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Title: D.C. Noir

Author: George Pelecanos (editor)

Narrator: Lisa Renee Pitts, Cassandra Campbell, William Dufris, Mirron Willis, Carol Monda, Ray Porter, Nick Sullivan, Victor Bevine

Format: Unabridged

Length: 9 hrs and 8 mins

Language: English

Release date: 11-25-14

Publisher: Audible Studios

Ratings: 4 of 5 out of 11 votes

Genres: Fiction, Short Stories & Anthologies

Publisher's Summary:

Brand new stories by: George Pelecanos, James Grady, Kenji Jasper, Jim Beane, Jabari Asim, Ruben Castaneda, James Patton, Norman Kelley, Jennifer Howard, Richard Currey, Lester Irby and others.

Mystery sensation Pelecanos pens the lead story and edits this groundbreaking collection of stories detailing the seedy underside of the nation's capital. This is not an anthology of ill-conceived and inauthentic political thrillers. Instead, in D.C. Noir, pimps, whores, gangsters, and con-men run rampant in zones of this city that most never hear about.

The complete list of narators includes Cassandra Campbell, William Dufris, Mirron Willis, Carol Monda, Ray Porter, Nick Sullivan, Victor Bevine, Scott Brick, Anthony Bowden, Pentice Onayemi, David Ledoux, Kevin Free, and Johnny Heller.

Members Reviews:

Gritty great writing

Pelecanos can sure pick them!

These are stories by a number of DC writers about DC and therefore vary somewhat in quality.

However, some are real gems and almost all have thought provoking content.

Characters are gritty and compelling in most cases.

The neighborhoods are distinct and recognizable.

As in most Noir, it is easy to see the characters falling into trouble, but many of the stories have a surprising twist at the end.

Great condition, great book

Great condition, great book

Four Stars

many good stories

Negative stereotypes

Negative portrayal of African Americans as criminals, drug addicts, and unintelligent.

Maybe it is just me.......

but I found this book fairly ordinary. I liked a few of the stories but most seemed too short and didn't really grab me at all. George Pelecanos wrote the best story by far (not uncommon for him, one of the most talented writers out there).

I am not a fan of short stories to begin with so maybe my preconceived notions of what to expect (disappointment) coloured my viewpoint.

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Title: Christmas Ghost Stories

Author: M. R. James, Charles Dickens

Narrator: Bart Wolffe, Timothy Ackroyd

Format: Unabridged

Length: 4 hrs and 10 mins

Language: English

Release date: 11-10-14

Publisher: Saland Publishing

Ratings: 2.5 of 5 out of 4 votes

Genres: Fiction, Short Stories & Anthologies

Publisher's Summary:

One for the fireside. Spooky tales to enjoy during the festive period.

Members Reviews:

Abysmal

Would you try another book written by M. R. James and Charles Dickens or narrated by Bart Wolffe and Timothy Ackroyd ?

Definitely not by these narrators!

If youve listened to books by M. R. James and Charles Dickens before, how does this one compare?

Absolutely dreadful.

How could the performance have been better?

Employ professional narrators

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

Anger!

Any additional comments?

This is dreadful. The narrators cannot possibly be professionals! There are plenty of decent versions of A Christmas Carol out there. As regards the M.R.James, I'll stick to the paperback!

Terrible narration

What disappointed you about Christmas Ghost Stories?

the stories are good but let down by terrible satnav=style narration. I'm very disappointed.

Who might you have cast as narrator instead of Bart Wolffe and Timothy Ackroyd ?

Michael Horden

If you could play editor, what scene or scenes would you have cut from Christmas Ghost Stories?

the female narrators

Any additional comments?

i'm very disappointed

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Title: Seeing Trouble

Subtitle: Deadwood Mystery Shorts, Book 1

Author: Ann Charles

Narrator: Lisa Larsen

Format: Unabridged

Length: 46 mins

Language: English

Release date: 08-27-14

Publisher: Ann Charles

Ratings: 4 of 5 out of 56 votes

Genres: Fiction, Short Stories & Anthologies

Publisher's Summary:

What do you get when you combine a chicken named Elvis, a locked diary, and a secret Violet Parker does not want share with her daughter?

Seeing Trouble is the first of many short stories involving the characters of the Deadwood Mystery series.

