Ali - The Dragon Slayer

Again I extol the virtues of Jake Urry!

Revisado: 06-10-17

What did you love best about Darkside Blues?

My favourite segments once again involve the tough exterior Harlan becoming mushy when he has a convo with his cat, love this insight into him and it speaks volumes about his character.

What other book might you compare Darkside Blues to and why?

So after listening to the first two books in this series it’s the turn of Darkside Blues. Some series can get a little stretched, dull, repetitive but this is a genre that keeps giving. It is certainly in the same ilk as The Sickhouse and Medicine for the Dead.

Which character – as performed by Jake Urry – was your favorite?

Harlan Ulrich has to be the best performance .. Once again I can only extol the virtues of Jake Urry .. he is the most perfect narrator for this series and the pairing works brilliantly. He enables the reader/listener to slip into the darkness of a bleak winter and chills you to the bone with his range of vocals.

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

I would love to have the time to do the entire book in one sitting but sadly that isn't possible.

Any additional comments?

I have formed a cosy attachment to Harlan and he is beginning to feel like part of the extended family now. Once you get past his gruff aloof demeanour he is a pussy cat.

After struggling to survive his PI business is at last beginning to reap rewards and this time he is approached by a guy who claims he sees his daughter … problem being she has been missing for ten years. Harlan expects it to be an easy case with a fruitful payout.

However nothing involving Harlan is straightforward so we are treated to some creepy ghostly goings on, steeped in mystery with a splash of paranormal. Follow the twists and turns and become embroiled in the tale.

While this could be a stand alone I would suggest reading them in order. I hope to see more in the Ulrich series.

Thanks to the author and Jess at an Audiobookworm for my copy which I reviewed voluntarily.

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Harlan is a grumpy old codger!

Revisado: 05-18-17

What made the experience of listening to Medicine for the Dead the most enjoyable?

Yet again I must compliment Jake Urry on the narration, without a doubt he brings the whole tale and situation to life. An exceptionally gifted story-teller with an addictive voice.

What did you like best about this story?

While I enjoyed book one this part captured my imagination on a different level, almost as though Harlan has matured in his role. I now have the pleasure of book three, Darkside Blues.

What does Jake Urry bring to the story that you wouldn’t experience if you just read the book?

Atmosphere, tension, charisma. Experience the hairs on the back of your neck rising just by listening to him.

Was there a moment in the book that particularly moved you?

Now Harlan is a grumpy old codger but I’m learning to like his quirky ways. Intent on being alone he wasn’t too impressed to find he would be sharing the living space with a CAT .. Sparkles met his match in Harlan but eventually a truce is called, this demonstrated a softer side in Harlan and was the turning point for my growing affection.

Any additional comments?

This time he accepts a week long lease in an apartment in return for ‘house sitting’ the majestic Exeter House. All is well by day, he mooches around content so long as he has his coffee, something to read and peace and quiet. As night looms things take on a more sinister feel in the house and that’s when the story livens up. It gets creepy, eerie and tension mounts. Can Harlan defeat the evilness that plagues his mind. Yet again I’m tormented by rats, they tend to appear in these books!My thanks to the author for creating a captivating story and thanks to Jess at An Audiobookworm for the copy which I reviewed voluntarily.

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Worth it for the narration!

Revisado: 05-02-17

What did you love best about The Sick House?

It is intensely creepy and very descriptive, at times a little too in depth and I found myself drifting until that segment was over. It is very easy to imagine being in the dank, dark tunnels of the house, yet again my ‘phobia’ was challenged with the ‘damp, furry bodies of the rats’ as they crawl around. That was enough to make me cringe!

What was one of the most memorable moments of The Sick House?

I listened to this on audiobook and it was the quality of the narration that made it so enjoyable. Imagine all the late night horror movies, scary books, Halloween etc all rolled into one and that nowhere near portrays the talent of Jake Urry. His voice is gravelly, chilling, atmospheric yet keeps the listener absolutely riveted and desperate to continue. The shivers went up my spine as soon as he read the title!!

