AUDIOBOOKS
REVIEWED BY JONATHAN LOWE
BOOKS TO READ WITH YOUR EYES ON THE ROAD by Jonathan Lowe
In BLACK MOUNTAIN by Les Standiford the governor of New York goes on vacation to Yellowstone and becomes the target for unseen assassins in this wilderness thriller. Cut off from the world, policeman Richard Corrigan tries to untangle a mystery while protecting a security team which is dropping like flies. Taut and moody, this novel has the perfect narrator in Richard Ferrone, who not only sounds like he's wearing hiking boots, but is ready to give lessons in survival as well. [9.75 hrs./Recorded Books/ISBN 0-7887-5005-4]
In the world of detective fiction there are P.I.s and there are police investigators. The former tend to be freewheeling, while the latter grudgingly go by the book. In GROUND LIONS by Lou Campanozzi we have another series, this one featuring Lt. Mike Amato, whose search for the killer of a kid he once knew redefines the irony of lost innocence. David Griffin narrates this tale of mob disguises with a nicotine voice paced to deliver the punches. Occasional sound effects enhance a production which is appropriately atmospheric. [6 hrs./Americana Audio/ISBN 158807064-6]
Whether their motives are prominent or not, serial killers continue to stalk the bestseller lists. In Jeffrey Deaver's THE BLUE NOWHERE the killer is a computer hacker named Phate, who invades his target's privacy and lures them to their deaths. A homicide cop is aided by another hacker temporarily released from prison for the hunt to find Phate and stop his insidious virus. Deaver has done his homework on geekdom and cyberspace, although the motives of this sadistic killer are not integral to the plot. This is not another formula slasher story, but as with Patterson and others, HOW and WHO take precedence over WHY, and so we have a killer here who thinks people are no more real than computer programs, which can and should be erased for fun. Actor Dennis Boutsikaris narrates as if telling a true tale, providing insight into the world of computer viruses, and how hackers escape detection. [6 hrs./Simon & Schuster Audio/ISBN 0-7435-0640-5]
Brian Haig's first novel is SECRET SANCTION, about a military Jag officer sent to investigate a purported massacre by U.S. troops during the war in Bosnia. Actor John Rubenstein is an excellent choice to read this suspense, lending to it a sense of meticulous reportage while maintaining a feel for discovery along the twisting path of the plotline. Do the ends ever justify the means? That's the question which this novel takes on, and boldly answers. [6 hrs./Time Warner Audiobooks/ISBN 1-58621-138-2]
THE FUGITIVE PIGEON is a short comic mystery novel by Donald E. Westlake featuring a bartender beset by grindingly numb-minded mobsters. On the run, he must eventually stand up for himself and set the record straight about his innocence. The twisting motives at the end attempt to explain matters, and narrator Nick Sullivan is on target for an often entertaining offbeat case of mistaken identity. [6 hrs./Audio Editions/ISBN 1-57270-217-6]
Phillip K. Dick was a science fiction writer whose stories were not only original and visionary, but also succeeded on the level of reader identification with believable characters propelled by interesting plots. This is such a rarity in today's fiction that Harper Audio has now released a new reading of his stories, due to yet another film to be released in the fall, which is based on them. THE MINORITY REPORT includes two other stories which were made into movies as well: We Can Remember It For You Wholesale, which became the film Total Recall, and also Second Variety, which inspired Screamers. The title story on the audiobook is also set in the future, when crimes can be prevented by a technology which anticipates what a person will do. Naturally, things go awry for the protagonist, but not for narrator Keir Duller, star of 2001: A Space Odyssey, who renders a believable and versatile performance that is like a compass to true north in whatever clime. One can only hope for more productions of fast-paced and interesting stories like this in the future, full of ideas, in place of the long-winded soap operas which dominate the lists today. Unfortunately, there will be nothing new written by Dick, who died young at age 54 in 1982, after penning memorable tales such as Do Androids Dream of Electric Sheep? which was the basis for the classic SF film Blade Runner. [6 hrs; ISBN 0-694-52334-8]
J. A. Jance is big with truckers, who enjoy her novels featuring detective J. P. Beaumont. In BIRDS OF PREY, Beaumont has accompanied his newlywed grandmother on an Alaskan cruise in which a passenger is seen to have been thrown overboard on videotape. Read by actor Cotter Smith, [6 hrs./Harper Audio/ISBN 0-694-52499-9] For an unabridged reading of this and other J. A. Jance titles by the masterful Gene Eugene, try renting from Books in Motion at truckstops or call 1-800-752-3199.
