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Jean

I am an avid eclectic reader.

Santa Cruz, CA, United States | Member Since 2010

1099
HELPFUL VOTES
  • 400 reviews
  • 434 ratings
  • 802 titles in library
  • 91 purchased in 2013
FOLLOWING
13
FOLLOWERS
304

  • Stealing the General: The Great Locomotive Chase and the First Medal of Honor

    • UNABRIDGED (15 hrs and 16 mins)
    • By Russell S. Bonds
    • Narrated By Bronson Pinchot
    Overall
    (238)
    Performance
    (188)
    Story
    (188)

    On April 12, 1862—one year to the day after Confederate guns opened on Fort Sumter and started the Civil War—a tall, mysterious smuggler and self-appointed Union spy named James J. Andrews and 19 infantry volunteers infiltrated Georgia and stole a steam engine called the General. Racing northward at speeds near 60 miles an hour, cutting telegraph lines, and destroying track along the way, Andrews planned to open East Tennessee to the Union army, cutting off men and materiel from the Confederate forces in Virginia.

    auther says: "Sometimes Facts can be more exciting then Fiction"
    "Stealing The General"
    Overall
    Performance
    Story

    Bronson Pinchot did a good job narrating this story. This is my first Russell S. Bond book. He did a good job as a historian in documenting his evidence. I chose the book because it told the story of the first Metal on Honor winner. The book also told how the Metal of Honor came about and who's ideal it was and how Winfield Scott fought against giving metals. Bond's went about correcting the historical error created by other writers and of the Hollywood movie about the story. At times the story dragged but overall it was an enjoyable read. I learned a lot about the railroads in the Civil War.

    15 of 17 people found this review helpful
  • Chiefs

    • UNABRIDGED (17 hrs and 27 mins)
    • By Stuart Woods
    • Narrated By Mark Hammer
    • Whispersync for Voice-ready
    Overall
    (946)
    Performance
    (406)
    Story
    (404)

    In 1919, Delano, Georgia, appoints its first chief of police. Honest and hardworking, the new chief is puzzled when young men start to disappear. But his investigation is ended by the fatal blast from a shotgun. Delano's second chief-of-police is no hero, yet he is also disturbed by what he sees in the missing-persons bulletins. In 1969, when Delano's third chief takes over, the unsolved disappearances still haunt the police files.

    Michael says: "Absolutely Terrific!"
    "A great story"
    Overall
    Performance
    Story

    This book was written in 1981 and won the Edgar Award. After listening to it I sure can see why it received the award and how it launched Woods career. I also under stand that in the 1980's CBS made it into a mini-series starring Charles Heston. The book is the first one in a series about Will Lee. The book opens up in 1919 Delano Georgia (near warm Springs --FDR died there) with the appointment of the first police chief of Delano, a farmer Will Henry Lee it covers his years as Chief and his accumulating evidence on two boys who were murdered and his suspicions of Foxy Furderburke as the murder. Lee was shot down in line of duty and the next Chief was Sonny Butts a returning WWI solder he added to the file on Foxy but he had problems, you need to read the story, I do not want to give away the story. Tucker Watts became the third Chief and the first black, he also is a Army veteran. His term was in the 1950-60 and time of Civil Rights in the South. Lots of action, suspense, politics, family interaction, history and life in a small town in the racial divided South. Woods took the time to build the characters and the background in the story as it is the beginning of a series. The Narrator Mark Hammer did a great job. His voice is familiar to me but I can not place it. I shall download the second book in the series, I hope it will be as good as this one.

    2 of 2 people found this review helpful
  • The New Digital Age: Reshaping the Future of People, Nations and Business

    • UNABRIDGED (10 hrs and 48 mins)
    • By Eric Schmidt, Jared Cohen
    • Narrated By Roger Wayne
    • Whispersync for Voice-ready
    Overall
    (49)
    Performance
    (39)
    Story
    (38)

    In an unparalleled collaboration, two leading global thinkers in technology and foreign affairs give us their widely anticipated, transformational vision of the future: a world where everyone is connected - a world full of challenges and benefits that are ours to meet and to harness. Eric Schmidt is one of Silicon Valley’s great leaders, having taken Google from a small startup to one of the world’s most influential companies. Jared Cohen is the director of Google Ideas and a former adviser to secretaries of state Condoleezza Rice and Hillary Clinton.

