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Title: The Whisperer in Darkness

Author: H. P. Lovecraft

Narrator: Phil Reynolds

Format: Unabridged

Length: 3 hrs

Language: English

Release date: 06-27-11

Publisher: Fantom Films

Ratings: 4.5 of 5 out of 151 votes

Genres: Fiction, Short Stories & Anthologies

Publisher's Summary:

Considered to the be one of most influential American authors, Howard Philip Lovecraft is synonymous with some of the best fantasy and horror fiction of the 20th century, second only to Edgar Allan Poe.

When local newspapers report strange things seen floating in rivers during a historic Vermont flood, Albert Wilmarth becomes embroiled in a controversy about the reality and significance of the sightings. However it isnt until he receives communication from Henry Wentworth Akeley that he is offered the proof he requires.

Written in 1930, and originally published in Weird Tales a year later, "The Whisperer in Darkness", is still as powerful today as it was 80 years ago.

Critic Reviews:

"Lovecraft opened the way for me, as he had done for other before me." (Stephen King)

Members Reviews:

Blasphemous

I'm just starting out as a fan of Lovecraft. As far as I know I've read about half of his fictional works. This was an excellent recording and narration and I've listened 3 times already.

The story is not one of my favorites but it is nevertheless effective and introduces the reader to some themes Lovecraft likes to play with(Yog Sothoth, artificial animation/consciousness, alien lifeforms). As a New Englander who went to college on the street where Lovecraft lived in Providence, I can say he certainly nails the atmospheres of ominous gloom which pervade some of the region's settings, and his prose puts other science fiction writers like hg wells to shame in my humble view.

Terror from Pluto!

This story represents a shift for Lovecraft away from fantasy towards science fiction. Still, it maintains the unknowable horror aspects that mark the Cthulhu mythos. A great listen!

A Strong Performance

Narrator Phil Reynolds delivers a strong reading of one of Lovecraft's more famous tales. The Whisperer in Darkness contains elements that were somewhat unique and innovative at the time of it's writing but I don't think it stands the test of time quite as well as some of HPL's other tales. Nevertheless, it's an interesting, well-structured story, as much science fiction as horror, and it's famous for featuring numerous references to other elements of the Cthulhu Mythos. If you're new to Lovecraft, this isn't the best place to start but once you've dabbled a bit, it's definitely a worthy listen.

My first lovecraft, a disappointment

I was suggested this book on reddit, on a list of scariest books ever. As someone who is constantly looking for that shock factor in books and movies, what a let down. I've heard so many good things about lovecraft being The Godfather of horror! It was a good concept, but I found myself getting annoyed by the narrator constantly talking about things that horrified him "beyond words" and how certain things he saw or read about in letters were too gruesome to describe. I understand leaving things to the imagination, but this was constant.

kept my attention all the way

ending was unexpected. well narrated. fun to listen. I had to finish quick. transition between chapters were smooth and made sense. fantastic!

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Title: Maggie: A Girl of the Streets and other Stories

Author: Stephen Crane

Narrator: Dick Hill

Format: Unabridged

Length: 7 hrs and 19 mins

Language: English

Release date: 06-20-11

Publisher: Tantor Audio

Ratings: 4 of 5 out of 8 votes

Genres: Fiction, Short Stories & Anthologies

Publisher's Summary:

First published in 1893, Maggie: A Girl of the Streets is the first published fiction work of American author Stephen Crane. A harrowing depiction of a pretty young girl's life in the slums of turn-of-the-century New York City and her eventual decline into prostitution, Crane's novel is a starkly realistic examination of poverty and the challenges brought about by the rapid industrialization the United States underwent in the late 1800s. An enduring classic, Maggie is often regarded as the first example of naturalism in American fiction, a literary movement that included such authors as Theodore Dreiser and Upton Sinclair. This edition also includes three of Crane's short stories: "The Monster," "The Blue Hotel," and "His New Mittens."

Members Reviews:

SPEND 99 CENTS - THIS FREEBEE IS TOO MANGLED

This book is a freebee offered by Amazon. That's always nice. I won't tell you how much time it took this slow reader to page through it. Suddenly, I realized that it contained repeats, it didn't contain sections found in other volumes, it contained an ad! I didn't spend 99 cents on this like one commenter suggested is the price for a complaint, but I did spend several hours until I realized how horrific this edition is. Three hours of my time is, indeed, worth more than 99 cents!!! THIS EDITION IS SO MANGLED THAT I STRONGLY URGE POTENTIAL READERS TO NOT ORDER IT OR READ IT. YOU WILL FIND THAT IT IS A TOTAL FRUSTRATING WASTE OF TIME, ENERGY AND IT WILL REQUIRE YOU TO RE-READ THE WHOLE BOOK AGAIN BECAUSE THERE'S NO CONFIDENCE THAT ANYTHING IN THIS EDITION WAS CORRECT. Of 450 reviews, this is THE WORST review I've ever written - on the worst book I've wasted my time reading. Of course, Stephen Crane's "Maggie" is a powerful, well crafted book that ought to be read by everyone at least once - just not this edition.

