July 2023 MBR The Audiobook Shelf

The Audiobook Shelf

Game Of Scones
Kim M. Watt, author
Patricia Gallimore, narrator
Isis Audio Books
c/o Ulverscroft Large Print, Inc.
www.ulverscroft.com
9781399150118, $122.95, MP3-CD (11 Hours 20 Minutes)

https://www.amazon.com/Game-Scones-Kim-M-Watt/dp/1399150111

Synopsis: Bribery. Corruption. Murder. -- Who said local politics were boring?

Suspicious deaths on the Skipton city council don't sound as though they should have anything at all to do with the Toot Hansell Women's Institute, and DI Adams would rather like to keep it that way. But when the councillor for Toot Hansell becomes the latest victim, Alice Martin, chair of the W.I. and RAF Wing Commander (ret.), steps straight in to take his place.

Before DI Adams can so much as say lemon drizzle cake the ladies of the Women's Institute are lurking around farmyards in the company of dragons, farmers are vanishing, the invisible dog's developed a caffeine dependence, and Alice is already in as deep as she can get.

In deep, and facing a killer that seems to know far too much about her. Enough, perhaps, to turn the tables. Murder, mayhem, and old secrets come to light in the Yorkshire Dales -- along with dragons, of course.

Critique: "Game of Scones" is book 4 in novelist Kim M. Watt's the Beaufort Scales of 'whodunnit' murder mysteries. With her impressive storytelling skills, narrator Patricia Gallimore provides the cozy mystery fan with a true 'theatre of the mind experience in this complete and unabridged audio book edition of Kim Watt's "Game of Scones". Of particular interest to dedicated fans of the cozy mystery genre, this Isis Audio Book edition of "Game of Scones" is a very special and highly recommended addition to personal and community library Mystery/Suspense audio book collections.

Editorial Note #1: Kim M. Watts (www.kmwatt.com) has a lengthy listing of her novels on the GoodReads website at https://www.goodreads.com/series/250128-beaufort-scales-mystery

The Body At Carnival Bridge
Michelle Salter, author
Polly Edsell, narrator
Boldwood Books
c/o Ulverscroft Large Print, Inc.
www.ulverscroft.com
9781837510535, $97.95, MP3-CD (9 Hours 5 Minutes)

https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/the-body-at-carnival-bridge-michelle-salter/1143082518

Synopsis: How deadly is the fight for equality? In 1922 (and after spending a year traveling through Europe), Iris Woodmore returns home to find a changed Walden.

Wealthy businesswoman Constance Timpson has introduced equal pay in her factories and allows women to retain their jobs after they marry. But these radical new working practices have made her deadly enemies.

A mysterious sniper fires a single shot at Constance -- is it a warning, or did they shoot to kill? When one of her female employees is murdered, it's clear the threat is all too real -- and it's not just Constance in danger.

As amateur sleuth Iris investigates, she realizes the sniper isn't the only hidden enemy preying on women!

Critique: With a riveting narration by the impressively talented voice actor Polly Edsell, the cozy mystery novel by Michelle Salter is brought vividly to life in a true 'theatre of the mind' experience. A brilliantly crafted, exceptionally entertaining, and deftly scripted original story that will hold a special appeal to dedicated fans of the cozy mystery genre and is unreservedly recommended for personal and community library cosy mystery audio book collections.

Editorial Note #1: Michelle Salter (https://www.michellesalter.com) is an historical crime fiction writer based in Hampshire, United Kingdom. Many of her novels are set in the area where she lives and are inspired by real-life events in 1920s Britain. She brings a love of social history to her novels, which reflect how issues of 100 years ago are not so different from the challenges we face today. Michelle can be followed on Twitter: @MichelleASalter and on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MichelleSalterWriter

Betraying the Crown
T. P. Fielden
Brilliance Audio
https://audiobookstore.com/publishers/brilliance-audio
9781713659204, $25.99, MP3-CD (8 Hours 47 Minutes)

https://www.amazon.com/Betraying-Crown-Guy-Harford-Mystery/dp/1713659204

Synopsis: Windsor, 1943. Britain is in the grip of war and treachery is afoot. The body of controversial former courtier Lord Blackwater is found in the abandoned Fort Belvedere, once the country bolthole of the King's wayward brother. And all signs point to murder.

