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Title: Showdown Trail

Subtitle: A Western Duo

Author: Louis L'Amour, Jon Tuska

Narrator: Jim Gough

Format: Unabridged

Length: 6 hrs and 56 mins

Language: English

Release date: 07-29-14

Publisher: Blackstone Audio, Inc.

Ratings: 4.5 of 5 out of 22 votes

Genres: Fiction, Short Stories & Anthologies

Publisher's Summary:

A collection of two stories by beloved Western writer Louis L'Amour

In "The Trail to Peach Meadow Canyon", Mike Bastian has been raised by outlaw chief Ben Curry and trained in frontier skills by Curry's most trusted associates. Curry now wants to retire from leadership of the gang he has headed for years. But he is frustrated in this ambition by various factions within his gang who want to seize leadership and by Mike himself, who is not sure that he wants to lead the life of an outlaw.

In "Showdown Trail", Rock Bannon, wounded in an Indian attack, is rescued by a wagon train. When the train pulls into a fort to stock up on supplies, the leaders of the train meet the smooth-talking Morton Harper, who persuades them to take an easier trail. But Bannon knows that there will be no escape from attack on that route - and that it will lead the train directly into Hardy Bishop's vicious land war.

Members Reviews:

l Always Enjoy Luis L'amour But......

... these 2 stories were not his best work.

The second one I would not have recognized as written by L'amour.

The narrator did well.

book completed

I enjoyed this book. Well done I hope to hear several others. thank you all.

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Title: The Garden of Eden and Other Criminal Delights

Author: Faye Kellerman

Narrator: George Guidall, Danielle Ferland, Simon Prebble, Alyssa Bresnahan, David Chandler, Jessica Almasy, Suzanne Toren

Format: Unabridged

Length: 9 hrs and 16 mins

Language: English

Release date: 07-18-14

Publisher: Recorded Books

Ratings: 3.5 of 5 out of 8 votes

Genres: Fiction, Short Stories & Anthologies

Publisher's Summary:

Kellerman delights with 17 short mysteries, including three all-new pieces featuring Peter Decker and Rina Lazarus, a mystery introducing Faye's newest heroine Cindy Decker, and a story co-written by Faye and her son, budding novelist Jesse Kellerman.

Members Reviews:

Garden of Eden

I had not read any of these stories before and thoroughly enjoyed myself. It was interesting to learn more about one of my favorite authors, simply by reading more of her work.

A somewhat uneven, mixed bag of stories

Faye Kellerman's novels of crime and psychological turmoil have earned a permanent spot on my reading shelves, albeit I've noticed a general slide towards a flat, repetitive style in the last few novels. But now she is taking a slightly different turn with this collection of short stories from throughout her career.

Several of her stories feature her most popular characters, those of Peter Decker, and his wife, Rina Lazarus. Others feature historical figures, characters on the edge, and all sorts of human nature. There isn't any sort of linking theme here, just that they are stories by Kellerman, and several either co-written with or inspired by her children or husband. And as usual with short story collections, several are downright creepy, a few are very good, and one or two fall short of the mark.

The Garden of Eden

This one, and the next three, are stories that feature the Deckers, a married, Orthodox Jewish couple that are very real, and good to read about. In this one, Rina and Peter have a problem at home when Rina's indoor gardening starts to get out of hand. Mixed in with this is the death of an elderly friend that has hints of foul-play and a stash of money that is missing. How both problems are resolved is done with Kellerman's deft hand at suspense.

Open House

A dead body turns up in a vacant home, and it's up to Decker and his officers to puzzle out the how and why. It's a sordid little tale of a man who gets caught with his pants down and the girlfriend is getting a little too annoying. While it's a simplistic tale, I was glad to see more of the policemen that Decker gets to work with.