Members Reviews:

Disappointing

I'm not sure what I was expecting, but this story didn't add anything to the series. I'd pass on this one, wish I had

Poor Narration

The new narrator for the wonderful Deadwood series is a major disappointment. She sounds as if she is reading from a script and is not nearly so good as original narrator, Caroline Shaffer. Shaffer made you feel as if you were actually with her and listening to actual conversations. I do not intend to purchase any more Deadwood series books that have such inferior story-tellers.

Don't bother

This was not worth buying. There was a very short story about Violet's diary and a short "interview "of violet by the author. The first was cute, the second not so much. Neither gave me new information about Violet or her world. There was also an unrelated fluff story that had no purpose being in this set and wasn't good. I love the series but I felt the author should have offered this audiobook free for fans of the series - much as other series writers have done with shorter stories. Actually, those free short stories have drawn me into several series - such as the also humorous Chronicles of St Mary's. Sadly, selling this kind of meager fare does not leave me with a good taste about the author or publisher. U

Should Be Free. Short-short + writing exercise

Would you recommend this book to a friend? Why or why not?

It provides some info that pertains to the series, so yes. But only if it is free, or maybe 99 cents. I wouldn't recommend paying for it. Bonus material like the author's interview with her main character is usually offered at the end of a full length book. You know, as a bonus. Using it as filler to make up for the shortness of the story is kind of a d*** move.

Would you ever listen to anything by Ann Charles again?

Yes, I like the series and the author, Ann Charles. I won't buy the .5 short stories that Audible is offering for this series again. Fool me once, blah, blah, blah.

Did the narration match the pace of the story?

Why not use the usual series narrator? I think that would have been better. Lisa Larsen did a good job, but why not use Caroline Shaffer? It makes Seeing Trouble feel even less like a short story and more like a fragment or an out-take.

Ghosts, Romance and a few Scares

If you could sum up Seeing Trouble in three words, what would they be?

I would recommend this audio series, because it's funny, romantic and can be a bit scary. If you like Charlaine Harris's series True Blood, you'll like this author. Granted, this series doesn't have Vampires and Wolves, but they can be quite graphic/gory, suspenseful, thrilling and as I said, scary.

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Title: Law of the Desert

Author: Louis L'Amour

Narrator: Stefan Rudnicki

Format: Unabridged

Length: 5 hrs and 22 mins

Language: English

Release date: 08-22-14

Publisher: Blackstone Audio, Inc.

Ratings: 4.5 of 5 out of 17 votes

Genres: Fiction, Short Stories & Anthologies

Publisher's Summary:

No one tells tales of the frontier better than Louis L'Amour, who portrays the human side of westward expansion - the good and the bad - before the days of law and order. Collected here are seven stories penned by America's favorite Western author.

"The Black Rock Coffin Maker"

Two men in the isolated town of Tucker want the XY ranch: Jim Walker and the ruthless Wing Cary - and one of them wants it badly enough to kill for it. It is a tale of suspense and danger, with chases, posses, shootouts, and double-crosses - all for possession of the XY ranch.

"Grub Line Rider"

KimSartain is an easygoing, peace-loving drifter. But when cattleman Jim Targ challenges Sartain's right to ride across an unclaimed stretch of meadow, Sartain retaliates by deciding to homestead there. Soon, more is at risk than land and pride, when Targ decides to teach Sartain a permanent - and deadly - lesson.

"Desert Death Song"

Nat Bodine had a choice: to die by hanging or take his chances in the desert. But when a good woman believes in a man, he finds the will to survive.

"One Last Gun Notch"

Morgan Clyde was driven off his small ranch by a hired gunman. He worked odd jobs but soon found himself being hired to use his gun. Now, he's working for a land hog in Red Basin who wants him to drive off a young homesteader and his wife. The scenario is too familiar, and Clyde finds that he must make a decision.

"Ride, You Tonto Raiders"

Matt Sabre is a young gunfighter who shoots a man who forced him to draw. To his surprise, the man on his deathbed gives him $5,000 and begs him to take the money to his wife, who is alone defending the family ranch. Guilt, regret, and wanting to do the right thing lead Matt Sabre to make that ride.

"War Party"

A boy on the brink of manhood, a resourceful frontier woman who has beauty as well as fortitude, and a strong male character come together in this powerful, romantic, and strangely compelling vision of the American West.

