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Title: Irrefutable

Subtitle: A Crime Thriller

Author: Dale Roberts

Narrator: Jean Hetherington

Format: Unabridged

Length: 5 hrs and 53 mins

Language: English

Release date: 01-31-13

Publisher: Dale Roberts

Ratings: 4 of 5 out of 10 votes

Genres: Mysteries & Thrillers, Modern Detective

Publisher's Summary:

The investigation into a series of rapes becomes a nightmare for Detective Alex Mendez when DNA from one of the victims is matched to him.

Life as detective Alex Mendez knew it came to an abrupt end two years ago with the murder of his wife. Now he is raising his teenage daughter alone. The demands of his job and the fact that his wife's case remains unsolved have been a strain on them both, but now a new case threatens not only what's left of their fragile relationship, but their very lives.

When three local women are brutally raped, the case consumes Alex. But, when DNA evidence found on the first two victims leads Alex to his suspect, it looks like an open-and-shut case, until DNA from the third victim is matched to Alex. Now, to clear his name he must face the demons from his past and reveal a long-kept secret that could disprove the evidence against him, but doing so would not only devastate his daughter, it could destroy them both.

Members Reviews:

Much to like, much to dislike

IRREFUTABLE was my first exposure to Dale Roberts's writing. I'm a fan of thrillers and police procedural novels and the book description intrigued me. I found much to like about the storytelling and much to dislike as well, so the book rates a solid 3 stars in my opinion.

NEGATIVES:

* Some significant story elements disappeared...and would've been a powerful player. Without giving too much away, what about the firefighter's case? Will he see justice? Also...it's implied wife's death may have had something to do with *this* case...but it's never evaluated nor properly addressed.

* Very shallow point of view: We're in Alex's head and know he had what he calls 'an affair' after his wife's death...but when it's revealed *who* the 'affair' was with, it's a rip off. The reader should've known at least a hint more far earlier than that bomb was dropped.

* Chronic use of weak verbs, abundant misuse of grammar (dialogue excluded), etc.

POSITIVES:

* The ending had some serious tension as everything unfolded

* Apparently the police procedural elements and DNA testing elements are accurate--the author did his research

* I enjoyed it enough to finish it.

Sensuality level: PG-13

Language: PG-13

Intriguing story, kept in up all night

I really could not put this one down. The thing is, I knew how it would end from very early on, rather I knew who the evil crazy one was. The clues are all there, but I kept on reading not to find out who the evil one was but to see how the father-daughter relationship developed and healed, how the very damaged man, who lost his wife two years earlier but still wore his wedding ring, healed.

SPOILER ALERT: I did not really believe the detective, who was so gun shy of relationships would ever hook up with the nurse. He didn't even like her as a person, so why would he? For this reason I gave it only 4 stars.

Other than a couple unbelievable scenarios, due to the characters as presented to us (such as, this character would not do THIS), I did truly like it and will read other books by this author.

Slow start but a good finish.

This one took me a while to get into. I actually put it down and left it for a couple of months and then picked it back up and finished it. It is a little rough to start, but I urge you to stick with it, it does pick up and has a nice twist for a story line.

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Title: Three Blind Mice

Subtitle: Matthew Hope, Book 9

Author: Ed McBain

Narrator: Luke Daniels

Format: Unabridged

Length: 8 hrs and 2 mins

Language: English

Release date: 01-04-13

Publisher: Brilliance Audio

Ratings: 4.5 of 5 out of 12 votes

Genres: Mysteries & Thrillers, Modern Detective

Publisher's Summary:

When three immigrants are found dead in a grisly tableau, a Florida attorney defends the man who insists hes innocentthough hes thrilled to see the trio slaughtered.

Critic Reviews:

"Matthew Hope, the suave Florida lawyer, is back in the latest of McBains series of cynically titled nursery-rhyme and fairy-tale themed novels McBain is an undisputed master of the genre - slick, wry, and satisfying." (Booklist)

"Its hard to think of anyone better at what he does. In fact, its impossible. (Robert B. Parker)

Members Reviews:

Interesting

Pretty good...a little repetitive but I enjoyed it. I would recommend it...I think I'll look into the rest of the books in the series

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Title: Midnight Caller

Author: Leslie Tentler

Narrator: Marguerite Gavin

Format: Unabridged

Length: 11 hrs and 30 mins

Language: English

Release date: 01-01-13

Publisher: Blackstone Audio, Inc.