Bull's-eye

This one features Decker's daughter, Cindy, who is a chip off the old block when it comes to solving crimes. This time, the murder is particularly close when one of Cindy's instructors at the police academy is gunned down in front of witnesses. But the question is who and why. Kellerman kept this one from getting too stale by tucking in a twist or two, and it's a good, tight story, perfect for your coffee break.

A Woman of Mystery

This is one of the saddest stories that I've read in a long time. Rina has an encounter with a young, troubled woman without a name or past, and it's a tale that will make all of us wonder how far we should visit the sins of the past onto the future.

The Stalker

For every woman who has been the victim of an abusive relationship, this one is sweet, sweet revenge. While I wouldn't recommend being this drastic, it's certainly soul-satisfying.

Mummy and Jack

Cowritten with her son, Jesse, Kellerman takes on the old Jack the Ripper story, but this time with a twist or two that makes it unique.

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Title: Grand Adventures

Author: S.A. McAuley, John Amory, J.E. Birk, Sophie Bonaste, Sue Brown, KC Burn, Cardeno C.

Narrator: Falcon Sound Company

Format: Unabridged

Length: 15 hrs and 33 mins

Language: English

Release date: 07-17-14

Publisher: Dreamspinner Press LLC

Ratings: 4.5 of 5 out of 48 votes

Genres: Fiction, Short Stories & Anthologies

Publisher's Summary:

On September 1, 2011, TJ Klune wrote, "It's not about the ending, it's about the journey..." in a review of Eric Arvin's Woke Up in a Strange Place. With those words, two men began a journey of love and invited us to ride along.

TJ and Eric have shared so much with us: their wonderful books, their smiles, their humor, their lives, and their inspiring devotion to each other. In December of 2013, their journey took a detour when Eric was taken to the emergency room.

He survived the surgery to remove a cavernous hemangioma from his brain stem, but the challenges TJ and Eric face are far from over.

The authors in this anthology donated their talent as a way to support Eric's continued recovery, to help bring strength to TJ, and to show both of them just how much love surrounds them. Grand Adventures is a diverse range of stories about the journey of love. We're going on some grand adventures for a great cause. Thank you for joining us.

One hundred percent of the income from this volume goes directly to TJ and Eric.

Stories Included: "Foreword" by S.A. McAuley, "An Unexpected Thing" by John Amory, "The Twinkie Ignition" by J.E. Birk, and many more.

Members Reviews:

Of noble intent

I'm on board with the intent behind this collection of stories, so I'm not sorry I bought it. If I'm honest though, it didn't grab me. If it weren't for the beneficiaries of the proceeds, I'd probably return it. Buy it in support, if nothing else.

Falcon Sound Company Narrators Rock!

Any additional comments?

There are so many good stories in this anthology, and they are all really well narrated by the wonderful narrators of Falcon Sound Company.

Of course there are some stand-outs (Cardeno C, Mary Calmes, Rhys Ford, Dawn Kimberly Johnson, John Goode to name but a few) not only the stories, but their narration, but all in all, you get a lot of bang for your buck with this one - especially if you do the Whispersync deal.

Grand Collection

Would you consider the audio edition of Grand Adventures to be better than the print version?

the heart felt dedications from all these authors was wonderful.

What did you like best about this story?

all these are truly heart touching short stories

background nise!

Any additional comments?

A collection of a garbage really. It was so boring that this book become background noise to my own thoughts.

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Title: Salsa Nocturna: Stories

Author: Daniel José Older

Narrator: Daniel José Older

Format: Unabridged

Length: 6 hrs and 46 mins

Language: English

Release date: 06-11-14

Publisher: Audible Studios

Ratings: 4.5 of 5 out of 84 votes

Genres: Fiction, Short Stories & Anthologies

Publisher's Summary:

A 300-year-old story collector enlists the help of the computer hacker next door to save her dying sister. A half-resurrected cleanup man for Deaths sprawling bureaucracy faces a phantom pachyderm, doll-collecting sorceresses, and his own ghoulish bosses. Gordo, the old Cubano who watches over the graveyards and sleeping children of Brooklyn, stirs and lights another Malaguea. Down the midnight streets of New York, a whole invisible universe churns to life in Daniel José Olders debut collection of ghost noir.