Life; some children never have a chance to live it....

The transciption: Horrendous! It is like trying to read a Western Union telegam! The last three chapters are so jumbled that, at times, you are not sure what you are reading.

The story itself: Great! In Stephen Crane's first attempt at writing he created the short story and did so in an accurate, while shocking, manner. While some readers will feel that the life of Maggie is greatly exaggerated, rest assured, it is not. Having grown up in and around poverty and having spent a great deal of my career in the same, the tale of Maggie is the tale of many youth who exist in the grimy shadows of today's world. Abuse, slovenliness, poverty and alcoholism pollute the environment they live in and most, upon adulthood, repeat this degrading cycle in their own lives. Some, due to a passive suicidal tendency, never make it to adulthood, dying beforehand in a tragic, yet predictable, manner.

defective

The last chapters are a muddle-- parts are suddenly repeated, in the midst of a chapter is an odd message that if you are tired of reading you can save the text and return. This does not seem to be the fault of Gutenberg.

It is all there, but especially the next to the last chapter is a mess.

This, by the way, is not classic Crane -- not even a good period piece.

Maggie had a hard life

I actually liked this book, although it was a bit tough to read.

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Title: Rumpole and the Golden Thread

Author: John Mortimer

Narrator: Patrick Tull

Format: Unabridged

Length: 10 hrs and 28 mins

Language: English

Release date: 06-16-11

Publisher: Recorded Books

Ratings: 4.5 of 5 out of 28 votes

Genres: Fiction, Short Stories & Anthologies

Publisher's Summary:

Back in the harness after his abortive retirement to Florida, Rumpole glories in the mushroom pie, rainy day life of the Old Bailey. Here he spars with some old familiars like the venomous Judge Bullingham, and makes the acquaintance of some fresh foes. Six stories.

Members Reviews:

Five Stars

she who must be obeyed!

I enjoy relaxing to his humor

Not everyone enjoys British humor, but I do and am an Agatha Christie fan. That says it all. I enjoy relaxing to his humor.

A Good Read

What with the large print, I was able to read it in a more relaxed manner. The book lifts up to the usual expectations you have for any Rumpole series. As witty and funny as ever!

A Great Way to Laugh Away a Few Hours

Listening to a Rumpole book is sheer fun because Rumpole is an absolute original. There's a cast of crazies that help Rumpole entertain readers: Uncle Tom, both of the Erskine-Browns, and of course -- 'She-Who-Must-Be-Obeyed.'

Besides the usual group of miscreants, Rumpole must match wits with the art world; learn the hard way that the country can be dangerous to one's health; go to Africa for a court case, and avoid his wife's wrath at all costs. Rumpole even finds time to bring his antiquated law office into the new century in regards to women's issues.

The Timson gang are always the source of a few laughs. This time, however, I did not enjoy the somber tone in which the African story ended. In the end, however, reading or listening to Rumpole is like sitting back and enjoying some time with an old friend. 4.5 stars

Wonderful!

Rumpole stories are like getting in touch with old friends after you've read a few of them. There is no ficitional character like the curmudgeonly Old Bailey hack, and we get to see him in six more wonderful stories in this book. The stories are, of course, all excellent, but I always pick a favourite and in this one it's "Rumpole and the Female of the Species". Rumpole's dry wit and acerbic tongue is at its best in this story as he is defending one of his old Timson gang of criminals, as well as trying to get a young female barrister accepted into Chambers. These stories never get stale, and they are all little gems in their own right. I highly recomeend that those who love to read and to laugh read Mortimer's long selection of stories about Horace Rumpole.

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Title: Dubliners (Tantor Edition)

Author: James Joyce

Narrator: Gerard Doyle

Format: Unabridged

Length: 7 hrs and 14 mins

Language: English

Release date: 06-14-11

Publisher: Tantor Audio

Ratings: 4.5 of 5 out of 37 votes

Genres: Fiction, Short Stories & Anthologies

Publisher's Summary:

Dubliners is a collection of short stories by James Joyce that was first published in 1914. The 15 stories were meant to be a naturalistic depiction of the Irish middle-class life in and around Dublin in the early years of the 20th century. The stories were written at a time when Irish nationalism was at its peak and a search for a national identity and purpose was raging; at a crossroads of history and culture, Ireland was jolted by various converging ideas and influences. They center on Joyce's idea of an epiphany: a moment where a character has a special moment of self-understanding or illumination. The initial stories in the collection are narrated by children as protagonists, and as the stories continue, they deal with the lives and concerns of progressively older people. This is in line with Joyce's tripartite division of the collection into childhood, adolescence, and maturity.