Ratings: 4 of 5 out of 80 votes

Genres: Mysteries & Thrillers, Modern Detective

Publisher's Summary:

"I dont plan to kill youunless, of course, you force me to."

Late-night radio show psychologist Rain Sommers is used to the crazies calling in to rage from the back alleys of the French Quarter and the shadows of the bayou. But one callers chilling obsession with her and her long-ago murdered mother - an iconic singer beloved among the citys goth community - has even the jaded Rain running scared as a sadistic serial killer known as the Vampire prowls New Orleans.

FBI agent Trevor Rivette is convinced her midnight caller and the killer are one and the same. As it becomes disturbingly clear that the Vampire has a sick bloodlust only Rain can satisfy, she allows Trevor to get closer and closer. He soon discovers, however, that his secretive past and troubled present are intertwined - and that he may die trying to keep Rains fate out of a madman's control.

Leslie Tentler worked in public relations as a writer and editor for nearly two decades. Her first manuscript won the prestigious Maggie Award of Excellence.

Critic Reviews:

"A smooth prose style and an authentic Big Easy vibe distinguish Tentler's debut.... The shivers are worthy of a Lisa Jackson." (Publishers Weekly)

"A romantic thriller that continually keeps you on the edge of your seat." (Fresh Fiction)

"From the turn of the first page, Leslie Tentler hooks the reader and holds them in the palm of her hand." (Examiner.com)

Members Reviews:

Worth listening to.

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

This is the 1st of this type book I've tried. The romance had a weak in foundation. I enjoyed it and l intend to listen to the entire series Overall rating 4.5, not a 4 but not a 5.

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

Her narration is quite good but when i coms to character voices..... I'm just curious why they would have a woman narrate a book that has only 2 female characters. I can't be sure it really could have ben done better by a male narrator. Rain's voice was a wee bit breathy on top of the New Orleans accent, Trevor's a bit forced to be deep. Rated a 4.5, not a 4 but not a 5.

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

Yes

Margarine Gavin is the BEST

Less supernatural than expected, but still a good experience as Margarite Gavin is one of the best readers out there. I prefer her fantasy/supernatural voiceovers. This piece could move a little slow, but the New Orleans background creates a texture and character herself.

Good Story - Dumb Heroine....

Is there anything you would change about this book?

A smarter leading lady. I have now read all three of the books in this series - my 2 quibbles are the lack of real passion between the main characters - or - the believability of it. And in all three of these books the leading female character has 2 or three instances of completely too stupid to live moments where she puts herself in danger after significant threats have already been made. I find that a very annoying trait in someone who should have more sense.

How would you have changed the story to make it more enjoyable?

The storyline is well written with a good plot.

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Title: Paid in Full

Author: D. C. Brod

Narrator: Marc Vietor

Format: Unabridged

Length: 7 hrs and 43 mins

Language: English

Release date: 12-21-12

Publisher: Audible Studios

Ratings: 4.5 of 5 out of 2 votes

Genres: Mysteries & Thrillers, Modern Detective

Publisher's Summary:

Quint McCauley is a middle-aged ex-cop who is now head of security for Hauser's, a large Chicago department store.

Members Reviews:

YES!

Would definitely recommend. It kept my interest the entire time and I had a hard time putting the book down!

Solid writing, intricate plot, a must-read for mystery fans.

In PAID IN FULL, Debbie Brod continues the Quint McCauley series started with Walker Books, and she doesn't disappoint her fans. This one has everything: love, betrayal, lies, and plenty of twists. If you're up for a good mystery that plays plenty of mind games, don't miss this one.

