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Title: Deadly Vows

Subtitle: A Francesca Cahill Novel

Author: Brenda Joyce

Narrator: Coleen Marlo

Format: Unabridged

Length: 11 hrs and 18 mins

Language: English

Release date: 03-25-14

Publisher: Audible Studios

Ratings: 4 of 5 out of 18 votes

Genres: Fiction, Contemporary

Publisher's Summary:

On the morning of her wedding to Calder Hart, amateur sleuth Francesca Cahill is lured away to a private viewing of a portrait that could destroy her entire family: the nude Hart commissioned of her. Her desperate quest to recover the scandalous portrait leads her into a dangerous trap with no way to escape - until it's too late. And when Francesca finally arrives at the church, it's vacant. She has unintentionally jilted Hart at the altar.

When Hart tells her their estrangement is for the best, Francesca is devastated. With a blackmailer intent on destroying her reputation, Francesca turns to Rick Bragg, the city's powerful police commissioner. Together they scour the sordid streets of lower Manhattan, following a deliberately laid trail of clues in a race against the clock. And once it becomes clear that Bragg's marriage is failing, Francesca must war with her feelings for him, battle Hart's jealousy and escape a killer - all as she fights to win Hart back. But sometimes, passion just cannot be denied.

Members Reviews:

Please continue this series!

First off I'm writing this review to spread the word about this Deadly Series - so it covers my thoughts on all 9 books.

I owe my romance reading comeback to Brenda Joyce. I took a break from reading romance in the early 90's for a few years. I picked up a Brenda Joyce novel in about 1995 and I've been on reading romance frenzy since.

This Deadly series actually has everything that I hate in a romance novel - BUT IT WORKS SO WELL in these books. There is a love triangle (hate), misunderstanding between H/H (really hate) and TSTL Heroine (totally hate). Brenda Joyce has made it work so well, that I've read these books twice.

The "who done it" in each book is actually a non event in my opinion. But I really didn't read this series for the mystery. The characters are what brings readers back for each book. Francesca is an amateur private eye who's always getting kidnapped, shot at and other dastardly stuff. She usually runs off on her own and is ether saved by Rick Bragg or his half brother Calder Hart. So much stuff happens through out this series that you just can't wait to read the next book.

In the first book you come to love police commissioner Rick Bragg - but wait until his brother, Calder Hart is introduced. Wow - hands down he is one of my FAVORITE heroes ever written. He's so alpha, strong, damaged, sexy, hot, angry etc, etc.......

I would read this series again and again just to read about Hart.

If you are looking for something different in historical romance - I would take a look at this series.

Deadly

I have read the entire series and this is the end for me even if she publishes more. I have loved many of Brenda Joyce's books but not this series. In the beginning, I liked it. I thought how different, a series with the story of one character instead of going on to her sister/his brother/etc. But after several books, I felt like the story wasn't really moving forward and I gave it a rest. Recently decided to finish the series and was very disappointed. It's too ridiculous to be even slightly believable, the characters are flat. At the start of this book, I was left scratching my head, did the author even read book 8? Book 8 ended on an upnote for Rick and Leigh Ann and it seemed like they were right back where they started.

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Title: Nothing Stays in Vegas

Author: Elena Aitken

Narrator: Marci Fine, Michael Braun

Format: Unabridged

Length: 9 hrs and 3 mins

Language: English

Release date: 03-12-14

Publisher: Elena Aitken

Ratings: 4.5 of 5 out of 60 votes

Genres: Fiction, Contemporary

Publisher's Summary:

What happens in Vegas, stays in Vegas...except when it doesn't.

Lexi Titan has mastered the art of pretending everything's fine. After all, how else could she ignore the fact that her husband is never home, her son barely knows him and the last time she had sex, well, who can remember.

With her life crumbling, the last thing she wants to do is go on a trip, especially back to Vegas; a city full of glitz, excess, and Leo, the man she's spent the last six years trying to forget. But when her best friend announces she's getting married, Lexi doesn't have a choice. Besides, it's ridiculous to avoid an entire city because of one guy. Even if he is the father of your child.

Face to face with memories of the past and the gorgeous man who started it all, Lexi can no longer deny the truth to anyone, especially Leo. But honesty will come at a price, and Lexi must decide if she's wiling to take that risk. And what exactly will she tell her husband?