"Law of the Desert"

Shad Marone is a lone gunman on the run from the law. He shot a man in a fair fight; but the sheriff is his bitter enemy, and Shad knows he'll never get a fair trial. He is being tracked by a man named Lopez, and after three days in the desert it looks like they'll both die of thirst - unless, of course, some miracle happens.

Members Reviews:

Fun Read

This is a collection of seven short stories that Louis LAmour published in Western Magazines in the 1930s and 40s. The first story is The Black Rock Coffin Marker about a fight to acquire the XY ranch. The second story is called Grub Line Rider: Kim Sartain is a drifter and a cattleman Jim Targ forbids Kim to ride across an unclaimed stretch of meadow land. Kim gets mad and decides to homestead the stretch of land. Desert Death Song is the third story. It is a sort of love story. The forth is called One Last Gun Notch this one is a gunfighter vs. land hog. The fifth story Ride, You Tonto Raiders is about Matt Sabre who kills a man in a fair gun fight and the dying man asks him to take five thousand dollars to his wife and family on his family ranch. The sixth story is called War Party about a boy, a frontier woman and a strong male character in a story of life on the frontier. The last story is Law of the Desert Born about Shad Morone a gunman.

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Title: Sewing Can Be Dangerous and Other Small Threads

Author: S. R. Mallery

Narrator: Suzie Althens

Format: Unabridged

Length: 9 hrs and 2 mins

Language: English

Release date: 08-08-14

Publisher: Sarah Mallery

Ratings: 4 of 5 out of 12 votes

Genres: Fiction, Short Stories & Anthologies

Publisher's Summary:

The 11 long short stories in Sewing Can Be Dangerous and Other Small Threads combine history, mystery, action, and/or romance, and range from drug trafficking using Guatemalan hand-woven wallets, to an Antebellum U. S. slave using codes in her quilts as a message system to freedom; from an ex-journalist and her Hopi Indian maid solving a cold case together involving Katchina spirits, to a couple hiding Christian passports in a comforter in Nazi Germany; from a wedding quilt curse dating back to the Salem Witchcraft trials, to a mystery involving a young seamstress in the infamous Triangle Shirt Factory fire; from a 1980s Romeo and Juliet romance between a rising Wall Street financial "star" and an eclectic fiber artist, to a Haight-Asbury love affair between a professor and a beautiful macrame artist gone horribly askew, just to name a few.

Members Reviews:

A little of everything

The author brought us across time, cultures, and to various countries. Some of the stories seemed so plausible I'm going to look up the historical accuracy. I had no idea what to expect... I laughed, cried and was pleasantly entertained.

I think my favorite story was the one when a husband and wife were sewing passports into a quilt to save some Jews from the Nazis. Heartbreaking. I felt like I needed to reach out to the couple at the end.

I would definitely read/listen to another book by this author.

The narrator did a lovely job reading these stories and her voices were unique story to story. I have not listened to a book by her before but gladly would again.

I was given this free review copy audiobook at my request and voluntarily left this unbiased review.

Who knew the importance of sewing!

As the daughter of a seamstress I know how dangerous sewing can be, having stepped on a fair share of pins left on the floor. (Okay it might have just happened once, but ouch!) I was excited to listen to this book and was not disappointed.

This book contains 11 short stories that all relate back to sewing in one way or another. I think my favorite was the story of the pioneer woman whose husband bought her a sewing machine. She decided to keep it out in a shed in the field in hopes of preventing am Indian raid on her house. Her family became resentful of the time she spent sewing. One day a young Indian showed up at her sewing shed needing food and rest. She took care of him for several days and then he just left. Her husband found out after the fact and was very displeased. He changed his mind later when the relationship she formed with this boy ended up preventing an Indian raid.

The stories cover a wide range of historical eras and people. They were all well-written and interesting. I am looking forward to more audio books from this author!

The narrator did a great job in each of the short stories capturing the heart of the story and the characters. I would definitely listen to more book narrated by Suzie.

I was given this free review copy audiobook at my request and have voluntarily left this review.

Learning History in a fun way

I really liked these short stories. They kept my attention and interest. I learned a lot about history.

The narrator, Suzie Athens, has a very enjoyable voice, and a lot of potential, I look forward to listen to more of her narrations and see how she improves!

I received this audio-book free for an honest review by the author, narrator, or publisher.