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Title: Finnegan's Week

Author: Joseph Wambaugh

Narrator: Todd McLaren

Format: Unabridged

Length: 9 hrs and 28 mins

Language: English

Release date: 12-19-12

Publisher: Audible Studios

Ratings: 4 of 5 out of 5 votes

Genres: Mysteries & Thrillers, Modern Detective

Publisher's Summary:

Seeking two truckers hauling a drum of lethal chemicals, San Diego detective Finbar Finnegan joins forces with two strong-willed female cops to investigate a deadly toxic waste scam.

Members Reviews:

After an orgy of three Ruth Rendell novels (she's great, of course)

After an orgy of three Ruth Rendell novels (she's great, of course), I was ready for a change of pace, and this Wambaugh filled the bill. He's pretty much an opposite to Rendell - brutal, bawdy, cynical cop stories. Stay away if you are offended by rough language or expressions of misogyny . Finnegan's heart is in the right place - even if he is a Ross Perot supporter.

Classic Wambaugh

Another great story from the police-storyteller par excellence. I just love his dialogues and you can almost hear the banter in the precinct locker rooms. He really knows how to tell a story. The seemingly unrelated events really tie together beautifully.

NCIS meets SDPD

Wambaugh creates a mystery that reads like one of those crossover TV shows, and it works. The combined settings of San Diego and Mexico provide plenty of opportunities for local color, and this reader felt at home in both places, despite never having been in either. Wambaugh's characters are a nice mix of stock, yet personable, "bad guys" and more fully developed and believable "good guys," who are actually two "bad ass" gals and one guy who'd rather be acting in cop shows than being one in real life. The three make an interesting team, both on and off duty, and the newbie is better than the vets give her credit for. It wasn't great literature, but it was a very good story.

Typical Extraordinary Wambsugh !

I was going to use the headline 'Classic Wambaugh' however, another reader has beaten me to it. The story really grips you and its various intricacies keep you interested until the end. I can highly recommend this book.

Great characters!

I finally figured out what it was about Joseph Wambaugh books. It is all about the quirky characters and not the plot! I have read a number of his books over the years, and finally came to this conclusion! It was set in San Diego, where I lived for a year, which help. The plots are simple and the characters great.

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Title: Natural Enemy

Author: Jane Langton

Narrator: Mark Ashby

Format: Unabridged

Length: 7 hrs and 58 mins

Language: English

Release date: 11-28-12

Publisher: Audible Studios

Ratings: 4.5 of 5 out of 3 votes

Genres: Mysteries & Thrillers, Modern Detective

Publisher's Summary:

John Hand visits the Heron house looking for a summer job. What he finds is a family in mourning. A few minutes after he is hired by Mrs. Heron and her daughter, Virginia, a neighbor, Buddy, finds Mr. Heron lying dead in the orchard, choked to death by asthma and bee stings. As Buddy comforts the grieving family, John feels out of place. But as he begins to suspect that Buddy knows more about Mr. Herons death than hes letting on, he goes to the only person who can help: his uncle, Professor Homer Kelly.

Members Reviews:

Early Entry in a Long-Running Series

An early entry in a long-running series of superior quality. I can sympathize with the one really negative reviewer who found the hero's dedication to spiders and other loathsome creatures not interesting reading; however, while being averse to such natural phenomena myself, I found the young protagonist who was dedicated to their study and nurturance, an appealing character, so I forgave him this peculiarity. For the most part, Homer and Mary Kelly, the key series figures, take a back seat to the occupants, permanent and temporary, of a home in the midst of a rather undeveloped area in New England. The key negative figure is a neighbor to the two women who own the home who, renting his own home out, has settled into their guest room while they, for reasons unknown, allow him to do so. The key male hero is a teenager, also resident, who is working for the two sisters for the summer before going off to College. The sisters have just lost their father in what we know, but they don't, is due to an unknown person who deprived him of needed medication while both were in a nearby wooded area. Homer and Mary are housesittiing for the family of the teenager while his parents are off on a world tour. The story revolves about the situation that develops among the two sisters and the two young men as the Summer proceeds. There is a political campaign, shenanigans over the sale of land and a proposed highway extension being considered, and, of course, a bit of love interest.

