December 2023 MBR The Audiobook Shelf

The Audiobook Shelf

The Witch's Lens
Luanne G. Smith, author
Gail Shalan, narrator
Brilliance Audio
https://audiobookstore.com/publishers/brilliance-audio
9798400147807, $19.99, MP3-CD (8 Hours 41 Minutes)

https://www.amazon.com/Witchs-Lens-Novel-Order-Seven/dp/B0BTPN3J27

Synopsis: With her husband off fighting at World War I's eastern front, Petra Kurkova embraces her fleeting freedom, roaming the city at night with her camera. A born witch, she's discovered that she can capture the souls of the dead on film.

Her supernatural skills don't go unnoticed by the enigmatic Josef Svoboda. He's recruiting a team of sorcerers to infiltrate the front lines, where the bloodshed of combat has resurrected foul creatures. Petra's unique abilities will be needed against the most dangerous enemies of all -- those ever present, undead, and unseen.

Deep in the cursed Carpathian Mountains, the ragtag team meets with an emissary of an ancient organization founded to maintain balance between worlds. Photographing the escalating horrors is beyond anything Petra imagined. So are the secrets among her fellow witches. But Petra can't turn back. Not before she discovers her husband's fate and the myriad ways her magic is manifesting.

To defeat an occult foe, Petra must release the power she's been concealing for so long, or risk damning a war-torn world to ashes.

Critique: Of particular interest to fans of dark fantasy set in the era of World War I, author Luanne G. Smith's novel, "The Witch's Lens" is vividly, expressively, and brilliantly performed by the impressive storytelling talents of professional narrator Gail Shalan. The result is a complete and unabridged audio book production from Brilliance Audio that will prove to be an outstanding addition to personal and community library Science Fiction & Fantasy audio book collections.

Editorial Note #1: Luanne G. Smith (www.luannegsmith.com) is also the author of The Raven Spell, The Vine Witch, The Glamourist, and The Conjurer.

Editorial Note #2: Gail Shalan (https://www.gailshalan.com) has worked with Shakespeare and Company, Williamstown Theatre Festival, Berkshire Theatre Festival, and others before her passion for storytelling propelled her to Boston, New York, Rome, London, and Bristol, earning her MFA in Acting at the Bristol Old Vic Theatre School, and performing at renowned venues such as The Bristol Old Vic, Edinburgh Fringe, Cherry Lane, and St. Ann's Warehouse. She brings her diverse background of experience in performance and training to all of her work.

Tempted: A Masters and Mercenaries Novella
Lexi Blake, author
Ryan West, narrator
Brilliance Audio
https://audiobookstore.com/publishers/brilliance-audio
9781501207785, $9.99, MP3-CD (5 Hours 51 Minutes)

https://www.amazon.com/Tempted-Masters-Mercenaries-Novella-Nights/dp/1501207784

Synopsis: When West Rycroft left his family's ranch to work in the big city, he never dreamed he would find himself surrounded by celebrities and politicians. Working at McKay-Taggart as a bodyguard and security expert quickly taught him how to navigate the sometimes shark-infested waters of the elite. While some would come to love that world, West has seen enough to know it's not for him, preferring to keep his distance from his clients -- until the day he meets Ally Pearson.

Growing up in the entertainment world, Ally was always in the shadow of others, but now she has broken out from behind the scenes for her own day in the spotlight. The paparazzi isn't fun, but she knows all too well that it's part of the gig. She has a good life and lots of fans, but someone has been getting too close for comfort and making threats. To be safe, she hires her own personal knight in shining armor, a cowboy hottie by the name of West. They clash in the beginning, but the minute they fall into bed together something magical happens.

Just as everything seems too good to be true, they are both reminded that there was a reason Ally needed a bodyguard. Her problems have found her again, and this time West will have to put his life on the line or lose everything they've found.

Critique: Deftly and expertly narrated by the rather impressive storytelling talents of Ryan Wess, the novella, and flawlessly produced by Brilliance Audio, "Tempted" by author Lexi Blake is certain to be an enduringly appreciated, complete and unabridged addition to both personal and community library Contemporary Romance audio book collections.

Editorial Note #1: Lexi Blake (http://www.lexiblake.net) began writing at a young age, concentrating on plays and journalism. It wasn't until she started writing romance and urban fantasy that she found the stories of her heart. She likes to find humor in the strangest places and believes in happy endings no matter how odd the couple, threesome, or foursome may seem.