Because as she now knows, Nothing Stays in Vegas.

Members Reviews:

Sweet, Tender Love - Reunited!

A very poignant, emotional and sometimes heartrending love story. Deception and betrayal but love conquers all. I loved Lexi's personality, strong, spirited and sensitive to others, balanced by her extremely extrovert BFF Nicole the party hearty lady. Leo represents, all the thoughtful, courteous handsome heroes with a heart of gold who trust when they should be vigilant. As for the villain of the story, you'll find out about him....

Elena you just know how to keep the interest of your readers and listeners as they peruse the books you author. Well written, tight plot and very descriptive in your presentation of your story. A really great read

Michael Braun and Marci Fine, working in tandem, tagging each other in the narration of this audio book was just perfect. Wow...It is a good idea to have a male do Leo and Marci was just splendid as Lexi.

I would definitely recommend this book to others.

This Should Have Stayed In Vegas

What did you like best about Nothing Stays in Vegas? What did you like least?

The thing I liked best is that she loved the child in spite of. The thing I liked least was how the emotions that Leo should have had upon discovering he had a son were totally lacking.

If youve listened to books by Elena Aitken before, how does this one compare?

I have not.

Have you listened to any of Marci Fine and Michael Braun s other performances before? How does this one compare?

No

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

No

Any additional comments?

I got this book via audiobook boom. The narration was, to say the least the best part of the book and it was not great.

Loved this book!

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

Yes, I'd recommend this book to a friend, and have! The story was full of emotion and I've read it more than once already.

What does Marci Fine and Michael Braun bring to the story that you wouldnt experience if you just read the book?

I love books when the characters are actually done by different people

Any additional comments?

I was glad this book was a sequel to the first, so we could see "what happens next". A great story and a great narration

A Must read !!!

I can't say enough about this. It's an awesome and amazing book. If you read just one book this year you need to read this book.

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Title: Power Play

Subtitle: A Novel

Author: Danielle Steel

Narrator: Dan John Miller

Format: Abridged

Length: 5 hrs and 48 mins

Language: English

Release date: 03-11-14

Publisher: Brilliance Audio

Ratings: 4 of 5 out of 8 votes

Genres: Fiction, Contemporary

Publisher's Summary:

In Northern California two successful CEOs are both indispensable to their growing companies futures. Both are brilliant at the power game. But the difference between them is huge. One is a man, the other a woman. In this riveting novel, Danielle Steel explores what that means as she takes listeners into the rarefied world of those at the pinnacle of international business and reveals the irrevocable choices they make, what drives them, and how others perceive them. The heady drug of power impacts everything they do.

Even though Harvard-educated Fiona Carson has proven herself under fire as CEO of National Technology Advancement, a multibillion-dollar high-tech company based in Palo Alto, California, she still has to meet the challenges of her world every day. Devoted single mother, world-class strategist, and tough negotiator, Fiona weighs every move she makes, and reserves any personal time for her children. Isolation and constant pressure are givens for her as a woman in a mans world.

Miles away in Marin County, Marshall Weston basks in the fruits of his achievements. At his side is his wife, Liz, the perfect corporate spouse, who has gladly sacrificed her own law career to raise their three children and support Marshall at every step. Smooth, shrewd, and irreproachable, Marshall is a model chief executive, and the power he wields only enhances his charisma and is his drug of choice. And to maintain his position, he harbors secrets that could destroy his life at any moment. His world is one of high risks.

Like many women in her position, Fiona has sacrificed her personal life for her career, while Marshall dances dangerously close to the edge and flirts with scandal every day. Both must face their own demons, and fight off those who are jealous of their success. Their lives as CEOs of major companies come at a high price. And just how high a price are they willing to pay? Who are they willing to sacrifice to stay on top? Those they love, or themselves?

Danielle Steels gripping, emotionally layered novel explores the seductive and damaging nature of power. Success and greed, trust and deception, love and loss - all come to a head in this compelling drama of family, careers, infidelity, and the sacrifices some people make to hold on to power...or to let it go.