Critic Reviews:

"Its so rare to read something that doesnt sound like anything youve read before, and so invigorating." (John Green, author, The Fault in Our Stars)

Members Reviews:

YOUR THE TEA MASTER GENERAL

DOLLS OF DEATH ROOM

I could not in good conscience go above three stars for this collection. Older is a good word smith, sometimes waxing very poetic. BARTH'S WORDS FLUTTERED AROUND ME LIKE A STUPID MOTH. I really like the story titled SKIN LIKE PORCELAIN DEATH. TENDERFOOT was cute, but most of the rest were just average. Some are going to give this a higher rating, for the coolness. A lot of urban language is used, YOU FEEL ME. I will say none of the stories sucked.

I'M OUT YOU ALL, PEACE

Engaging Supernatural Detective Stories

Where does Salsa Nocturna: Stories rank among all the audiobooks youve listened to so far?

It was a unique and entertaining listen. I enjoyed the mixture of police procedural with ghost story. The book is both serious and tongue-in-cheek. DJO's work is intentionally told from the perspective Latino and Black people. This perspective enriches the story and it's clear that DJO has done a lot of historical research on Black history in NYC etc to stretch canvas his story is painted on.

What was one of the most memorable moments of Salsa Nocturna: Stories?

I don't really like this question because it makes me want to spoil things. So I'm going to refuse to answer it. I'd rather people experience the book for themselves.

What does Daniel José Older bring to the story that you wouldnt experience if you just read the book?

At first I thought it was pretty hokey that the author was also the performer in this audiobook. I viewed it as a flaw or something a little funny that could be overlooked for some great storytelling. But, truth be told, DJO's style really grew on me and I think his literal voice is one of the best things about this audiobook. He knows how he wants his characters to sound and feel and that comes across in this recording.

Who was the most memorable character of Salsa Nocturna: Stories and why?

All of the main characters are memorable. Gordo, a fat Cuban musicman who deals with the living and the dead, is high on my list. One weakness of the book is that I found it hard to tell the difference between him and the protagonist Carlos in the beginning because the stories are narrated by both of them at different times.

Any additional comments?

This is the only Amazon or Audible review I have ever written in my many years as an Amazon customer. I think people should listen to this audiobook.

Better Spoken

Would you listen to Salsa Nocturna: Stories again? Why?

Yes I listened to it twice in the first two days I had it.

Who was your favorite character and why?

Gordo.

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Title: This Can Be Easy or Hard

Subtitle: Stories and Essays

Author: Mike Heppner

Narrator: Fleet Cooper

Format: Unabridged

Length: 5 hrs and 13 mins

Language: English

Release date: 04-22-14

Publisher: Audible Studios

Ratings: 3 of 5 out of 2 votes

Genres: Fiction, Short Stories & Anthologies

Publisher's Summary:

This collection of five stories and four essays showcases the work of Mike Heppner, the writer whom Entertainment Weekly calls, "A fearsome cultural critic disguised in a novelist's clothing," and whose funny and biting fiction has been praised in Esquire, The Washington Post, and The Millions. Most of these pieces have not been published before. Featured performers include: A deluded Lothario, a man obsessed with corn, Charlie Watts, the dude from Def Leppard, and a sweet old lady who meets her untimely end at a Boston Market.

Critic Reviews:

"Heppner does a very rare thing - he captures delicate human moments without being precious. Floating like dust in afternoon sunlight, his scenes are illuminated bits of life made strangely beautiful and poignant by his storytelling. Bound together by self-effacing humor, his work is deeply-affecting and well-observed. This collection of short stories murders everything but the undeniable throb of life and love." (Zaron Burnett III, author of How Do I Survive This Sh*t? and Love, Sex and Other Things You Might Find at the Airport)

Members Reviews:

A Surprisingly good collection of short stories

These are some very accesible and relatively meatty short stories essays. I was impressed with Heppner's observation of culture (a washed up 80s band at a state fair; music videos) and his ability to really capture our times. Sadly many of the stories i did not fully apreciate (or understand what he was trying to do until near the end of some of the work). I will definitely be listening to these stories again. A great buy.

