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Title: Foul Play

Subtitle: A Sofie Metropolis Novel

Author: Tori Carrington

Narrator: Rebecca Rogers

Format: Unabridged

Length: 8 hrs and 7 mins

Language: English

Release date: 10-11-07

Publisher: Blackstone Audio, Inc.

Ratings: 3.5 of 5 out of 90 votes

Genres: Mysteries & Thrillers, Modern Detective

Publisher's Summary:

After shooting one of her own clients and accidentally getting involved with the mob, Sofie Metropolis is finally starting to get the hang of the PI business. She's just landed her first high-profile case. A local Astoria girl has made good by marrying an up-and-coming South American pitcher who has just been signed by the New York Mets. Reni Venezuela's good looks and charm, not to mention his fastball and his slider, are bringing hordes of fans to Shea Stadium. But despite his stellar record, Reni's wife insists something's wrong with her husband. Can Sofie find out what?

Meanwhile, romance and all its complications are heating up for Sofie. But while the Mets steamroll toward the pennant race, Sofie must tail Reni and hope that whatever she discovers (steroids or an affair?) won't cost her beloved Mets the Series.

Critic Reviews:

"If you love My Big Fat Greek Wedding and Stephanie Plum, this is definitely the series for you!" (Christine Feehan)

"Smart, sassy Sofie knocks the ball out of Shea Stadium in this colorful concoction." (Publishers Weekly)

"The flair and cultural humor this dynamic writing duo brings to their Sofie books is energizing and giggle-producing. Snappy dialogue and offbeat characters ensure a great time!" (Romantic Times BookReviews)

Members Reviews:

fine for passing the time

Books from this series are all reasonably entertaining as long as you don't pay too much attention. My complaints first: The format is so similar to the Stephanie Plum books that it can elicit eye rolls. The narrator on this one is different from the other books. The narration is mostly very good... but, she only does three voices: Sophie, Rosie and then everyone else is Greek, even if they are Hispanic or Jewish.

That being said, all of the books are fast paced and amusing and this is the best of the lot.

No Anna Fields, but still a good story

Fans of the Sofie Metropolis audiobooks are saddened at the passing of Narrator Anna Fields and we miss her way of bringing Greek America to the rest of us. Ms Rogers does a capable job of of continuing the story, but I would find myself missing the way Anna spoke certain words or voices. Aside from the narrator issue, I enjoyed the story and hope that the author will continue with the new storyline direction introduced at the end of the book.

VERY DISAPPOINTING

I cannot seem to be able to get past a few moments of this book. The new narrator reads like she is going to a fire and cannot seem to do multiple voices. Why they changed from Anna Fields is lost on me. It was certainly a waste of my credits to buy this book. Very disappointed.

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Title: When Shadows Fall

Author: Patricia Rushford

Narrator: Christine McMurdo-Wallis

Format: Unabridged

Length: 8 hrs and 32 mins

Language: English

Release date: 07-23-07

Publisher: Recorded Books

Ratings: 3.5 of 5 out of 10 votes

Genres: Mysteries & Thrillers, Modern Detective

Publisher's Summary:

Losing herself in work, Helen focuses her attention on her latest case: investigating the murder of the town mayor. As the ex-policewoman scrambles to resolve the crime, she also worries about what has happened to her husband. Can she maintain enough spiritual strength to solve both dilemmas?

Members Reviews:

I loved it - See what you think.

I listen to books in my car on the way to and from work and on trips. Therefore, audio books must have plenty of action and a good plot to keep my somewhat divided attention. This book has a little action but the plot (mystery) is what gets you. Who in the heck did it and why? And just when you think you know who did itwell that would be telling. This is definitely a book that will keep your interest in the car or at home by the fire. It was a delight for me. See what you think.