It is not an exciting book nor one in which Homer, the ex-police officer, College Professor, shows off to advantage. Still, as always, it is a well-written, literate effort in which there appear a number of appealing characters and a number of dubious ones, with a puzzling situation to chew upon as well as a bit of suspense. I found it interesting in itself and, as a long-time reader of the series, another visit with an author and characters with whom I have had many pleasant hours.

I should think regular readers of the series will find this a desirable book to read, though not among the more exciting offerings. Newcomers might find the subject matter rather uninteresting, but I believe it worth their trying it out, nonetheless, since they might well find the author one to whom they are attracted.

More Homer Kelley

Naturalists, teen-agers, rapacious real estate dealers, all near Walden Pond -- what more could you ask. This is an excellent series for those who care about the characters and setting. Fun.

Lincoln, Mass. and Walden Pond

I enjoyed this book mainly because I knew where it took place, in the part of Lincoln bordering the Walden Pond area of Concord (Mass.) I also liked the protagonist's interest in the natural elements around him, principally a specific spider, reminiscent of E.B. White's Charlotte.

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Title: Deadly Focus

Author: R. C. Bridgestock

Narrator: Paul Ansdell

Format: Unabridged

Length: 7 hrs and 29 mins

Language: English

Release date: 11-16-12

Publisher: Caffeine Nights Publishing

Ratings: 3 of 5 out of 17 votes

Genres: Mysteries & Thrillers, Modern Detective

Publisher's Summary:

When a young girl is abducted, fear and suspicion haunts the streets of Harrowfield. D.I. Jack Dylan 's worst fears are confirmed when the body of Daisy Hind is found on a bleak windswept moor. As the murder investigation swings into action, another child is abducted and suddenly Dylan has to confront the possibility of a serial killer preying on children and solve the case before a third child is snatched. Dark and sinister, Deadly Focus is a gripping crime novel set in a close-knit Yorkshire community where secrets, suspicion, and menace lie at its heart.

Critic Reviews:

"A Cracking Story." (Natasha Harding, The Sun)

Members Reviews:

lose the special sound effects, please

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

Only with a warning that the special sound effects detract from the story and the reader's performance which, without the noise in the background, was very good.

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

It remains to be seen. I'm not sure I will finish listening to this book because of the special sound effects.

How did the narrator detract from the book?

The narrator was dandy. It was whomever was inserting the sound effects who needs to be gone.

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

no

Any additional comments?

I hope Audible will strongly discourage books to be read or performed with anything but the reader/performer's voice,

Insane use of sound effects

I don't normally write reviews but I think other buyers should be warned about the production of the book. I don't even know whether the story was good or not because I was so distracted and annoyed by the sound effects: dog barking, footsteps, background chatter, voice distortion to signify talking on the phone, phones ringing, etc ad nauseum. I hope the producer gets enough bad feedback so that I never run into this phenomenon again.

narration was awful

I could not finish do tothe narration. Too distracting. The sound effects were ridiculous, either you narrate unabridged or produce an abridged performance.

Brill, can't wait for the second

On to the next love it, gripping and heart wrenching

Definitely getting the next one

Narrator did ok

Good work

Brilliant read

What did you like most about Deadly Focus?

I like this book. The narrator is really good and I think the book is a bit different to other detective stories in that you get the procedural side of the police work as well as the crime side. I use the audio app whilst walking and found that I was taking detours to make the journey longer so that I could listen some more, there are twists and turns in the plot which keeps you interested right to the end.

Have you listened to any of Paul Ansdells other performances? How does this one compare?

I liked all the books equally.

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

laughed and cried at different stages.

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Title: Natural Causes

Subtitle: A Harry Stoner Mystery, Book 5

Author: Jonathan Valin

Narrator: Mark Peckham

Format: Unabridged

Length: 8 hrs and 58 mins

Language: English

Release date: 11-02-12

Publisher: Blackstone Audio, Inc.