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Title: A Darker Shade of Sweden

Author: John-Henri Holmberg

Narrator: Carol Monda, Scott Brick, Adam Grupper, Maggi-Meg Reed, Edoardo Ballerini, Erik Bergmann, Tavia Gilbert

Format: Unabridged

Length: 13 hrs and 3 mins

Language: English

Release date: 02-04-14

Publisher: HighBridge, a division of Recorded Books

Ratings: 3.5 of 5 out of 246 votes

Genres: Fiction, Short Stories & Anthologies

Publisher's Summary:

Ever since Stieg Larsson shone a light on the brilliance of Swedish crime writing with his acclaimed and best-selling Millennium trilogy, listeners around the world have sought out and devoured the crime fiction of his countrymen (and women), many of whom have proved to be some of the greatest masters of the genre. In this landmark and unique publication, Sweden's most distinguished and best-loved crime writers have contributed stories to an anthology that promises to thrill even the most jaded mystery listener.

Containing 17 stories, all never before published in English, A Darker Shade of Sweden illuminates the shadow side of this beguiling country as never before, and promises to be among the most highly anticipated crime fiction of the season.

Contact me for any questions: [email protected]

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Title: Utere Nihil Non Extra Quiritationem Suis

Subtitle: A METAtropolis Story

Author: John Scalzi

Narrator: Alessandro Juliani

Format: Unabridged

Length: 1 hr and 44 mins

Language: English

Release date: 01-30-14

Publisher: Audible Studios

Ratings: 4.5 of 5 out of 54 votes

Genres: Fiction, Short Stories & Anthologies

Publisher's Summary:

The only thing Benji lacks more than ambition is luck. And his new job has to be the lowest of the low. But something is stirring in the zero-footprint economy of New St. Louis. And Benjis about to find himself chin deep in the muck!

This story was originally published in the Hugo Award-nominated METAtropolis.

Members Reviews:

Best story in METAtropolis

Of course, a few of them were drivel, but this story was outstanding, even on its own. Liked it so much I bought the stand alone version.

"I don't think this means what you think it means!"

5 stars is great.

4 stars is good.

_________________________________________________

A little quote from "The Princess Bride" for John Scalzi. You Latin scholars may correct me if I err, but I don't think the Latin translates into "With swine you can use everything but the squeal." __________________

Otherwise interesting tale. ________________

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Title: The Sins of Prince Saradine

Author: G. K. Chesterton

Narrator: David Timson

Format: Unabridged

Length: 46 mins

Language: English

Release date: 12-02-13

Publisher: Naxos AudioBooks

Ratings: 4.5 of 5 out of 2 votes

Genres: Fiction, Short Stories & Anthologies

Publisher's Summary:

This is a story from the The Innocence of Father Brown - Volume 2 collection.

Here are the six final stories from The Innocence of Father Brown relating the crime-solving adventures of a rather unconventional detective. Having accumulated wisdom and empathy from years of listening to the dark confessions of his parishioners, in a flash Father Brown is able to solve mysteries that confound all others. Here is an eccentric and loveable character that will appeal to fans of the legendary sleuth Sherlock Holmes. The stories are engagingly read by David Timson: "The Wrong Shape", "The Sins of Prince Saradine", "The Hammer of God", "The Eye of Apollo", "The Sign of the Broken Sword", and "The Three Tools of Death".

