Audiobooks discussion

In the "these things happen" department, I find myself having started two audiobooks which haven't caught my in interest...

The Cairo Brief, fourth in a 1920s mystery series; haven't read previous books, but doesn't seem to matter much.

Murder at the Mousetrap, first in the modern Bunburry cozy series, just seems to be trying too hard (best way I can put it).

John wrote: "In the "these things happen" department, I find myself having started two audiobooks which haven't caught my in interest...

The Cairo Brief, fourth in a 1920s mystery series; haven..."

I got the first three Bunburry books in a box set. I'm not sure if I'd say it tried too hard... maybe not hard enough? I like the Oscar Wild tie-ins, but I admit they are often a bit forced. I can't say why these didn't charm me as they did other reviewers, but the spark just wasn't there for me.

I finished The Memory of Souls. I forget whether I've posted since finishing it. The books in this series are all SOOOO complicated with all the twisting and turning and constant betrayals -- don't try reading or listening when your brain is tired! I'll definitely be reading the next book when it comes out next month.

I also went back and re-listened to the rest of the Murderbot stories -- that's All Systems Red, Artificial Condition, and Rogue Protocol. I do love Murderbot. :-) I also found out that Scribd has all the Murderbot books, including Fugitive Telemetry, so I can listen to it there without waiting for my hold at the library or for a sale on Audible. Hurrah!

After all that I listened to Ink and Bone by Rachel Caine. Good book! There were a few pacing problems, but in general it caught me and kept me and made me want to read the next book. I'm glad that the series was finished before Caine died last year. Mostly very good narration by Julian Elfer.

Now I'm listening to Namesake, #2 in the Fable duology. This is YA, but it's not the usual YA story -- no tiresome magic schools or magic competitions or love triangles or any of that nonsense. This one involves a teen girl in an island-hopping sailing culture who makes her living by diving for gemstones in the reefs surrounding the islands. The worldbuilding is full of holes -- like, gems in reefs?? Seriously?? -- but it's an original story and always interesting. The narrator, Emma Lysy, is okay but not marvelous, IMHO.

I've started the Not Too Late series by Victoria Danann... another Paranormal Women's Fiction series. I've finished Midlife Magic and Midlife Blues and am now reading Midlife Mojo. I'm enjoying these... inn fact, my sister and I would call the stories our own personal fantasies and would trade places with Rita Hayworth--the MC--in a heartbeat... her life, not her love interest, although he's fine for her. ;) So far, these books were very much more about the journey than a story with a typical arc and resolution. One big problem with these books is that they end abruptly and seem more like one long story that arbitrarily got broken into multiple books. Since three are currently available that's not a huge problem, but I suspect the third book will end as abruptly as the first two, leaving me waiting for the next release. And it's very odd that the first book was over nine hours while the second was under five but the third is seven hours... just plain odd.

I am reading A World Undone: The Story of the Great War, 1914 to 1918 and am impressed. The author makes military battles interesting. He intersperses the battles with background chapters. I had heard the book was excellent, and that it was exceptionally clear. It is. It is full of details and yet concise. He knows what is important to understand. He keeps your attention. A person who really understands a subject is the best at making the subject clear.

I picked it up in a two for one sale at Audible. I have had it on my TBR list for ages.

I finished Midlife Mojo and, yep, it ended suddenly... and on a real cliffhanger. The story is about an American woman who suddenly finds herself divorced and, though not bankrupt, in less favorable financial circumstances than when married. She suddenly finds herself with a first-class plane ticket to England, the owner of a house and shop in an idyllic country village, an account in a bank with unspecified but near boundless riches, and a position as the Magistrate for a court settling disputes between magical creatures. The inhabitants of the village are all magical and the incidents in court can be humorous or poignant but always interesting. It's a fun time with new and interesting things always happening. It may not be great, but it's the best kind of fluffy wish-fullfillment fantasy. While I can recommend the series, I'd also recommend waiting until more are available on Audible if having to wait for the next installment isn't your thing.

Contrarius wrote: "After all that I listened to Ink and Bone by Rachel Caine. Good book! There were a few pacing problems, but in general it caught me and kept me and made me want to read the next book. I'm glad that the series was finished before Caine died last year. Mostly very good narration by Julian Elfer."

This is one of my very favorite series, although I've never listened to them on audio. The tension stays high throughout the books. I hope you keep enjoying them!