Members Reviews:

Adventures of a Serial Lady Killer

Power Play is the parallel story of two CEOs in charge of large corporations in the San Francisco area and the differences men and women face in the boardroom. Fiona Carson is a workaholic, who has given up any semblance of a personal life for the good of her company. Other than being a wonderful mother to daughter Alyssa and an excellent slave to her work, she has no life, to the consternation of her gadabout sister. Everything changes when she finally meets a man who is not intimidated by her corporate success. The tale of Fiona Carson is about as interesting as her life and is typical Danielle Steele fare.

The more interesting character is Marshall Weston. He has it all: Liz, the perfect corporate wife (think Mad Men's Betty Draper) who goes so far as to learn rudimentary Japanese to better entertain the wives of her husband's potential clients, three children, a huge salary package and Ashley, the mistress in Los Angeles who lives with the twins she and Marshall created eight years prior. Yes, he has kept his second family under wraps and under his thumb for eight years.

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Title: Soy Sauce for Beginners

Author: Kirstin Chen

Narrator: Nancy Wu

Format: Unabridged

Length: 7 hrs and 39 mins

Language: English

Release date: 01-07-14

Publisher: Brilliance Audio

Ratings: 3.5 of 5 out of 90 votes

Genres: Fiction, Contemporary

Publisher's Summary:

Gretchen Lin, adrift at the age of thirty, leaves her floundering marriage in San Francisco to move back to her childhood home in Singapore and immediately finds herself face-to-face with the twin headaches shes avoided her entire adult life: her mothers drinking problem and the machinations of her fathers artisanal soy sauce business.

Surrounded by family, Gretchen struggles with the tension between personal ambition and filial duty, but still finds time to explore a new romance with the son of a client, an attractive man of few words. When an old American friend comes to town, the two of them are pulled into the controversy surrounding Gretchens cousin, the only male grandchild and the heir apparent to Lins Soy Sauce.

In the midst of increasing pressure from her father to remain permanently in Singapore - and pressure from her mother to do just the opposite - Gretchen must decide whether she will return to her marriage and her graduate studies at the San Francisco Conservatory, or sacrifice everything and join her familys crusade to spread artisanal soy sauce to the world.

Soy Sauce for Beginners reveals the triumphs and sacrifices that shape one womans search for a place to call home, and the unexpected art and tradition behind the brewing of a much-used but unsung condiment. The result is a foodie love story that will give listeners a hearty appreciation for family loyalty and fresh starts.

Members Reviews:

Enjoyable -- coming of age for grownups

Where does Soy Sauce for Beginners rank among all the audiobooks youve listened to so far?

Kristin Chen's story is an enjoyable coming-of-age or finding-my-true-self kind of book. It's not earth shattering, but the right amount of personal input from the author to make you believe and care about Gretchen and her family. Chen creates a Gretchen as protagonist in which readers can find a connection. Sometimes that connection was a little too close to home and I wanted reach into the story to whisper to Gretchen: "How can you say/do that! Don't you see..." The supporting cast reinforces the relief between the two worlds (California and Singapore) Gretchen navigates. The ending maybe a little predictable, but I think that is the point of the story: Gretchen finds her way into a choice that makes sense for her and the person she has, and wishes, to become. May we all find that.

What do you think the narrator could have done better?

It was easy to listen to Nancy Wu's narration. This book uses different English voices (Californian American, 'good' Singaporean English, Australian English) as well as Singlish, and Chinese. I can't say how authentic Wu's interpretation of each are, but she did a good job of making them palatable to my American ear. I wish Wu had done a little research for the lyrics excerpted. I get it that a narrator may not be able to sing lyrics, but she could have gotten the phrasing and syllable emphasis correct and mimic a little of the tonal qualities of the songs. It was very distracting that she read them in monotone and with completely different phrasing. All in all I would listen to another narration by Nancy Wu, as long as there were no lyrics or poems.

Wonderful story!

Great story! I would also give the narrator an A+!!! She had the Singapore dialect down perfectly when quoting other characters.

DREADFUL narrator

Would you be willing to try another one of Nancy Wus performances?

No.

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Title: Overheard in a Dream

Subtitle: A Novel

Author: Torey Hayden

Narrator: Jean Alexander

Format: Unabridged

Length: 14 hrs and 26 mins

Language: English

Release date: 12-04-13

Publisher: Audible Studios

Ratings: 4.5 of 5 out of 19 votes

Genres: Fiction, Contemporary

Publisher's Summary:

Bestselling author Torey Hayden's novel is a fascinating study of a fractured family, a troubled child, and a psychiatrist's attempts to rescue them.