    Mike says: "Disappointing. At once obvious and curious."
    "What is the future of our privacy vs security?"
    Overall
    Performance
    Story

    Unlike some of the other reviewers I found this book interesting and thought provoking. The book went back and forth between what is coming in technology and how it can be used by the individual, corporation, or NGO, for good or bad. What I found most intriguing is their discussions on how government can use the coming technology for good or evil. Jared Cohen worked at the State Department under both Rice and Clinton so I felt he had a good understanding of the various types of government in the world and what they would or would not do with the technology. They went out of their way to point out technology such as, the smart phone, will give more power to all the people of the world. It was interesting how they see the use of communication technology in helping in natural or man made disasters in the world. They used the example of Haiti to show what would have worked better and how various technologies could improve the reconstruction phase post disaster. In listing all the new advancements coming in the future I felt like one day we will pass the wonders of Star Trek. One question they asked was, for each of us to think, at what point do we draw the line of how much privacy will we give up for security. Lots of information along with pros and cons of use and abuse, over all I was fascinated with the information in the book.

    0 of 0 people found this review helpful
  • The Black Stiletto

    • UNABRIDGED (8 hrs and 24 mins)
    • By Raymond Benson
    • Narrated By Arielle DeLisle, Chris Patton, Michael Ray Davis
    Overall
    (10)
    Performance
    (9)
    Story
    (9)

    Could Martin Talbot's elderly, Alzheimer-stricken mother, Judy, really have been the Black Stiletto? When Martin discovers several volumes of her diaries hidden by his mother, he is stunned beyond all imagination. His mother, the underground heroine of yesteryear? The famed, still unidentified woman who battled Communist spies, took on the Mafia, and preyed on common crooks? The woman who exacted punishment on evildoers without mercy? But it is all described, in great detail, in the diaries. Could it be true? Talbot is filled with doubt and disbelief.

    Jean says: "Superman, wonder woman and now The Black Stiletto"
    "Superman, wonder woman and now The Black Stiletto"
    Overall
    Performance
    Story

    Raymond Benson came up with an interesting idea. I remember years and years ago when in training, working with some Alzheimer patient wondering what their life had been like and what secret were also lost to the disease. Benson has Martin Talbot's mother Judy Cooper Talbot in a facility for Alzheimer, he is asked to see his Mother's attorney. The attorney gives him a box and letter and said his Mother had instructed him to give this to Martin when she dies or is incapacitated. He finds a diagram to the house marking a secret room. In it he finds a costume and diaries, weapons. The story goes from Martin reading the diaries learning about his Mother and to the present day with Roberto Renelli a Mafia gangster being released from Sing Sing after 52 years. He is out to find and kill the Black Stiletto, who put him in prison. The story goes from how this happened, with Martin reading the diaries, to the current day, this adds more suspense as Martin learns of his Mother's life as The Black Stiletto. I think this might make a good series, so shall order the next book in line. Lots of action, suspense and some humor along with interesting characters. This is a bit different idea and has so much potential for a good story line. Arielle DeLisle, Chris Patton, Michael ray Davis did a great job with the narration.

    2 of 2 people found this review helpful
  • Stark's Crusade: Stark's War, Book 3

    • UNABRIDGED (10 hrs and 34 mins)
    • By Jack Campbell
    • Narrated By Eric Michael Summerer, Jack Campbell
    Overall
    (330)
    Performance
    (182)
    Story
    (180)

    He was sent into space to protect the U.S. Lunar Colony. Instead, when faced with orders that would do nothing but get his soldiers killed, Sergeant Stark lead a rebellion. Now he and his soldiers must fend off deadly aggression from their own country without igniting a full-scale civil war.

    Andy says: "A fine conclusion"
    "Sorry to see the series end"
    Overall
    Performance
    Story

    I am a fan of military Sci-Fi. I read the other two books in the series (you must read this series in order) and knew this was the last book. I was wondering how Campbell was going to end it, I was thinking up all types of scenarios. The politics was interesting sort of reminds you of what is going on today in Washington. The space and land battles descriptions were fantastic. Campbell is a master of space battles. I will not give away the end but Campbell did an excellent job of tying up all the ends and coming up with a reasonable ending. I have read all the Jag in Space series and the Lost Fleet which I am keeping current on as Campbell writes them. I hope Audible has books under his real name of John Henry as I want to keep reading his books. Eric M. Summerer did a great job with the narration.