This week I've been listening to Three-Martini Afternoons at the Ritz: The Rebellion of Sylvia Plath & Anne Sexton by Gail Crowther. Didn't know much about about either poet other than their tragic deaths, although I've read a fair amount of Plath's poems as a teenager. I'm enjoying the book, learning about their lives, and how the author ties in how the women are relevant to today. Should finish up in a couple of days.

Ashley Marie wrote: "This is one of my very favorite series, although I've never listened to them on audio. The tension stays high throughout the books. I hope you keep enjoying them!."

Me too! :-)

Pamela wrote: "This week I've been listening to Three-Martini Afternoons at the Ritz: The Rebellion of Sylvia Plath & Anne Sexton by Gail Crowther. Didn't know much about about either poet other t..."

Check out Her Husband: Ted Hughes and Sylvia Plath - A Marriage. It is very good.

Reading Mitzy Moon paranormal mystery series by Trixie Silvertale narrated by Coleen Marlo.

Finished
#1
Fries and Alibis
and
#2
Tattoos and Clues

Mitzy is interesting as are the other characters and the world Silvertale is building.
Mitzy is smart but not "wise beyond her years." Her years in foster care and poverty level jobs have given her experience. Her intentions are good, at least mostly, but she has problems.

Liked Tattoos better than Fries but I think that is mostly because I never got past the horrific gun mishandling by sheriff in Fries.

60%
#3
Wings and Broken Things

I finished sin and Magic, second in the demigods of San francisco series by K.F. Breene. I'm still liking this series a lot even though the MC often seems to have less sense than her two wards--who are very funny. The other supporting characters are beginning to show their personalities so that they are more than just a bunch of people hanging around. Up next is Sin and Salvation.

I finished Covet yesterday and will start Fool's Quest today. I've been buddy reading the overall series and it's taken a couple of years to get to this point because we've been reading the books every other month. I'm excited to be so close to the end.

Falling Upwards: How We Took to the Air by Richard Holmes - 4 stars - My Review

This is an eccentric book about the history of ballooning from 1783 to present. Holmes covers balloons used in wars, entertainment, daredevil acts, literature, and science. One of the highlights is the coverage of Salomon August Andrée’s expedition by balloon that attempted to reach the North Pole in 1896-1897. This book provides everything you ever wanted to know about balloons, and more! It documents adventures, misadventures, explorations, and inspirations. It is told in an entertaining way. I tend to enjoy quirky books that contain a mixture of science and history. I found it delightful.

The audio book is nicely read by Gildart Jackson (3.5 stars for the audio).

In the middle of The Midnight Library and I'm surprised that this book has gotten really high praises/rating. I think it's fine but not a 5 star quality. I'd be terrified if I'm thrown into a world where I'm supposed to be an expert of something that I don't know much about but Nora seemed to fake it without much problem.

I’m about 30% done of Shuggie Bain. Enjoying it so far. Had to slow down my regular 2x speed to accommodate for the Irish accent.

Grabbed Sun of a Beach to listen to today while volunteering for a dog rescue drive

Also listening to Wild Sign

Joy D wrote: "Falling Upwards: How We Took to the Air by Richard Holmes - 4 stars - My Review

This is an eccentric book about the history of ballooning from 1783 to present. Holme..."

Listening to a Gildart Jackson book at present myself. He's a great narrator!

I finished Sin & Salvation, third in the Demigods of San Francisco series by K. F. Breene. I re-learned for the umteenth time that an entertaining new book isn't a good choice for bedtime and trying to fall asleep!

Sin & Spirit is up next... if I can get Alexa to recognize the name and not constantly try to re-start either Sin & Magic or Secondhand Spirits! I might actually have to listen to this one using the Cloud Player.

I finished Between Shades of Gray over the weekend. A solid read - about concentration camps under Stalin in Siberia. Was not an easy read but a good one. The epilogue actually adds good context to the story.

Now I'm on All Your Perfects and while I usually like Colleen Hoover, I'm not really liking any of the characters in this. I think it may be time for something a little lighter!

Nancy wrote: "I finished Between Shades of Gray over the weekend. A solid read - about concentration camps under Stalin in Siberia. Was not an easy read but a good one. The epilogue actually adds ..."

apparently Between Shades of Grey was made into a movie - but i've yet to find it

Kim wrote: "I’m about 30% done of Shuggie Bain. Enjoying it so far. Had to slow down my regular 2x speed to accommodate for the Irish accent."

I listened it twice and had a good discussion at my book club. One of the members was from an alcoholic family so she said it was hard to read.

