Summer Time and the Listening Is Easy

Although I have had a lifelong affair with print books, the digital age has made it even easier to enjoy more stories via audio books. No more big boxes of cassette tapes or CD sleeves. With such wonderful systems such as Audible, Hoopla and Overdrive you can listen to a huge variety of genres. Stories keep me going while I drive, do chores and even as way to lull me to sleep, thanks to timers. Have insomnia or rage rage? Fret no more!

Narrators make all the difference with audio books. A great narrator can bring a mediocre plot to life. Unfortunately, a poor narrator can ruin even the best book. Thank goodness that does not happen often. There are a huge number of voice actors who are renowned for their talents. Some of my favorites are Barbara Rosenblatt who brought Goldie Bear to life for me, as well as Amelia Peabody; the late Robert Muller who did many of Stephen Kings novels, especially the Dark Tower series; and Dick Hill whose voice I instantly recognize with its intensity, which adds suspense to mysteries and thrillers.

My one of my recent audio books was SLEEPING BEAUTIES by Stephen and Owen King. It is amazing that two men can channel the voices and spirits of so many different female characters.

THE BOOKSHOP OF YESTERDAYS by Amy Meyerson is another just finished audio book. The narrator, Ann Marie Gideon, is new to me, but does a masterful job of voicing both the female and male characters. The story was different from what I expected from the title. It is a lyrical, often heartbreaking tale, of how secrets and choices can have a ripple effect through families and friends.

Brilliant British Police Procedural

Thanks to Netgalley and Harper Collins Impulse and Killer Reads for giving me a chance to read THE HANGMAN’S HOLD by Michael Wood in exchange for a review.
Detective Chief Inspector Matilda Darke is still dealing with the death of her husband when she is thrown into an extremely difficult case. Brian Appleby is found hung in his home and it is not suicide. What makes it even more strange is Matilda’s best friend, Adele, had just gone on a date with Brian the night before. Adele thought Brian was a “lovely” man, but it turns out he has a very dark past that he has tried to keep secret. Who would want Brian dead?
After another hanging death, it seems that Matilda and her team have a serial killer who is dubbed the “Hangman”. The people of Sheffield are becoming very scared and those above Matilda are getting angry. The person who seems to be getting the most information is young reporter Danny Hanson thanks to the killer calling him.
Author Michael Wood does a skillful job of developing both the main and secondary characters. A light touch was added in describing Sian’s “snack drawer” that helped the team carry on with their challenging case.
There is a good bit of graphic description used, but that is to be expected with a serial killer story. Many TV series show much more these days.
The author has done a fine job of capturing the voice of the female characters. It is encouraging to see more female protagonists in police procedural tales both in novels and on TV. Although this book takes place in the UK, it is relevant to detective stories everywhere.
THE HANGMAN’S HOLD is the fourth in a series, but I had no trouble following the plot. The author provided just the right amount of back story. The novel ends on a note that seems to promise a fifth book.

A Twisty Thriller

I appreciate Avon Publishers sending me a review copy of GUILT by Amanda Robson. The author’s debut novel was OBSESSION, which was also a psychological thriller. I plan to place that novel in my reading pile very soon.
Zara and Miranda Cunningham are non-identical twins. They have always been close, but are roommates even as adults. Miranda is the smart, steady one with a good job at an accounting firm. Zara is more flighty, but finally seems to be using her artistic talents to go back to school and pursue a career. Their mother wants Miranda to be there for Zara who has been unstable and was “cutting”to the point of almost killing herself.
The sisters seem to be doing fairly well until Zara meets Sebastian and falls head over heels for him. Sebastian is handsome and charming, but Miranda has a bad feeling about him from the start. Things become more uncomfortable for her when Sebastian moves into their flat and becomes paired with Miranda at her job. Relations between the two sister unravel until one ends up dead. This is not a spoiler, as the first chapter opens with the aftermath of the murder.
The author writes the novel in a suspenseful, compelling way. Time weaves between the past and present and the three different narrators. The chapters are mostly short, which keeps the reader quickly turning the pages and makes it hard to put the book down.
None of the characters/narrators are truly reliable, which adds to a very twisty storyline. Sebastian is an extremely scary sociopath and it is easy to see how Miranda feels torn about what to do so her fragile sister won’t be hurt by this seemingly reckless man.
Amanda Robson’s background has enabled her to write a novel that is emotional and engaging.

Why I Want To Blog

I have been an avid reader since I was five years old. Now that I am retired, I have more time to read and reflect on many wonderful books.

I belong to three book clubs: two face-to-face and one online group. I have been with the online private group for 17 years now and the members are like sisters to me, even though we are scattered across the globe.

My TBR shelves are full and I still hear the “siren song” of new books to buy or borrow from the library. With this blog I hope to share both new books and ones that have collected a little dust. I hope I can connect with fellow bookworms on my journey.