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Title: Skin Privilege

Subtitle: Grant Country, Book 6

Author: Karin Slaughter

Narrator: Joyce Bean

Format: Abridged

Length: 5 hrs and 45 mins

Language: English

Release date: 07-05-07

Publisher: Random House AudioBooks

Ratings: 3 of 5 out of 9 votes

Genres: Mysteries & Thrillers, Modern Detective

Publisher's Summary:

When Heartsdale Police Chief Jeffrey Tolliver, Lena's boss, receives word that his detective has been arrested, he has no choice but to go to Lena's aid, taking with him his wife, Medical Examiner Sara Linton. But soon after their arrival, a second victim is found. The town closes ranks. And both Jeffrey and Sara find themselves entangled in a horrifying underground world of bigotry and rage - a violent world which shocks even them, a world that puts their own lives in jeopardy.

Only Jeffrey and Sara can free Lena from the web of lies, betrayal, and brutality that has trapped her. But can they discover the truth before the killer strikes again?

Members Reviews:

Don't bother!

What would have made Skin Privilege better?

To have listened to the complete story. The abridged version was a complete waste of time. (I downloaded this version in error!)

Has Skin Privilege put you off other books in this genre?

Only abridged books

How could the performance have been better?

As abive

Random music

Great story, great reading.

1 star review due to random accordion playing throughout the recording. At the worst moments. Including the ending.

Not quite sure what happened here.....

I love the Grant County series of books by Karin Slaughter, it's a good job really because if I didn't I'd have turned this performance off very quickly. The reader was good, she read clearly but large sections of the book were missed out, full pages just skipped, which made the story sound disjointed and awkward. There are also bizarre pieces of music played randomly over the words, they do t add anything to the story so I can't think why anyone decided it would be a good idea. what a shame, for the reader and the writer!

Good story as usual but reader not good and some left out

Not as enjoyable as other performances. The story was good but narrated badly especially the male impersonations. Also the words clipped out a few times

Awful abridged version- avoid

This is the worst abridged audio cd I've ever listened to. It has random harmonica music playing over parts of the story, chunks repeated, stuttering disjointed sentences. I cannot believe this has passed any publishing standard. Whoever edited this was totally incompetent. It's impossible to follow the story line; it jumps from one conversation/setting to something different. I shall be returning it. I hadn't realised it was an abridged version until I started listening and it became obvious parts were cut out mid sentence- very poor quality.

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Title: God's Spy

Author: Juan Gomez-Jurado

Narrator: Kate Reading

Format: Unabridged

Length: 10 hrs and 34 mins

Language: English

Release date: 03-29-07

Publisher: Penguin Audio

Ratings: 3.5 of 5 out of 65 votes

Genres: Mysteries & Thrillers, Modern Detective

Publisher's Summary:

Desperate to find the killer before another victim dies, Paola's investigation is soon joined by Father Anthony Fowler, an American priest and former Army intelligence officer examining sexual abuse in the Church, who knows far more about the killer than Paola could possibly imagine.

As Paola and Father Anthony struggle through a maze of tantalizing clues, they begin to question whether someone in the Vatican is aiding their cause or abetting a murderer. And when evidence leads them to powerful figures within the Church hierarchy, their own pursuit of the truth may make them the next pawns to be sacrificed in a terrifying and deadly game.

A dazzling, impossible-to-put-down thriller, Juan Gómez-Jurado's God's Spy marks the arrival of a major new talent to the contemporary suspense fiction scene.

Critic Reviews:

"Intriguing." (Publishers Weekly)

"[A] first-rate thriller." (Booklist)

Members Reviews:

Juvenile gore

The story is pedestrian, predictable and somewhat boring. I gave up after an hour of ceaseless bantering between the pios CSIs that dominate the story. Anyway, they tell you who the bad guy is 30 min. into the story. Boring.

not too credible

The story became increasingly more unbelievable till I ceased to care for the characters because I found them so unreal. Found the CIA/priest character almost silly because he seemed so unbelievable (and not very interesting). Lots of stereotyping, as well.