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Title: Separating

Author: John Updike

Narrator: Peter Van Norden

Format: Unabridged

Length: 28 mins

Language: English

Release date: 07-16-14

Publisher: Blackstone Audio, Inc.

Ratings: 4.5 of 5 out of 3 votes

Genres: Fiction, Short Stories & Anthologies

Publisher's Summary:

The Maples Stories consists of eighteen classic stories from across John Updike's career, forming aluminous chronicle of the life and times of one marriage in all its rich emotional complexity. In 1956, Updike published the story "Snowing in Greenwich Village," about a young couple, Joan and Richard Maple, at the beginning of their marriage. Over the next two decades, he returned to these characters again and again, tracing their years together raising children, finding moments of intermittent happiness, and facing the heartbreak of infidelity and estrangement.

"Separating," the fourteenth story in the collection, details the Maples' decision to part ways, their pragmatism about the split concealing their underlying emotions as they struggle to relate the news to their four nearly-grown children.

Members Reviews:

Great Writing, Poignan, Painful

This is another in a series of short stories about a fictional couple, The Maples. They have been married for approximately 19 years at this point. As the title suggests, they are separating. They need to inform their four children.

This story would, I think, stand well on its own. I cannot be completely sure as I am reading these stories in the order in which they were composed. The writing is excellent. This is, to my mind, the most painful story that I have thus far encountered. Thank You...

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Title: Shining Rock

Author: Blake Crouch

Narrator: Luke Daniels

Format: Unabridged

Length: 36 mins

Language: English

Release date: 06-17-14

Publisher: Brilliance Audio

Ratings: 4.5 of 5 out of 58 votes

Genres: Fiction, Short Stories & Anthologies

Publisher's Summary:

On their annual camping trip in the southern Appalachians, Roger and Sue encounter Donald, a Vietnam vet with a peculiar and menacing way. After offering a generous pour of Scotch - and taking a few for himself - the odd stranger reveals a disturbing truth. In this remote place, under a cold night sky, Roger and Sue become convinced they wont leave the mountains alive.

Members Reviews:

entertaining quick book

nice short story....I love Blake Crouch's books. good performance, thought - provoking, and good ending.

Great Short

As usual the author paints a vivid picture of North Carolina and a particularly well developed short is a compliment to the simplicity of the setting. Roger is tasked with a no win and has to make a morally and mentally conflicting decision. How will he proceed? It is worth it to find out.

Very short so so story

audible version read of this extremely short story. I like this author a lit but was not happy with the simple story or the guy who did the narration on the audible version. It got better but a lot of the audio sounded stiff computer like.

Can't think of a more satisfying short story!

This is the first short story I have ever read or listened to that didn't feel like it was only short because it was incomplete. In just a handful of pages, Crouch delivers fleshed-out and believable characters and setting in a suspenseful and surprisingly satisfying story.

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Title: Summer Days

Author: Lisa Jackson, Elizabeth Bass, Mary Carter

Narrator: Holly Chamberlin, Kristin Watson Heintz

Format: Unabridged

Length: 17 hrs and 9 mins

Language: English

Release date: 04-29-14

Publisher: Brilliance Audio

Ratings: 3.5 of 5 out of 40 votes

Genres: Fiction, Short Stories & Anthologies

Publisher's Summary:

"His Bride to Be" - Lisa Jackson

The job perks: a two-week luxury cruise in the company of one of the most eligible bachelors on the West Coast. But posing as Hale Donovan's fiancée to finesse a takeover deal will challenge all of Valerie Pryce's resolve to keep business and pleasure separate.

"You Again" - Elizabeth Bass

A group yoga tour to Peru is the last place Meredith expects to see her workaholic ex-boyfriend, Sam. Seven years have changed everything - except Meredith's regret at abruptly running away. Yet amid the magnificent views and ancient ruins, a new chance may be waiting...

"Return To Hampton Beach" - Mary Carter

Jacob was the shy, kind twin. Chris was wild and dangerous. As a teenager, Carrie Jensen was a little in love with them both. Now Carrie is coming back to Hampton Beach for a summer, where she'll untangle the lie that broke her heart.

"Summer Memories" - Holly Chamberlin

There's nowhere Ellen would rather nurse her wounds after her exs betrayal than Ogunquit, Maine - a little beach town where she spent idyllic childhood summers. Then Ellen meets a charming local artist who challenges her to create new memories.