Royal confidant Guy Harford is called in to solve the mystery quickly and quietly, before any hint of scandal reaches the public. Investigating with the help of Rodie, his roguish burglar girlfriend, his enquiries lead him into the world of the Royal Ballet, where on-stage glamour hides an undercurrent of off-stage deceit. And when the ballet company's newest recruit turns up dead, it's clear there's more to this murder than meets the eye.

Meanwhile, news reaches the Palace that the King's brother (already under strict orders to stay out of trouble) is threatening to undermine both Crown and country by taking US citizenship.

Harford must do his royal duty. It's up to him to catch the killer and save the monarchy from crisis in wartime. Before any more heads roll!

Critique: With the impressive storytelling skills of narrator Joel Froomkin bringing author T. P. Felson's novel, "Betraying the Crown" to life in a true 'theatre of the mind' listening experience in this complete and unabridged audio book edition from Brilliance Audio, this simply outstanding 'Royal Mystery' is highly recommended for both personal and community library Mystery/Suspense audio book collections.

Editorial Note #1: TP Fielden is the fiction-writing name of the acclaimed royal biographer and commentator Christopher Wilson, who has penned biographies of Prince Charles, Camilla, Diana and other members of the British royal family.

Editorial Note #2: Joel Froomkin (https://www.joelfroomkinaudio.com) Joel Froomkin, an Audie-nominated, eleven-time Earphones Award-Winning narrator. He was the recipient of the 2020 Best Male Narrator Award at the Independent Audio Book Awards, and the 2020 Best Humor Narration recipient at the Society of Voice Arts Awards. A classically trained actor with an MFA in theatre from USC, he is often cast for his unique ability to deliver native, authentic combinations of British and American sounds. His great range and ability to bring characters to life with honesty, wit and versatility delights producers and listeners alike. He has won Earphones Awards for 1st person British, American and Australian narrations.

When We Let Go
Rochelle B.Weinstein, author
Amanda Leigh Cobb, narrator
Brilliance Audio
https://audiobookstore.com/publishers/brilliance-audio
9781713661504, $24.99, MP3-CD (9 Hours 19 Minutes)

https://www.amazon.com/When-We-Let-Rochelle-Weinstein/dp/1713661500

Synopsis: When Avery Beckett is proposed to by Jude Masters, a widowed father and the man she loves, it should be a time of great joy. Instead, Avery is on edge. She's wary of the idea of family, doubtful of happy endings, and too afraid to take the leap. It's the kind of fear that comes from having secrets.

Before Avery commits to a new life, she must reconcile with the one she left behind.

When Avery returns to her childhood farm in the North Carolina mountains, she's surprised to be saddled with a companion: Jude's teenage daughter, Elle, who's grappling with the loss of her mother and the complicated emotions of first love. On a path of mending wounds and breaking down walls, Avery and Elle form an unexpected alliance. It's giving them the courage to move forward. And for Avery, everything she needs to confront the past.

An emotional tale of mothers and daughters, loss and acceptance, "When We Let Go" by novelist Rochelle B. Weinstein is about the lessons that come from heartbreak and the healing it takes to embrace the joy of a second chance.

Critique: Now in a complete and unabridged audio book edition perfectly and adroitly narrated by professional vocal artist Amanda Leigh Cobb, "When We Let Go" is specifically recommended to the attention of those with a particular interest in contemporary family life and women's domestic fiction. An impressive production that will hold the listener's rapt attention throughout, "When We Let Go" is particularly and specifically recommended for personal and community library audio book collections.

Editorial Note #1: Rochelle B. Weinstein (www.rochelleweinstein.com) is also the author of This Is Not How It Ends, Somebody's Daughter, Where We Fall, The Mourning After, and What We Leave Behind. When she's not writing, Rochelle can be found on Miami's NBC 6 in the Mix sharing book recommendations, teaching workshops at Nova Southeastern University, hiking, reading, and finding the world's best nachos. She is currently working on her eighth novel.

Editorial Note #2: Amanda Leigh Cobb (https://www.amandaleighcobb.com) is an award winning narrator and producer. She is an Earphones Award winning actress who made her mark on Broadway working with some of the biggest names in the industry including Hugh Jackman, Mike Nichols, and Morgan Freeman. She has narrated around 100 titles, including books for The Library of Congress.