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Title: The Interrogation

Author: Thomas H. Cook

Narrator: George Guidall

Format: Unabridged

Length: 7 hrs and 54 mins

Language: English

Release date: 01-30-07

Publisher: Recorded Books

Ratings: 3.5 of 5 out of 22 votes

Genres: Mysteries & Thrillers, Modern Detective

Publisher's Summary:

One day in 1952, the strangled body of 10-year-old Cathy Lake is discovered in a public park. A homeless suspect, Albert Jay Smalls, is arrested and held for interrogation. Officers Norman Cohen and Jack Pierce have only 24 hours to make the sullen young man talk before he's released. How far are they willing to push him to get a confession?

As the two policemen gather the many contradictory pieces of evidence, the boundaries between hunter and prey, guilty and innocent, begin to blur.

Thomas H. Cook is a master of the surprise ending, and The Interrogation is sure to leave every listener stunned. Audie Award-winning narrator George Guidall's performance captures the dramatic urgency of this deeply disturbing tale.

Critic Reviews:

"Employing flashbacks and parallel action while in the interrogation frame, Cook adroitly weaves back and forth between the crime itself, the subsequent investigation and the halting questioning of the suspect." (Publishers Weekly)

Members Reviews:

A classic.

Excellent story. Excellent narration (maybe the best I have heard). Thomas Cook creates characters as vivid and exciting as Hemingway. George Guidall then brings them to life. I did not think one man could voice act so many characters at once!

Never gets off the ground

What disappointed you about The Interrogation?

The plot and characters shift around leaving the reader wondering what's going on. I just couldn't get into the story.

What didnt you like about George Guidalls performance?

It starts out fine with a low key performance adequate to noir. But after a while it's just plain dull.

Any additional comments?

I don't think I'll look for another Thomas Cook novel.

Interrogation

If you could sum up The Interrogation in three words, what would they be?

Through The Night

Who was your favorite character and why?

The victim, because nobody believed him.

Have you listened to any of George Guidalls other performances before? How does this one compare?

No

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

No, just frustrating at times.

Any additional comments?

Good book, narrator was excellent, just wish the characters were made a little more clearer.

LOVED THE ENDING!!!!!

Satisfying, but difficult to follow

Begins @ WWII, then seems to transform to modern times, unable to determine if subsequent action takes place in past or present.

Questionable

Writer tried to make this idea work, but he took too long. He seemed to know little about child murderers. Plot device -- story emerges as cops interrogate suspect -- dated back to the days of the Saturday Evening Post. Gotta be real patient and real naive to dig this thing.

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Title: The Night Gardener

Author: George Pelecanos

Narrator: George Pelecanos

Format: Abridged

Length: 5 hrs and 40 mins

Language: English

Release date: 08-03-06

Publisher: Hachette Audio

Ratings: 3.5 of 5 out of 45 votes

Genres: Mysteries & Thrillers, Modern Detective

Publisher's Summary:

The murder unearths intense memories of a case Ramone worked as a patrol cop 20 years earlier, when he and his partner, Dan "Doc" Holiday, assisted a legendary detective named T.C. Cook. The series of murders, all involving local teenage victims, was never solved. In the years since, Holiday has left the force under a cloud of morals charges, and now finds work as a bodyguard and driver. Cook has retired, but he has never stopped agonizing about the "Night Gardener" killings.

The new case draws the three men together on a grim mission to finish the work that has haunted them for years. All the love, regret, and anger that once burned between them comes rushing back, and old ghosts walk once more as the men try to lay to rest the monster who has stalked their dreams.

Critic Reviews:

"George Pelecanos takes the urban crime novel as far as it can go....Pelecanos does some astonishing character work." (The New York Times Book Review) "Pelecanos delivers a dignified, character-driven epic." (Publishers Weekly) "One thinks of Michael Connelly, John Harvey, and Ian Rankin, other writers able to look inside their cop heroes with remarkable sensitivity, but Pelecanos' scalpel may cut more precisely than any of them." (Booklist)

Members Reviews:

Worth the purchase

Usually I do not write reviews but for this audio book I will make an exception.