The stories contained in Dubliners are "The Sisters," "An Encounter," "Araby," "Eveline," "After the Race," "Two Gallants," "The Boarding House," "A Little Cloud," "Counterparts," "Clay," "A Painful Case," "Ivy Day in the Committee Room," "A Mother," "Grace," and "The Dead."

Members Reviews:

Brilliant stories about Dubliners

What did you love best about Dubliners?

I loved the characters and how they are so faithful to the real thing.

What about Gerard Doyles performance did you like?

I love the way Gerard Doyle speaks in the typical Dublin accent;

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

The narrator was able to transport me directly to Dublin all though these stories told in a Dublin accent.

Any additional comments?

I'm so happy i bought the edition read by Gerard Doyle. I'd love to hear him reading Ulysses.

Superb reader for Joyce

This narrator fits Joyce's writing like a glove - really wonderful audiobook rendition. He reads with great connection and love for the material, and it comes across in the hypnotizing storytelling.

Great performance

Timeless classic, and a delightfully enthusiastic performance. Even his singing voice was great! The reading accents the text throughout.

Missed this book High School - too bad

Where does Dubliners rank among all the audiobooks youve listened to so far?

The different short stories and content of the stories

What did you like best about this story?

The writting style - very elequent

What about Gerard Doyles performance did you like?

His imitation of women

If you could take any character from Dubliners out to dinner, who would it be and why?

The priest in the first story. Ask him, what drove him crazy ?

Grim early work from Joyce

This book wasn???t for you, but who do you think might enjoy it more?

This is a pretty depressing read- which I guess is the point. It is early work that Joyce was unable to get published until later in his career. He could have used an editor on this one.

What about Gerard Doyle???s performance did you like?

He sounded very authentic.

What reaction did this book spark in you? Anger, sadness, disappointment?

Sad

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Title: On Blazing Wings

Author: L. Ron Hubbard

Narrator: R. F. Daley

Format: Unabridged

Length: 2 hrs and 11 mins

Language: English

Release date: 04-20-11

Publisher: Galaxy Audio

Ratings: 5 of 5 out of 4 votes

Genres: Fiction, Short Stories & Anthologies

Publisher's Summary:

Embittered by past failures and broken dreams, American fighter pilot David Duane believes in but one causehis own. Europe is at war, and hell fight it for a price, selling his deadly flying skills to the highest bidder.

Just as Bogart came to Casablanca to escape his past, Duane has come to the icy white wastes of Scandinavia to wage a private war in the skies. But hes about to take off on a flight and undertake an unforgettable journeyOn Blazing Wingsto a place beyond the imagination . . . leading to a revelation that will open his eyes and his heart.

In a world divided by war, Duane discovers that sometimes you have to make a choice, and that making the wrong one could cost him the woman he loves. . .

As a barnstorming pilot in the early days of aviation, Hubbard was dubbed Flash Hubbard by the aviation magazines of the day. His unique personal and pioneering knowledge of flight streaks across the page in novels like On Blazing Wings.

Members Reviews:

Pretty cool!

I've only read one other L. Ron Hubbard book and it was co-written by him and another author titled, A Very Strange Trip. It went into this book thinking it was going to be just some story about war and dog fights and whatever. And the story does start out that way with a dogfight int he sky. However, the story suddenly changes course and becomes somewhat sci-fi/fantasy based with a city hidden in the clouds (a lost world or a glimpse of heaven), a destiny shown, and then a return to Earth with new knowledge about the protagonist's future. I was totally surprised and now am extremely interested in reading more of Hubbard's work. I thought the story was well written, definitely kept me interested as I wanted to see how it would end. Check it out! It's pretty cool for those interested in pulp stories.

On Blazing Wings

Life as so much simpler when plump fiction reigned! Excellent story of a fighter pilot. Redemption is the underlying theme. I think he found it!

On Blazing Wings!!

I must say that I was a bit hesitant on reading a book about war. However, it sounded great so I took the chance. This is also the first time I was able to review a book on audio.

First of all, I am completely hooked on the audio version of a book. I have to drive a lot to and from work as well as going back and forth for family matters. This book made my commute much more pleasurable.

