Simply The Best Audiobooks in Fiction, Contemporary to Download

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Title: Bleeding Kansas

Author: Sara Paretsky

Narrator: Susan Ericksen

Format: Unabridged

Length: 16 hrs and 12 mins

Language: English

Release date: 05-16-08

Publisher: Brilliance Audio

Ratings: 3.5 of 5 out of 26 votes

Genres: Fiction, Contemporary

Publisher's Summary:

The family members worry, too, about who stands better with the Lord, themselves or the Grelliers. When a Schapen cow gives birth to what may be a "Perfect Red Heifer" - needed if the Temple is ever rebuilt in Jerusalem - the Schapens are convinced that God is indeed smiling on them.

The pastor at their church, Salvation Bible, proclaims, "We were given a miracle, a chance to make history, in Kansas. The nation and the world laugh at us. âWhat is the matter with Kansas?' liberals ask. We have a chance to say, âNothing's the matter with Kansas, generation of vipers. Everything's right with Kansas.' What's the matter is, you have turned your backs on the truth of the risen Lord."

Despite parental cautions, the Grelliers' teenage children are enraged by the Schapens. All their short lives, they and the young Schapens have fought, first in their country elementary school and now in high school. One particularly angry confrontation causes Chip Grellier to be expelled from school and consequently to join the Army. Chip's death in Iraq is the catalyzing event for momentous, even monstrous, changes in the lives of not only the Schapens and the Grelliers but all the families in the Valley.

Critic Reviews:

"Paretsky...strikes gold in this timely tale of fear and conflict in heartland America." (Publishers Weekly)

Members Reviews:

Something Different from Sara Paretsky - Good one!

I love Sara Peretsky's books and for some reason, have had this one on my iPhone for a long time and FINALLY listened. It was great! The only reason I didn't rate it 5/5 on everything was some of it was a little far-fetched, but I still loved the book. Interesting and clever and I thoroughly enjoyed the listen. You'll be happy you bought it or used one of your credits.

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Title: A Load of Old Bones

Author: Suzette A. Hill

Narrator: Leslie Phillips, Simon Hurst, Grant Russell

Format: Unabridged

Length: 6 hrs and 24 mins

Language: English

Release date: 10-17-07

Publisher: Joyful Productions

Ratings: 4 of 5 out of 17 votes

Genres: Fiction, Contemporary

Publisher's Summary:

The curious amd murderous exploits of the Rev Frances Outerard as recounted by himself with interspersions from his cat Maurice and his dog Bouncer. Leslie Phillips as a cat?Inspired casting!An enchanting tale full of fun, wit and insight. Set in a delightful 1950s mythical Surrey. The collusion between the cat and the dog to ensure their owner keeps out of trouble is hilarious.

© and (P)2006 Joyful Productions

Members Reviews:

Silly, but not offensively so

Any additional comments?

This was a remarkably entertaining and relaxing read. Well read, and it did not overly tax my (admittedly high) tolerance of whimsy. Really, who can resist a murderous vicar?

What a hoot!

The characterizations of the dog and cat are genius (as are the narrators of both) in this light story about a spur-of-the-moment murder by the local vicar in a 1950's English country town. And how the cat and dog come to stay, decide they have a good thing going, and take steps to see that their new human doesn't get caught.

Laughed a lot. Maurice the cat's accent is a bit thick, so I listened to it twice and laughed even harder the second time around.

Better than I expected

When I began this book I didn't think I was going to like it. Glad I continued to listen. It was amusing and I liked the characters. I am looking forward to book 2.

A tough listen, not sure I get the humor

Any additional comments?