Have you listened to any of Jake Urry’s other performances before? How does this one compare?

This is my first experience of Jake Urry, I'm already downloading another one. An incredible talent.

If you were to make a film of this book, what would the tag line be?

Pray you don't become sick!

Any additional comments?

The cover of this looks so gruesome that I was immediately curious! I’m actually participating in the blog tour for the third book in the series so to get me up to speed I wanted to read one and two. The Sick House is the first where we are introduced to Ulrich the private investigator. He is an unfathomable character at the outset but once the layers are unpeeled and his character is revealed he is a sturdy straight talking guy. He is tired of the usual husband/wife suspecting an affair cases so when the opportunity arises to locate a missing doctor he dives straight in.

Ulrich sets out to unearth what happened to the doctor, amidst ghoulish tales and local hostility it makes for a suspenseful story set in an incredibly dark spooky deserted ‘hospital’ originally run by nuns.

Excellent performance which brought an otherwise ‘ordinary’ story to life. I am now going to listen to book two.

Thanks to Jess at An Audiobookworm for the copy which I reviewed voluntarily.

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Good, If you haven’t read any of the originals.

Revisado: 04-10-17

Is there anything you would change about this book?

If you haven’t read any of the original books then this would be ideal because it gives a rundown of all the stories, yet for someone who has read them it all felt a slight intrusion.

What was the most interesting aspect of this story? The least interesting?

Paula has taken a different stance and researched the history of Betty and her family, in some ways it fills in the missing parts of the stories and answers some lingering questions. But it also brings to mind how much of the real Betty did we gain from her books .. there is no doubt the author has done an incredible amount of work to pull it all together but I have to say I found it somewhat repetitive.

Have you listened to any of Paula Becker’s other performances before? How does this one compare?

This is the first time I have listened to Paula Becker .. I was suitably impressed. She has a natural inflection and holds your attention. In comparison to some other narrators she is very good.

Was Looking for Betty MacDonald worth the listening time?

Yes, it was worth listening because you can absorb what is available. I do however think it could be shorter by cutting out the repetitive pieces from the original books.

Any additional comments?

I have now listened to all of the ‘Betty‘ audio books and it’s fair to say I have been thoroughly entertained and enthralled. The only ones I haven’t yet discovered are Mrs Piggle Wiggles, children’s books.I admire Betty’s wit, ability to laugh at herself, the pure endurance shown to survive some of the harsh situations life has thrown at her. She always managed to appear as though she was in control even when things were incredibly bleak during the war/recession years. These books were written in a different generation and should be observed as such.

The author also narrates the audio book and that is done very well, I could happily listen to her tone and it didn’t jar on my nerves like some narrators unfortunately can. A lot of the enjoyment of a book is down to the narrator so for the author to do her own was quite an interesting concept.Overall it was an informative book, well produced but on this occasion I have to admit I prefer the ‘Betty’ originals, they will always hold a soft spot in my heart.Thanks to the author, publisher and Jess at Audiobookworm for my copy which I reviewed voluntarily.

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One of my favourite stories.

Revisado: 03-30-17

Would you consider the audio edition of Little Women to be better than the print version?

While I still classify it as one of my all time faves I have to say the audio version didn’t exactly sit right with me. I think it was purely down to the narration. I immediately found the vocals very irritating and I stuck with it in the hope her voice would grow on me but sadly I never felt drawn in and a part of it. To me it was just the wrong person selected for the role. I have heard some fabulous narrators recently so this was a little disappointing especially for this particular book.

What was one of the most memorable moments of Little Women?

The content still amuses me and I adore the March family, for those who aren’t familiar it is the tale of four sisters, who live with their Ma while Pa is off fighting in the civil war. They make the best of what they have and the love portrayed is palpable. It is basically a growing up tale and the voyage of discovery into adulthood.

What three words best describe Andrea Emmes’s performance?

Very Irritating Vocals

Was there a moment in the book that particularly moved you?

I have read it so many times I know the story off by heart in fairness there are many moving moments so it's difficult to pick only one!

Any additional comments?