Members Reviews:

Long time listener

Would you consider the audio edition of Summer Days to be better than the print version?

Big Lisa Jackson fan. I usually listen to mystery but this is a really good book.

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Title: Trouble in Mind

Subtitle: The Collected Stories, Volume 3

Author: Jeffery Deaver

Narrator: Elijah Alexander, Kate Reading, Dennis Boutsikaris, Jim Frangione, Erik Singer, Keith Szarabajka

Format: Unabridged

Length: 17 hrs and 9 mins

Language: English

Release date: 03-04-14

Publisher: Hachette Audio

Ratings: 4 of 5 out of 78 votes

Genres: Fiction, Short Stories & Anthologies

Publisher's Summary:

Fiendish suspense. Shocking twists. Twelve diabolical tales.

New York Times best-selling author and highly acclaimed storyteller Jeffery Deaver - the undisputed "grand master of the plot twist" (Booklist) - returns with a dazzling new collection of short stories. In these 12 electrifying tales (including six written just for this anthology) Deaver proves once again his genius for the unexpected - in his world, appearances are always deceiving.

A devoted housekeeper embarks on a quest to find the truth behind her employer's murder. A washed-up Hollywood actor gets one last, high-stakes chance to revive his career. A man makes an impulsive visit to his hometown, and learns more about his past than he bargained for. Two Olympic track hopefuls receive terrorist threats. And Deaver's beloved series characters Lincoln Rhyme, Kathryn Dance, and John Pellam return in new stories.

Critic Reviews:

"A taut psychological thriller from a masterful crime writer, proving Deaver just gets better with each new novel.""In Mr. Deaver's kaleidoscope world, the odds seem to change with each turn of the page.""Deaver's scarily believable depiction of identity theft in a total-surveillance society stokes our paranoia. A -.""Deaver's infernal puzzle mysteries invariably inspire words like devious, diabolical, and devilish, all of which apply to

. It's Dance's toughest case, and one of Deaver's best books.""Not even the brilliant Rhyme can foresee the shocking twists the case will take in this electrically charged thriller."

Members Reviews:

great twists and surprises

great collection of short stories! Lots of surprising twists and turns. Characters from his novels and more.

I heard these in the unabridged versions

Would you try another book from Jeffery Deaver and/or the narrators?

Yes.

What do you think your next listen will be?

unknown

What does the narrators bring to the story that you wouldnt experience if you just read the book?

a "feel"

You didnt love this book... but did it have any redeeming qualities?

Stories good but heard them already

Any additional comments?

More truth in advertising. Should have said these stories were all in unabridged works.

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Title: Small Felonies: Fifty Mystery Short Stories

Author: Bill Pronzini

Narrator: Aze Fellner

Format: Unabridged

Length: 9 hrs and 23 mins

Language: English

Release date: 01-28-14

Publisher: Crossroad Press

Ratings: 4 of 5 out of 18 votes

Genres: Fiction, Short Stories & Anthologies

Publisher's Summary:

This is a collection of 50 short stories by veteran mystery and crime writer Bill Pronzini, best known as the creator of The Nameless Detective series. This collection crosses over a broad range of styles and characters, settings and plots, showing the breadth and depth of Pronzini's prodigious talent. Included are murders, swindles, double-crosses, crazed children, and much, much more.

Members Reviews:

So disappointed...

I'm a big Pronzini fan. He's one of my favorites.

I've read all of the "nameless" novels in paper and re-read a lot of them as audiobooks.

I've read many of his stand alone novels, both western and mystery.

Sorry to say I really dislike this book. I find most of the stories to be pointless and overly clever... cute.. Other than a very few of these "small felonies", the rest stink. Many start out as interesting, but come crashing down to disappointing ends. Bad stuff from a fine writer.

Great collection of riveting stories

If you could sum up Small Felonies: Fifty Mystery Short Stories in three words, what would they be?

Dynamic, Entertaining (and with a) Twist.

Did the plot keep you on the edge of your seat? How?

All stories are engaging and entertaining. Didn't find a single one I didn't enjoy. Easy to listen to one a night while unwinding before bed.

What about Aze Fellners performance did you like?

great narrator - never found his performance to get boring/monotone.

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

No, although some stories will have you tense and on the edge of your seat.