I only give 1 star for performance if something about the performance made it difficult for me to understand what was being said. Truthfully I almost gave up on this book, but I did manage to get used to it. The accents are very heavy, especially the character Maurice the Cat. Not only is his accent heavy but he has a very dramatic way of speaking (if anyone remembers how the Grinch talked in the old TV cartoon Christmas special that is what it reminded me of). The dog was easier to understand and the man was pretty good. Also the characters did use a lot of large words and a bunch of British slang. So not the easiest listen. Still I made it through and I was interested enough in what was happening to get through it pretty quickly. Having said that though, I am not sure I really "got" this book. It is not a mystery in the sense that a crime is committed at the beginning and there is no mystery about who has done it. The mystery is just whether or not they will get caught. When things are seen through the eyes of cat or dog character, you can expect a certain differing from the emotions you get with a human narrator, but here oddly our human FO displays the same lack of normal human emotion as his pets, if not more so. Since others have described this book as "hilarious" perhaps that is part of the humor? I'm not really sure. Maybe it is a British thing. I am not always tuned in to British humor. The plot (no spoilers here) revolves around FO murdering a woman who ruins his peace and quiet by being annoying and the efforts of his pets and himself to see he gets away with it to preserve all of their peace and quiet. I couldn't help but notice that FO is a sociopath. I guess this fact is just played for laughs but it made it hard for me to predict possible directions the book would take. Oddly I didn't dislike FO and I was interested enough in his story.

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Title: The Christmas Train

Author: David Baldacci

Narrator: Vincent Marzello

Format: Abridged

Length: 3 hrs and 15 mins

Language: English

Release date: 06-01-07

Publisher: Pan Macmillan Publishers Ltd.

Genres: Fiction, Contemporary

Publisher's Summary:

He has no idea that the locomotives pulling him across America will actually take him into the rugged terrain of his own heart, where he will rediscover people's essential goodness and someone very special he believed he had lost.

In equal parts hilarious, poignant, suspenseful, and thrilling, The Christmas Train is a delightful journey filled with memorable characters who have packed their bags with as much wisdom as mischief. Part detective story, part disaster movie, part romance, this is a brilliant, heart-warming holiday tale.

Critic Reviews:

"The narrative is loaded with cool train lore (Baldacci dedicates the book to "everyone who loves trains and holidays") and plenty of romance and good cheer." (Publishers Weekly)

Members Reviews:

Christmas every year

The Christmas Train is one of those novels that you have to get out every year. Its a mix of 32nd street, A Christmas Carol and all that is brilliant about David Baldacci. A must have in any Christmas stocking.

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Title: What If God Were the Sun?

Author: John Edward

Narrator: Brad Abrell, Robin Barker

Format: Unabridged

Length: 2 hrs and 28 mins

Language: English

Release date: 11-15-06

Publisher: Hay House

Ratings: 4 of 5 out of 12 votes

Genres: Fiction, Contemporary

Publisher's Summary:

The richly drawn characters in this book, Tim, Grandma Rosie, Rachel, Uncle Clyde, and Chester the dog, will truly become a part of your life as you follow their triumphs and sorrows. They are living examples of the power of familial love and the need to bond together during times of grief.

The healing messages that are brought forth in this incomparable work are timeless reminders that life and death are part of the same unending circle and that our loved ones are never really "lost" to us. This is a book that you'll want to share with your family and friends!

Members Reviews:

Not what I expected

A nice story but not what I expected, I literally expected to hear a story about how our sun might really have spiritual aspects to it and yes, they did draw many parallels to that. While listening I began to wonder if the author was making veiled statements saying exactly that, that our sun is a spiritual center which some might consider a kind of God for us, but overall I think those parallels were to teach rather than to infer such, maybe... still not sure.

I was attracted to this book because of a dream I had in 1996 where I met a sun-intelligence-God who had no face but I felt it smiling at me, loving me. During that dream I knew I had met God but more than that I felt I had met a collective of all souls which were all one, I also realized they were all me and I was them except somehow individual. That experience affected me to my core, after that there were no races, no male and female, I was one with all and they were one with me. I saw all of us as sons of soul and souls of sun, that sun, that light, that intelligent oneness I felt was God which we are all a part of.

You can google Sun of Souls, Souls of Sun and find that story if you want to read it but I'm not writing this review for the purpose of promoting that story, but that is why I purchased this audio book. I felt purchasing and listening to this book was worth while and an easy listen, I like it, even if it wasn't what I first expected. This book was obviously written by a very gentle man with a nice heart, that comes through very clearly.

What is god were the sun

this book arrived in my life at just the right time and it saw me through a very hard time - i have recommended it to anyone who needs to come to terms with life and death. you do not have to be christian to love the message

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Title: Outer Banks

Author: Anne Rivers Siddons

Narrator: Kate Nelligan

Format: Abridged

Length: 3 hrs and 3 mins

Language: English

Release date: 05-23-06

Publisher: HarperAudio

Ratings: 3.5 of 5 out of 29 votes

Genres: Fiction, Contemporary

Publisher's Summary:

Forced to face dark truths about her "golden" past, Kate discovers the meaning of life and the power of true friendship. Mystery, madness, revenge, and awakening await Kate Abrams on the Outer Banks.