Ratings: 4.5 of 5 out of 3 votes

Genres: Mysteries & Thrillers, Modern Detective

Publisher's Summary:

Detective Harry Stoner has seen too much of the seamy side of life not to notice the tarnish on Los Angeles's glitter or the gritty reality behind the never-never land of TV's biggest daytime soaps. A detergent manufacturer, already begrimed by scandal and rumor, doesn't want his image further muddied by the mysterious death of the head writer on the daytime series he sponsors. So it's up to Stoner to find out what really happened that sunny August weekend when Quentin Dover took his last shower. What Stoner uncovers is a slick world of high finance and low morals, all powered with cocaine, a sexy blond widow turned on by booze and boys, the broken lives of the men and women who create America's TV fantasies, and the perfect setting for greed, jealousy, and murder.

Members Reviews:

Shallow Story About Shallow People

Cincinnati PI, Harry Stoner, has been hired by a company called United American to find out how head soap opera writer, Quentin Dover, really died. His body was found in a LA hotel room, badly cut from having apparently fallen through the glass while showering. Since Dover had had heart problems, an accidental death is probable. Head of production, Frank Glendora, however, wants to stop the nasty rumors which could ultimately hurt the TV show United American spends a lot of money sponsoring.

As Harry delves into the world of soap opera production, he learns far more than he wants to about paranoid, greedy, backstabbing people whose self-esteem and careers depend on shallow plotlines, great piles of money and, not surprisingly, drugs.

Unfortunately, the plot is almost as shallow as the people Harry investigates. We do learn what motivates some of the characters to do the things they do, but the more I read the less I liked almost everyone in the story. Shallow lives and shallow people who are neither smart or complicated just isn't interesting. The story unfolds with Stoner interviewing one person after another, and the red herrings aren't strong enough to supply good twists. The killer's identity left me thinking "so what?" Even Harry isn't really fleshed out, although I did like him. All I really remember about him is that he lives in Cincinnati, used to be a cop, likes women, and knows how to handle a gun. But shouldn't there be more?

Hard-Boiled at Its Best

Valin is a terrific writer.

His prose is poetic, but tough and lean as Hammett's and Chandler's.

Harry Stoner, his tough-guy detective, is smart, uncompromising, relentless, and ever-watchful.

Even though he has to go to L.A. to pursue the dubious death of a soap-opera writer, he is hardly dazzled by the glitz-dope-and-egos of those around him.

Instead, he pursues the dark underbelly of L.A. and T.V. to a horrifying, near tragic conclusion.

The scenes in L.A. are harsh and unsparing; the scenes in the desert are gorgeous and shocking.

Fine characters, wonderful writing, a dark and scary plot.

A lighter Stoner

This is one of the lighter toned books in the Harry Stoner detective series as Harry leaves his native Ciccinnati and goes to Los Angeles to investigate the murder of a soap opera writer. The Hollywood types Stoner matches wits with here just are not as menacing as the street toughs he usually tackles in Cincinnati.

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Title: The Blood Knot

Author: John Galligan

Narrator: Fleet Cooper

Format: Unabridged

Length: 9 hrs and 15 mins

Language: English

Release date: 10-10-12

Publisher: Audible Studios

Ratings: 4.5 of 5 out of 18 votes

Genres: Mysteries & Thrillers, Modern Detective

Publisher's Summary:

The last thing The Dog wanted was to find another body. But there was Annie Adams - the barn lady - floating dead at his feet, her easel and paints set up on the bridge above his head. And so The Dog wades his way through Kussmaul country encountering a confessing nine year old, a dispute over trespassing, a shunned Amish woman, and a quite possibly rabid beaver. And The Dog knows, this is not a fishing trip.

Members Reviews:

Gone Fishing For Trouble

This crime novel is set in the Wisconsin countryside, I am sure not far from where I was born. I remember seeing Amish horse drawn buggies along Highway 29 when it was still a narrow road. They all wore orange triangles on the rear, warning signs that they go slow. The story here is not fast-paced either; you creep into it along with the protagonist, looking over your shoulder.

I must admit that Galligan's depiction of the Amish was a shock to my romantic sensibilities. It's hard to make wholesome farmers into loutish ghouls, but by putting them into a religious sect frequently shunned by mainstream Christians, you give them reasons to be secretive. They become suspicious and their neighbors more so. The women here are (mostly) marvelous.