You will enjoy this book because it is one of those "keeps you on the edge of your seat."

It is a story that could have happened (good thing it did not) in real life.

The author who reads his own book is very good.

Keenly disappointing

The New York Times to the contrary nothwithstanding, this is a boring book. I cared nothing about any of the characters, the plot dragged, and the book failed my litmus test: I was happy to have it over. For a murder mystery, when the reader doesn't care who dunnit, you've got a problem. In fact, this was one of the few audio books that I seriously considered unplugging well before the end. I stayed with it, but I get no prizes for determination. It was a mistake.

I read and listen to a lot of books, and do not expect to experience only winners. But what astonished me was Mr. Pelicanos' decision to be the reader. He is absolutely monotonal, and while the book's lack of action is a material fault, the flat delivery only exacerbates the problem. Mr. Pelicanos sounds like he is depressed. Really. And that's contagious. There are a number of wonderful readers out there and it difficult to understand why the publishers chose an unqualified amateur. Did the author insist? Were they trying to save a few bucks by not hiring a pro?

Pity the poor listener.

George Pelicanos can sure right.

I live in the northern Washington DC metropolitan area and I really really enjoyed the descriptions and locations in this book. The characters are described as real people with faults this is the kind of story that has a feel of real people.

Slow

Slow going, never finished this book. The narrator seemed monotone. Didn't hold my attention well at all. Will try again, might actually need to buy the book so that I can hear it in my head and not in the voice of the narrator.

Excellent Pelecanos book withstands being abridged

Would you listen to The Night Gardener again? Why?

Yes.

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Title: Dirty Laundry

Subtitle: A Sofie Metropolis Novel

Author: Tori Carrington

Narrator: Anna Fields

Format: Unabridged

Length: 7 hrs and 32 mins

Language: English

Release date: 08-02-06

Publisher: Blackstone Audio, Inc.

Ratings: 4 of 5 out of 89 votes

Genres: Mysteries & Thrillers, Modern Detective

Publisher's Summary:

Sofie Metropolis is the newest PI on the mean streets of Astoria, Queens. She's known for her trademark frappes and her itchy trigger finger.

Uncle Tolly was acting odd right before he disappeared. The proof? The brand-new Mercedes Tolly just bought. And the business' books, which show that Uncle Tolly was laundering more than just clothes. Which is where the mob comes in, in the darkly handsome figure of Tony DiPiazza.

Tony's very taken with Sofie. Too bad she won't back off the money-laundering and kidnapping (or is it murder?) investigation. Too bad she's too busy to notice the men in her life because she's being attacked by a malevolent dry-cleaning bag, bailing Aglaia out of jail, and spying on her own father. Sofie's quest for the truth gets her into hot water - and a pair of cement overshoes. It's not her best look.

Critic Reviews:

"Reminiscent of Stephanie Plum, Sofie is a wonderful character whose exploits are amusing, offbeat, and a little dangerous. [A] sassy, sexy new series." (Romantic Times Book Club Magazine)

"Carrington depicts Sofie's world with the nutty sweetness of baklava. With the focus on fun rather than blood, this chick-lite mystery further develops Sophie's relationship with Jake Porter, the handy but possibly dangerous Aussie bounty hunter, who adds just the right amount of delectable sexual tension to this crime confection." (Publishers Weekly)

Members Reviews:

If you want to know Greek Food

Is there anything you would change about this book?

yes, less Greek history ie food etc and more story

Would you ever listen to anything by Tori Carrington again?

No, as the editing was poor. Should have had much more of hero Jake and much less on Greek food! What a waste of Jake's character!! Could have added so much to the story.

Which character as performed by Anna Fields was your favorite?

I only purchased this book as the late Ms Fields read it.Even she can not make up for poor editing.

Was Dirty Laundry worth the listening time?

Only due to ms Fields reading, but not for content

Any additional comments?