Critic Reviews:

"Siddons...delivers a deliciously readable novel." (Publishers Weekly)

"Emotionally gripping." (Kirkus Reviews)

Members Reviews:

One of my favorites by Anne Rivers Siddons.

One of my favorite books by Siddons and I enjoyed the narrator's performance. Worth it!

Abridged but not bad ...

I was so excited to see this available that I didn't notice it was abridged. I was sad to learn how much was missing, but the story is still there. I loved the novel when I read it years ago and took a vacation there because of this very book.

It's worth listening to if you buy if for under $5 like I did. Otherwise, go get the book at your library and read the whole thing!

Ramble Ramble Ramble

By the title and description it looked like a really good story. But the author just rambles and skips all over the place. The story is hard to follow and the characters are not very endearing. I could only take about 1 hour of it and just turned it off.

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Title: Madame Mirabou's School of Love

Author: Barbara Samuel

Narrator: Bernadette Dunne

Format: Unabridged

Length: 9 hrs and 59 mins

Language: English

Release date: 04-04-06

Publisher: Books on Tape

Ratings: 3.5 of 5 out of 48 votes

Genres: Fiction, Contemporary

Publisher's Summary:

Nicole Bridges still can't believe she's taken up residence in a Colorado apartment complex nicknamed "Splitsville". She's still reeling from her husband's affair, a divorce she never saw coming, and having to leave the upscale, comfortable world she helped make for her ex and their teenage daughter. With little money, even less work experience, and no idea what to do next, she takes tentative steps, if only to keep her head above water.

Along the way, Nikki unexpectedly finds herself falling in with eccentric new neighbors, and being seduced out of her funk by a charming, elusive ex-Londoner. And through her delight in the sensual elements of perfume, she will discover the courage to form bonds she never imagined. When a discarded flyer printed with the name "Madame Mirabou" provides the spark of inspiration, Nikki dares to blend the fragments of her life into a fragrance that's uniquely and passionately her own.

Critic Reviews:

"[A] wistful story....Samuel sorts out all the relationships with a sure hand." (The Seattle Times )

Members Reviews:

Beautiful . . .

A contemporary novel - beautifully, artfully, deliciously written. I love love love the way Barbara Samuel writes. This was a real pleasure, didn't want it to end.

pinpoints the ache of divorce

Nothing literary here, this story reminds me of the audio books that I used to share with my adolescent teenage granddaughter while driving. (Her latest request was 'The Kite Runner'; she's growing up.)

Still, having been recently left by my (adolescent) husband of 31 years (for that proverbial 'younger woman'), Ms. Samuel's novel rings true in many phrases describing the heartache of loss and betrayal that follows in the wake of infidelity. Bravo! For that there is value, a certain comfort, reminders that our difficult feelings are understood and unfortunately shared by many others.

pinpoints the ache of divorce

Nothing literary here, this story reminds me of the audio books that I used to share with my adolescent teenage granddaughter while driving. (Her latest request was 'The Kite Runner'; she's growing up.)

Still, having been recently left by my (adolescent) husband of 31 years (for that proverbial 'younger woman'), Ms. Samuel's novel rings true in many phrases describing the heartache of loss and betrayal that follows in the wake of infidelity. Bravo! For that there is value, a certain comfort, reminders that our difficult feelings are understood and unfortunately shared by many others.

Not one of Barbara Samuel's best

I live in Colorado, so I really enjoyed those parts of the book where she describes the scenery and our lifestyle here. Other than that, I didn't enjoy this book as much as i did the Goddess of Kitchen Avenue.

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Title: The House of Scorta

Author: Laurent Guade

Narrator: Daniel Oreskes, Barbara Caruso

Format: Unabridged

Length: 5 hrs and 51 mins

Language: English

Release date: 02-07-06

Publisher: HighBridge, a division of Recorded Books

Ratings: 3 of 5 out of 15 votes

Genres: Fiction, Contemporary

Publisher's Summary:

Spanning five generations, the Scorta family saga begins in 1870 with Rocco Scorta Mascalzone, the bastard product of a rape and a notorious scoundrel. Burdened by a legacy of infamous crimes and forsaken loves, its lineage doomed to struggle, the Scortas nevertheless are blessed: with pride and a relentless faith in their own power. Their wealth lies in their memories and their collective belief in the pursuit of happiness.