    1 of 1 people found this review helpful
  • A Prison Diary

    • UNABRIDGED (7 hrs and 25 mins)
    • By Jeffrey Archer
    • Narrated By Martin Jarvis
    • Whispersync for Voice-ready
    Overall
    (191)
    Performance
    (35)
    Story
    (35)

    On July 19, 2001, Jeffrey Archer is sentenced to four years in prison for perjury. He serves the first three weeks of his sentence in a high-prison that houses some of Britain's most violent criminals. Archer contemplates suicide; he is allowed out and followed by 100 reporters on the day of his mother's funeral; he's moved to the Lifer's wing because of the security; and he becomes a trusted confidant for fellow convicts. A Prison Diary is Archer's account of these events.

    Jeffrey says: "A Worthwhile Listen"
    "A trip to jail"
    Overall
    Performance
    Story

    I have read a number of Jeffrey Archer books over the years and also knew he was a member of the House of Lords and a politician but was unaware he was sent to prison. Like many of the other readers I looked up to learn about his crimes. This book is book one of a series of four books in the Prison Diary series. I found it interesting and was surprised at his treatment by the other prisoners and staff. The day to day life of prison was enlightening as well as how many were there because of drugs. I could understand Archers point when he would write attention Mr. Home Secretary even though it could be considered self serving. I also noted how many of the prisoners said they would just take their punishment and get on with life. I am impressed that on his release that Archer is busy campaigning for prison reform. Martin Jarvis did a great job reading this book. Enjoyed the book and learned a lot.

    1 of 1 people found this review helpful
  • Pierrepoint: A Family of Executioners: The Story of Britain's Infamous Hangmen

    • UNABRIDGED (10 hrs and 17 mins)
    • By Steve Fielding
    • Narrated By Norman Gilligan
    Overall
    (2)
    Performance
    (2)
    Story
    (2)

    Between them, the three men in the fearsome Pierrepoint dynasty executed over 800 people during a career spanning more than half a century. Henry, his brother Thomas, and his son Albert, dispatched some of the most infamous criminals of the 20th century, and in the process earned a public notoriety that followed them throughout their eventful lives.

    Jean says: "The Hangmen"
    "The Hangmen"
    Overall
    Performance
    Story

    This book was written a bit differently than what I was expecting from the blurb about the book. I was expecting a biography type story of the men and their lives, instead it is mainly a chronicle of their more famous executions. The time frame of the book is from 1903 to 1956 when the death penalty was revoked. The opening of the book is what I was originally expected, in that, it tells about Henry's application to be an executioner, the process at the time to be come one, the interviews he went too and the training he took. Once he started working as an executioner the story mostly changed to the person to be executed and their crime. Albeit, I did find it interesting and noted how murder has evolved in society over the years. I found the stories in World War One and World War Two intriguing the execution changed from murder to treason. The part of the story covering post WWII war crimes trials and executions were fascinating, I am well versed in the American Nuremburg trials but was unaware of the British War Crime Trials of the concentration camp commandants and guards. I would like to learn more about the trials by the Allied countries and how they decided which country would try what type of war crimes. The last part of the book covered the controversy of the death penalty and Albert's response to it. Steve Fielding did a lot of research to gather the material for this story. Norman Gilligan did a great job of narrating the story.

    1 of 1 people found this review helpful
  • Blood Country: Claire Watkins #1

    • UNABRIDGED (9 hrs and 10 mins)
    • By Mary Logue
    • Narrated By Joyce Bean
    • Whispersync for Voice-ready
    Overall
    (2)
    Performance
    (2)
    Story
    (2)

    Police officer Clare Watkins moves with her young daughter to Wisconsin to get away from the past and its bad memories. But Clare doesn't know that her 10-year-old daughter Meg not only witnessed the hit-and-run accident that killed her father, she had also seen the man who was driving...and had been seen by him.

    Jean says: "A women police officer story"
    "A women police officer story"
    Overall
    Performance
    Story

    Was looking for a new series to follow and came across this one that sounded interesting. I have not read any Mary Logue book before but do like Joyce Bean narration. I was not disappointed in the first book of the series, it sets the scene for the series. Claire Watkins husband is killed in a hit and run in front of her house and the accident was witness by the daughter Meg. Claire resigns her job with the St Paul homicide squad and moves to a small town in Wisconsin to be near her sister and raise her daughter in a safer environment. Needless to say the action begins with the killer coming after Meg and Claire's sister. Claire's neighbor is murdered. Lots of detention work, action, suspense and humor. Time is taken by Logue to build characters which is why I sometime enjoy a series over a stand-alone book. Shall try the next book in the series before I decide to continue the series or not.

