Discover the Top 100 Audiobooks in Mysteries & Thrillers, Modern Detective

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Title: Florida Straits

Subtitle: A Key West Mystery, Book 1

Author: Laurence Shames

Narrator: Richard Ferrone

Format: Unabridged

Length: 9 hrs and 29 mins

Language: English

Release date: 05-12-14

Publisher: Recorded Books

Ratings: 4 of 5 out of 87 votes

Genres: Mysteries & Thrillers, Modern Detective

Publisher's Summary:

Top-notch suspense and "killer" comedy merge in this rollicking national best seller filled with funky characters, resounding dialogue, and inappropriately named "wise" guys. In the grand tradition of Elmore Leonard, Laurence Shames creates an outrageous heavyweight thriller thats heavy on atmosphere and action. Joey Goldman is a low-level New York hustler. Hes taking a working vacation in South Florida and looking to score big with a time-share scam. His half brother Gino Delgatto is a man in need of a fall guy. When they meet in Key West, the term dysfunctional family takes on a new meaning. Will one of them succeed? Or will the Miami mob find an eye-popping way to dispose of them both?

Critically acclaimed narrator Richard Ferrone brings every character to life - from bad guys in shiny blue suits to Steve the naked landlord - with a crackling intensity you will love.

Members Reviews:

Florida Funny

This is very similar to other crime/fubby/local color books in the genre. it will particularly appeal to relocated

New Yorkers and other northeastern denizens. If not it is probably less enjoyable.

So glad I took another reader's advise

I really liked this book. I wasn't sure for the first chapter or so. But then Joey and Sandra move into the bungalow in a compound in Key West, Bert the Shirt and Don Giovanni are on the scene and it becomes delightful, interesting, and at times tense. Richard Ferrone is perfect for this book. I will certainly continue with the series.

One caveat: I fast forwarded through a verbally abusive rant that was over long in my opinion. This was directed at Joey by his older half-brother Gino. I also skipped through some of the graphic violence - I mean this is about a mafia family but I just didn't feel the need to hear every little detail. There is not a huge amount of this stuff and I am not really criticizing the book. Just saying....

Hilarious, Poignant, suspenseful

What did you love best about Florida Straits?

There was nothing to not like. This book combined my love of New York life and Key west life. The two come together like oil and water, but in the end it all gets sorted out.

What other book might you compare Florida Straits to and why?

The style reminds me Tim Dorsey.

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

His voice, was amazing!

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

I laughed and cried.

Any additional comments?

Read this book!

Enjoyable

I don't expect literary perfection when I pick out books like this. I like the escape of a simple plot with some likeable characters, a protagonist or two who I can root for.

It's fun. It's not rocket science. I enjoyed it. I hope you do too.

A good story with nice plot twists

I think this is a very good book I like the narrator very much. The story was well told with nice twists and interesting tidbits about Florida. I think that the main character was very endearing nd the story was one that many could relate to.

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Title: Death of a Chocoholic

Author: Lee Hollis

Narrator: Tara Ochs

Format: Unabridged

Length: 6 hrs and 54 mins

Language: English

Release date: 05-08-14

Publisher: Audible Studios

Ratings: 4.5 of 5 out of 94 votes

Genres: Mysteries & Thrillers, Modern Detective

Publisher's Summary:

Food and cocktails columnist Hayley Powell is not looking for love this Valentine's Day. Of course she also isn't planning on looking for a murderer

Fed up with dating after a disastrous setup, the only thing Hayley wants to snuggle up to is a box of made-to-order chocolates from plus-sized, plus-mouthed chocolatier Bessie Winthrop. But when Bessie is found dead in her kitchen, only Hayley suspects that Bessie's "heart attack" might actually be a candy-coated murder.

Turns out Bessie had more enemies than a boxful of chocolates, each one a suspicious flavor. It's sticky business juggling a job, two teenagers and finding a killer, but it's better than letting a killer find Hayley first

Includes seven delectable recipes from Hayley's kitchen!

Members Reviews:

Gross

The whole idea of chocolates with cat hair grosses me out. Story was OK. A good addition to the series.

Don't Buy it

What could have made this a 4 or 5-star listening experience for you?

Better story, much better performance needed...every male character sounded the same with terrible accent!

What could Lee Hollis have done to make this a more enjoyable book for you?

It was very boring, so I don't know what could have made it better!