In a narrative both lyrical and linear, Laurent Gaude interweaves a compelling story with a timeless message and the recollections of old Carmela as she delivers her final confession to the family priest, exposing the Scortas' most deeply buried secret.

Translated by Stephen Sartarelli and Sophie Hawkes.

Critic Reviews:

"He proves himself capable of painting a rich canvas." (Publishers Weekly)

Contact me for any questions: [email protected]

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Title: Paddy Clarke Ha Ha Ha

Author: Roddy Doyle

Narrator: Aiden Gillen

Format: Abridged

Length: 2 hrs and 59 mins

Language: English

Release date: 01-18-06

Publisher: Random House AudioBooks

Ratings: 3.5 of 5 out of 22 votes

Genres: Fiction, Contemporary

Publisher's Summary:

Paddy Clarke, a 10-year-old Dubliner, describes his world, a place full of warmth, cruelty, love, sardines, and slaps across the face. He's confused; he sees everything but he understands less and less.

Winner of the 1993 Booker Prize

©1993 Roddy Doyle; (P)1993 Random House Audiobooks

Critic Reviews:

"Like all the great comic writers Roddy Doyle has become an explorer of the heart." (Irish Times)

Members Reviews:

just love it

The story is great, but I knew that already since I read the book.

I fell in love with the narrator on the spot, he is great, wonderful accent, great story teller. Such a pity the book is abridged! Could have listened to it for much, much longer.

Loved this

Great story, great writer, performed well. Was sorry when it ended, give us the longer version!

Awful!

I purchased this as an alternative form of learning the book, without having to read it countless times, as i have an exam on it in June. The voice in which it is read in very good, and really captures the tone in which Doyle intended. However the book skips alot of the crucial parts and is utterly rubbish as a reference, useless for the purpose for which i myself intended. Im aware that it is not labeled unabridged, but for a book like this, my assumption was that all of the content would have been included in the audiobook... DO NOT waste your money simply read the book.

Brilliant!

A great listen. The narrator captures the character perfectly. Fast funny and unfogettable.

Paddy Clark brings his world to lufe from Shephers pie on Tuesday to George Best idolatry.

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Title: Alan Bennett

Subtitle: Talking Heads 2

Author: Alan Bennett

Narrator: various

Format: Original Recording

Length: 3 hrs and 22 mins

Language: English

Release date: 10-21-05

Publisher: BBC Worldwide Limited

Ratings: 4.5 of 5 out of 44 votes

Genres: Fiction, Contemporary

Publisher's Summary:

In these six new pieces Alan Bennett retains the gripping stories, intensity of delivery, and masterly style of his original monologues. The suburban normality of the world his characters inhabit once again belies their lives of secrets, revelations, fears, crimes, and passions. They tell their stories, and in doing so reveal more than they know of the humour, passion, and sadness of their lives.

Alongside the original pieces, these superb monologues form one of the great contributions to television drama.

Included in this collection are:

Members Reviews:

Outstanding performances

In each of these monologues humor is mixed with the sadness of each character's life. The sadness may come from a dramatic tragedy, or from a failure to connect, or from the inability to break free.

Patricia Routledge amazed me as the title character of "Miss Fozzard Finds Her Feet." She's always a treat, and of course I'll never look at chiropodists the same way after this little story.

Eileen Atkins' realistic portrayal of Celia in "The Hand of God" was the pure distillation of the characters of many antiques dealers I've known. If you're a collector, you'll know her at once. Something like what occurs in the story does happen from time to time, which makes it all the better.

Penelope Wilton's quiet, elegant voice makes her story, "Nights in the Gardens of Spain" all the more chilling.

So perfectly did these three actresses perform their stories that I cannot imagine anyone else in the roles.

Bennett provokes, prods, and cajoles us into facing the truth. But even when it's uncomfortable, we end up better for having heard him, for he speaks for those who are not heard, but keep on going nonetheless.

