M. J. Christensen

A humorous, well paced story that flows along well as we see how the characters' lives are changed by the mugging of Charlotte. In some ways, this reminds me a bit of Wodehouse in structure; some of the characters are funny at times, but also very human. A very entertaining read and although I found the narrator's voice harsh at first, I came to really enjoy and appreciate her reading after awhile. I especially like her voicing of Anton. Lively is one of my favorite authors and this is definitely one of her best books.

I got this for free from Audible. A short story with detective D.D. Warren; I haven't read or listened to anything by Lisa Gardner before. The story was ok, nothing to get excited about. It took me awhile to listen to this - it just didn't interest me a lot. I especially didn't like the narrator - I can't really say why; there was something about her voice that didn't draw me into the story. I might read a novel by Gardner in the future, but I don't think I would listen to another.

This was my first book by Norah Roberts and I got it for free from Audible. I must say that this isn't my kind of novel - it has too much trivial dialogue and didn't have a very exciting plot. There were just too many references to the architecture of the inn and gift shop, and at times Roberts seemed more an interior decorator than a novelist. Roberts is a competent writer and I might enjoy some of her other books, but I really had to slog through this one, although the plot did pick up in the second half of the novel. I definitely will not be listening to the other two books in the trilogy.

Andrews was an ok narrator, although, as others have mentioned, his attempt at women and children's voices was grating. I would not seek out other books that he narrates.

This was my introduction to Neil Gaiman and I am now a fan. This story started innocently and built to a breathless climax. Gaiman's reading was spot on - I'm looking forward to listening to one of his novels.

This was my first listen to Jon Ronson and his voice took a few minutes to get used to, but then I liked it. These four stories are very humorous and I laughed out loud at the last one about his parents' hotel and his mother wanting to put a family painting in the lobby. This story especially reminded me of David Sedaris. I would recommend this short listen to anyone - a very pleasant way to spend a half hour!

Really would rate this 4 1/2 stars overall. A classic novella from one of the best prose writers of all time. Wilde was a master at the "turn of phrase", and in this story the character of Lord Henry (called "the prince of paradox") is a stand-in for Wilde himself. This is a novel that needs to be read (or listened to) more than once to catch all the philosophical ramblings. I did not think that Dorian should be blamed for all the degradation he believes he caused. After all individuals are responsible for their own actions and have a choice - they followed Dorian willingly. He himself was greatly influenced by the cynical Lord Henry. The idea of having the picture change with each cruel action was a brilliant literary device. Simon Prebble's narration was excellent although I did have some problems telling Lord Henry and Dorian apart.

This is the first novel in the very popular Jack Reacher series and it's a good one. The premise and some of the action in the novel did seem a little far-fetched, but it did keep my interest and I enjoyed the characters. I guess It was a bit more violent than most of the books I read or listen to - I didn't really know what the guns were that he mentions in the story. I especially liked the inclusion of bluesman Blind Blake and the appreciation of blues music that the character (and probably author) had; this added an extra dimension to the story. Definitely an easy and exciting listen that flowed along well. I will probably read or listen to another Reacher novel in the future. Dick Hill is an excellent narrator and made listening to the book a pleasure - I don't think I would have liked the novel as well if I had just read it.

I had read this first novel that introduces the wonderful detective Hercule Poirot back in the 60s. At the time, I loved the somewhat complicated mystery (did anyone figure out the plot completely?) and the always present humor. As I reread and listened to the narration by David Suchet (who plays Poirot on television to perfection), I was reminded again how great a mystery writer Christie was. I thoroughly enjoyed the characters - of course, Poirot, but also Hastings and the inhabitants of the Styles estate. A classic mystery that makes me want to go back and read all the Poirot novels again! Suchet was excellent and I look forward to more readings by him.

An interesting and unique view of Western expansion from the Native American Sauk Chief, Black Hawk. He seemed a fair and honest person whose tribe was lied to and displaced from their traditional lands at Rock River. He signed a treaty that wasn't explained to him that ceded the land on the East bank of the Mississippi to the whites - as he explains, he would never have "put the quill" to the paper if he had known what was written there. This autobiography gives us a glimpse into the culture and mindset of the early 19th Century Midwest Indians. Although I found the book fascinating, it did seem to list so many battles and skirmishes that they started to run together after awhile. I enjoyed his observations on his trip to Washington DC to see the president - going up the Ohio river (he called Wheeling a beautiful village!) and visiting the great cities of the Eastern seaboard. The narrator was OK, but for some reason, I felt his voice wasn't the best fit for the material. I would recommend this for anyone who is interested in early American history.

This is classic Graham Greene - a very psychological story of the agony of love. The narrator of the story, Bendrix, alternates between loving and hating his mistress Sarah, and the God that she comes to believe in. I think anyone who has been in love will be able to relate at least a little bit to Bendrix. he is a very human character. As one would expect, the writing is exquisite and the flavor of post WW2 London permeates the story. If you are looking for a plot-driven story, this isn't it, but if you like to delve into the mind of characters and feel their melancholy, you won't be disappointed. Colin Firth gives a fantastic reading - I can't think of anyone else who could have done better. Please have him narrate some more books!