How could the performance have been better?

All male characters sounded the same & had unauthentic accents of some type!

Any additional comments?

Boredom

A good cozy series, but...

I've been an avid listener of this series & I enjoy it a lot because it's a cozy mystery but it also has separate side stories included in it from Haley's newspaper column. I enjoy the break from the main plot to hear a story & get a recipe or two! It's a fun little combo. If you're like me and enjoy this format I recommend the "Books by the bay" mysteries, because that too has similar side stories inserted in.

I only have one qualm with this installment. I wish this book would just make the love interest slightly more realistic. A new handsome eligible bachelor came to town & every woman wants him. Of course Haley meets him once, breaks into his office, accuses him of murder & yet he still falls for her... It's just written hastily as if the author needed a new love interest when Lex left town & so she threw a new guy in. However I'm interested to see how the ending picks up in the next book as it was left with a bit of a "cliffhanger." Overall a good listen!

Entertaining and easy to follow along

Love the series and the recipes. Stories interact. I play and can work while I listen!

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Title: Out of Circulation

Subtitle: Cat in the Stacks, Book 4

Author: Miranda James

Narrator: Erin Bennett

Format: Unabridged

Length: 8 hrs and 10 mins

Language: English

Release date: 04-29-14

Publisher: Tantor Audio

Ratings: 4.5 of 5 out of 136 votes

Genres: Mysteries & Thrillers, Modern Detective

Publisher's Summary:

The Ducote sisters are in a tiff with Vera Cassity over the location of this year's library fundraising gala, and Charlie would rather curl up in a corner than get into the fray. It seems everyone - even his housekeeper Azalea - has it in for Vera. And at the gala, she gives them good reason, with a public display of rancor aimed at anyone who gets in her way.

But those bitter words wind up being her last. When Charlie discovers Azalea standing over Vera's dead body, it's up to him - with a little help from Diesel - to clear Azalea's name, and catch a killer before his last chapter is finished.

Critic Reviews:

"Humor and plenty of Southern charm buoy James's fifth Cat in the Stacks mystery." (Publishers Weekly)

Members Reviews:

Just Queenly.

I am really enjoying the storyline with this series. looking forward to the next book.

No story.

I was surpised and disappointed with this second book in the series. The first one had a lot of the soft, fuzzy "cozy" chat that isn't necessary to the plot but some of us like the positivity and human warmth of it -- AND a decent plot! This one just wanders and the "cozy" isn't warming.

Delightful Book & Narration... but...

Although I found the book and the narration to be top notch... I have to admit wishing that since the protagonist was male, that the narrator was male as well. I constantly had to keep reminding myself that the speaker (protagonist) was male. Unfortunately, that did mar my experience a bit, but still worth a delightful 5-stars!

A successful writer makes you care deeply about their characters...and I do!

I have grown to care so much for Charlie and his family. I am so please his children are living good and happy lives, and that Charlie has found Helen-Louise. And Diesel. Who could forget Diesel! I'm absolutely nutty of him. He's such a sweet, smart, and considerate member of the household. I'm reading this series in order, and growing more fond of this family and their friends with each turn of the page.

A great book for people who love cats and mysteries.

Very fine book. I will recommend it to a friend with a cat who reads many books.

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Title: Death of a Coupon Clipper

Author: Lee Hollis

Narrator: Tara Ochs

Format: Unabridged

Length: 8 hrs and 59 mins

Language: English

Release date: 04-15-14

Publisher: Audible Studios

Ratings: 4 of 5 out of 138 votes

Genres: Mysteries & Thrillers, Modern Detective

Publisher's Summary:

Hayley Powell, food and cocktails columnist for Bar Harbor's Island Times, is...well, kind of broke. So when she's selected for that extreme coupon-clipping reality game show coming to town...

...she's thrilled, especially when her competition is nasty nurse Candace Culpepper. But when Haley stumbles across a face-down-in-the-snow Candace - scissors gleaming between her shoulders - she knows the next thing she'll be selected for will probably be a police line-up.

Meanwhile, though Hayley's BFF Mona was only joking about "taking Candace out", Bruce Linney, the Island Times crime reporter, definitely isn't laughing. And what about the smarmy, cold-hearted host of the show, Drew Nickerson, who may have been having a steamy affair with the intentionally-iced nurse? Hayley needs to cut to the chase and find the killer. Everything may hinge on a stray coupon, but Hayley better keep her eyes on the real grand prize: staying out of permanent cold storage!