I can’t recall the first time I read Little Women but I certainly wasn’t very old, it soon became one of my favourite stories and my ‘go-to’ book when I wanted something familiar, charming, endearing and simply classic.

I have read it so many times I know the story off by heart, I have seen numerous adaptions on TV which haven’t quite hit the mark because my personal visuals don’t equate with what’s on screen so I was keen to explore an audio version of the book when I was offered one to review.

It is a lengthy listen of 17 hours + so it is best heard in segments of an hour or so. I really enjoyed the option of escaping into my ‘ideal’ world while doing something else.
Whilst it seems saccharine sweet at times and not overly ‘PC’ you have to remember to place yourself in that era and go with the flow, just absorb yourself in the overall beauty of it. The author has a distinct writing style and it weaves a nice explanation of life in those days.

While I still classify it as one of my all time faves I have to say the audio version didn’t exactly sit right with me. I think it was purely down to the narration. I immediately found the vocals very irritating and I stuck with it in the hope her voice would grow on me but sadly I never felt drawn in and a part of it. To me it was just the wrong person selected for the role. I have heard some fabulous narrators recently so this was a little disappointing especially for this particular book.

Overall tho I manged to enjoy the story based on prior knowledge .. anyone new to Little Women may find it a brilliant version.

Many thanks to Jess at an AudioBookWorm for my copy .. My usual rating would be 5 stars but due to my previous comments this one will be a 4. I listened and reviewed voluntarily.

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I find them a fascinating account of ‘real’ life.

Revisado: 03-18-17

If you could sum up Onions in the Stew in three words, what would they be?

Betty's Sardonic Wit

Who was your favorite character and why?

I think my favourite has to be Betty herself. She is the star of the show, can make you giggle or cringe in the space of seconds. She is tough but does show an emotional side. She is very much a lady of her time.

Have you listened to any of Heather Henderson’s other performances before? How does this one compare?

Yes, this is the fourth book I have listened to by Heather, her performance is always flawless and draws the listener in to a point of being captivated.

Did you have an extreme reaction to this book? Did it make you laugh or cry?

I didn't cry but I certainly laughed a few times, the thing I like about Betty is she can laugh at her own mishaps too.

Any additional comments?

This is the fourth Betty book I have listened to, by now I have come to expect a level of sardonic humour along with a big dollop of common sense. If any books can guarantee to put life into perspective if you are having a ‘down’ day then it has to be a ‘Betty MacDonald’. She was an absolute trooper of her day who stood no nonsense from anybody but at the same time usually averted a crisis somehow with her wit.

Life has moved on now and her and her husband and two growing teenage girls are living on Vashon Island, off of Seattle. So you can see where this story may lead, how to survive in the 1940/50’s with limited facilities (although I’m sure USA was far more advanced than UK) money being tight, concocting recipes from local sea food, gathering driftwood for the fire etc .. it sounds idyllic but was obviously tough.

Betty still tries to find employment wherever she can, family life is fraught at times but beneath it all you get a feeling of genuine affection. As I have stated previously you have to remember these books were set/written a long time ago so there are many things which may not meet the realms of acceptance in this day and age of political correctness. The things they did without a second thought like smoking constantly, including the kids, the reaction to ‘foreigners’ but this is how it was in those days.

I find them a fascinating account of ‘real’ life from that era of a normal hard-working family trying to succeed or at best survive with all the associated problems they face. Admittedly I preferred the earlier books in the series but this one still stands the test of time.

The narrator as usual has a strong comforting voice, speaks clearly and makes it an enjoyable experience to listen to .. I will miss her as much as Betty! Having said that I have one more book lined up to enjoy!

Thanks to Jess at AudioBookWorm, Post Hypnotic Press etc .. I listened and reviewed this audio-book voluntarily.

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One thing Betty has is optimism in bucket loads.

Revisado: 02-20-17

What did you love best about Anybody Can Do Anything?

Anyone who has read my blog recently will know I am a convert and huge fan of Betty books. They have the ability to raise a smile on the darkest of days and make me giggle quietly to myself.