Reviewer Jonathan Lowe is author of CARIBBEAN COUP and DARK FIRE, both unabridged on audio for rent from Books in Motion by calling 1-800-752-3199.
Lilian Jackson Braun's latest cat mystery is,THE CAT WHO SMELLED A RAT, in which Koko must sniff out an arsonist in dry Moose County. Well read by the inimitable George Guidall, this is Braun's 23rd cat novel, which makes us wonder. . . how many cats does Lilian own herself? If you like cozy mysteries, how much more cozy can you get than with a cat? The next time you hear "meow" you might be asking your cat what exactly is meant by that! [3 hrs.; Putnam Berkley Audio; ISBN 0-399-14681-4]
Stuart Woods is up to his old tricks with COLD PARADISE, a novel set in
decadent Palm Beach, where Stuart himself keeps an estate. This book
borders a
Terry Brooks' MAGIC KINGDOM FOR SALE contains many unbelievable
elements--gnomes, castles, a talking dog, magic, myth, and legend. But the
presentation is original, allowing for more of a "suspension of disbelief."
So what we have in this book is a believable fantasy for those who don't
enjoy fantasy. A crossover fantasy which has elements of mystery and
adventure. The novel begins with an advertisement--a magic kingdom is for
sale in an ad, and the skeptical buyer is brought in a step at a time to
discover the magic for himself. Like you will be, especially under the
unholy spell of Dick Hill--so gifted in creating believable character
accents that he must have made a pact with the devil. Verdict? Those of us
who generally avoid the genre are here given a magical new taste which is
not only edible, but often delicious. [6 hrs./Brilliance Audio/ISBN
1-58788-373-2]
THE FIRST COUNSEL by Brad Meltzer (15 hours; Time Warner Audiobooks; ISBN
1-58621-045-9) is about a young lawyer who, while dating the President's
daughter, witnesses an exchange of money which he wasn't supposed to see.
Set up for a fall, he must decipher the identity of the true criminal while
the FBI closely watches, and as his suspicion about the First Daughter
grows. In the process the inner workings of the White House are revealed,
while protagonist Michael's Garrick's personal life revolves around his
retarded father. Read by actor Scott Brick, who maintains a light, realistic
touch, the novel doesn't escalate its drama as much as, say, "The Firm," but
will interest those who are enamored of power or the hidden machinations
inside the White House. Also abridged, at 6 hours; read by actor D.B.
Sweeney, who gives a more dramatic rendering.
It is difficult not to like anything Barbara Rosenblat reads, she is so
natural, upbeat, and possessing an ability to make even the most mundane
prose sound interesting. In Lisa Scottoline's VENDETTA DEFENSE (14.5 hours;
Harper Audio; ISBN 0-694-52496-4), we don't have mundane, exactly. When an
elderly Italian pigeon racer kills his enemy for killing his wife sixty
years before, another kind of pigeon, Lawyer Judy Carrier, takes his case,
and proceeds to form a defense based on a higher sense of justice. Meanwhile
the family of the murdered man poses a risk to all before the trial. For
those who enjoy court trial dramas, this new wrinkle on the definitions of
"murder" versus "kill" will be entertaining. For the rest of us, the tale
seems to be stretched thin, a short story taking up 10 cassettes. So while
escaping mundane, this novel is naturally slow moving, simplistic, and
relies more on character than plot in coming to a surprise ending which is
really no surprise at all.