Editorial Note #2: Ryan West (https://podiumaudio.com/performer/ryan-west) is the proud narrator of nearly 200 titles written by numerous New York Times bestselling authors around the country and around the world. He lives in Brooklyn, NY and is eternally grateful for the romance audiobook fan community -- the most loyal and passionate fans in the world.

Darkest Need: A Dark Ones Novella
Rachel Van Dyken, author
Aiden Snow, Tamika Katon-Donegal, and Oliver Clarke, narrators
Brilliance Audio
https://audiobookstore.com/publishers/brilliance-audio
9781501208201, $14.99, MP3-CD (3 Hours 26 Minutes)

https://www.amazon.com/Darkest-Need-Dark-Novella-Nights/dp/1501208209

Synopsis: I see everything. I feel everything. I watch people fall in love. I watch them burn with hate, anger, rage, and I see the cycle repeat over and over again. I take it on every night I work at Timber, aka Anubis's bar in downtown Seattle, and then I help the rest of the immortals keep the very intense balance between Heaven and Earth.

I see everyone's future but mine, and when I try to look, all I see is darkness, despair, need... Until she walks into my bar with bruises on her face, getting pulled by one of the lesser demons. I do what any good bartender would do. I beat him within an inch of his life and turn my eyes to her.

By then, it's too late. She already has me in her grasp. A succubus that has no other plan than to suck me clean of every inch of power that's been bestowed on me by the Heavens.

I never thought my future involved getting kidnapped and tied up or that I'd die by way of sex -- then again, maybe that's for the best. Dying at the hands of my enemy rather than being one more burden to my already mated friends. After all, giving into one last need before death, while selfish, may be exactly what my darkness means.

My need is great. -- And she's about to find out just how much!

Critique: Original, fascinating, riveting, and a distinct treat for fans of dark fantasy stories and a highly recommended pick for community library Science Fiction & Fantasy audio book collections, this complete and unabridged Brilliance Audio edition of author Rachoel Van Dyken's novella, "Darkest Need" is brought vividly to life in a true theatre of the mind experinece by the collaborative storytelling talents of co-narrators Aiden Snow, Tamika Katon-Donegal, and Oliver Clarke.

Editorial Note: Rachel Van Dyken (https://rachelvandykenauthor.com/about) is the author of over 90 books ranging from contemporary romance to paranormal. Her books have been translated in more than 15 countries. She was one of the first romance authors to have a Kindle in Motion book through Amazon publishing and continues to strive to be on the cutting edge of the reader experience.

Straw Dogs of the Universe
Ye Chun, author
Nancy Wu, narrator
Brilliance Audio
https://audiobookstore.com/publishers/brilliance-audio
9781501219337, $29.99, MP3-CD (11 Hours 56 Minutes)

https://www.amazon.com/Straw-Dogs-Universe-Ye-Chun/dp/1501219332

Synopsis: A sweeping historical novel of the American West from the little-seen perspective of those who helped to build it, "Straw Dogs of the Universe" by Ye Chun traces the story of one Chinese father and his young daughter, desperate to find him against all odds.

After her village is devastated by famine, 10-year-old Sixiang is sold to a human trafficker for a bag of rice and six silver coins. Her mother is reluctant to let her go, but the promise of a better life for her beloved daughter ultimately sways her. Arriving in America with the profits from her sale and a single photograph of Guifeng, her absent father, Sixiang journeys across an unfamiliar American landscape in the hopes of reuniting her family.

As she makes her way through an unforgiving new world, her father, a railroad worker in California, finds his attempts to build a life for himself both upended and defined by along-lost love and the seemingly inescapable violence of the American West. A generational saga ranging from the villages of China to the establishment of the transcontinental railroad and the anti-Chinese movement in California, Straw Dogs of the Universe considers the tenacity of family ties and the courage it takes to survive in a country that rejects you, even as it relies upon your labor.

Critique: With a particular appeal for fans American western historical fiction from an Asian immigrant perspective, this complete and unabridged Brilliance Audio edition of Ye Chun's "Straw Dogs of the Universe" as expertly and effectively performed by professional narrator Nancy Wu is an extraordinary and welcome pick for both personal and community library Historical Fiction audio book collections.