Conor, aged nine, arrives in the play therapy room of child psychiatrist James Innes with the diagnosis "autistic". His mother Laura, an aloof, enigmatic novelist, can't handle him. His rancher father, embroiled in divorcing Laura, does not feel there is anything wrong with Conor. His six-year-old sister Morgana insists he really does see ghosts. As James becomes convinced Conor is not autistic, he is drawn first into Conor's strange world of "things the cat knows" and then into Morgana's stories of her friend the "Lion King". James is pulled most deeply, however, into Laura's world; at first that of a lonely, rather difficult woman and then, eventually, into the world of her imagination, an enthralling world that seems almost real - and that hides a terrible secret.

Members Reviews:

Amazing story!

I have been a fan of Torey Hayden books for decades. Her books have been truly influential in my career as a teacher. This last book....the first fiction book that I have read by Ms. Hayden, was very different from the other books I have read by her, to be sure. But I hung on every word, and, just like her past books, I was sad to see it end.

The narrator was very skilled. Put me right into the scenes without distraction.

I hope Ms. Hayden writes more like this, as well as more of her non-fiction books about the children she has taught.

Well done....I must simply say....

WELL DONE!

Strangely obscure

What did you like best about Overheard in a Dream? What did you like least?

It was obscure and almost a fantasy bordering on a Narnia type scenario. I'm quite indifferent.. liked it, didn't like it..

Would you recommend Overheard in a Dream to your friends? Why or why not?

If you are looking for fiction no.. if you think that it's the usual Torey hayden.. no..

Would you listen to another book narrated by Jean Alexander?

yes, her nattation is good. But she does muddle male and female characters at times.

Was Overheard in a Dream worth the listening time?

If you have the time.. yes... but really no..

Any additional comments?

A bland read.. I'm no sure Torey herself knew what to expect while writing it.

An interesting read.

I enjoy this book. it was narrated very well. I found it very interesting but I enjoy her non-fiction books better. I still would recommend this book.

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Title: Jason and Medeia

Author: John Gardner

Narrator: Allan Robertson

Format: Unabridged

Length: 20 hrs and 50 mins

Language: English

Release date: 11-05-13

Publisher: Audible Studios

Ratings: 4 of 5 out of 1 votes

Genres: Fiction, Contemporary

Publisher's Summary:

A mythological masterpiece about dedication and the disintegration of romantic affection. In this magnificent epic poem, John Gardner renders his interpretation of the ancient story of Jason and Medeia. Confined in the palace of King Creon, and longing to return to his rightful kingdom Iolcus, Jason asks his wife, the sorceress Medeia, to use her powers of enchantment to destroy the tyrant King Pelias. Out of love she acquiesces, only to find that upon her return Jason has replaced her with King Creon's beautiful daughter, Glauce. An ancient myth fraught with devotion and betrayal, deception and ambition, Jason and Medeia is one of the greatest classical legends, and Gardner's masterful retelling is yet another achievement for this highly acclaimed author.

Members Reviews:

John Gardner at his best

This is a brilliant re-telling in verse of the myth of Jason and Medea. I found myself caught up with the characters and wishing I could tell Medea not to follow through. A compelling read.

Five Stars

OK, thank you.

Five Stars

a good classic tragic myth

A modern epic to equal those of the past

Who writes epic poetry these days? And even if someone does, how good can it be?

Very good indeed, as a matter of fact! The late John Gardner tackles one of the greatest, most rousing tales of Greek myth, one with some of the darkest undercurrents, and retells it for the modern age. Beginning (of course) in medias res, with Jason & Medeia living in exile under the auspices of Kreon, our contemporary narrator allows us to observe Jason spinning his tale before Kreon's court -- and before Kreon's young daughter Pyripta, surrounded by suitors for her hand & dowry.

Along with the narrator, we know how the tale will end -- in blood & betrayal, just as Jason's passionate involvement with Medeia began. The poem unfolds with vivid color, psychological depth, and philosophical musings on fate & death. Yet it's always a Story before everything else, one that draws the reader in, just as Jason's telling of it draws in & captures Kreon's enthralled court.