SIX FOR THE ROAD is a premiere Blue Murder audio CD "six pack" of mystery
stories with sound effects and original music on the theme of drinking and
driving. . .Designated Driver is master storyteller Dick Hill, who has
narrated over 100 audiobooks, from Michael Connelly's
In the Louvre museum, people are seen to walk past greater masterpieces to huddle in the hallway around that most famous lady, Mona Lisa. After all, the masses can only remember so many names. The King of fiction knows this, as well. His Royal Majesty earns far more than #2, as is usually the case. And as Seth Godin says in "Unleashing the Idea Virus," [Simon & Schuster Audio ISBN: 0-743-50422-4] #3 earns far less then #2, and #4 earns far less than #3, and so on down the line. So why does Stephen [King] appear on the cover of Writer's Digest, telling everyone how to write for profit in a dying print book market? Is it the trickle down theory, or is it that he can't stop trickling? And why earn all that money if you don't spend it, since he can now afford to buy his own luxury cruise ship and sail the world with his 900 top fans instead of toiling at the keyboard every day? Hmm. . . what's your theory?
Having said this, King's latest DREAMCATCHER is a pretty good book, despite its flaws. Especially good are the opening chapters, before the recurring themes begin their endless recyclings. The novel combines The Stand with The Tommyknockers and Sometimes They Come Back, although King's "kitchen sink" syndrome soon kicks in, and then we get endless rephrasings of past themes, and a repetition of colloquialisms and funny profanity. King wants a big, thick, expensive book, which he already knows will be a bestseller. The key word here is knows. The King of fiction knows where the story is going, too, he just doesn't know when or where it has arrived. And not unexpectedly, one of King's characters has been hit by a car, and many spout Jesus references which seem unnatural in those character's mouths. The main mouth--who is dead on target--is narrator Jeffrey DeMunn, a gifted actor who was seen in King's miniseries Storm of the Century. DeMunn is so natural and believable, we forget this is fiction--and what the story he's telling means--and just go along for the ride. It's a long winded ride which ends in a cul de sac, but I can't say I'm sorry for having taken it, thanks to DeMunn's narration. [23 hrs.; Simon & Schuster Audio; ISBN 0-7435-0444-5] 3 HONKS
It is difficult not to like anything Barbara Rosenblat reads, she is so natural, upbeat, and possessing an ability to make even the most mundane prose sound interesting. In Lisa Scottoline's VENDETTA DEFENSE, we don't have mundane, exactly. When an elderly Italian pigeon racer kills his enemy for killing his wife sixty years before, another kind of pigeon, Lawyer Judy
Actress and award winning narrator Suzanne Toren reads James Patterson's latest 1ST TO DIE. Set in San Francisco, this new series witnesses the formation of the "Women's Murder Club," consisting of a homicide detective, a medical examiner, an assistant D.A., and a crime reporter. They have formed to stop a serial killer who is targeting newlyweds. Toren does a superior job to that of Melissa Leo on the abridged version, as Patterson takes a cue from Patricia Cornwell (to create a gruff sidekick) while slicing and dicing his way to another formulaic conclusion. Still, it is obvious why this book succeeds. Not only does there continue to be an audience for stories of senseless, horrific murder, but Patterson knows how to twist the knife like a tongue twists in a cheek. Does that make him a "hack" writer? [9 hrs.; Time Warner Audio; ISBN 1-58621-056-4] 3 HONKS
CALCULATED RISK by Denise Tiller is an award winning mystery about a female actuary in Newport Beach, CA whose life comes unraveled when dead bodies start turning up and she comes across a living rape victim on the beach. Then Liz finds out that she has a half sister, and that her sister is missing. The connection between her sister, the murders, and the serial rapist is a Mardi Gras mask, and Liz, who owns a "black belt in mathematics," uses her analytical skills to calculate what's going on here. The best thing about this production is that it is full cast and sound, a combination of narration and acted dialogue with Kathy Garver at the helm. Garver evokes a familiar no-nonsense style of telling this enhanced story, and is therefore believable as Liz, while the supporting cast and publisher each deserve kudos for their work at making an interesting story sound more interesting than it is in print. [6 1/2 hrs on 6 CDs; Timberwolf Press; ISBN 1-58752-017-6] 5 HONKS