What She Said
D. S. Butler, author
Henriette Meire, narrator
Brilliance Audio
https://audiobookstore.com/publishers/brilliance-audio
9781713661399, $14.99, MP3-CD (9 Hours 7 Minute)

https://www.amazon.com/What-Said-Detective-Karen-Hart/dp/171366139X

Synopsis: When a woman is abducted from a quiet suburban street and bundled into the back of a white van, the only witness to the crime is a child with a reputation for telling tall tales.

The police doubt the girl's story, except for Detective Karen Hart, who is determined to follow her instincts -- perhaps because the shy little girl reminds her of the daughter she's still grieving.

When a playing card is found at the scene, Karen finds her first clue. And when a second card is found at the home of a missing woman, Tamara, Karen finds her victim. But before the team can catch their breath, another woman linked to Tamara is snatched. And then a body turns up in a farmer's field.

With the crimes having escalated from kidnap to murder, Karen must unlock the killer's calling-card code before any more victims are taken. But getting to the truth isn't going to be easy when Tamara's family has so much to hide.

Can DS Karen Hart rely on the word of a little girl to save the life of a woman in grave danger?

Critique: A 'must' for dedicated fans of police procedural murder mysteries, "What She Said" by novelist D. S. Butler has a complete and unabridged audio book edition that is deftly and effectively narrated by professional voice actor Henriette Meire. Offering a compelling 'theatre of the mind' experience for the listener from beginning to end, this Brilliance Audio version of"What She Said" is especially and unreservedly recommended as a prized pick for personal and community library Mystery/Suspense audio book collections.

Editorial Note #1: Born in Kent, D. S. Butler (https://dsbutlerbooks.com) grew up as an avid reader with a love for crime fiction and mysteries. She has worked as a scientific officer in a hospital pathology laboratory and as a research scientist. After obtaining a PhD in biochemistry, she worked at the University of Oxford for four years before moving to the Middle East. While living in Bahrain, she wrote her first novel and hasn't stopped writing since. She now lives in Lincolnshire with her husband.

Editorial Note #2: Henriette Meire is member of SAG-AFTRA and has an informative page on the Tantor Media website at https://tantor.com/narrator/henrietta-meire.html

What Can't Be Seen
Brianna Labuskes
Brilliance Audio
https://audiobookstore.com/publishers/brilliance-audio
9781713638216, $14.99, MP3-CD (9 Hours 49 Minutes)

https://www.amazon.com/What-Cant-Seen-Gretchen-White/dp/1713638215

Synopsis: Psychologist and criminologist Dr. Gretchen White, top consultant for the Boston PD, has solved countless cases -- but never her own. Since the age of eight, she has lived her life thinking she killed her aunt. After all, she was found standing over the body, clutching a bloody knife. Most people, including Detective Patrick Shaughnessy, believe the little sociopath got away with murder. Thirty years later, Detective Lauren Marconi wants to prove them wrong.

When plucking at the threads of the past unravels a decades-old case tied to the White family, both Lauren and Gretchen grapple with the question, What if Gretchen really is guilty? As old secrets come to light and Gretchen's lifelong grip on her darkest impulses threatens to erode, Shaughnessy is there watching, waiting for her to lose control one more time.

Everyone thinks they know what happened that night. But the truth is beyond what anyone imagines -- even Gretchen herself.

Critique: A compelling mix of psychological thriller, police procedural, and murder mystery, "What Can't Be Seen" by novelist Brianna Labuskes is vividly co-narrated by the simply impressively story telling talents of Kate Marcin and Chris Ciulla. Providing a true 'theatre of the mind' listening experience, this complete and unabridged edition from Brilliance Audio is a perfect pick for personal and community library Crime Fiction audio book collections.

Editorial Note #1: Brianna Labuskes (www.briannalabuskes.com) graduated from Penn State University with a degree in journalism. For the past eight years, she has worked as an editor at both small-town papers and national media organizations such as Politico and Kaiser Health News, covering politics and policy. Her historical romance novel, "One Step Behind", was released by Entangled Publishing.

Editorial Note #2: Professional voice over artist Kat Marcin has a professional and informative website page at https://katemarcinvoiceover.com/audiobook-narration

Editorial Note #3: Chris Ciulla (http://chrisciulla.com) is an award-winning narrator with over 425 credits. He has been reviewed by AudioFile Magazine over 25 times, been granted five Earphones Awards, a SOVAS win on a multi-cast, four Audie nominations, and both an Odyssey and an Audie win for muti-cast titles.