On Blazing Wings is a book about fate, love and circumstances in war. David Duane was a decorated war hero who was told his fate was set and that he would never be able to change it. The problem with that was the fate was not a pleasant one. The story tells of David Duane's persistence to still do as he felt was right and changing his fate as he lived.Would he fall in love? Would he continue to fight as he always has? Would he freeze in that frigid place he was in?

L. Ron Hubbard is a brilliant writer. I will seek other stories by him to read (or listen to)!

Strange and eerie. Don't waste your time reading this!

I recently had the opportunity to read and review a childrenâs historical fiction book written in the 1930âs but recently reprinted for kids to enjoy now, in the 21st century. I became familiar with L. Ron Hubbard's works when I read and reviewed, Under The Black Ensign last fall.

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Title: Sherlock Holmes: The Adventure of the Copper Beeches

Author: Sir Arthur Conan Doyle

Narrator: Edward Hardwicke

Format: Unabridged

Length: 59 mins

Language: English

Release date: 04-01-11

Publisher: Blackstone Audio, Inc.

Ratings: 4.5 of 5 out of 4 votes

Genres: Fiction, Short Stories & Anthologies

Publisher's Summary:

This is a vintage Sherlock Holmes tale of scandal and betrayal. "The Adventure of the Copper Beeches" describes a mysterious, sinister house, with copper beeches by the front door, that reveals a most unnatural betrayal.

The story is read by a true master, Edward Hardwicke, a talented actor who plays Sherlock Holmes's associate, Dr. Watson, in the popular PBS series Mystery!

Critic Reviews:

"An outstanding audio edition (that) features the splendidly effective narration of Edward Hardwicke." (AudioFile)

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Title: Publish and Perish

Subtitle: Three Tales of Tenure and Terror

Author: James Hynes

Narrator: Adam Grupper

Format: Unabridged

Length: 12 hrs and 17 mins

Language: English

Release date: 02-14-11

Publisher: Recorded Books

Ratings: 4 of 5 out of 8 votes

Genres: Fiction, Short Stories & Anthologies

Publisher's Summary:

This set of novellas from Austin, Texas resident James Hynes was a Publishers Weekly Best Book of the Year and a New York Times Notable Book of the Year. As chilling as the best of Edgar Allan Poe and bursting with fiendish humor, Publish and Perish features three tales from the not-so-hallowed halls of academia. Hailed as a delightful collection of the ghostly and the ghastly by the Austin Chronicle, these stories are brought to wicked life by Adam Grupper.

©1997 James Hynes (P)2006 Recorded Books, LLC

Critic Reviews:

Witty and penetrating: Hynes creates pungent satires of academic life while at the same time infusing them with genuine suspense and real terror. (Kirkus Reviews)

Members Reviews:

Surprisingly Fun!

This book of 3 novellas is unexpectedly fun and entertaining! The subjects of each of the three are academics, so this book is particularly endearing if you are or love an academician. All of the politics, competitiveness and battles of ego that make up life in our colleges and universities are lovingly handled by the author--but with an eerie spin that will make you shiver and make you laugh!

I discovered this book several years ago and have read it several times. Purchased it on Audible to enjoy it in one more medium. It's that enjoyable.

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Title: Short Stories: The Thinking Man's Collection

Author: Wilkie Collins, Edgar Wallace, Charles Dickens, John Buchan, F. Scott Fitzgerald, Mark Twain, Jerome K Jerome

Narrator: Rupert Degas, Martin Jarvis, Jonathan Firth, Iain Cuthbertson, Kerry Shale, Richard Griffiths, Stephen Fry

Format: Unabridged

Length: 4 hrs and 20 mins

Language: English

Release date: 08-13-10

Publisher: CSA Word

Ratings: 3.5 of 5 out of 29 votes

Genres: Fiction, Short Stories & Anthologies

Publisher's Summary:

This carefully compiled collection is the perfect gift for Fathers Day or a special birthday and a rich listening experience for both women and men all year round. This truly eclectic collection of unabridged short stories from the audiobook specialist CSA Word encompasses stories by and about intriguing, inspirational, charismatic and even unusual and extraordinary men.

Stories:

Members Reviews:

Mixed

I really enjoyed the stories in the first part of the collection. The stories in the last part are more science fiction. Still interesting, but not what I would consider mysteries. The narration is good throughout, unlike with many collections.

Not all there

While the description helpfully itemizes the contents and associated readers, it is misleading in that neither The Poor Relation nor The Music on the Hill were found in the files I downloaded.

Stories Very Dated

Apart from the story about the race horses, which was very enjoyable, the stories are all very dated . They seem to ramble and be very verbose and not get to the story. Several presuppose a suspension of rational belief and a general belief in the supernatural which I do not believe is common today.