Not worth the time

Brainless Fun

If you've read/listened to a Janet Evanovich book staring Stephanie Plum, this book will only give you flashbacks to one of those, but not as well done. I don't know enough about this series to knew if there is an end, but if there is, then this series might have a one up on the Evanovich books.

This book was fun, but as I've read most of the Janet Evanovich books, many things in this book felt very much like a Stephanie Plum novel. The novel takes place in New York City, revolves around a Greek family and there is only one love interest in Sophie's life, which are a few of the things the differ from an Evanovich book. There were enough differences the for me to still make this book a light and fun listen.

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Title: Promise Me

Subtitle: Myron Bolitar, Book 8

Author: Harlan Coben

Narrator: Tim Machin

Format: Abridged

Length: 6 hrs and 35 mins

Language: English

Release date: 06-15-06

Publisher: Orion Publishing Group Limited

Ratings: 4 of 5 out of 8 votes

Genres: Mysteries & Thrillers, Modern Detective

Publisher's Summary:

However, his most recent backlist titles have also been republished in this period and each one of those has entered the charts in their own right. As a result the call has been getting louder and louder for the return of Harlan's series character, Myron Bolitar. So we are pleased to announce, that the new novel will star Harlan's favourite alter-ego.

Critic Reviews:

"Gripping, violent, and original." (Literary Review)

Members Reviews:

A fast paced mystery with humour

Would you listen to Promise Me again? Why?

Probably as I found the production together with the story to be entertaining and I enjoy the humour

What was one of the most memorable moments of Promise Me?

No particular moment has stood out

Which scene was your favorite?

None

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

Yes

Any additional comments?

An enjoyable romp through a mystery

Love the Audiobook, Dislike the Audible

The recording is out of order and completely ruined the audiobook. It should not be difficult to get a book in order!

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Title: 18 Seconds

Author: George Shuman

Narrator: Lindsay Crouse

Format: Abridged

Length: 5 hrs and 45 mins

Language: English

Release date: 03-28-06

Publisher: Simon & Schuster Audio

Ratings: 4 of 5 out of 55 votes

Genres: Mysteries & Thrillers, Modern Detective

Publisher's Summary:

Serial killer Earl Sykes was never caught for his vicious murders. Instead, a deadly traffic accident landed him in prison. Now almost 30 years later, he returns to the seaside town of Wildwood, New Jersey, and to abducting young female victims for his gruesome games.

Wildwood police lieutenant Kelly O'Shaughnessy is stymied over the disappearance of young women. When an old man's untimely death leads Sherry Moore to Wildwood, O'Shaughnessy's desperation forces her to accept Sherry's help, but not without consequence. As the two women join forces to discover the killer's identity, they unwittingly become the hunted, marching deeper with every step into the monster's lair.

A law enforcement veteran himself, George Shuman packs a realistic style and authentic investigative detail into this taunt tale filled with pulse pounding tension that will send listeners right to the edge.

Critic Reviews:

"Excellent!" (Stephen King)

"The vividly drawn central figures and authoritative voice keep the reader grimly committed." (Publishers Weekly)

Members Reviews:

I Agree with Steven King

I regularly read/listen to titles recommended by Steven King on his website. He gave this one an Excellant. Yes, the book is obviously an introduction to other tales yet to come. And I will read the series.

The narrator in this reading did a very good job. Listen for yourself.

Entertaining and full of Suspense

I enjoyed this book. The author did a great job of weaving the characters together - in fact, you need to pay attention as you'll be suprised. Highly recommend.