Strictly Business
Ruth Cardello, author
Rock Engle, narrator
Laurie West, narrator
Brilliance Audio
https://audiobookstore.com/publishers/brilliance-audio
9781713659815, $22.99, MP3-CD (8 Hours 50 Minutes)

https://www.amazon.com/Strictly-Business-Switch-Ruth-Cardello/dp/1713659816

Synopsis: "I just found out I have an identical twin. Wasn't looking for one. Would have preferred to not have one, but here we are. We have nothing in common. I was adopted by a successful businessman who raised me to see life as a game and gave me the skills to win it. Him? He is about to lose his family's farm. You heard me -- farm.

Lucky for him, I'm a firm believer that when it comes to family, no one goes to battle alone. I'm in. I've switched lives with him and will use every business trick I know to save his farm.

However, my initial plan did not take into account a drop-dead gorgeous oil rep or the secrets I uncover about my brother. And worst of all, I'm starting to like the farm and all its inhabitants. I can't stop thinking about that oil rep. This will definitely take longer to resolve than anticipated."

Critique: A riveting novel that has a particular appeal for fans of truly steamy and volatile romances, author Ruth Cardello's "Strictkly Business" is deftly performed by co-narrators Rick Engle and Lauie West in this complete and unabridged Brilliance Audio edition that is a guaranteed popular pick for personal and community library Contemporary Romance audio book collections.

Editorial Note #1: Ruth Cardello (www.RuthCardello.com) is the author of The Legacy Collection, the Barrington Billionaires, and the Corisi Billionaires -- just a few of the many sizzling series she's written.

Editorial Note #2: Rick Engle has a complete and up to date listing of the audio books he has narrated at https://www.audible.com/search?searchNarrator=Rock+Engle

Editorial Note #3: Professional and experience romance audio book narrator Laurie West has an informative and dedicated website at https://www.lauriewestromance.com

Risky
Aurora Rose Reynolds, author
Avie Page, narrator
Oliver Clarke, narrator
Brilliance Audio
https://audiobookstore.com/publishers/brilliance-audio
9781713657736, $14.99, MP3-CD (5 Hours 54 Minutes)

https://www.amazon.com/Risky-Adventures-Love-Aurora-Reynolds/dp/1713657732

Synopsis: Everly never expected to move back in with her parents, and she definitely didn't expect to do so as a single mother. But with the father of her son suddenly out of the picture, she's had to make some adjustments to her plans.

Now Everly has one priority: to make a life for herself and her boy. And Blake, her sometimes infuriating but admittedly handsome employer at Live Life Adventures, doesn't factor into her future as anything more than her boss.

But it seems the guy who's about as friendly as a grizzly bear has a soft spot for her and her son -- and the more time she spends with him, the more difficult it is to remember why giving in to the chemistry between them is a bad idea.

Now, with their future on the line, they'll have to decide if love is a risk worth taking.

Critique: The narrator team of Avie Page and Oliver Clarke bring author Aurora Rose Reynolds novel, "Risky" brilliantly to life in this complete and unabridged edition from Brilliance Audio. With a special appeal for fans of contemporary romantic comedies, "Risky" is fully and unreservedly recommended pick for personal and community library Romance Fiction audio book collections.

Editorial Note #1: Aurora Rose Reynolds (www.AuroraRoseReynolds.com) is the author of wildly popular series that include the Until, Until Him, Until Her, Fluke My Life, Underground Kings, How to Catch an Alpha, and Shooting Stars series. Her writing career started in an attempt to get the outrageously alpha men who resided in her head to leave her alone and has blossomed into an opportunity to share her stories with readers all over the world. She can be followed on Instagram and Twitter (@Auroraroser) or on Facebook (@AuthorAuroraroser).

Editorial Note #2: There is an online listing of books narrated by Avie Page at https://www.audible.com/search?searchNarrator=Avie+Page

Editorial Note #3: Professional narrator and voice over actor Oliver Clarke has a detailed website at https://www.oliverclarkenarrator.com

The Ice Ghost
Kathleen O'Neal Gear, author
Shauna Taylor-Corbett, narrator
Sisi Aisha Johnson, narrator
Brilliance Audio
https://audiobookstore.com/publishers/brilliance-audio
9781713562559, $29.99, MP3-CD (9 Hours 23 Minutes)

https://www.amazon.com/Ice-Ghost-Rewilding-Reports/dp/1713562553

Synopsis: In the brutal Ice Age caused by the ancient Jemen war, many archaic human species, including Denisovans and Homo erectus, hover on the verge of extinction. There seems no way out, until the greatest Neandertal holy man, Trogon, has a vision.