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Title: First Thrills

Subtitle: High-Octane Stories from the Hottest Thriller Authors

Author: Lee Child (editor), Steve Berry (afterword), Stephen Coonts, Jeffery Deaver, John Lescroart, Michael Palmer

Narrator: Jim Bond, Nick Podehl, Luke Daniels, Joyce Bean, Dick Hill

Format: Unabridged

Length: 12 hrs and 6 mins

Language: English

Release date: 06-22-10

Publisher: Brilliance Audio

Ratings: 3 of 5 out of 96 votes

Genres: Fiction, Short Stories & Anthologies

Publisher's Summary:

New York Times best-selling author Lee Child has teamed up with the International Thriller Writers for First Thrills, a showcase of many of the organizations best-selling authors as well as rising stars in the genre.

First Thrills includes never-before-published stories by New York Times best-selling authors including Lee Child, Stephen Coonts, Jeffery Deaver, Heather Graham, Joan Johnston, John Lescroart, Alex Kava and Deb Carlin, Michael Palmer (with Daniel James Palmer), Karin Slaughter, and Wendi Corsi Staub.

This collection also serves as a great introduction to those whom the ITW has christened its rising stars, including Sean Michael Bailey, Ken Bruen, Ryan Brown, Bill Cameron, Rebecca Cantrell, Karen Dionne, JT Ellison, Theo Gangi, Rip Gerber, Gregg Hurwitz, C. J. Lyons, Grant Mackenzie, Marc Paoletti, Cynthia Robinson, and Kelli Stanley.

Members Reviews:

A Good Anthology

If you are a fan of short stories, this is a rare collection of thrillers. Until I found this collection, I wasn't aware that thriller writers had their own genre organization, International Thriller Writers (ITW). Some of the stories may not seem to be proper thrillers, lacking international intrigue or violence. Listening carefully to the Introduction and Afterword, I learned that a thriller must have four key elements: facing danger, searching for truth, avoiding despair and finding hope. Defined thus, these are definitely thrillers!

This is a meaty collection. It showcases a wide variety of approaches by both new and established authors. I only found one story truly disappointing.

I've read negative reader reviews of other ITW collections. If you are considering this collection because you are a fan of one of the big-name authors, please remember that these are short stories, not novels. A short story does in less than 7500 words what a novel needs 50,000+ words to do. One of the best short story examples I can think of is Arthur C. Clarke's "The Star", which won the Hugo Award for 1956. If a novel is a full course meal, think of a good short story collection as a plate of hors d'oeuvres...tasty morsels that make you go, "Wow!"

kept me wanting more

ok so there were a few authors who were just -ok.

but by in large i had my phone with me, audible loaded, and whenever i had a break especially on the ride home, i was always entertained,

i want to see MORE of these kind of short story anthaologies from various authors, very addictive!

a very good book

my only complaint is why do they have to talk about 6he book at the end of the recording. i mean, i just finished listening to it, yet they think it is necessary to recap the entire book.

Great Collection

Nonstop thrills in bite sized nuggets. Great for short commutes or long rides. Loved how it made each trip to/from work something to look forward to.

About as thrilling as toast

This book fell far short of living up to what the title claims. High octane stories? I don't think so. As an example, one story, "Chloe", was about a son helping his gangster father on the run go to the bathroom at a service station - that was the whole story.

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Title: Zadig

Author: Voltaire

Narrator: Walter Covell

Format: Unabridged

Length: 2 hrs and 38 mins

Language: English

Release date: 04-19-10

Publisher: Jimcin Recordings

Ratings: 4 of 5 out of 46 votes

Genres: Fiction, Short Stories & Anthologies

Publisher's Summary:

In the tradition of his very popular Candide, Zadig is what might be called a "philosophical tale". Zadig, a handsome young man with a fine education, is puzzled by the uncertainties of his destiny. He attains great success in government but is unsuccessful in love. Despite his wisdom and shrewdness, he meets with a number of misfortunes. The central question of the story is, "Why do bad things happen to good people?"

Editorial Reviews:

Few can use a work of fiction to satirize and dissect the social and political customs as efficiently as Voltaire. After Candide, Zadig is perhaps one of Voltaire's most celebrated works. Performed here by the smooth and authoritative Walter Covell, this is the story of a young man who, by most accounts, is a success. However, for reasons unknown to him, he is met with a streak of misfortunes. Listeners are sure to enjoy Voltaire's philosophical examination of the idea of destiny in this production of Zadig.

Members Reviews:

Excellent

This was a very good book, but if you're looking for just one Voltaire book, I'd go with Candide over Zadig.