P.T. Deutermann is author of SWEEPERS, a bestselling novel about an elite CIA task force trained to track down rogue agents. Deutermann's latest is HUNTING SEASON, about an ex-Sweeper whose daughter disappeared near an abandoned military complex, and who the FBI has dismissed as a "runaway." When the ex-Sweeper begins to uncover a plot involving religious fanatics bent on revenging Waco, using a hydrogen bomb (as in hydrogen gas), special agent Janet Carter is reassigned to the case. Having written a novel which includes an abandoned military complex and a bomber fanatic, I was fascinated by the story, and was happy to find another great read by narrator Dick Hill, who conveys all the characters' emotions with consummate skill. Am I prejudiced? You decide. [17 hrs; Brilliance Audio; ISBN 1-58788-120-9] CHECKERED FLAG
What exactly is magic? Where do all those talking animals come from? And the spells, the gnomes, the fairies and castles. . . geez, are they supposed to exist in alternate universes, before past ice ages, or what? Terry Brooks' MAGIC KINGDOM FOR SALE contains many unbelievable elements--gnomes, castles, a talking dog, magic, myth, and legend. But the presentation is original, allowing for more of a "suspension of disbelief." So what we have in this audiobook is a believable fantasy for those who don't enjoy fantasy. A crossover fantasy which has elements of mystery and adventure. The novel begins with an advertisement--a magic kingdom is for sale in an ad, and the skeptical buyer is brought in a step at a time to discover the magic for himself. Like you will be, especially under the unholy spell of Dick Hill--so gifted in creating believable character accents that he must have made a pact with the devil. Verdict? Those of us who generally avoid the genre are here given a magical new taste which is not only edible, but often delicious. [6 hrs./Brilliance Audio/ISBN 1-58788-373-2]
Stuart Woods is up to his old tricks with COLD PARADISE, a novel set in decadent Palm Beach, where Stuart himself keeps an estate. This book borders a cozy mystery, meaning not a lot of gunplay, and it's about divorce and extortion among all those idle rich bitches and bastards. It's well read by the very listenable Tony Roberts, an actor with a mellow, commanding voice. [6 hrs./Putnam Berkley/ISBN 0-399-14759-4] Another Woods release is PALINDROME, about a battered wife who escapes to another island paradise only to find anything but peace. Read by Susan Ericksen for Brilliance Audio. [8 hrs./ISBN 1-58788-146-2]
Probably the best of the James Patterson books is ALONG CAME A SPIDER, his first Alex Cross novel, also a movie starring Morgan Freeman. A new abridged release has Alton White and Michael Cumpsty doing a skillful reading, trading off characters. [6 hrs./Time Warner Audiobooks/ISBN 1-58621-108-0]
Lilian Jackson Braun's latest cat mystery is THE CAT WHO SMELLED A RAT, in which Koko must sniff out an arsonist in dry Moose County. Well read by the inimitable George Guidall, the most prolific and award-winning narrator of all time, this is Braun's 23rd cat novel, which makes us wonder. . . how many cats does Lilian own herself? If you like cozy mysteries, how much more cozy can you get than with a cat? The next time you hear "meow" you might be asking your cat what exactly is meant by that! [3 hrs.; Putnam Berkley Audio; ISBN 0-399-14681-4]
THE FIRST COUNSEL by Brad Meltzer (15 hours; Time Warner Audiobooks; ISBN 1-58621-045-9) is about a young lawyer who, while dating the President's daughter, witnesses an exchange of money which he wasn't supposed to see. Set up for a fall, he must decipher the identity of the true criminal while the FBI closely watches, and as his suspicion about the First Daughter grows. In the process the inner workings of the White House are revealed, while protagonist Michael's Garrick's personal life revolves around his retarded father. Read by actor Scott Brick, who maintains a light, realistic touch, the novel doesn't escalate its drama as much as, say, "The Firm", but will interest those who are enamored of power or the hidden machinations inside the White House. Also abridged, at 6 hours; read by actor D.B. Sweeney, who gives a more dramatic rendering.