Includes seven delectable recipes from Hayley's kitchen!

Members Reviews:

A good cozy mystery though often times unrealistic

If you could sum up Death of a Coupon Clipper in three words, what would they be?

Cozy, Predictable, Enjoyable

Would you be willing to try another book from Lee Hollis? Why or why not?

Yes. I have read the other 2 books in this series, and I liked them enough to give this 3rd one a shot. It isn't a top priority to listen to the 4th book, but if I find myself needing something in a pinch then sure.

What about Tara Ochss performance did you like?

I liked how she brought the characters to life, she did a good job of differentiating the voices.

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

It got a little boring and annoying in some places, so no I couldn't listen to it in one setting.

Any additional comments?

Overall it is a good cozy mystery, but not one I would go out of my way to recommend

Wasn't who I thought

Didn't guess the murderer this time. Not sure all the clues were given but it was fun none the less. Narrator's voice still makes me sleepy.

Hilarious Haley is at it again!

Love this series and narration is excellent! Can't wait to read the next in the series!!

I loved it!

I like cozy mysteries this is a good one. I would recommend it to anyone who like a light cozy books.

CUTE NEW AUTHOR FOR ME.

THE STORY WAS INTRIGUING, A BIT DRAWN OUT, BUT I ENJOYED HER PERSISTENCE AND ACUTE SKILLS OF OBSERVATION. THE MURDERER WAS NOT SOMEONE YOU WOULD SUSPECT.

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Title: Moon Spinners

Subtitle: Seaside Knitters, Book 3

Author: Sally Goldenbaum

Narrator: Julie McKay

Format: Unabridged

Length: 10 hrs and 17 mins

Language: English

Release date: 03-28-14

Publisher: Audible Studios

Ratings: 4.5 of 5 out of 102 votes

Genres: Mysteries & Thrillers, Modern Detective

Publisher's Summary:

Nell Endicott and the other Seaside Knitters are helping their friend Gracie Santos open the Lazy Lobster and Soup Café on Pelican Pier. They do however take a break to attend a special yacht club dinner held to honor Gracie's aunt - wearing their finest knitting creations. Under the full moon, a local scuba dive club witnesses a blood-red Ferrari flying off a cliff and onto the granite rocks below. Gracie's aunt was behind the wheel, and it was murder. Gossip builds, rumors circulate, and the Seaside Knitters try to figure out a killer's strange pattern....

Members Reviews:

Best of the series so far!

This series gets better with each book! I enjoyed this one the best so far, because there weren't too many new characters introduced at once. We met quite a few new people at the beginning of the book but it was in a much better format.

The mystery itself was nicely constructed and it wasn't until the very end when I put the pieces together and understood who was the killer & why.

awesome

captivating, enjoyable, didn't figure out the muderer until the characters do. i love this series

Enjoyable

Enjoyable as a light listen. The characters interesting enough to keep me going back to read/listen to the next installment, and the setting portrayed interestingly enough to wish it was a place I could visit for an afternoon's walk and hour of knitting. The mystery strong enough to keep me going to the end and the resolution not obvious. Not Three Pines by a long shot, but I do not think it wants to be. A light nice listen. Enjoy!

She did it again!!!

Fantastic book!! Once again I didn't figure it out until the end. Great book and narration. Kept me guessing through the whole book. I love that! Ready for the next one in the series!

Great listening while doing crafts

I listen to this series while I am quilting or knitting. It does not require my full attention and as I'm not very good at multitasking, it is the perfect solution for me. The narrator's voice is very relaxing.

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Title: Waking the Dead

Subtitle: A Cafferty and Quinn Story, Book 2

Author: Heather Graham

Narrator: Natalie Ross

Format: Unabridged

Length: 10 hrs and 8 mins

Language: English

Release date: 03-25-14

Publisher: Brilliance Audio

Ratings: 4 of 5 out of 213 votes

Genres: Mysteries & Thrillers, Modern Detective

Publisher's Summary:

They say a painting can have a life of its own...

In the case of Ghosts in the Mind by Henry Sebastian Hubert, thats more than just an expression. This painting is reputed to come to life - and to bring death. The artist was a friend of Lord Byron and Mary Shelley, joining them in Switzerland during 1816, "the year without a summer". That was when they all explored themes of horror and depravity in their art....

