OWNING A SPACEBAR Owning a Spacebar, Book 1

John Pirhalla's narration brings gritty nuances to an intriguing character-driven space opera. Carson Flint--formerly a soldier, now a saloon owner--is bored. But when a spy and a war criminal show up, his life becomes more exciting than he bargained for. Pirhalla's distinct characterizations help listeners track a cast of varied characters. His pacing supports the story's noir atmosphere, especially in dialogue-heavy scenes in which subtext matters. He also demonstrates a keen sense of timing, using pauses and inflections to heighten suspense and underscore emotions. His consistency across chapters maintains immersion, and his ability to convey dry humor adds texture to Flint's gruff persona. Pirhalla's narration enhances momentum and emotional depth, turning a quiet narrative into a compelling listening experience. J.M.M. © AudioFile 2025, Portland, Maine [Published: DECEMBER 2025]