The Postal Service has just spent $4 million on a study about "going postal," but you can find out about "going postal" yourself a lot cheaper by renting reviewer Jonathan Lowe's suspense novel POSTAL, an Earphones award-winning audiobook read by Frank Muller, which bestselling author Clive Cussler calls "powerful and accomplished. . . mystery at its best."
For rent or sale of most audiobooks, visit Earful.com, or call 1-800-532-7385.
Jeffrey Archer is one of the most talented of British writers, in my opinion.
Now comes an eclectic new collection of short stories, read by someone named
Bill Wallace (who I'd like to hear more of). . . TO CUT A LONG STORY SHORT
contains a dozen tales involving some interesting crimes and non-crimes. I
say "non-crimes" because Archer loves to have his characters toy with
loopholes in the law, outwitting the court system. Another theme here is
loyalty and greed, especially among family members, as rich old men first
test their inheritors prior to any reading of wills. Then comes Archer's
inevitable surprise endings. Very entertaining.
In THE SWITCH by Sandra Brown identical twin sisters go under the nutshells
for the reader or listener to keep an eye on. When one is murdered while
substituting as escort for a astronaut, the other becomes the target of a
religious guru bent on spreading his influence throughout the world. Will
you guess the final switch? Don't be too sure. This shell game is narrated
by Jan Maxwell, a first rate actress and voice talent. Fun stuff, although I
didn't believe the religious nut's motivations, which seemed contrived.
The late Ross MacDonald's THE ZEBRA STRIPED HEARSE is now fully dramatised
and unabridged, with 40 actors headed by Harris Yulin and Ed Asner. The
story, involving private eye Lew Archer's investigation into the background
of an unsuccessful artist who intends to marry the daughter of a wealthy man,
contains some memorable lines and the usual askance observations about human
nature which are native to both Ross and John D. MacDonald's books, and
elevate the quality of the writing into highly entertaining literature. As
for the production, it is first rate, with all the principals delivering
eloquently believable and well timed performances. Harris Yulin, as Lew
Archer, sounds as you might expect Lew Archer to sound---restrained,
to-the-point, self deprecating, and philosophical. The original mood music
which runs throughout the production is carefully crafted for emotional
effect. The only flaws I can detect in this production involve some of the
minor characters, who don't seem to be on target emotionally to fit the text,
but seem rather inert or complacent. Also, this production is more "talking
heads" than the publisher's last production (Audie winner Sleeping Beauty,
also by MacDonald), so there are fewer sound effects needed. These are minor
quibblings, however, and let us pray that other audio publishers take up the
challenge, and produce more riveting productions as well.
You know the well worn detective novel setup, which opens with a new or
nearly bankrupt P.I. looking for clients? Well, it gets an unusual twist in
ANONYMOUS REX by Eric Garcia. Imagine a gumshoe who is actually a dinosaur.
No, really. A Velociraptor in a latex suit, pretending to be human.
Actually, dinosaurs faked their extinction in this storyline, and now wander
the earth in disguise. A gimmick? Perhaps. Addicted to the herb basil,
Vincent the P.I. dinosaur now wanders New York, trying to solve his partner's
murder while staying out of Herbaholics Anonymous. Now if only this comic
novel depicted lawyers as sharks, it might actually be believable.
One of the most prolific of authors is detective novelist Ed McBain, whose
latest THE LAST DANCE marks no less than his 50th "87th Precinct" novel. The
man has written more than 80 novels in total, some under the pseudonym Evan
Hunter. And who more fitting to read this latest novel on audio than the
author himself? With a natural style, McBain tackles the ethnic difficulties
of interpreting his characters with ease, rendering Puerto Rican, Irish, and
even Pakistani accents as Steve Carella investigates strip clubs and contract
killers in following up on a plot involving an old man's death by hanging,
and the rights to an old musical.
