... Read More

Golden Voice Narrator Michael Crouch faces the challenge of foregrounding a character who's most comfortable fading into the background. Ambrose, a young runaway vampire, has settled in with a small clan of vampires at Frankenstein Castle in Germany. He's torn between his clan leader's vision of a haven for vampires on the moon and his own dream of finding a cure for the curse... Read More

Narrator Adam Barr paints a vivid picture of this family saga with elements of suspense. Mild-mannered, cautiously ambitious lawyer Monty Atkins has never strayed very far outside the conventions of Charleston society. When a sudden act of violence sends his family into a tailspin, Monty draws on hidden reserves of strength and cunning to keep a further tragedy at bay. Barr... Read More

Never underestimate the value of a pleasing voice, especially when the subject is history--in particular, a topic as obtuse as the English Civil War. Mark Meadows's light British accent is an enhancement and a defining feature of this well-told narrative, a sequel of sorts to Oxford scholar Jonathan Healey's THE BLAZING WORLD. That narrative surveyed the entire revolutionary... Read More

Listeners will be captivated by Reena Dutt's lively narration of this magical, action-packed adventure for middle graders. Dutt skillfully shifts between intrepid heroine Laila Habib's point of view and a robust cast of Indian and mythical Islamic characters, showcasing impressive vocal range. She vividly conveys the culturally rich world of Qaf, which is filled with jinn and... Read More

A tour-de-force performance by Gemma Whelan makes listening to this audiobook worthwhile. Jane Boleyn--Lady Rocheford--is a canny observer. She watches, she waits, she gathers information, and she reveals secrets to her spymaster, Thomas Cromwell. Cromwell then uses the damaging particulars against his enemies. Whelan portrays each character with enthusiasm, growling... Read More

Carlotta Brentan's narration is a master class in poignant storytelling. Gelfuso's novel, featuring an 11-year-old girl who is trapped in time space, is a thoughtful exploration of memory, grief, and the abuse of power. Her writing is clear, emotionally grounded, and well paced. The story unfolds with quiet intensity and engaging characters that keep the listener entranced.... Read More

Five unique and equally compelling narrators come together to impart a glimpse of Atlanta's erotic dance scene in this gritty thriller. Two years ago, Lucky, a dancer, vanished from Boom Town, the most famous gentleman's club in the city. Before her disappearance, Lucky had been distancing herself from her lover, Lyriq, and spending time with a mysterious customer named Thomas.... Read More

A talented team of narrators shines a light on the lives and experiences of transgender and gender-nonconforming people of color in this powerful audiobook. The anthology includes 17 stories of artists, activists, drag queens, scientists, and writers. Each selection is authentic and powerful, and brings a necessary perspective, given the current social and political climate... Read More

As author/narrator Sam Sussman's autobiographical novel begins, a son is summoned home from studying abroad. His mother meets him at the airport, physically and mentally ravaged from chemotherapy. In a voice pulsating with sincerity and reverence, Sussman has only questions. Why hadn't his mother told him the extent of her illness? Why had she left the big city for an... Read More

Narrator Charles Constant is an excellent guide through this science work--clear, warm, and conversational. Rob Dunn delves into the multiple ways that two species can benefit each other, offering myriad examples of collaboration both large and microscopic. Constant seems as fascinated by the breadth of biological diversity as the author is. The mutualisms discussed range from... Read More

Author Ian Kelly brings both authority and warmth to his narration of his engaging look at the life and work of Antonin Carême, whom he bills as the first celebrity chef. Kelly lends an elegant rhythm to the historical details of Carême's rise from humble origins to renowned restaurateur. His steady pacing allows listeners to savor the richness of the early nineteenth century... Read More

Former FBI Agent Robert Hilland and world-famous psychic John Edward narrate the story of their longstanding collaboration in solving cold cases. Their partnership--first distrusting and then blossoming into a true brotherhood--spanned two-and-a-half decades. Most of the story focuses on the famous John Smith murders, but it covers other fascinating cases, as well. Hilland... Read More

Regret, resentment, and hope are on the menu during a holiday train ride across Canada featuring multiple narrators. Lauren Irwin portrays Cali, who strives to reconcile with five estranged friends while heading to a Vancouver wedding. Ember, the bride's ex-girlfriend, portrayed by Nicola Barber, makes a thoughtful journey to exorcise regret. Siblings Joe and Joss (James... Read More

Anna Burnett narrates an unexpected reimagining of "Cinderella." After having been murdered at 16 by her stepmother, "Ella" now haunts her family home. Burnett deftly handles Ella's transition from a lonely girl to a lonely ghost. Burnett's portrayal of her longing and frustration is heartrending, especially as she confronts hard truths about herself and her family. Add a royal... Read More

A full cast of Native American performers take young listeners to a Cherokee stickball game. Most of the narrators are Cherokee, like author Traci Sorell, who delivers her concluding notes, and Zebadiah Nofire, who ably leads the narration and voices the glossary. The Keetoowah, Navajo, Kiowa, and Pawnee Nations are also represented by players, coach, and onlookers. The... Read More

Marni Penning brings cheerleader enthusiasm to this celebration of Claire McCardell, the pioneering early-twentieth-century American designer who thought women's clothes should be comfortable, as well as stylish. Maryland-born McCardell pioneered the kind of clothes we rely on today--ready-to-wear separates that can be mixed and matched into different outfits. She incorporated... Read More

This audio version of a 14th-century English classic provides instruction on using contemplative prayer to come to know God. While it deals in highly serious matters, its tone is earnestly friendly and supportive, though also serious and occasionally monitory. Nicholas Boulton mirrors these characteristics with his pleasant voice; smooth, clear delivery; and amiable manner. He... Read More