Who was your favorite character and why?

The overwhelming sense of family still floods through, the descriptions of the area and community are fabulous. The beauty of this series is the way Betty talks/writes to the readers, she either draws you in with her wit or makes you scream in frustration at her acid tongue.

Have you listened to any of Heather Henderson’s other performances before? How does this one compare?

I almost get withdrawal symptoms when I finish a ‘Betty’ book .. thankfully I have another lined up ready to listen to! I have no idea what I will do when I have heard them all, probably start at the beginning again because I am bound to get just as much enjoyment a second time around.

Did you have an extreme reaction to this book? Did it make you laugh or cry?

I listened to this on audiobook so probably confused a few members of the public when I suddenly began laughing for no apparent reason!

Any additional comments?

This time Betty has returned to the family home following her divorce *scandal* accompanied by her kids. It is imperative she finds employment but during the depression of the 30’s in the USA jobs were few and far between. Her sister Mary decides she will assist matters and coach Betty in all areas of work and find her a suitable job. Mary happens to know a lot of people which is fortunate considering how haphazard Betty can be .. she goes through jobs like a dose of salts.
The memoir goes into great detail and is wonderfully amusing. One thing Betty has is optimism in bucket loads. And Mary is so confident that ‘Anybody Can Do Anything’ hence the title. It was quite an education in itself just hearing about all the different jobs Betty applied for .. remember this was a long time ago so obviously times have changed and frankly they have altered for the better.
The narrator as usual was brilliant, she has a comforting voice that entices you to listen. She has a wide variety of ‘voices’ for the characters and is easy to follow. I almost get withdrawal symptoms when I finish a ‘Betty’ book .. thankfully I have another lined up ready to listen to!
Many thanks to Post Hypnotic Press and Jess at AudioBookWorm for introducing me to these marvellous stories .. I reviewed voluntarily.

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This book takes you across a whirlpool of emotions

Revisado: 02-16-17

Where does Meeting Lydia rank among all the audiobooks you’ve listened to so far?

The beauty of listening to this on audio was I could really get absorbed, the narration kept my interest and it was easy to differentiate between the characters. I always feel listening to a book gives a completely different opinion to ‘reading’ it. This one transferred well to audio and because it spanned over 8 hours it gave plenty of enjoyment. The sound quality is brilliant and I don’t hesitate in recommending this. It is also one of those stories which continues to make you think or reassess your own life once it has finished.

What did you like best about this story?

I do appreciate it when the title of a book is explained and it does become obvious why this is called Meeting Lydia, all part of the rich tapestry of life and ties the story up nicely.

Which scene was your favorite?

This book takes you across a whirlpool of emotions, dissecting childhood fears, teenage angst, marital problems, menopausal interruptions and strives to deal with them all so that possibly life can be rebuilt after a shake-up. It explores so many situations and really grips the heart, one minute I was agonising over whether Marianne and Edward could actually recreate a bond and the next laughing at some of the descriptions she uses about Charmaine, Johnny’s ‘friend’.

Who was the most memorable character of Meeting Lydia and why?

Marianne was quite an awkward character to warm to but she has her moments .. sometimes she could be infuriating though and I’m sure she wound Johnny up just to get a reaction in order to moan.

Any additional comments?

I was offered the audiobook to listen to as part of the blog tour .. the cover image intrigued me straight away then when I read the blurb I figured it could be right up my alley! As a woman of a similar age I could empathise with Marianne on many levels.

She is married to Johnny, grown up daughter just left for uni, suffering empty nest syndrome as well as the dreaded ‘M’ word. She no longer feels attractive her hormones are making her exceptionally cranky and then she realises her hubby is spending time with a much younger work colleague who happens to be gorgeous! He spends more time at the pub and she begins to dredge up her past.

Poor Marianne went through bullying at school this has left her traumatised but she thought she had buried the demons. It’s when her daughter Holly suggests mum get’s a life and shows her how to join ‘Friends Re-united’ that Edward her school crush creeps back into her memory.