Versatile narrator Dick Hill can chalk up yet another winner with his
interpretation of a tightly written suspense tale, THE CARRIER, by Holden
Scott. The novel is about a young PH.D. candidate whose former professor
steals his potential cure for cancer. Interesting from beginning to end, the
plot follows Jack Collier, who is on the run from the law because his mentor
set him up in an attempt to take credit for Jack's development of a
genetically altered flesh-eating bacteria which attacks tumors instead of
healthy skin. Dick Hill conveys Jack's frustration and alarm both in and out
of the college research lab with believable emotion, utilizing subtle nuances
of inflection and tone. All loose ends are tied nicely in this one, too.
All you have to do is put your hand on this title to become infected by the
mesmerizing talent of Mr. Hill.
If you prefer description and characterization over choreographed action,
then James Lee Burke's latest, PURPLE CANE ROAD, is your huckleberry. The
plot here has no significance to anyone outside the heart and temperament of
its main character, Dave Robicheaux, and the creator of that character
wouldn't know a cliche if it climbed into his green turtle soup. Will Patton
performs this regional story with a native and intuitive skill bordering
perfection. If you haven't heard him read Burke yet, you'll be thanking me
profusely, and here's my email to do it: AudioRev@aol.com. In Purple Cane
Road, Dave seeks the truth about the long ago murder of his mother, following
a new lead implicating crooked cops. During his gritty and sometimes grisly
hunt, he manages to learn more about his mother, and gains an identity which
he can finally grasp in being her son.
Many audiobooks can be purchased or rented at Earful.com.
BOOKS TO READ WITH YOUR EYES ON THE ROAD by Jonathan Lowe
For rent or sale of most audiobooks, visit Earful.com, or call 1-800-532-7385. Reviewer Jonathan Lowe is author of
MORE BOOKS TO READ WITH YOUR EYES ON THE ROAD by Jonathan Lowe
I've been hoping for a long time that someone would produce more books of John D. MacDonald on audio. Nothing new to report here, but let me know if you run across any. He's a writer's writer...no one has received more accolades from fellow novelists than has MacDonald. He is Dean Koontz's all time favorite novelist, and Stephen King called him "the great entertainer of our age." Alas, he's long gone, but his books will stand the test of time. Check out DARKER THAN AMBER, a Travis McGee novel read by deep voiced Kevin Conway for Random House. [ISBN 0-394-56005-1] Other novels in the series are also available. A couple other interesting picks you may have missed...try SHOCK ROCK, a collection of horror stories written and read by rock stars, from Publishing Mills [ISBN 1-57511-0080-3] and RAVELING by Peter Moore Smith, read by actor Eric Stoltz, an eerie first person mystery of last year just nominated for an Audie Award, from Time Warner Audiobooks. [ISBN 1-57042-910-3]
Buy this book?
(6 hrs.; Harper Audio; ISBN 0-694-52483-2)
(4.5 hrs; Simon & Schuster Audio; ISBN 0-7435-0514-X)
(8 hrs.; Audio Partners; ISBN 1-57270-198-6)
(6 hrs.; retail: $24.95; Publishing Mills)
(6 hrs; Simon & Schuster)
(8 hrs.; Brilliance Audio; ISBN 1-56740-373-5)
(5 hrs abridged; retail: $25; Simon & Schuster)
Jonathan Lowe reviews audiobooks for Audiobookcafe.com, and is author of
MYSTERY & MIRTH FOR ANYONE STUCK IN TRAFFIC, nine radio dramas on tape from
Books on Tape, Inc. Profits benefit charity. 90 min./$9.95 at toll free
1-800-88-Books or
www.booksontape.com/bookdetail.cfm/5233.
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