Audiobooks
Peter and the Starcatchers by Dave Barry
Although aimed at teens, this first in a series story is a fun, exciting adventure story appealing to all ages. It involves Peter Pan, pirates and a great treasure. It explains how Peter went from an ordinary boy to the magical one we know from other stories. I found some of the constant action a little tediuos, but over-all was enjoyable. No strong language, adult situations, or gory violence.
Justinian's Flea by William Rosen
This serious history helps cover the period after the Roman Empire and before the Middle Ages, when the Byzantine Emperors continued Roman traditions. It also describes the effect of the plague on Europe. This is very detailed and might be more than you want to know about the politics of the time and about epidemics. For serious history buffs. The audio version was spoiled for me by the robotic, monotone narration of the usually tolerable, Scott Brick.
S.D.
Making Money by Terry Pratchett
Another fun story from British author Terry Pratchett set in an imaginary world part medieval, part Victorian. This time instead of improving the post office, he must improve the Royal Bank and the economy of the city. This is well-written, light, humorous and energetic. It contains some mild expletives, but no gory violence.
S.D.
Going Postal by Terry Pratchett
British author Terry Pratchett writes humorous novels set in an imaginary world of magic, vampires, trolls, etc. This is well-written with an amusing plot about a con man saved from execution on the condition he improve the postal system. He encounters very odd employees and customers, creates radical programs like stamps while combating his enemies. Fun stories with some mild expletives, but no real violence.
S.D.
Mistress of the Art of Death by Ariana Franklin
A female doctor from Italy goes to medieval England to help solve serial child murders being attributed to the Jewish community there. Using a sharp mind and forensics she discovers the truth, gaining favor with the King. She must adjust to life in England and the restricted role of women there. Well-written, rich in historical atmosphere and draws in the reader. Some gore, some strong language and unnecessary animal violence.
S.D.
Murder on the Leviathan by Boris Akunin
Russian novelist Boris Akunin writes a series of adventure/mystery stories featuring a brilliant police detective, Fandorin. This is a classic locked room mystery set on a luxurious liner. Fandorin must identify all the secrets of the first-class passengers before reaching port. Our version is a seamless abridgement well read by Campbell Scott. No gore or strong language.
S.D.
Jane Boleyn: the True Story of the Infamous Lady Rochford by Julia Fox
Just in time for the release of the movie version of Gregory's "The Other Boleyn Girl" is this non-fiction history of Jane Boleyn. Born in a noble family, she married into the powerful Boleyn family and enjoyed all the privileges gained when Anne Boleyn married King Henry VIII of England. This is a detailed history of the Tudor era, its politics, religious controversies, moral pitfalls and the often difficult lives of women. It is written like a novel rather than dry history and is narrated well by Rosalyn Landor. This is an enjoyable story providing a fascinating picture of the court of Henry VIII.
S.D.
Neverwhere by Neil Gaiman
This is another enjoyable fantasy adventure from Neil Gaiman. Richard Mayhew is drawn into an alternate world existing below the streets of London where he joins a mythic quest. He encounters many odd types who dwell in the dark world below. Who is true and who false? Who will prevail? Who will die? Will Mayhew return to his old life above? This is an interesting adventure story where we learn that sometimes a little magic can improve an ordinary life. Even readers who do not normally like fantasy might enjoy the excellent writing and fast pace of the author.
S.D.
Anansi Boys by Neil Gaiman
An ordinary man learns he is related to the trickster god of African oral tradition and his life turns upside down. He must undertake a spiritual quest to help his brother, save his fiance and gain some control over his life. This is a very well-written story which draws in the reader and keeps the interest. There is some strong language and non-graphic violence.
S.D.
Sweet Revenge by Diane Mott Davidson
Caterer Goldy Bear is busy during the holiday season and does not need to encounter murder at several of her events. Using her network of friends she manages to assist her deputy husband with the investigation; escaping injury narrowly. There is a steady pace of action with many plot developments. I prefer this title to a prior title I listened to. The audio is performed very well by Barbara Rosenblat. Davidson's stories feature church-going adults; little gore; and only an occasional mild expletive.
S.D.
The Stephanie Plum series by Janet Evanovich and performed by C.J. Critt or Lorelei King.
I have been working through the Stephanie Plum series by listening to the various books on audio. Both C.J. Critt and Lorelie King are able to do a variety of voices and bring the various wacky characters to life. There is another reader for the series, I don't remember her name offhand, but she has a stronger New Jersey accent than the other two.
A.L.
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