Editorial Note #1: Ye Chun (https://www.yechunauthor.com) is a bilingual Chinese American writer and literary translator. Her debut story collection, Hao, was longlisted for the 2022 Andrew Carnegie Medal for Excellence in Fiction. She is also the author of two books of poetry, Travel Over Water and Lantern Puzzle; a novel in Chinese, Peach Tree in the Sea; and four volumes of translations. A recipient of an NEA Literature Fellowship, a Sustainable Arts Foundation Award, and three Pushcart Prizes, she teaches at Providence College and lives in Providence, Rhode Island.

Editorial Note #2: Nancy Wu (https://nancywuvoice.com) is an award-winning audiobook narrator who specializes in emotive storytelling, wild and wacky characters, and difficult accents. She is known for magically bringing stories to life. Her work is consistently featured in AudioFile Magazine, The New York Times, and other top publications.

A Fire in the Flesh
Jennifer L. Armentrout, author
Stina Nielsen, narrator
Brilliance Audio
https://audiobookstore.com/publishers/brilliance-audio
9781978699755, $34.99, MP3-CD (24 Hours 4 Minutes)

https://www.amazon.com/Fire-Flesh/dp/1978699751

Synopsis: After a startling betrayal ends with both Sera and the dangerously seductive ruler of the Shadowlands she has fallen madly in love with being held captive by the false King of the Gods, there is only one thing that can free Nyktos and prevent the forces of the Shadowlands from invading Dalos and igniting a War of Primals.

Convincing Kolis won't be easy, though -- not even with a lifetime of training. While his most favored Revenant is insistent that she is nothing more than a lie, Kolis's erratic nature and twisted sense of honor leave her shaken to the core, and nothing could've prepared her for the cruelty of his Court or the shocking truths revealed. The revelations not only upend what she has understood about her duty and the very creation of the realms but also draw into question exactly what the true threat is.

However, surviving Kolis is only one part of the battle. The Ascension is upon her, and Sera is out of time.

But Nyktos will do anything to keep Sera alive and give her the life she deserves. He'll even risk the utter destruction of the realms, and that's exactly what will happen if he doesn't Ascend as the Primal of Life. Yet despite his desperate determination, their destinies may be out of their hands.

But there is that foreseen unexpected thread -- the unpredictable, unknown, and unwritten. The only thing more powerful than the Fates!

Critique: This complete and unabridged Brilliance Audio edition of "Fire in the Flesh" by Jennifer L. Armentrout, is a compelling dark fantasy novel that is brilliantly narrated by Stina Nielsen and will prove to be an immediate and enduringly popular addition to personal and community library Science Fiction/Fantasy audio book collections.

Editorial Note #1: Jennifer L. Armentrout (https://jenniferlarmentrout.com) is an accomplished novelist who also writes under the name J. Lynn.

Editorial Note #2: Stina Nielsen (https://stinanielsen.com) is a New York based actress who has performed in Film, TV, Broadway, London's West End, and at many American Regional Theaters. She has recorded over 250 audiobooks and her work has been recognized with numerous awards.

Deadlands
Victoria Miluch
Brilliance Audio
https://audiobookstore.com/publishers/brilliance-audio
9798400132544, $19.99, MP3-CD (9 Hours 24 Minutes)

https://www.amazon.com/Deadlands-Novel-Victoria-Miluch/dp/B0BN8PZHCF

Synopsis: Only the most hardened survivalists can endure living in the scorched deadlands of the former state of Arizona. Among them is nineteen-year-old Georgia Reno, who lives in an isolated desert settlement with her father and younger brother. Roads don't exist here; visitors are more dark fairy tale than reality.

But when two mysterious strangers arrive on their land, Georgia begins to question her sheltered existence. Soon, her tentative curiosity blooms into a fledgling desire to leave the settlement, even if it means venturing into a world her father has only ever warned against.

As their tenuous situation deteriorates, Georgia uncovers secrets about the visitors that could threaten her family's fragile existence in the desert. But to leave the newcomers at the hands of her father could put everyone's lives at risk -- and force Georgia into an impossible decision.

Critique: With the publication of Victoria Miluch's debut novel, "Deadlines", this complete and unabridged audio book edition effectively and vividly narrated by Laura Jennings will have a very special attraction for listeners with an interest in Dystopian Fiction and is a welcome addition to personal and community library audio book collections.

