Unfinished Business

By: Carolyn Ridder Aspenson

Narrated by: Kathy Poelker

Length: 7 hrs and 38 mins

Publisher's Summary

Sometimes the dead need our help and sometimes, we need theirs.

Angela Panther has a perfect life: A lovely home, an attentive, successful husband, two reasonably behaved children, a devoted dog and a lot of coffee and cupcakes. But while her life might border on mundane, she's got it under control. Until her mother, Fran, dies - and returns as a ghost. It seems Fran's got some unfinished business and she's determined to get it done.

Now Fran's got some nifty celestial superpowers and isn't opposed to using them to levy a little ghostly retribution on her granddaughter's frenemies and even her own daughter, which doesn't make Angela happy.

While Angela's shocked and grateful to have her mother back, she's not thrilled about the portal to the afterlife Fran opened upon her return. Now every ghost in town is knockin' on Angela's psychic door, looking for help - and it's a royal pain in the butt. Now Angela's got to find a way to balance her family life with her new gift and keep her mother in line. And it's a lot for one woman to handle.

©2013 Carolyn Ridder Aspenson (P)2014 Carolyn Ridder Aspenson

What to do when your dead mother arrives?

While the beginning was a little blah, and there seemed to be some fluctuation in the ages of Angela's parents, all that was forgiven when the story gathered relevance and momentum. Geared to the thirty somethings, it has relevance to any parent. The verbiage is timely and most of the book is a laugh a minute. There is, however, some very serious stuff in here and tears will flow. It looks to be the start of a good, fun series. Don't miss this one.
KP does a really great job in this audio performance. She can snark with the best, and has all of the emotions just right, as well as differentiating each character and making them more real.
This review is honest, the book was free.

2 of 2 people found this review helpful

Not even death can put an end to motherly love.

Would you recommend this audiobook to a friend? If so, why?

Yes. It is so fun. And besides, who has not wished to keep in touch with their loved ones that went ahead of us to the other side?

What did you like best about this story?

I liked the mother-daughter relationship. Even though one of them is dead, it is funny and so real, you can relate at so many levels.

What about Kathy Poelker’s performance did you like?

She is amazing at making you see the characters right in front of you. She specially brings Fran to life, "back" to life, that is! Her voice has so many facets it is so easy to go from a Grandma to a teenager to a boy on the same sentence. Kathy Poelker's performance enhances the story.

If you could rename Unfinished Business, what would you call it?

I wouldn't change it. It is perfect for the story.

Any additional comments?

This has been my first audio-novel and I think Kathy Poelker has set the bar very high for my future audibooks!

2 of 2 people found this review helpful

Highly Recommend - Moving and Touching story

What made the experience of listening to Unfinished Business the most enjoyable?

Listening to the audio was very enjoyable. Kathy Poelker did an excellent job. I enjoyed it very much. She has a way of speaking that draws you in and keeps your interest!

What was one of the most memorable moments of Unfinished Business?

There were a lot of moments that I could relate to and made the story memorable. The relationship between the writer and her "ghost" Italian Mom, was classic. It reminded me of my own experiences with my family. This book made me, laugh out loud, smile and even cry.

Which character – as performed by Kathy Poelker – was your favorite?

My favorite character was Angela. Being a mother and a daughter, I could relate to her story and experiences.

If you were to make a film of this book, what would the tag line be?

From Here to Beyond... Unfinished Business

Any additional comments?

I highly recommend this book to everyone! If you are a mother, a daughter, an Italian family member, believe in life after death or if you enjoy, smiling, laughing or crying, this is a MUST Read! It is a delightful story that takes you on a roller coaster ride. We all can relate to the family dynamics in this story and it is just hilarious and a heart-felt tale. Definitely buy this book, because once you start it, you will not want to put it down.

2 of 2 people found this review helpful

Enjoyable listening.. good story/loved narrator

Where does Unfinished Business rank among all the audiobooks you’ve listened to so far?

near the top

What did you like best about this story?

the way the story was told and acted out

Which scene was your favorite?