The overlay of contemporary images & ideas at times only adds to the power of the poem. Nothing ever seems jarring or out of place -- it's told from a timeless perspective, filled with pity for the plight of Man, tinged with dark humor, recognizing the Gods as avatars of both the forces of existence & our own complex psyches. If Jason & his shipmates contend against an essentially meaningless universe, they do so by striving to create their own meaning. And yet, how blind they can be to their own flaws, how helpless before the flood of unsuspected emotions & hidden drives!

Don't mistake this for just an interesting literary experiment. Gardner knows the masters of the epic inside & out, and he's giving his utmost to match their artistry, striving as mightily as Jason himself. And I'd say that he succeeds. This is wonderful reading by any measure, most highly recommended!

Grand, masterful and ambitious: Far too over-looked.

John Gardner takes one of humanity's most enduring myths and manages to craft a contemporary work that is thoroughly modern without ever losing sight of the story's rich past and he makes what is quite possibly the most complete telling of the story there is from any one source.

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Title: Subtle Bodies

Author: Norman Rush

Narrator: Emily Zeller, Rob Dean

Format: Unabridged

Length: 7 hrs and 4 mins

Language: English

Release date: 10-22-13

Publisher: Audible Studios

Ratings: 3 of 5 out of 19 votes

Genres: Fiction, Contemporary

Publisher's Summary:

In his long-awaited new novel, Norman Rush, author of three immensely praised books set in Africa, including the best-selling classic and National Book Award-winner Mating, returns home, giving us a sophisticated, often comical, romp through the particular joys and tribulations of marriage, and the dilemmas of friendship, as a group of college friends reunites in upstate New York 20-some years after graduation. When Douglas, the ringleader of a clique of self-styled wits of "superior sensibility" dies suddenly, his four remaining friends are summoned to his luxe estate high in the Catskills to memorialize his life and mourn his passing.

Responding to an obscure sense of emergency in the call, Ned, our hero, flies in from San Francisco (where he is the main organizer of a march against the impending Iraq war), pursued instantly by his furious wife, Nina: theyre at a critical point in their attempt to get Nina pregnant, and shes ovulating! It is Nina who gives us a pointed, irreverent commentary as the friends begin to catch up with one another. She is not above poking fun at some of their past exploits and the things they held dear, and shes particularly hard on the departed Douglas, who she thinks undervalued her Ned. Ned is trying manfully to discern what it was that made this clutch of souls his friends to begin with, before time, sex, work, and the brutal quirks of history shaped them into who they are now - and, simultaneously, to guess at what will come next.

Members Reviews:

A glorification of unlikable characters

All in all, this book detailed the minutia of a weekend in which a group of four relatively unlikable men (for reasons still unclear to me upon completion, were best friends in college) gather together for the first time in years to memorialize the (extremely unlikable) leader of their unlikable group.

Why so unlikable? Each character was painted as a weak-willed man... horrible to women, children, friends... save the narrator who was, albeit a proselytizer, good to people... though endlessly whipped by his friends, wife, and the dead man's ex-girlfriend (a recurrent character throughout whose presence I was eagerly anticipating but *spoiler alert* was never introduced). The character who was being memorialized was an intellectual bully of sorts, and Mr. Rush came across as an intellectual bully, himself, by casually alluding to obscure literature in order to prove points, go on chapter-long rants regarding "his characters'" views on personally irrelevant topics such as the political climate of 2003, 1970s cinema, etc., which just left me bored.

The one highlight is the co-narrator, the primary narrator's wife, who is expertly read by Emily Zeller. This character is obviously the brains behind the "brains" and as neurotic as they come, but a refreshing breath of fresh air from the suffocating unlikable-ness of the other characters.

In the end, I completed this book feeling unresolved, unnourished, and unimpressed.

revenge of the uncool

OK. the protagonists were never the cool kids. but they shape the world successfully. true but not a topic that lifts me from my own profane existence.