Thanks to the author, narrator, publisher and Jess at AudioBookWorm for the opportunity .. I voluntarily reviewed.

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The sharp wit, charm, eagle-eyed observations and

Revisado: 01-18-17

Would you listen to The Plague and I again? Why?

After listening to the audiobook ‘The Egg and I’ I leapt at the chance of listening to ‘The Plague and I’. Now bear in mind this is OLD fashioned and thankfully the treatment of TB has improved drastically over the years. This follows the plight of Betty as she spends nearly a year in a sanitarium in the USA in the 1930’s ish.
I am already listening to another book by Betty.

What did you like best about this story?

At that time the dreaded disease was a killer and the only possible cure was total rest. How can you possibly have an entire book based around this without it being boring I hear you ask? Well ….. you need to meet Betty!!

Which scene was your favorite?

The sharp wit, charm, eagle-eyed observations and pure sarcasm are sheer magic. She describes in length the whole rigmoral of the routine followed, the rather meagre conditions, these days it would be considered patient abuse to shiver with cold as the charge nurse insists the windows are flung open in mid-winter!

You can almost taste the food yuck! The description of each of her room mates is either hilarious or hideous. I can’t imagine she was an easy person to be confined to bed next to.

Was there a moment in the book that particularly moved you?

As time goes on and her home life seems a distant memory with limited visits allowed from family, Betty can only dream of escape. First she has to complete each treatment and move to the next section. The whole story depends on whether or not she can survive or go home. And IF she does go home will she ever be able to adapt to normality again after being institutionalised for so long. I found the mental dilemma one of the most fascinating aspects of the story.

Any additional comments?

The audiobook is over 8 hours long but it speeds by, highly enjoyable, great narration that lures the listener in. I highly recommend this if you want a cure for feeling sorry for yourself .. not sure it would be ideal for hypochondriacs though! I am already listening to another book by Betty.
I voluntarily ‘read’ and reviewed this, thanks to Jess at AudioBookWorm and of course the publishers, author, narrator etc.

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This is a wonderful portrayal of their life.

Revisado: 12-03-16

What made the experience of listening to The Egg and I the most enjoyable?

I was lucky enough to gain an audio copy of this and it made for very engrossing listening. The narration was spot on, I felt as though I was there shivering in that kitchen having a cup of coffee. When I started and realised it was about 9 hours long I thought it would take forever to hear it all when in fact I think I completed it in about 3 sessions because I was enthralled. I would happily listen to more stories by Betty.

What did you like best about this story?

I have always been fascinated by the 1940’s especially living ‘on the land’ and being fairly self sufficient. My parents had a chicken/egg business when I was a child and I have many happy memories of ‘collecting’ the eggs. However I live in the UK and I certainly wasn’t around in the 1940’s so that is where the similarities end!
Betty married and blindly followed her husband off to the bleak mountains in Washington state to follow his dream of owning a chicken ranch. This is her story told exactly how she lived it .. non-politically correct and with moments of what would be described these days as racism.

Any thought that it would be an easy existence rapidly disappeared as we hear about her struggling to light the stove, forgetting the kerosene, living by candlelight, scrubbing the laundry by hand, ironing with an old flat iron warmed briefly on aforementioned stove. Carrying buckets of water, walking 5 or more miles to her nearest neighbours not to mention the act of caring for the chickens!!

Their days would begin at 4am, cold, dark and monotonous. But Betty did as her husband told her. I enjoyed her descriptions of learning to sew and making anything crafty, she wasn’t naturally talented. She adored reading but books were not easy to come by.

What about Heather Henderson’s performance did you like?

Clear, concise narration with just the right inflection on the characters .. very engaging.

Did you have an extreme reaction to this book? Did it make you laugh or cry?

This is a wonderful portrayal of their life but remember it was a LONG time ago and some of the issues may be sensitive but it’s as it was. Betty was very scathing of a lot of people around her, there are some fabulously humorous parts but I’m not sure her humour was appreciated by all. If you are of a delicate disposition then possibly some of the references to how the chicken industry works is not ideal.

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