Now, almost 200 years later, the painting appears in New Orleans. Wherever it goes, death seems to follow. Danielle Cafferty and Michael Quinn, occasional partners in solving crime, are quickly drawn into the case. They begin to make connections between that summer in Switzerland and this spring in Louisiana. Danni, the owner of an eccentric antiques shop, and Quinn, a private detective, have discovered that they have separate but complementary talents when it comes to investigating unusual situations.

Trying to blend their personal relationship with the professional lives theyve stumbled into, they learn how much they need each other. Especially as they confront this work of art - and evil. The people in the portrait might be dead, but something seems to wake them and free them to commit bloody crimes. Cafferty and Quinn must discover what that is. And they have to destroy it - before it destroys them.

Members Reviews:

That's not Scottish.

I'm not sure what accent the person reading is attempting for Billy, it's indescribable and definitely NOT Scottish. It really takes away from the reading. If the same person reads the next book, I'll be taking a pass.

This is my favorite Heather Graham book to date

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

It is definitely one of my favorites in this genre. I'm from New Orleans so I appreciate the setting. I recognize where they are. The only thing she really gets wrong is the bit about sweet tea. I lived in New Orleans my whole life and no body asked me for sweet tea. It is not a THING in NOLA. When you get to GA, SC, NC then you start hearing about sweet tea. People in NOLA drink strong coffee and lots of liquor. The characters in this book are so likeable, believable and smart.

What was one of the most memorable moments of Waking the Dead?

When Danni starts sleep walking and walks down the staircase to start painting while she is asleep.

Have you listened to any of Natalie Rosss other performances before? How does this one compare?

I listened to the other Heather Graham books. I really like Natalie Ross's performance. She gets the different voices perfectly.

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

no, I don't do that. I listen in my car and sometimes at night lying in bed.

Any additional comments?

I hope there will be a lot more Cafferty and Quinn books. I like them a lot better than the Krewe of Hunters.

disappointed

even though I was irritated by the way an obvious clue was dropped them it took the main characters 3 or 5 chapters to figure it out the rest of the story was well written and interesting so I bought the second in the series and this time it changed from minor irritation to a greater one I will not be buying the third.

Fascinating, attention holding.

For an ADD person I had to finish it. A first for me. A little macabre with a historic twist.

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Title: The Scarlet Letters

Subtitle: Ellery Queen Detective, Book 24

Author: Ellery Queen

Narrator: Mark Peckham

Format: Unabridged

Length: 6 hrs and 54 mins

Language: English

Release date: 03-18-14

Publisher: Blackstone Audio, Inc.

Ratings: 4 of 5 out of 9 votes

Genres: Mysteries & Thrillers, Modern Detective

Publisher's Summary:

Ellery had a simple case. A few days of discreet snooping, some choice advice, and the inimitable sleuth would blithely restore domestic harmony to the millionaire couple Dirk and Martha Lawrence. Then came the scarlet letters. And finally the cryptic clue, scrawled in a murdered mans blood. A simple case? Unless Ellery did some super-fast sleuthing, hed have nothing to show but a very scarlet face. The case will drag him all over New York as he hunts for the truth.

Members Reviews:

Different, but dull

You know how when authors try something different, it almost never works? This is one of those cases. The books is 80% setup, and 20% actual case, with Ellery trying to figure out a dying man's message written in blood (literally scarlet letters). The trouble here is that the setup is long and dull, and it's hard to care about Dirk, who's an utter bastard, and even Martha. Why does she stay with this guy? SPOILER ALERT:

Dirk's plot is way too complicated, and it's a wonder Martha didn't ruin the whole thing by going to Ellery, who's her friend, and saying, "Hey, I'm being blackmailed by some guy who says my husband commited murder. Can you prove Dirk is innocent?" After all, this is the sort of thing Ellery DOES.

The ending does nearly make up for the long, boring setup, but I'm leaving the 3 stars out of the frustration I felt listening to all the whining.

Riviting

The store was great. The twist at the end was totally unexpected. The narration was very clear.

An Interesting Twist

An interesting twist of a detective novel. It shows great literary style. It does not have some of the regular Ellery Queen cast, but showcases some lesser characters. Well worth the listen for mystery fans.

Lost interest

What could have made this a 4 or 5-star listening experience for you?

Loved Ellery Queen when I was a teenager, but had no connection with the characters.