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Title: The Forever of Ella and Micha

Subtitle: The Secret, Book 2

Author: Jessica Sorensen

Narrator: Megan Hayes

Format: Unabridged

Length: 8 hrs and 26 mins

Language: English

Release date: 10-15-13

Publisher: Hachette Audio

Ratings: 4.5 of 5 out of 45 votes

Genres: Fiction, Contemporary

Publisher's Summary:

From the New York Times best-selling author of The Secret of Ella and Micha comes a new story of hope, heartbreak, and the power of young love.

Ella is back at school, trying to focus on her future and forget the darkness of her past. Still, her ongoing family drama is making it harder and harder to get through the days. All she really wants is Micha, but no way will she let her problems get in the way of his dreams.

Micha is busy touring the country with his band, seemingly getting everything he's ever wanted. But deep down he knows something is missing. Being away from Ella is harder than he expected. And while he longs to have her with him, he won't ask her to leave college just to be at his side.

When Ella and Micha are together, anything seems possible...but lately those shared moments aren't so easy to find. When a new tragedy shakes their already fragile world, one of them will make a dramatic choice that could break them apart forever....

Members Reviews:

You and I, good or bad, belong together.....

This book continues right wereThe Secret of Ella and Michaleaves off. Micha goes on tour with his band and Ella back at school in Las Vegas with Lila. They are struggling with being apart from each other. The separation begins to create insecurities, fear, and anxiety for their future happiness. These two have come a long way since the events in the first book, but unfortunately for Ella, she still has deep issues and isnt sure she worthy enough for Micha. Ella starts seeing a therapist and wants to work out her problems. She's dealing with issues that stem from her mothers suicide, her alcoholic father and distant older brother who happens to be getting married. Micha is always there for Ella, through it all, he's always been her steady rock. Unfortunately, in this story there's a whole lot of Ella pushing Micha away which is so frustrating! I do understand why Ella felt the way she did but I also firmly believe when you got something good don't ruin it. I get that both Ella and Micha have a lot of baggage, but some of their arguments were tedious and began to really irritate me. I realize sometimes people tend to hurt the ones they love the most. So, Ella tries her best to Micha at arm's length, but Micha refused while trying to prove that he can help her heal. Meanwhile, some situations & outside influences cause unneeded tension within Ella and Michas relationship such as jealously, mostly from Alpha Caveman Micha due to some male attention Ella receives at college. On top of the fact that they both have different lifestyles that could develop more walls between them. However Micha doesn't plan to ever give up on Ella, because Ella is Micha's forever. Ella and Micha have been best friends since they were kids, they know each other inside and out, and they make each other whole.Micha was determined to prove to Ella that its better for them to be together than apart. Overall, I was envious of the strong connection between this couple. There was many ups & downs but they pulled through it. I found Micha to be respectful and show a lot of patience. He was swoon worthy pure perfection. OTW....the SMEXY scenes in this book are much HOTTER than the first!!! I'm looking forward to the next installment!

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Title: The People on Privilege Hill

Author: Jane Gardam

Narrator: Jane Gardam

Format: Unabridged

Length: 5 hrs and 4 mins

Language: English

Release date: 09-26-13

Publisher: Audible Studios

Ratings: 4.5 of 5 out of 10 votes

Genres: Fiction, Contemporary

Publisher's Summary:

It is a wet day in Dorset, and walking to a luncheon party is Sir Edward Feathers QC, followed by two elderly friends: his scruffy neighbour and sparring partner, Veneering, and Fiscal-Smith, the meanest lawyer ever to make a fortune at the Bar. Fans of Jane Gardam's bestselling novel, Old Filth, will be delighted to encounter Filth, now almost ninety, making his immaculate way to Privilege Hill.

This collection of short stories range from a Victorian mansion, converted into a home for unmarried mothers, to a wartime hospital which is the scene for a job interview in the middle of the Blitz; and from ghost stories to a one-night stand (and its ironic punishment) to the tangle of emotions felt by her mother for her daughter. This collection is a masterclass in the art of the short story.

Members Reviews:

... the Old Filth trilogy by Jane Gardam will be delighted to discover that the first short story in "The ...

Readers who were saddened to reach the end of the Old Filth trilogy by Jane Gardam will be delighted to discover that the first short story in "The People on Privilege Hill" features Veneering, Edward Feathers, Fiscal-Smith, and Dulcie at a Dorsetshire gathering âsome yearsâ after the death of Betty Feathers. Coming upon this story provides a rejuvenating Donhead St. Ague âfixâ even to those who had been unaware of needing such a boost. The remaining stories within this collection are extremely varied, but all have unique characters and unexpected endings. It seems likely that many of these stories may prove to be as unforgettable as the Old Filth novels.

