MORE BEDTIME STORIES FOR CYNICS

Host and principal narrator Nick Offerman warns that these triple-X-rated bedtime stories are for adults only—definitely not for kids. Offerman’s consistently droll introductions and clever asides raise hopes for something wonderful. With a star-studded cast, including such notables as Patrick Stewart, Angelica Huston, and Ellen Page, it’s reasonable for expectations to be high. Patrick Stewart’s gravelly voice laments the indignities of aging in “Acid Reflux Man,” while Angelica Huston’s gorgeous voice delivers “The True Queen” with nasty delight. “The Giving Child,” superbly narrated by Ellen Page, is among the most twisted of the stories. While the narrators are mostly excellent, many of the dozen stories start out well but ultimately disappoint. The material simply doesn’t live up to its stellar cast. S.J.H. 2020 Audies Winner © AudioFile 2020, Portland, Maine [Published: FEBRUARY 2020]