Editorial Note #1: Victoria Miluch (https://www.victoriamiluch.com) is a fiction writer and translator whose work has appeared in journals such as Passages North, Southeast Review, Asymptote, and Arkansas International. She is the recipient of a Fulbright fellowship and has served as a Peace Corps volunteer.

Editorial Note #2: Laura Jennings (https://www.laurajenningsnarrates.com) is an Earphones Award Winning and holds a Masters Degree in Fine Arts in Creative Writing, Laura has an intrinsic appreciation of the mechanisms and techniques which comprise the art of the tale. She's able to analyze the underlying moods and currents of a book and bring these into her interpretation of the author's work. Her character work has listeners rechecking audible making sure there is only one narrator. She has narrated titles for major publishers but is just as proud of her work with independent authors.

Bluebeard's Castle
Anna Biller, author
Samantha Hydeson, narrator
Brilliance Audio
https://audiobookstore.com/publishers/brilliance-audio
9798400124204, $19.99, MP3-CD (10 Hours 34 Minutes)

https://www.amazon.com/Bluebeards-Castle-Novel-Anna-Biller/dp/B0BSNKRDFM

Synopsis: When the successful British mystery writer Judith Moore meets Gavin, a handsome and charming baron, at a birthday party on the Cornish coast, his love transforms her from a bitter, lonely young woman into a romance heroine overnight. After a whirlwind honeymoon in Paris, he whisks her away to a secluded Gothic castle. But soon she finds herself trapped in a nightmare, as her husband's mysterious nature and his alternation between charm and violence become increasingly frightening.

As Judith battles both internal and external demons, including sexual ambivalence, psychological self-torture, gaslighting, family neglect, alcoholism, and domestic abuse, she becomes increasingly addicted to her wild beast of a husband. Why do women stay in abusive relationships? The answer can be found in the tortured mind of the protagonist, whose richly layered fantasy life parallels that of the female Gothic romance reader. Filled with dark humor and evocative imagery, Bluebeard's Castle is a subversive take on modern romance and Gothic erotica.

Critique: Impressively original, inherently fascinating and vividly brought to life with the narrative storytelling skills of Samantha Hydeson in this complete and unabridged audio book edition of Anna Biller's debut novel, "Bluebeard's Castle", will prove a highly prized pick for personal and community library Gothic/Psychological Thriller Fiction audio book collections.

Editorial Note #1: Anna Biller (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Anna_Biller) is an independent filmmaker. The New York Times called her film The Love Witch "a hothouse filled with deadly and seductive blooms;" Indiewire called it "a spellbinding feminist delight;" and Rotten Tomatoes listed her as one of "The 21 Masters of Horror Shaping the Genre Right Now." The hashtag #thelovewitch has gone viral on Tiktok, with over 72 million views to date. She is a member of The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences in the writer's branch, and is represented for her film work by WME.

Editorial Note #2: Samantha Hydeson (https://www.imdb.com/name/nm6245227) is a young actress and screenwriter originally from Northern California. She started acting in elementary school and has studied classical drama, Shakespeare, screen acting, and voiceover. After performing lead roles in multiple short films and making it to the second round of the Sundance Screenwriters Lab, Samantha signed with KMR & Associates.

Exorcism
Han Song, author
Kenneth Lee, narrator
Brilliance Audio
https://audiobookstore.com/publishers/brilliance-audio
9798400144844, $19.99, MP3-CD (15 Hours 28 Minutes)

https://www.amazon.com/Exorcism-Hospital-2-Han-Song/dp/B0BSQGXS9V

Synopsis: Yang Wei wakes to find himself still a patient at the hospital. Somehow, he's aged decades overnight and is confined to the geriatric ward on a massive Hospital ship as it floats along a blood red sea full of unsightly things. But human remains and sea nymphs are perhaps nothing compared to the goings-on belowdecks.

The doctors are nowhere to be found, replaced by a procession of medical robots from whom, of course, no information can be gleaned. So Yang Wei, along with a small group of patients (all just as aged as he is) venture out to explore the uncharted depths of the ship and the answers that are surely hidden within.

As they delve deeper into both the ship and why they're on it, every uncovered secret comes with its own questions. The only thing Yang Wei can be sure of is that the more he learns, the less he understands... and the less he truly wants to know.