Editorial Reviews:

Upbeat music sets the tone of this story about noble men and blood feuds. As part of G. K. Chesterton's Father Brown detective stories, "The Sins of Prince Saradine" follows Flambeau who sets out on a sailing adventure to find an admirer. George Bernard Shaw called Chesterton "a colossal genius". Performer David Timson found success as a radio personality, with over 1,000 broadcasts for the BBC under his belt. His performance shows the gravitas of someone with his experience. Still, Timson has fun tackling character voices; he handles Italian and French accents easily.

Members Reviews:

The Innocense of Father Brown Vo. 2 (complete classics)

Father Brown brings a Christian voice to his stories but in a quiet manner that is not in your face.

These stories have such a twist and turn that they keep you dangling until the end. It always appears that

the bad guy didn't do it until the end and sometimes he didn't do it. It is my type of mystery -keeps you on your toes, without much blood and gore! This last set of CDs, we purchased for our 95 year old priest who loves reading but has problems with his eyes. He is loving them. I give them 4 stars.

Wonderful stories

Love the Fr. Brown stories! The reader is great and really makes the story come alive! Definitely recommend this recording to others!

Excellent - The Hammer of God

This, "The Hammer of God", is a short story in audio format. It s an excellent narration of what is, to this point, my favorite "Father Brown" mystery. The short story is written by G. K. Chesterton. The protagonist is Father Brown who was inspired by a friend of G. K. Chesterton. To my knowledge, there are approx. 53 Father Brown stories. This is possibly favorite one. I cannot really tell you why without risking spoiling the story. Thank You...

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Title: The Adventure of the Devil's Foot

Author: Arthur Conan Doyle

Narrator: David Timson

Format: Unabridged

Length: 1 hr and 4 mins

Language: English

Release date: 11-22-13

Publisher: Naxos AudioBooks

Ratings: 5 of 5 out of 7 votes

Genres: Fiction, Short Stories & Anthologies

Publisher's Summary:

This story is from The Reminiscences of Sherlock Holmes (His Last Bow) collection.

Further adventures by the master of observation and deduction, as faithfully recounted by his companion and greatest admirer, Dr Watson. "The Adventure of the Bruce-Partington Plans," "The Disappearance of Lady Frances Carfax", and "The Adventure of the Dying Detective" are among the stories. David Timson's award-winning performances continue with this series.

Editorial Reviews:

A Cornwall Vicar disturbs Sherlock Holmes vacation in town after his sister dies mysteriously, and his brothers who were in the house with her at the same time seemingly go insane. Shortly after, the Vicar dies as well. Some suggest it is the work of the Devil, but Holmes seeks (and finds) other answers in another of Sir Arthur Conan Doyles masterful short mysteries featuring the iconic detective. David Timson, BBC radio drama stalwart, as well as a stage, film, and television veteran, brings unique voice and personal nuance to each character in this episode from the Reminiscences of Sherlock Holmes (His Last Bow) collection.

Members Reviews:

CAN ONLY BE USED ON A COMPUTER!

CAN ONLY BE USED ON A COMPUTER!

Seriously Disappointing Formatting. Not worth $2.50

There is no table of contents and worse than that -- no obvious chapter headings. The stories are here (which is more than one can say about other Last Bow collections), but if you want to get to a specific story . . . well, good luck! Not worth paying for.

More Short Stories

His Last Bow

These are the next to last of the series of short stories about Sherlock Holmes. Some are set before the Great War (WW I), the last takes place in 1914. Holmes is retired and refused to take on any more cases, preferring to live out his years in a small rural village. [Where strangers stand out.]

* The Adventure of Wisteria Lodge. Mr. Scott Eccles visits Holmes about his "grotesque experience". The police question Eccles about a murder! Eccles tells Holmes about this experience. Holmes goes to investigate. There is a link to another mansion, then a break in the case. Inspector Baynes explains his method. The governess explains the hidden mystery. Later they learn of two deaths in Madrid. Justice was served.