Wonderful short stories by Jane Gardam,

I have loved the Old Filth trilogy and find her short stories in this collection up to the novels I have read. There is something about the way she writes and views the world that is very appealing-- always seems to be a twist that shows that things are a bit different than what seemed to be at the beginning.

... act to follow but these stories are quirky and fun to read

The Old Filth trilogy is a tough act to follow but these stories are quirky and fun to read.

The best!

Jane Gardam is brilliant writer and these stories only enhance her reputation. I am only sorry that I wasn't introduced to her earlier.

Loved it!

I just love the author's voice. It is somehow soothing, reassuring and paints a picture of another place and time. Sweet, soulful stories of familiar characters.

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Title: The Queen of the Tambourine

Author: Jane Gardam

Narrator: Hollis McCarthy

Format: Unabridged

Length: 9 hrs and 25 mins

Language: English

Release date: 06-25-13

Publisher: Audible Studios

Ratings: 3.5 of 5 out of 21 votes

Genres: Fiction, Contemporary

Publisher's Summary:

In prose vibrant and witty, The Queen of the Tambourine traces the emotional breakdown - and eventual restoration - of Eliza Peabody, a smart and wildly imaginative woman who has become unbearably isolated in her prosperous London neighborhood. Eliza must reach the depths of her downward spiral before she can once again find health and serenity. This story of a woman's confrontation with the realities of sanity will delight listeners who enjoy the works of Anita Brookner, Sybille Bedford, Muriel Spark, and Sylvia Plath. Winner of the Whitbread Prize for Best Novel of the Year.

Critic Reviews:

"Funny and moving." (The New York Times)

Members Reviews:

The story kept dragging me down into depression

What disappointed you about The Queen of the Tambourine?

After an hour, I finally stopped listening. I didn't know the story was going to be a first person monologue with a narrator who sounded depressed. However, a depressed narrator does fit the content of the monologue, even though she expressed some hope at times, so perhaps the narrator intentional came across that way. In that case, she was talented and effective.

What do you think your next listen will be?

I'm going to listen to a cozy mystery from the Mrs. Jeffries series and the Molly Murphy series.

Who would you have cast as narrator instead of Hollis McCarthy?

The narrator was fine.

Any additional comments?

In all fairness, I did not listen long enough to see if there was an a ha! moment or a clever twist. I kept waiting for something to happen or a change in the narrator or tone. The whole performance was just too gloomy for me, but may be perfect for someone else. I don't normally like the best sellers that most people do. I like lighthearted cozy mysteries like Hamish MacBeth, Her Royal Spyness, The Poor Relation, and Agatha Raisin.

Rather Disappointing

Sorry to say that, in the end, I'm rather disappointed with this one. Gardam uses an epistolary framework--although it's hard to remember that midway, when the letters become so lengthy and self-absorbed that the reader forgets there is a supposed recipient. The writer/narrator, Eliza Peabody, is a middle-aged know-it-all who initially feels compelled to proffer her superior wisdom--gained a s a hospice volunteer--to her neighbor, Joan, who apparently suffers from debilitating pain in one leg. Eliza has decided that Joan's pain is psychosomatic and advises her to just get over it, offering her own help as an amateur psychotherapist. Surprisingly, after a few more letters, it is discovered that Joan has run off, leaving her leg brace in the marital bed. Although Joan never replies to Eliza's letters, we learn that she has embarked on a new life, travelling to exotic locations and having affairs with much younger foreign men. Periodically, gifts from Joan arrive--but never a letter. In the meantime, Eliza's own life takes a turn for the worst as her husband moves out to take a flat with Joan's abandoned husband. The letters continue, with Eliza portraying herself, narcissistically, as the abandoned spouse, now abandoned as well by any borderline friends she might have had, and making herself out to be the heroine of everyone's lives, from Joan's university-student daughter to Barry, a young man dying of AIDS in the hospice.

Initially, I was intrigued by Eliza's voice, which Gardam conveyed with much humor.