Compelling

Intelligent yet simplistic story. Very original. Loved it. Would recommend it to anybody with half a brain. Loved the ending. If you like your stories "tight," don't bother. If you can read between the lines and love to use your imagination, go for it. Not anything like my favorite writers: Baldacci, Kellerman, Connely, Parker -- but very refreshing! Ms. Crouse started weak, but pretty soon I was loving her. She's something of an acquired taste -- just as she is in the movies. This writer will go far.

starter course

I became courious about this book upon reading a glowing review in the Washington Post. I came away from my listen with a couple of impressions - first, that this was probably an elaborate introduction to characters that I was expected to get to know better over the course of many many sequels (B is for Blind, C is for Copy cat, D is for Divorse...... It also seemed as if I was listening to vignettes carefully culled from a portfolios of writing assignment -- the women on her first date, the wild child (do me Bily) who knows she'll settle down eventually, the abused wife making a run for it...... These story poems are vivid and enjoyable but ultimatly feel appended to the story rather than integral to it. On the positive side -- the images are relatively compact and it's possible to be diverted temporarily without losing momentum. I was reminded of some of the riffs in a Travis McGee book. The author doesn't yet have the confidence to dole these out more sparingly. Ultimately, the reviewer did the author a dis=service in setting my expectations too high -- then again I'm looking forward to Mr Shuman's

next book.

boring from the start

had potential from the starting few chapters but did not develop at all.

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Title: Odds Against

Author: Dick Francis

Narrator: Tony Britton

Format: Unabridged

Length: 8 hrs and 55 mins

Language: English

Release date: 11-22-05

Publisher: Bolinda Publishing Pty Ltd.

Ratings: 4.5 of 5 out of 245 votes

Genres: Mysteries & Thrillers, Modern Detective

Publisher's Summary:

Amazing what bodily injury could do for a man.

A fall from a racehorse had left brilliant jockey Sid Halley dangerously depressed, with a wrecked hand and the need for a new career. And now a bullet wound was helping him find one. He'd been with a detective agency since his racing accident, but it wasn't until some two-bit hoodlum drilled a slug into his side that he was sent out on a case of his own.

That was where he met Zanna Martin, a woman who just might make life worth living again. But it was an even-money bet that he'd be killed before he had the chance.

Members Reviews:

Dick Francis

I am a Dick Francis fan because his plots have the balance of mystery, suspense and comfortable characters and at a nice pace. This is a typically good story. My one complaint would be that the reader sounded so much older than the characters.

Read this one First

If you like one Dick Francis mystery, you will probably like them all (if you get a good reader - which is usually the case fortunately). He wrote four mysteries featuring ex-jockey Sid Halley: Odds Against (1965); Whip Hand (1979); Come to Grief (1995); and Under Orders (2006). Even though the books span 40 years, the elapsed time within/between all the stories is about 3 or 4 years. Technology advances with the times from book to book and we aren't supposed to notice that as readers. After all, it's really the mysteries and Francis' quality writing that we're here for, isn't it?

excellent read

My husband and I thoughly enjoyed this audio book. The narrator always plays an important role and this book like all of Dick Francis's books was truly engrossing. Carmen Miller

A great read (listen.)

I hadn't yet met the central character in this story, a former jocky with a maimed hand, and I found him very sympathetic. His courage, lack of self-pity and sensitivity to the feelings of others similarly afflicted gives him an engaging depth. I took further satisfaction Francis's choice of villians: men who destroy beauty to make money on building ugly houses. He shows them as the villians I feel them to be. The narrator does a wonderful job.

Deceptively effortless grace

The genius of Dick Francis lay in his ability to deal with chilling, even grotesque violence and the most visceral of emotions with the kind of sure handed restraint that a great jockey uses to bring a hurtling thoroughbred safely and even stylishly through a madly jostling pack to the finished line and the winner's circle. He created heart stopping action sequences, psychological horror scenes and suspense which is sustained far past what should be the breaking point and did it all in an understated tone which would not be out of place at high tea. The result is an exquisite tension. He also had a habit of constructing action sequences which feature intelligent improvisation from his hero rather than brute force or unerring marksmanship.

Sid Halley is one of the few leading characters who recur in Francis's books, and it is easy to see why he returned to him several times. This outing introduces the injured steeple chase jockey turned investigator, and half way through listening I had already resolved to read all the other books in which he appears. His working class roots, athlete's resilient tenacity and chess player's mind are a fascinating combination.