* The Adventure of the Cardboard Box. Miss Cushing received a package in the mail: two human ears! Lestrade calls Holmes to investigate this crime. Holmes later sends a note to Lestrade and a man is arrested. There is a confession. Jealousy and anger caused three deaths.

* The Adventure of the Red Circle. Mrs. Warren visits Holmes to tell about a lodger who stays in his rooms in seclusion. Holmes deduces a reason for these actions. Holmes sees a signal, meets Gregson, and they enter a room to find a body. A woman explains the mystery behind the conspiracy.

* The Adventure of the Bruce-Partington Plans. Holmes received a telegram from his brother Mycroft about a matter of state security. A clerk was found dead, he had technical papers on a secret weapon. Holmes investigates, then devises a plan to trap the guilty party. It works, and a letter is mailed to catch his accomplice and the rest of the secret papers.

* The Adventure of the Dying Detective. The now married Watson is called to attend to a very sick Holmes. Holmes has caught a strange disease known in Sumatra, and asks Watson to call upon a man who is an expert. This man visits Holmes.

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Title: Smoke and Mirrors

Author: Neil Gaiman

Narrator: Neil Gaiman

Format: Unabridged

Length: 10 hrs and 35 mins

Language: English

Release date: 11-07-13

Publisher: Headline Digital

Ratings: 4 of 5 out of 9 votes

Genres: Fiction, Short Stories & Anthologies

Publisher's Summary:

This definitive collection of Neil Gaiman's short fiction will haunt your imagination and move you to the very depths of your soul. An elderly widow finds the Holy Grail beneath an old fur coat. A stray cat fights and refights a terrible nightly battle to protect his unwary adoptive family from unimaginable evil. A young couple receives a wedding gift that reveals a chilling alternative history of their marriage. These tales and much more await in this extraordinary book, revealing one of our most gifted storytellers at the height of his powers.

Members Reviews:

Too dark!

The stories are too dark for my tastes. Good narration, first section a waste of time - just talking about how the stories came about.

A Gallery on An Other World

This collection of short stories offers a great opportunity to hear a writer's voice developing. The downside is that the stories can become same-y, and, inevitably, some stories resonate more with a listener. His Murder Mysteries story seems to me to be an absolute marvel--both the story and his reading. I had the same feeling of amazement as a child with a bedtime story, especially with this one but with many of the others as well. His performance of the stories is compelling.

There is much more to Gaiman's stories than things that go bump in the night although he does such stories deftly. Neil Gaiman offers us a perspective on the world that is honest and ironic, slightly cynical but deeply affectionate. Through his stories you meet a gallery of characters some familar--others perhaps that person you saw on the bus last week or that lady on the train. Through his story telling we are transported to someplace almost like here and we come back from the visit just a little bit wiser or kinder or grateful.

I couldn't stop listening and felt empty when it was over.

I love how these short stories linger with you just enough to have to pause the next one, to take in the situations you are flung into and the horror/ memories that you go through. My favourite and least chilling is the Holy Grail story, the one that gave me the chills was Gaiman's version of Snow White, and the story with the mouse trap made me the most uncomfortable. I will be listening again soon, there's no doubt about it.

some truely memorable stories but some forgetable

What made the experience of listening to Smoke and Mirrors the most enjoyable?

The wedding, the angle story and snow, glass, apples where very memorable and fantastic tales. Many of the others where good short tales like the American tourist who stopped in a pub, and the werewolf. But several where quite frogetable.

Would you be willing to try another book from Neil Gaiman? Why or why not?

Yes this is my 3rd Neil Gaiman book and his tales are intriguing i say it like that as his story and interesting don't feel like the right words to describe his style.

Which character as performed by Neil Gaiman was your favourite?

Don't think i can pick 1 from about all the tales

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

As short stories some of them i did.

Any additional comments?

Neil Gaiman reading his own book he is able to emphasise the important parts. any body listening to this be prepared for some dark tales

wonderful collection

I really enjoyed listening to this on my drives to and from work. He really creates believable worlds and characters