Guy Lockard narrates the final episode in the Track series. This time the story focuses on the formative years of Coach, who's been central to the young runners in the previous titles. Back in the day, Coach was Otie Brody, a 12-year-old sprinter who longed for two things: to be like Carl Lewis and to have a pair of Jordans. Problems small and big enter his life: First, Otie... Read More

In a deep voice and an English accent, Cornell Collins narrates this romantic mystery. Aaron is a virtuous man, and that's a good trait for a detective sergeant in the Metropolitan Police. When his cousin's engagement is canceled after she seeks advice from another man, Aaron investigates. And after meeting handsome Joel, an impressively accurate handwriting analyst, his... Read More

Samantha Cook narrates this heartfelt cowboy romance. Sheena Patrick has done well for herself--all things considered. After her dad died due to illegal gambling activities, she managed to raise her sisters, doing the best she could. Denver King watched from afar, secretly being there for her when she needed it. Now, years have passed, Denver owes Sheena a favor, and she's... Read More

Talented narrators, replete with diverse accents, dramatize Book 2 of the Amelia Peabody mystery series, featuring Egyptologist Amelia Peabody--wife, mother, and brilliantly clever archaeologist--and her husband, the intrepid archaeologist Radcliffe Emerson. Here they return to Egypt in 1892 to excavate a pharaoh's tomb and catch a murderer. Narrator Nanette Savard takes on the... Read More

Narrator Daniel Henning brings a group of quirky characters to life in this audiobook. When the body of the local mayor is found in the garden of their bed-and-breakfast, vampires Arthur and Sal are considered the obvious suspects. So they set out to prove that they've settled in Trident Falls, Oregon, to have a quiet life, not to murder the locals. Using accents and subtle... Read More

Heather Long provides a remarkable performance of this mystery. In 2003, a high school class is assigned to write letters to their future selves; 20 years later they receive them. Totally unexpectedly, one of the missives reveals a shocking secret about the earlier death of a classmate. That revelation leads another classmate, Miranda, to commit suicide--at least, that's how... Read More

Kirsten Leigh charms listeners with her impassioned portrayals of a pair of lovers: Iris, a budding blue-haired witch, and Meth, a bad-boy demon who swears up and down that he's reformed. Guiding listeners through the streets of wintry Montreal, Leigh brings the couple's tumultuous relationship to life. In scenes that range from spicy intimacy to battles with fearsome monsters,... Read More

Narrators Mia Barron, Johnny Heller, and Catherine Ho help listeners navigate the complex plot of this conspiracy thriller. The story, which shifts between the present day and 1962, starts with a mysterious series of phone calls that ground hundreds of flights across the nation. Sixteen-year-old Charlie, whose grandfather was a military pilot, finds herself drawn into the... Read More

Kristen Strong narrates her own work with the warmth and candor of a trusted friend, giving this guide to friendship and faith an authentic and deeply personal tone. Her voice carries the gentle authority of experience--balancing vulnerability and encouragement. Strong's conversational pacing makes the material approachable, especially when she shares personal anecdotes and... Read More

A PRIDE AND PREJUDICE reenactment vacation takes on deeper meaning with narration from Renee Dorian and Jamie Renell. Dorian captures Macey Bennet's excitement after she wins a trip to the immersive Pride and Prejudice Park in England. Renell voices Zane, who impulsively decides to join Macey at the park. They act out Austen scenes, meet other enthusiasts, and fall in love, all... Read More

Narrators Griffin Puatu and Shannon Scott convey a dystopian America after altered weather causes a climate disaster. Relatable, resourceful Nick and his younger sister, Lily, work to save themselves as Earth's atmosphere escapes into space, causing an oxygen shortage. Few people can go outside. It's captivating to hear Nick, Lily, and their friends use old-fashioned... Read More

Derek Shetterly is an excellent choice of narrator for this lively nonfiction title about contemporary trends in archaeology. His delivery strikes a balance between academic precision and engaging storytelling, making complex archaeological concepts sound accessible and immediate. There's subtle humor in his tone--just enough to draw listeners into the challenges and wonders of... Read More

Set in Madrid, Serrano's satirical look at modern marketing could have set its eyes upon San Francisco or London. British actress Emer Kenny's narration is distinctly English, and the translation seems pitch- perfect. She conveys Marisa's states of mind through tone and timing. Much of the story is conveyed through Marisa's inner monologue, which expresses how unhappy she is at... Read More

Nairobi-raised Junior Nyong'o brings vocal nuance to his narration of Kenyan author Patrick Ochieng's story of children dislocated by postelection violence. When the latest cycle claims his father's life, 14-year-old Kimathi; his little sister, Ngina; and their mother find themselves in a camp for internally displaced people. There Kimathi finds much hardship but also friends... Read More

The author's readings tend to be understated--like his poems. With the exception of Mary Oliver's DOG SONGS, dogs have not been a major topic for American poets. Billy Collins helps to fill that gap with this audiobook, a series of poems about particular dogs. Collins obviously knows and has lived with dogs, and he knows the specific dogs about whom he writes, even if some of... Read More

Multiple narrators come together to create an audio portrait that is part biography, part celebration, and part theatrical tribute to author Douglas Adams, best known for THE HITCHHIKER'S GUIDE TO THE GALAXY. Arvind Ethan David's clear, engaging presence guides listeners through reflections on the life and work of the singular humorist. Archival contributions from Douglas Adams... Read More

Narrators Samuel James, Billie Fulford-Brown, Imogen Wilde, and Johnny Heller provide accents ranging from British to Romanian to American in this tale of vampires and intrigue. The story is told through the journals and letters of the main characters. An appropriately British-accented Jonathan Harker arrives in Budapest, headed to Transylvania to meet the nobleman Count... Read More