Legends say the truce that ended the old war left one hostage in the hands of the victorious rebels: the godlike Jemen leader known as the Old Woman of the Mountain. According to Trogon's vision, only one person knows the location of that burial cave. Trogon must capture young Quiller and force her to lead him there... for the Old Woman may not be dead. She may only have been in stasis for a thousand summers, and when reawakened she will save them from oblivion.

But according to the Denisovans (Quiller's people) Trogon is the most powerful witch alive. He's up to something evil that will surely spell their destruction. He must be stopped before it's too late. Quiller's best friend Lynx must brave towering glaciers, dire wolves, and prides of giant lions to save her and stop Trogon.

Critique: "The Ice Ghost" is the second book in a science fiction series by Kathleen O'Neal Gear, a nationally recognized anthropologist who explores a frozen future where archaic species struggle to survive an apocalyptic Ice Age. With the exceptional story telling talents of co-narrators Shauna Taylor-Corbett and Sisi Aisha Johnson, this complete and unabridged audio book edition is unreservedly recommended for both personal and community library Science Fiction audio book collections.

Editorial Note #1: Kathleen O'Neal Gear (https://www.gear-gear.com) is a nationally award-winning archaeologist who has been honored by the United States Congress. She is also a New York Times bestselling author with 48 books and over 200 non-fiction articles in print.

Editorial Note #2:Shaun Taylor-Corbett shares his thoughts on narrating "The Brave", James Bird's moving audiobook for young listeners, in this video in the online article at: https://audiofilemagazine.com/articles/narrator-shaun-taylor-corbett-on-the-brave

Editorial Note #3: There is an impressive listing of books narrated by Sisi Aisha Johnson at https://www.audible.com/search?searchNarrator=Sisi+Aisha+Johnson

Crazy To Leave You
Marilyn Simon Rothstein, author
Dara Rosenberg, narrator
Brilliance Audio
https://audiobookstore.com/publishers/brilliance-audio
9781713657859, $14.99, MP3-CD (8 Hours 34 Minutes)

https://www.amazon.com/Crazy-Leave-Marilyn-Simon-Rothstein/dp/1713657856

Synopsis: Forty-one years old, the last of her friends to marry, and down to a size 12, Lauren Leo is in her gown and about to tie the knot. There's just one thing missing: the groom. With one blind siding text, Lauren is unceremoniously dumped at the altar.

In the aftermath, her mother is an endless well of unsolicited advice (Stay on your diet and freeze your eggs). Her sisters only add to the Great Humiliation: one is planted on Lauren's couch while the other is too perfect.

Picking her heart up off the floor, Lauren turns to her work in advertising as she gathers courage to move on and plan her next step. She should know by now that nothing in life goes according to plan. What lies ahead is the road to self-acceptance and at long last feeling worthy. With a new way to measure love and success, Lauren chucks her scale -- and finds a second chance in the most unexpected place.

Critique: Brilliantly narrated by the vocal storytelling talents of Dara Rosenberg effectively brings to life "Crazy To Leave You", the deftly crafted novel of Marilyn Simon Rothstein. This complete and unabridged recorded edition from Brilliance Audio will have a special appeal to fans of contemporary women's friendship/domestic fiction -- making it an ideal and unreservedly recommended pick for personal and community library audio book collections.

Editorial Note #1: Marilyn Simon Rothstein (https://www.marilynsimonrothstein.com) is also the author of Lift and Separate, winner of the STAR Award for Outstanding Debut presented by the Women's Fiction Writers Association, and a second novel, Husbands and Other Sharp Objects.

Editorial Note #2: Dara Rosbenberg (http://www.dararosenberg.com) is an accomplished voiceover artist who has been recognized nationally for her extensive work in audiobooks and commercial work. She has more than 500 audiobooks to her name, as well as dozens of television and radio commercials.

EDITOR'S NOTE:

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James A. Cox, Editor-in-Chief
Midwest Book Review