Dee wrote: "Nancy wrote: "I finished Between Shades of Gray over the weekend. A solid read - about concentration camps under Stalin in Siberia. Was not an easy read but a good one. The epilogue ..."

The Movie is called Ashes in the Snow.

A World Undone: The Story of the Great War, 1914 to 1918 by G.J. Meyer is amazing. It is definitely worth five stars. If you want to read a non-fiction book about the First World War, this is the one to pick.

My review: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...

I have begun Enchanter's Nightshade by Ann Bridge, a new classical author for me that I am eager to try.

Finally starting He Started It by Samantha Downing narrated by, Karissa Vacker

Mitzy Moon series by Trixie Silvertale.
Finished the first four narrated by Coleen Marlo.

#3
Wings and Broken Things
#4
Sparks and Landmarks

Taking a break before continuing these as kindle books from KU. I don't often read books with NA main characters but these are very readable and interesting. I especially want to know more about the very interesting caracal Pyewacket.

Current read kindle and audio:
Enjoying Bookmobile Cat Mystery #9. Still one of my favorite cozy series.

Checking Out Crime
by Laurie Cass
narrated by Erin Bennett

I finished the K.F. Breene Demigods of San Francisco series. After finishing Sin & Spirit--never did get my Alexa to recongize the title I wanted--I went on to Sin & Lightning and finished with Sin & Surrender. This is a complete series, but I fervently hope the author will someday re-visit this world with a series that either follows various other side characters or just continues with our two MCs even though the ending was extremely satisfying. This whole series will get a re-listen because it was just that good.

I'm currently listening to These Violent Delights, a new Romeo & Juliet retelling. Pretty good so far, and I like the 1920s Shanghai setting. Unfortunately not enthused about the narrator.

I just started Dear Child. So far so good. I have to keep backing it up to see if I missed something. Trying to figure out what is going on!?!?!

Watership Down by Richard Adams - 4 stars - My Review

Published in 1972, I had heard of this book for years, but never read it. I always thought it was a book for children, but it is one that adults can appreciate too. Set in rural England, a warren of wild rabbits finds their turf threatened by humans, so a group of brave adventurers embark on a journey to find a new home. These rabbits find entertainment and education through storytelling. The primary narrative is supplemented with side stories of the rabbits’ folklore heroes. It is extremely creative. The only drawback, for me, is the lack of any significant presence of female characters.

This is a perfect book for audio, and it is wonderfully read by Peter Capaldi. There are many characters, and he gives each one a distinct voice. It felt listening to a bedtime story or a play on the radio. Just marvelous! If you are on a long driving trip with kids, this would be a great choice for an audio the whole family could enjoy. (5 stars for the audio)

Joy D wrote: "Watership Down by Richard Adams - 4 stars - My Review

Published in 1972, I had heard of this book for years, but never read it. I always thought it was a book for chi..."

Ooooh, glad you liked this one, Joy! I read and loved the paperback a few years ago and I want to try the audio eventually.

Started The Perfect Daughter by D.J. Palmer narrated by, Dan Bittner & January LaVoy this one grabbed me immediately!

I don't think it was written for kids, although it's fine for them to read. I think it was more aimed at fans of fantasies like Lord of the Rings. After all, it is about a hero's quest, it's just that the characters are rabbits.

I finished The Serpent's Shadow, which I was disappointed in. It has a lot that appealed to me - Victorian setting, magic, feminist heroine, even a character that is a takeoff on Lord Peter Wimsey. But I found it drawn out, with too much description of furnishings, medical procedures, etc. and with most of the characters being rather flat. Also there were extended scenes from the point of view of the evil sorceress. I rarely enjoy scenes from the POV of the villain, especially when they have no subtlety. The narration was good, it was the book that was disappointing.

I just downloaded the newly released Unfinished tales by J.R.R. Tolkien. I read this way back when but am eager to hear it in audio. I plan to read this intermittently by sections since it is fairly long.
Anyone who isn't a fan of LotR will likely be lost or bored, but I've never been able to get enough of the genius that is Tolkien.

I definitely enjoyed Enchanter's Nightshade by Ann Bridge. The author was very popular in her day.

My review: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...

I am about to begin Blood and Treasure: Daniel Boone and the Fight for America's First Frontier by Bob Drury. It is non-fiction.

My review of The Rose Code by Kate Quinn

https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...

Jeanie wrote: "I just downloaded the newly released Unfinished tales by J.R.R. Tolkien. I read this way back when but am eager to hear it in audio. I plan to read this intermittently by sections since it is fairl..."