    1 of 1 people found this review helpful
  • The Town Tamer

    • UNABRIDGED (7 hrs and 7 mins)
    • By Dusty Rhodes
    • Narrated By Don Ranson
    Overall
    (18)
    Performance
    (18)
    Story
    (18)

    J.C. Holderfield brought law and order to the lawless frontier of Texas in the mid-eighteen hundreds and became known far and wide as “The Town Tamer.” His reputation for cleaning up a town was backed up by his fast gun and made him sought after by the law-abiding citizens and feared by those that would prey on them.

    Tish says: "Great Author - Touching Story!"
    "A great story of building the west"
    Overall
    Performance
    Story

    Dusty Rhodes is making a name for himself as a western writer who tells a story like the old-fashion stories tellers of the past. This in many ways is a story of a young boy's growth and development into manhood, it also could be called a love story. It is all this wrapped into a fast moving action western with Texas history wrapped into it. I thought the name sounded familiar then remembered J.C. Holderfield was the town marshal in the Littlejohn family series. Was nice to learn about Holderfield and how he ended up the town marshal in the town where the Littlejohn's lived. I listened to this all day while on my walk, doing house chores, gardening and exercise, felt I never wasted a minute of my reading time. Don Ranson did a good job narrating the story, loved his deep baritone voice, it just seem perfect for the story. It is a shame more people no longer read westerns, there is more to a good western than people think. Give the book and genre a try.

    1 of 1 people found this review helpful
  • Soft Target: Ray Cruz, Book 1

    • UNABRIDGED (7 hrs and 56 mins)
    • By Stephen Hunter
    • Narrated By Phil Gigante
    • Whispersync for Voice-ready
    Overall
    (189)
    Performance
    (159)
    Story
    (159)

    New York Times best-selling author Stephen Hunter is back with another breakneck thriller, in which ex-Marine sniper, Ray Kruz, must outwit a group of murderous Somali terrorists who’ve laid siege to the Mall of America. Recently retired marine sergeant Ray Kruz has been talked into a mall trip by his fiancé, the beautiful Molly Chan. For Ray, Molly represents a way to reconnect with normal life, something his 20 years in the service and five tours in two combat zones have prevented.

    Ralph says: "The next generation has begun"
    "Another Action packed story from Hunter"
    Overall
    Performance
    Story

    When I saw this was about a Marine sniper I thought it was going to be a war story but no the hero Sargent Ray Kruz has just retired from the Corp and is in Minnesota to visit his fiancé , Molly Chan's family. They go to the Mall of America for some gifts and get caught in a take over by a group of Somali Terrorists. Now begins a fast past, action and suspense packed story. Ray's sister is a reporter in a news helicopter above the mail and uses the news copter to block a terrorist from escaping in a copter. Both siblings are hero's in the story. As the story ends a truism occurs incompetence gets promoted. Phil Gigante does a great job narrating the book. This book makes an exciting passage of time I almost read it in one session. If you like Hunter books and action packed stories this is the book for you.

    0 of 0 people found this review helpful
  • The Alexander Cipher: Daniel Knox, Book 1

    • UNABRIDGED (12 hrs and 16 mins)
    • By Will Adams
    • Narrated By David Colacci
    • Whispersync for Voice-ready
    Overall
    (122)
    Performance
    (60)
    Story
    (60)

    Egyptologist Daniel Knox's lifelong fascination with Alexander the Great and his tomb, a fabled wonder of the ancient world, could be the death of him. After construction workers excavating in Alexandria expose a catacomb dating back to ancient times, Knox eagerly sneaks in to scout the cavernous and dusty site. Among the relics he finds clues that may solve one of the world's greatest mysteries: the last resting place of Alexander the Great.

    C. Johnson says: "Very strong start to a (hopefully) lengthy series"
    "An exciting adventure"
    Overall
    Performance
    Story

    Egyptologist Daniel Knox is hired by a marine archeologist friend to dive in a newly discovered catacomb discovered at a hotel building site in Alexandra. This leads to a hunt for Alexander the Great's tomb. Lots of action, bit of history of Ptolemy tossed in and information about Alexander the Great. Suspense, humor, chases and good character build up for possible a series. Will Adams has a writing style similar to Clive Cussler. This is an action historical fiction book. I have always enjoyed listening to David Colacci and he does his usual great job narrating the book.

    1 of 2 people found this review helpful

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