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Title: Dirty Rotten Scoundrel

Subtitle: A J. J. Graves Mystery, Volume 3

Author: Liliana Hart

Narrator: Laura Faye Smith

Format: Unabridged

Length: 5 hrs and 45 mins

Language: English

Release date: 01-30-14

Publisher: Liliana Hart

Ratings: 4.5 of 5 out of 282 votes

Genres: Mysteries & Thrillers, Modern Detective

Publisher's Summary:

Can ghosts really talk?

J. J. Graves is about to find out when her past comes back to haunt her. But before she and Jack can resolve her past, they need to deal with his.

Six years ago Jack was left for dead during a SWAT raid he commanded. He never speaks of what happened that day, but he doesn't have a choice after someone starts murdering his men. According to the FBI, Jack is either next on the list, or he's the one behind it all.

Members Reviews:

I LOVED this story! Why? Well I'll tell you.

If you could sum up Dirty Rotten Scoundrel in three words, what would they be?

1. The plot was fascinating.

2. Didn't have to suffer page after page of sexy imagery about how hot some chic was.

Normally in stories like this, authors go beyond the call of duty by providing in great

detail how tight her little bum is, how beautiful she is and she should be a model, or her

flawlessly put together her breasts are. Ugh! If I was into chics, all that would be

awesome. But my attraction falls towards men, so a little equal opportunity in the sexy

imagery department would be nice. Well, this story had none of that non-sense.

3. The relationship between the heroines felt real.

4. I very much liked most of the characters.

5. The narrator gave an exceptional performance!

6. The story was fast paced laced in action and suspense to the very end.

7. This is definitely a good read or a great narration to sit back to and enjoy!

I forgot what an amazing story teller Ms. Hart is!

What was one of the most memorable moments of Dirty Rotten Scoundrel?

When she threaten to kill the chic that slapped her man...that was priceless!

What about Laura Faye Smiths performance did you like?

Although I would prefer a man narration, Ms. Faye performance was absolutely PERFECT!!!!

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

When she tells him she saw & spoke to her dad, his reaction to that was hurtful.

Any additional comments?

Fabulous story! Definitely a recommend.

Fun and quick read

Book three in the series takes on Jack's past and more of the mystery around JJ's parents. There are less plot holes in this story, Still rapid fire and charismatic as ever!

The relationship between JJ and Jack is pretty solid, I like that, too much drama kills a series. He does blow one thing out of proportion, she only waited a day. The banter and playfulness between the two is a staple and key thing I love in the series. They are a dynamic couple and I love the way they interact.

The bedroom door is open, but not scorching details like an erotic romance. There is plenty of naughtiness to keep a gal warm and fanning her face! These two have spent so long denying themselves that they have gone combustible!!! To say they go at it like rabbits is an understatement!! But it fits the whole feel of the book.

The narrative is all from JJ's POV, which is fine, but you are left wondering what is on Jack's mind. He is very verbal about his feelings, which helps.

The mystery this time is interesting and takes us into Jack's past. We get a much fuller picture of what his time as a cop in the city. Thank goodness this was more on a solvable level. I like being able to put those pieces together. The story has plenty of action to keep you on your toes.

I listened to the audiobook narrated by Laura Faye Smith, who is rapidly becoming a favorite.

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Title: With Child

Subtitle: A Kate Martinelli Mystery, Book 3

Author: Laurie R. King

Narrator: Alyssa Bresnahan

Format: Unabridged

Length: 10 hrs and 31 mins

Language: English

Release date: 01-21-14

Publisher: Macmillan Audio

Ratings: 4.5 of 5 out of 138 votes

Genres: Mysteries & Thrillers, Modern Detective

Publisher's Summary:

Adrift in mist-shrouded San Francisco mornings and alcohol-fogged nights, homicide detective Kate Martinelli can't escape the void left by her departed lover, who has gone off to rethink their relationship. But when twelve-year-old Jules Cameron comes to Kate for a professional consultation, Kate's not sure she's that desperate for distraction.

Jules is worried about her friend Dio, a homeless boy she met in a park. Dio has disappeared without a word of farewell, and Jules wants Kate to find him. Reluctant as she is, Kate can't say no--and soon she finds herself forming a friendship with the bright, quirky girl. But the search for Dio will prove to be much more than both bargained for - and it's only the beginning.