I have read all but one of this author's quirky "Fly Fishing Mysteries." "The Dog" is a joy to be with, even though he is a rather physically disgusting companion. The Dog is a loner with guilt, brave and true, so you learn to excuse his manners.

Unexpected twists and turns

Once again Dog Oglivie is moving around the country fly-fishing some of the best rivers when he gets himself involved with a murder among some Amish people. This one is like the first book in this series in that is well written with great character development. All I can say about the ending is that, if you saw this one coming you are much better than I am. Well, let me clarify a little. I had a suspicion who the murderer was, but the motivation was pure left-field. Would not have EVER come up with that! Great read

Readable but culturally not a good fit for me

Readable but culturally not a good fit for me. Author lacks an understanding of methamphetamine addiction and the acute and chronic consequences of its use.

Another great Galligan mystery!

Please keep turning the crank on these! And faster! These books are those I can't put down! I also have to say that being able to download the ebook versions onto my iPhone is the handiest thing since sliced bread - I have my book anywhere I go.

Good combination of plot and fly fishing knowledge

Interesting story with a twist that keeps you guessing. Fly fishing details should keep an angler smiling. Good combination of both.

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Title: Coyote

Author: Linda Barnes

Narrator: C. J. Critt

Format: Unabridged

Length: 7 hrs and 30 mins

Language: English

Release date: 09-26-12

Publisher: Recorded Books

Ratings: 4 of 5 out of 8 votes

Genres: Mysteries & Thrillers, Modern Detective

Publisher's Summary:

When Carlotta Carlyle agrees to help a mysterious woman locate her missing immigration card, she doesn't anticipate any complications. But then her client disappears, and the immigration card in question turns up on the dead body of another woman. Suddenly, Carlotta is plunged into the desperate world of illegal aliens, the cold-hearted immigration agents who hunt them down, and the deadly coyotes who bring the innocents across the border.

Members Reviews:

Love Linda Barnes

Linda Barnes does a phenomenal job of painting a riveting and realistic underground scene.

A new favorite detective series

This book has Interesting believable characters, an atmospheric Boston setting and a thoughtful storyline about South American immigrants. I thoroughly enjoyed it.

Coyote

I like this series more after each book that I read. Good story line and Carlotta is a very interesting character.

Ripe for Re-release!

To the powers that be: Please re-release this wonderful book, one of the best by Linda Barnes, and certainly worthy of attention from readers new and old.

In this Carlotta Carlyle classic, a serial killer is stalking Hispanic women, all illegal aliens, in Carlotta's native Boston. The murders are grisly and vicious, and fear of being sent back to their equally grisly and vicious native lands are keeping the victims' friends from talking. Carlotta finds herself in the middle of the trouble after an anonymous woman asks for help--and it's soon Carlotta herself who needs the help.

As readers of these mysteries know, Carlotta has a beloved "little sister," a Hispanic child named Paolina, whom the detective loves dearly. But with the dark mystery threatening the Hispanic community, Paolina changes overnight from a sunny, bright and loving child to one who is surly and uncommunicative. Is Paolina's mother Marta in danger from the serial killer? Is Paolina herself being threatened? What is the secret they will not reveal?

Even though this reader guessed the killer about halfway through the book, it in no way detracted from the great story, and chilling secrets revealed in the end.

A great read, and worth digging for.

I would've enjoyed this book a lot more if there hadn't been ...

I would've enjoyed this book a lot more if there hadn't been a lot of glaring errors. Like, how does an impoverished welfare mother living in the projects with five children aged ten and under afford round trip airfare for herself and her daughter to fly to South America? Wouldn't that money be better spent on groceries, basic furniture and clothing for her children? And who was at home caring for all those children while she was making this trip? Nobody apparently. Except for things like this, the book is fairly good. There are a few problems with pacing, advancing the plot and a lot of obvious clues pointing to whodunit but it kept my interest enough to read it and start another book by Linda Barnes.