The scary one with the girl

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

amused most of the time.. one part very sad

2 of 2 people found this review helpful

A new, super sleuth emerges!!

If you could sum up Unfinished Business in three words, what would they be?

Funny, well-written and engaging! Loved this gal! A fun, listen to.

What was one of the most memorable moments of Unfinished Business?

I laughed out loud when her mother accused Angela of hiding and eating the chocolate bars.

Have you listened to any of Kathy Poelker’s other performances before? How does this one compare?

No, but I will certainly look for more books that she has recorded. Wonderful speaking voice.

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

I would , if I could, but time doesn't allow it.

Any additional comments?

I hope there are more Angela Panther mysteries, using the same narrator, Kathy Pelker

1 of 1 people found this review helpful

Real relationships revealed in engaging story

I enjoyed how the author, Carolyn, crafted the relationships between Angela and her husband, best friend, daughter, and mother. Each relationship has its own characteristics and dynamics, and each character has their own strengths and foibles. They're all the more likable and easy to relate to for their flaws and the way they overcome obstacles.

The narrator, Kathy, does a wonderful job breathing life into Angela, her family, and the rest of the crew. As she tells the tale, like a master storyteller, I could feel the frustration, the unexpected joy in the midst of grief, the confusion, the genuine concern, and the connection between the characters.

I've already listened twice over the last year and shared this audio book with friends. I know I'll listen again and find inspiration and genuine pleasure. Well done, Carolyn and Kathy!

1 of 1 people found this review helpful

Great afternoon read

If you could sum up Unfinished Business in three words, what would they be?

Laugh love cry

Who was your favorite character and why?

I loved the character of Ma

What does Kathy Poelker bring to the story that you wouldn’t experience if you just read the book?

She is truly gifted in voices, her ability to modulate different characters makes the book easier to follow.

Was there a moment in the book that particularly moved you?

Not one in particular, I did however truly enjoy the diverse moments of wit and angst.

Any additional comments?

I am excited to follow the career of the narrator !

1 of 1 people found this review helpful

Entertaning

Any additional comments?

I loved this audio book! It was funny and entertaining, yet still pulls at the heart strings. The author has a fantastic writing style and the narrator did a great job. Can't wait for the next book in this series!

1 of 1 people found this review helpful

Comical story of soccer mom who sees dead people.

Any additional comments?

I've always been fond of reincarnation and ghost stories, and Unfinished Business: An Angela Panther Novel by Carolyn Ridder Aspenson did not disappoint. This story centers on Angela who is a suburban housewife with two good children, an awesome best friend, and a fantastic husband. Angela's perfect life is suddenly changed with the death of her mother, Fran, who comes back to haunt her due to unfinished business. The relationship between Angela and her "ghost" Italian mother was very enjoyable and the banter between them was believable.

Kathy Poelker 's narration was excellent. I was totally engrossed and imagined that I was listening to Angela's thoughts and snarky comments, rather than listening to a reader's narration of a book. I'd listen to another one of her renditions any day!

If I have one complaint it's that the book ends abruptly and needed a bit more closure. I even went back to ensure I downloaded it all. In particular, what happens to the high society boys and parents who threw the pill parties near the end of the book? Perhaps this is only the first in a series and there are more stories to come that will answer that question?

1 of 1 people found this review helpful

Unfinished Business

Any additional comments?

Angela Panther finds out after her mom dies that she 'can see dead people'.Her mom has unfinished business but won't tell Angela what it is.This could be a great story ,but it was full of crude descriptions and childish behaviors.I had a hard time listening to it.Kathy Poelker reads it in Angelas voice.,,,which is really annoying, but considering the content of the material,probably appropriate.I've pictured Patrick Stewart reading it,he could do no better.I would try another book by both author and narrator...you never know..."I was provided this audiobook at no charge by the author in exchange for an unbiased review via AudiobookBlast dot com."