When Jules disappears while taking a trip with Kate, a desperate search begins...and Kate knows all too well the odds of finding the child alive...

Members Reviews:

Outstanding Series and Book

Would you consider the audio edition of With Child to be better than the print version?

Yes because of the narrator. What an excellent voice.

What was one of the most memorable moments of With Child?

The ending!

Which scene was your favorite?

Kate's hunt for Jules

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

It was very hard to put down. Excellent story.

Any additional comments?

Laurie King is an excellent author. This is an excellent series: Katie Martinelli Series

Another good story

I am thoroughly enjoying the Kate Martinelli series. Laurie R. King has a wonderful mind to create original storylines, keeping the series fresh. Alyssa Bresnahan gives a great performance, brining life to the characters with their own distinct voice. I highly recommend this book and series.

Clever

I'm more of a fan of Laurie R. King every book. As with her others, this book is smart, but doesn't weigh you down with the grief of the mystery.

I enjoyed it!

good book

enjoyed it very much. words words words words I hate being required to use more words than necessary

Good but not my favorite

I love these books but I think the main characters are smarter than portrayed here. It was still enjoyable and recommended.

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Title: The Burglar Who Counted the Spoons

Subtitle: Bernie Rhodenbarr, Book 11

Author: Lawrence Block

Narrator: Richard Ferrone

Format: Unabridged

Length: 9 hrs and 48 mins

Language: English

Release date: 01-09-14

Publisher: Recorded Books

Ratings: 4.5 of 5 out of 146 votes

Genres: Mysteries & Thrillers, Modern Detective

Publisher's Summary:

Ever since The Burglar on the Prowl climbed the best seller lists in 2004, fans have been clamoring for a new book featuring the lighthearted and light-fingered Bernie Rhodenbarr. Now everybody's favorite burglar returns in an 11th adventure that finds him and his lesbian sidekick Carolyn Kaiser breaking into houses, apartments, and even a museum, in a madcap adventure replete with American Colonial silver, an F. Scott Fitzgerald manuscript, a priceless portrait, and a remarkable array of buttons. And, wouldn't you know it, there's a dead body, all stretched out on a Trent Barling carpet....

Members Reviews:

As usual, corny but very funny.

You will either like these corny mysteries and characters or you won't. I do, and I found this to be one of the funniest in the series. Richard Ferrone does an excellent job of giving voices and accents to the different main characters.

Welcome back, Bernie!

I swear Lawrence Block has revived and written more material since his 'retirement' than ever before. And don't think that, just because I've been a Bernie fan for years, I gave this book an automatic 5. There's always that chance of disappointment.

I'm glad to say that Bern and Carolyn are as fresh (and apparently young) and up to mischief as ever. Plenty of twists and ***s and pretty upbeat, considering it's Bernie and Carolyn. Also, I learned some stuff that I'll never need to know, but don't mind knowing anyway.

Richard Ferrone does a fine job of handing a handful of characters and is very easy to listen to.

This was a real gift from Mr. Block.

A new direction for Bernie Rodenbarr

What did you love best about The Burglar Who Counted the Spoons?

The story was even more complex than the usual Bernie Rodenbarr tales.

Any additional comments?

A very funny story.

Best. Series. Ever.

Any additional comments?

I don't know any of Block's other books but in this series, for my money, he's priceless. The writing is damnably witty. These are not huge action-movie novels. There is nothing ugly in these books - no torture, cruelty or even gore.

BUT there are clever, twisty plots. There are wonderful characters; please, Bernie and Carolyn (the main character and his trusty sidekick, who is one of the most well-written lesbian characters I've encountered), please invite me along to the Bum Wrap for dinner and a drink! Most notably, there is absolutely delightful dialogue. If you've ever admired the repartee between Cary Grant and Rosalind Russell in "His Girl Friday," there's a pretty good chance you're going to LOVE these books.

And then there is the narrator. Richard Ferrone is pure unmitigated genius. I can't imagine any plane of existence where anyone else could have narrated these books. His deliciously, ever-so-slightly deadpan delivery has caused me to chuckle like a goofball on too many occasions to list. What a delight it is to find that magic marriage between writer and narrator. This one is as good as it ever gets.

As for "Spoons" in particular, I won't bore you with details. Every single one of the series is great and they all stand on their own, so if you get them out of sequence, it won't matter much. Go. Buy. Listen. Smile. Repeat.