Essential

Follow up to the original Talking Heads is just as wonderful as its predecessor. Excellent performances make the audio version the definitive version for this series. This is a recording that you will be listening to over and over again.

Excellent

The perfect blend of tragi-comedy from the pen of one of England's best writers, delivered by the cream of the UK's acting profession. Unmissable.

wendygai

Excellent, engaging, entertaining.

Hilarious, moving, haunting

Would you listen to Alan Bennett again? Why?

I'm going to listen to all these again and get the first series too. So well written and preformed. They'll all read so differently the second time around as I only picked up on so many of the hints. Each performance was engrossing. I've heard these parodied so many times I thought that I probably wouldn't get much out of it, and whilst there were a good few mentions of biscuits, drizzle and slacks, I wasn't quite prepared for how haunting these would be.

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

The first story in particular made me laugh. Some wonderful turns of phrase and brilliant timing by Routledge (Hyacinth Bucket off Keeping up Appearances).

The story with Thora Hird practically made me sob while walking down the street. Really sad stuff.

Any additional comments?

For an audible book its fairly short, but has amazing re-listen value, and you can jump in at any chapter depending on your mood. So although it seems like bad value compared to a 25hr book, its actually worth the money/credit.

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Title: Lost in the Forest

Author: Sue Miller

Narrator: Blair Brown

Format: Unabridged

Length: 8 hrs and 43 mins

Language: English

Release date: 04-11-05

Publisher: Random House Audio

Ratings: 3.5 of 5 out of 99 votes

Genres: Fiction, Contemporary

Publisher's Summary:

With astonishing sensuality and immediacy, Lost in the Forest moves through the most intimate realms of domestic life, from grief and sex to adolescence and marriage. It is a stunning, kaleidoscopic evocation of a family in crisis, written with delicacy and masterful care. For her lifelong fans and those just discovering Sue Miller for the first time, here is a rich and gorgeously layered tale of a family breaking apart and coming back together again: Sue Miller at her inimitable best.

Critic Reviews:

"Sue Miller has a uniquely American voice, and few women have ever written better about families." (Stephen King)

"In her riveting new novel, Miller once again demonstrates her singular gift for capturing the rhythms of daily family life with laserlike clarity while also summoning the turbulent emotions swirling just beneath the surface....Fluidly written, perfectly paced." (Booklist)

"Bestseller Miller examines love and betrayal in idyllic wine country in another minutely observed, finely paced exploration of domestic relationships....The backdrop of California vineyards is ideal for the growth and life-cycle themes that Miller so carefully cultivates." (Publishers Weekly)

"Engrossing characters and a plot that turns unexpected corners." (Kirkus Reviews)

Members Reviews:

Captivating & Entertaining

This is the first Sue Miller book I have listened too and I plan on listening to her others. "Lost in the Forest" was easy to listen too and really drew you into the lives of the characters. It was hard not to feel the pain of the loss of the childrens father/step-father and become involved in their worlds. I found myself hating Duncan for his role in Daisy's life and sincerely hoping for a reconciliation between Eva & Mark. I definitely recommend taking the time to listen to this book. It moves along quickly but not too quickly that you loose your way in the story. Millers writing style isn't overly wordy or descriptive so you don't get bored but you can visualize the tale she is telling.

Fast moving, true to life

This is a great book! I found it thoroughly engrossing. There is a great cast of characters: conflicted adults, teenagers, children, etc. The dialogue for each of these seemed very real to me. (In many ways, the writing reminded me of Anne Tyler, another author I very much enjoy.) This story is not told in a fully linear fashion. Each of the main characters has a subplot and separate point of view. The narration moves between these inter-related subplots. Sometimes, parts of the story are told in flashback. I knew it was all going to resolve in the end. However, I did not foresee the ending, which I found full of insight. Blair Brown does a fantastic job of narrating. She captures each character's voice with individuality. Highly recommended!

No backbone

I have long been a fan of Sue Miller's work but this latest novel lseems to lack the undercarriage of solid narrative conflict that usually serves as a stage upon which all the various family issues are enacted. What's this story all about? I kept reading and reading, waiting for something to happen and was left with what seemed like one of those (admitttedly well-written) holiday newsletters. The work compares unfavorably to "The Good Mother" and "While You Were Gone" where good solid moral dilemmas ignite the characters and power the narrrative.