I'll add this to my list of supplemental material after I get through the Silmarillion and Children of Hurin. Thanks, Jeanie!

Kaoru wrote: "In the middle of The Midnight Library and I'm surprised that this book has gotten really high praises/rating. I think it's fine but not a 5 star quality. I'd be terrified if I'm thr..."

That book worked for me. I liked it a lot. I think it won or was close to winning the Goodreads Award.

Joy D wrote: "Watership Down by Richard Adams - 4 stars - My Review

Published in 1972, I had heard of this book for years, but never read it. I always thought it was a book for chi..."

I didn't get a good audible version. Mine was abridged. Wish I had gotten yours. I read this as a paperback during a difficult time and it was my escape. Wonderful book.

I was browsing kindle deals. I am prime. I ran across a Dean Koontz for $0 and the audible for $0. Or I could buy the book for $.99 and still get the audible for $1.99. When I looked at my library I see I can't download the book. I have to listen on my Kindle (horror) or on the Audible App.

I guess I should know about this program but I don't. If I had purchased it for $.99 would I be able to download the audible book? I always use my phone to listen.

The name of the book is "In the Heart of the Fire: Nameless, Book 1".

Bill (Just a) wrote: "I was browsing kindle deals. I am prime. I ran across a Dean Koontz for $0 and the audible for $0. Or I could buy the book for $.99 and still get the book for $0. When I looked at my library I see ..."

What I know about In the Heart of the Fire (Nameless #1):
It is from 2019 as are the other 5 Nameless stories.
It is currently a read and listen on kindle unlimited.
It may not be available from library because Audible is not selling to libraries.
It is published by Amazon Original Stories.
Length: 61 pages, about 90 minutes.

Bill (Just a) wrote: "I was browsing kindle deals. I am prime. I ran across a Dean Koontz for $0 and the audible for $0. Or I could buy the book for $.99 and still get the audible for $1.99. When I looked at my library ..."

I've done a lot of these. If you "borrow" it with Kindle Unlimited, you can't download it because you haven't actually bought it -- you've only borrowed it. But if you purchase it, then it's yours and you can do whatever you like with it -- including downloading it to your own drive.

Bill (Just a) wrote: "That book worked for me. I liked it a lot. I think it won or was close to winning the Goodreads Award.
"

I thought it was pretty good, but overall way too simplistic pop-psych moralizing.

Contrarius wrote: "Bill (Just a) wrote: "I was browsing kindle deals. I am prime. I ran across a Dean Koontz for $0 and the audible for $0. Or I could buy the book for $.99 and still get the audible for $1.99. When I..."

Thanks. I purchased it for $.99 and it disappeared from Audible Library. Then I found it in Audible and purchased it at the whispersync price of $0.00. I guess by the time one does all 5 of the series, the price will be about $5.00. Given how short these are, looks like they are selling by the chapter.

I'm currently listening to Caste: The Origins of Our Discontents. Wow! This one is a must read. I'm going to need some time to process before I can say much more than that.

Michelle wrote: "I'm currently listening to Caste: The Origins of Our Discontents. Wow! This one is a must read. I'm going to need some time to process before I can say much more than that."

It's an amazing book, both in content and in writing. I may have posted here already that it is one of the most beautifully written books I have ever read, fiction or nonfiction. Her use of metaphors, examples and anecdotes is original and brilliant.

I agree Robin her writing shifts the reader's perspective and allows them to view events from a different place. Brilliant!

I have completed Blood and Treasure: Daniel Boone and the Fight for America's First Frontier by Bob Drury. By the end I felt satisfied.

My review: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...

I wanted to read this before I read The Pioneers by James Fenimore Cooper. The book's central protagonist, Natty Bumppo, is said to have been inspired by Daniel Boone or perhaps the lesser known David Shipman. I will now begin Cooper's book.

The Golden Apples of the Sun and Other Stories by Ray Bradbury - 3+ stars - My Review

This collection of thirty-three short stories includes an assortment of science fiction, fantasy, and realism. One of my favorites is The Murderer - it is about a man who is annoyed by the intrusion of electronic devices. The protagonist questions the value of these technological advances and has taken to destroying them. I can only imagine what he would have thought of today’s social media! Another favorite is Frost and Fire, which tells of a civilization in which people live an entire lifetime in eight days. Overall, I found this collection well-written and creative, and particularly enjoyed the science fiction entries.

The audio book is competently read by Michael Prichard. (3.5 stars for the audio)