Sara Smolarek

I'm hooked!

Revisado: 09-02-16

The Voodoo Detective, Book 6 of the Detective Byone novels, by Ricardo M. Fleshman, narrated by Nicholas Patrella had me completely hooked. I have friends who live in New Orleans, and although I’ve not yet been able to visit them, their stories of the historic city with a culture so different from my own here in the upper Midwest, intrigue me – as does this book.

I enjoyed the fact that The Voodoo Detective is set in the 70’s, in a time before the instantaneousness of cell phones and the internet. I enjoyed the fact that many of the primary characters are mature adults, rather than college-aged know-it-alls. And, I enjoyed the dips into voodoo and the dark arts. I realize that, since I have not read (or listened to) the first 5 books in the series, I am missing out on a lot of the characters’ history, and I am going to correct that situation as soon as I can. I will definitely be listening to (or reading) the rest of this series.

Nicholas Patrella did a fine job narrating. Not having any experience with the French language, I know I would have a difficult time trying to figure out how to pronounce many of the street names and points of interest in New Orleans, but from what I can tell, Mr. Patrella made them sound like they were right. I was kind of expecting more of an accent that would fit in with the Cajun or French of the city, but really the only time that came out was in Lisette’s speech. Still, I suppose the lack of a stronger accent would make it more understandable for most people, so I guess it makes sense not to have it. I would listen to more of Mr. Patrella’s work.

I was provided this audiobook at no charge by the author, publisher and/or narrator in exchange for an unbiased review via Audiobook Boom.

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Excellent book - but not a good bedtime story!

Revisado: 08-09-16

White is the Coldest Color: Dr. David Galbraith, Book 1 by John Nicholl, narrated by Jake Urry, is probably one of the most intense, dark, and sinister books I’ve ever run across. Jake Urry does intense, dark, and sinister very well. I learned quickly not to listen to it at bedtime.

The story itself is extremely well-written. It depicts a very realistic scenario of child abduction and abuse, by the people who you are most supposed to trust, and the ones you would least suspect. What makes it particularly dark is the fact that the kind of events portrayed actually happen – every single day, all across the world. As one of the detectives in the story asks, “What is wrong with people?”

If you like the kind of thrillers that gnaw at your guts for a while after you’ve finished reading them, you’ll like this one. If it makes you feel a little bit better to know that once in a while, the scum of the earth reap their just rewards, you’ll like this one.

Maybe hearing this story will help people be more aware, more willing to wonder about odd things they see or hear, and more willing to act on their suspicions. I truly, sincerely hope so. But fair warning - this one needs to be heard during the light of day.

I was provided this audiobook at no charge by the author, publisher and/or narrator in exchange for an unbiased review via Audiobook Boom.

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I tried to like it, but...

Revisado: 08-06-16

I normally love books featuring psychics, empaths, people who see ghosts, etc. I wanted to love Melody of Murder too. I tried to love it. Really, I did – but it just wasn’t happening. I did finish listening to the book, but it was a struggle. The more I listened, the more I developed a strong dislike for the main character, Andromeda. Although I did make myself finish it, by half-way through, I no longer cared about the outcome of the story.

Andromeda is a twenty-something person who can locate missing people and things, and she can also see and talk to ghosts. Usually, in books like this, that type of character has a certain maturity and wisdom about them, brought on no doubt, but having to deal with their gift on a daily basis. They may find it stressful and exhausting, but they are usually willing to use their gift to help people, and are usually grateful that something good can come out of their ability. If this is the way she meant to portray Andromeda, I’m afraid author Theresa Parker did not succeed. Yes, in a way Andromeda does use her gift to help people – but only for a price – and she whines about it in the process. She comes across as self-centered and shallow, and it is pretty clear early on that the only reason she helps the police department with her ability is so she can earn a steady paycheck, and have ready access to her boyfriend so she can get him into bed as often as possible. The narcoleptic cat is a much more likeable character. The little boy who sees dead people in the well-known movie has more maturity and class than Andromeda does.

Narrator Johanna Fairview’s portrayal of Andromeda compounded this impression. I kept thinking “Valley Girl” as I listened. I wonder if my impression of Andromeda would be less negative if I’d read the book instead of listening to it. The premise of the storyline was good, but the characters were not likeable – at least to me.

I was provided this audiobook at no charge by the author, publisher and/or narrator in exchange for an unbiased review via Audiobook Boom.

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Action-packed thrill ride!

Revisado: 08-04-16

Staff Sergeant Abel Yeager may be a former Marine, but as they say, there's no such thing as an Ex-Marine - and that's a very good thing. Now a trucker just trying to make an honest living, he needs every edge he can get, with vengeful hijackers, Mexican cartels, kidnappers, and a cutthroat crooked lawyer after him and his rig.

What he doesn't expect, is to be rescued by a completely different type of hero - a redheaded bookstore owner named Charlotte - aka Charlie - who packs a .41 Magnum Smith & Wesson loaded with hollow points. Charlie's just trying to make an honest living too, but she can't walk away from a person in need. Not when she can help.

Add in a motley crew of fellow brothers-in-arms Por Que' and Cujo, and what could possibly go wrong?

And, is there any chance at all that a classy gal could possibly be interested in a down-on-his-luck trucker?

This book is not a quick listen, which is too bad because you're not going to want to stop. It really is action-packed. Lots of bullets and fists flying, but none of it was gratuitous violence. Abel's side-kick Victor (aka Por Que') is a riot, full of snarky one-liners that made me snort coffee more than once. I hope he gets his own story somewhere along the line. Pilot Cujo doesn't say much, but what he does is priceless.

