Gary

James Lee Burke is such a skilled writer. His descriptive phrases bring sharp images to the imagination. This is a small book, but the story did not seem small. It moved along briskly. The characters that he created seemed so real, one would almost think he actually knew them and shared firsthand in their real life adventures. The narrator was nothing short of fabulous. I would recommend this book to anyone who likes a terrific story and great characters, regardless of how one feels about western genre books. This one is special.

Have any of you read a series of books in which the first book is good and then with each additional book it loses itself? This is not the case when CJ Cherryh writes a series. They just get better and better. She writes with a delicious complexity of cultures, politics and action while constructing characters that are real, including their flaws. Yet, they are characters that one can root for and identify with. The narrator did a really extraordinary job. The bottom line is download this book and enjoy it. Enjoy them all.

CJ Cherryh is one of the best SF authors, ever. I have read all of her books. I am starting with an older book (hopefully remembering less) and have had the pleasure of experiencing her genius all over again. She is able to look at us from the outside, from a different perspective. Her writing skills are superb and her ability to paint pictures with words is extraordinary. I was waiting for her books to "become" audible and now they have arrived. I would suggest you listen to them in order. For those of you who are long time fans of CJ Cherryh, I need say nothing. For those of you for which she is a new author, you are in for a special treat. The narrator did a very good job.

Tana French is in my opinion an excellent writer. She does like similes and detailed descriptive passages. These could bog a book down if one does not take pleasure in descriptive details. Fortunately, she is gifted and her similes are frequently poetic. It is my observation that the plot is of secondary importance. What she really writes about is relationships. So, if you are in no rush for the plot to progress and enjoy word pictures as well as a remarkable ability to explore and portray relationships, this is the book for you. If you have read or listened to "Faithful Place", you know exactly what I am talking about. I have just purchased "The Likeness". I am looking forward to it, but, because her books are somewhat heavy (not exactly cheerful), I may need to listen something of a lighter nature before listening to "The Likeness". The narrator was nothing short of fantastic.

I have only recently discovered D. Preston & L Child. However, I have listened to 14 of their books. Obviously I like their books quite a lot and, as one might expect, some are better than others. The Cabinet of Curiosities was a good one. Good story and narration. The issue I have with it is similar to that, I suspect, of many of you; I prefer unabridged. If a person really likes an author, why rush it? In addition, I wonder what was left out. Nonetheless, the person who did the editing did a good job and the books does flow well. So, if you are itching to listen to one of their books, it is worth it. If you also are relatively new to these authors, I would suggest that you go to one of their websites and listen to them order (at least those that are loosely tied together). One of their other books that is not in a series that I liked quite a lot was "Ice Limit". So, enjoy! It's all good.

CS Forester's books have held up remarkably well. He is an excellent author and the narrator is terrific. However, when he wrote African Queen, I can only believe he was in one of those cynical, bad moods.

Jennifer Van Dyck did an excellent job as narrator. Her voice is rich and she manages male characters well. She injected appropriate emotion when it was called for. In this series by Jack McDevitt, the main character is a woman and the choice of Van Dyke as narrator was an excellent one. The story is good entertainment. It won't change your life but it is a very pleasant way to spend time. I started listening to audible books a few years ago and have listened to about 400. I'm sure there are others who have listened to more. Based on my experience, it amazes me when a book is rated as a 1 or 2 star. I imagine they exist but I have not come across one (well, perhaps one). Maybe it all comes down to taste, the standard one sets and expectation. When I listen to a McDevitt book I expect an enjoyable story and that is what I get. I believe that qualifies as a success. Good work Jennifer Van Dyck. I imagine you are as beautiful as your voice.