I particularly appreciated the fact that these heroes are not suffering from PTSD. They've been able to overcome the horrors they've seen - and had to deal out, realizing that what counts most is Yeager's Law #1 - Do what ya gotta do to come home at the end of the day.

Well done, Scott Bell.

And VERY well done, J. Scott Bennett, on a masterful telling of this rollicking story, complete with Texas, Russian, and Hispanic accents galore. I'm not sure I would have been able to keep all the characters straight, if not for your excellent portrayals. I will look for more of your work.

I was provided this audiobook at no charge by the author, publisher and/or narrator in exchange for an unbiased review via Audiobook Boom.

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Great story, wonderfully narrated!

Revisado: 08-02-16

If you could sum up Modern Sorcery in three words, what would they be?

Yeah, can't do the three word thing. This book deserves better than that. How about three sentences?
Great story.
Twists and turns, action-filled drama, loads of intelligent humor.
Masterfully narrated!

What about Joe Hempel’s performance did you like?

Joe did a superb job of giving the characters their own unique voice, making it very easy to follow, and differentiate who was speaking when. He also told the story - rather than merely reading the book aloud. The fear and drama came through, as well as the frequent laugh-out-loud humor that lightened the mood and broke the tension. Great job, Mr. Hempel!

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

Yes, several - but telling about them would be spoilers, and I hate when people do that!

Any additional comments?

"I was provided this audiobook at no charge by the author, publisher and/or narrator in exchange for an unbiased review via Audiobook Boom."

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Not bad, just not to my taste.

Revisado: 07-26-16

What did you like best about Death in the Headlights? What did you like least?

I like mysteries that keep me guessing and provide twists and turns, so thought the storyline was one I would enjoy. Unfortunately, I had the whodunit part figured out less than half-way through. I wish more had been put into the mystery than the couples' dilemmas over their love lives.

Who was your favorite character and why?

Honestly, I didn't care too much for any of them. None of them endeared themselves to me, except possibly the old lady who appeared briefly, the one who sold jams at the market. She seemed the most real of them all.

What aspect of Daniela Acitelli’s performance would you have changed?

Many times it was overly dramatic for the situation, yet still somehow lacking in emotion. The tone of voice and reactions didn't seem consistent with the way a hard-bitten, experienced retired detective would be. It definitely felt like she was reading the book aloud, rather than telling the story.

If this book were a movie would you go see it?

It would depend greatly on who was in it. I think the storyline has potential, and maybe with engaging actors it would work.

Any additional comments?

"I was provided this audiobook at no charge by the author, publisher and/or narrator in exchange for an unbiased review via Audiobook Boom."

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Best audiobook I have ever heard!

Revisado: 07-25-16

Would you listen to The Cryptic Lines again? Why?

I absolutely will be listening to this book again. The plot is excellent, full of twists and turns, and quite detailed, so I'm sure I missed bits and pieces along the way, but also because the narrator did a superb job in telling the story. And, make no mistake about it, it was like listening to someone tell a story around the campfire, rather than someone merely reading a book aloud.

What was one of the most memorable moments of The Cryptic Lines?

A particular scene with James, the butler, just broke my heart. But I won't say more, because that would be a spoiler.

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

I have not heard him before, but I will seek him out for further audiobooks. His voice and performance were perfect for the setting and genre of this book. He has a gift for real storytelling - so much more than merely reading the book.

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

I did want to, but unfortunately have obligations that do not allow me to do so. However, I did listen for several hours at a time, and did not tire of it.

Any additional comments?

I sometimes have the problem of dozing off when listening to audiobooks, rather like a child being read a bedtime story. That was not the case with The Cryptic Lines. The storyline and the most excellent narration kept me on the edge of my seat, spellbound.

"I was provided this audiobook at no charge by the author, publisher and/or narrator in exchange for an unbiased review via Audiobook Boom."

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GAH! A cliffhanger!

Revisado: 07-20-16

What did you like best about this story?

I very much liked the loyalty of Whip-whip and Furon, going against the odds, and what should come naturally, to defend someone who was completely foreign to them, that they had only just met.

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

I have not heard him before. I was frankly a bit surprised at the quite formal, and possibly slightly British accent, for a story taking place in an American location. Granted, it is an alternate world, but it is accessed through the US. To me, it seemed a voice one would expect to hear performing Shakespeare on a stage, rather than narrating this genre of book.

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

I found myself cheering aloud for Whip-whip on many occasions.

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Can't go wrong with Gennita Low's SEALs!

Revisado: 07-20-16

Would you recommend this audiobook to a friend? If so, why?

I can, and I have. When there are phrases and words in other languages, I always wonder if I am saying them right in my head as I am reading. It is nice to actually hear them spoken. I know others who feel the same way.

What did you like best about this story?

I particularly like the way the author paces her stories. Just when things get really intense, she throws in a little humor to lighten the mood.

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

I have not had the good fortune to hear him before, but I will keep an eye (or ear) out for him in the future! There was a wide variety of accents for him to deal with - Cajun French, Asian, more classic French, and of course American, and he handled them all extremely well.

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

Absolutely! Suspense, action, humor, and steamy romance - what more could you want?

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Adair, Piperbrook, & Runnette - great combination!

Revisado: 07-20-16

Which character – as performed by Sean Runnette – was your favorite?

Sean Runnette does a great job with ALL the characters, but I liked Beck's young apprentice best. Smart, determined to get his point across, and having the facts to back up what he needs to say.

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

I would have liked to, but at this length, that wasn't possible. It seemed to be longer than the stated 7+ hours, but a good story, definitely worth the time.

Any additional comments?

Bobby Adair and T.W. Piperbrook are excellent writers in their own right, but add in Sean Runnette bringing life to their characters, and you have a winning combination.

I was not aware, however - and a little disappointed, that this was not a standalone.

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