Critique: An original, exceptional, and deftly crafted science fiction mystery that is a highly recommended as a very special addition for both personal and community library audio book collections, Han Song's "Exorcism" is narrated with a riveting performance by Kenneth Lee in this complete and unabridged MP3-CD edition from Brilliance Audio.

Editorial Note #1: Han Song is a journalist with Xinhua News Agency and one of China's leading science fiction writers. A native of Chongqing, Han earned an MA in journalism from Wuhan University; he began writing in 1982 and has published numerous volumes of fiction and essays. His novels include The Red Sea, Red Star over America, the Rails trilogy (Subway, High-Speed Rail, and Orbits), and the Hospital trilogy (Hospital, Exorcism, and Dead Souls), which has been described as a new landmark in dystopian fiction. Han is a six-time winner of the Chinese Galaxy Award for fiction and a repeat recipient of the Xingyun Award. His short fiction has appeared in the collections Broken Stars and The Reincarnated Giant and the anthology Exploring Dark Short Fiction: A Primer to Han Song.

Editorial Note #2: Kenneth Lee (http://www.ikennethlee.com) is an actor, director, writer, and thinker.

The Dissent
Leah Vernon, author
Alaska Jackson, et al., narrators
Brilliance Audio
https://audiobookstore.com/publishers/brilliance-audio
9798400124228, $19.99, MP3-CD (13 Hours 39 Minutes)

https://www.amazon.com/Dissent-Union-Leah-Vernon/dp/B0BS1VV51H

Synopsis: A thousand years into the future, a Black elite class reigns while the underclass toils at their feet. With her society's future hanging in the balance, young Avi Jore enters into an arranged marriage. But the ceremony turns violent when the servants rebel and kill Avi's father.

In the aftermath of General Jore's death, Avi and her sister Jade vie for power in a vicious contest. As the rightful heir, Avi has no choice but to defend what's hers -- at any cost. With her loyalties tested and her enemies closing in, Avi must rely on her sister Saige, who searches for allies outside the Union's walls.

As Avi and Saige navigate threats and betrayals in the wake of worsening unrest, they forge a path forward that could forever change their turbulent world.

Critique: This complete and unabridged MP3-CD audio book edition Leah Vernon's dystopian novel, "The Dissent" is expertly narrated by the vocal acting talents of co-narrators Alaska Jackson, Sisi Aisha Johnson, and Kirby Heyborne. Of special and particular interest to science fiction fans, "The Dissent" will prove to be an immediate and enduringly popular addition to personal and community library audio book collections.

Editorial Note: Leah Vernon is an author, a body-positivity activist, and the first international plus-size hijabi model. During her double master's program, she started a blog about being a fat Black Muslim in Detroit and experiencing everything from eating disorders to anti-Blackness. She's been featured in ads from Target to Dove, and she even made it to the New York Times and HuffPost. She currently resides in New York City. She can be connect with her on Instagram, @lvernon2000, and on her website, www.leahvernon.com

Consort of Fire
Kit Rocha, author
Caitlin Elizabeth, et al., narrators
Brilliance Audio
https://audiobookstore.com/publishers/brilliance-audio
9781491594698, $19.99, MP3-CD (12 Hours 32 Minutes)

https://www.amazon.com/Consort-Fire-Bound-Steel/dp/1491594691

Synopsis: For three thousand years, an ancient dragon god has protected the borders of the Sheltered Lands. In return, he makes only one demand: every one hundred years, the mortal ruler must send their heir to serve as his consort... for as long as they can survive.

Sachielle of House Roquebarre is the thirty-first consort to be sacrificed to the monster who guards the mountain passes. She is young, beautiful -- and she has three secrets.

First: she's a disposable orphan trained in seduction.

Second: her handmaid, Zanya, is an assassin and the only person she has ever loved.

Third (and most dangerous) she is cursed.

Sachi and Zanya have five weeks to murder the Dragon in his bed. If they fail, the mortal king's curse will steal not just Sachi's life, but her very soul.

The Dragon has only one secret: he is nothing like what they have been told. And he will do whatever it takes to possess them both.

Critique: Original and of particular interest to fans of fantasy and dragons, and unreservedly recommended for personal and community library audio book collectoins, "Consort of Fire" by novelist Kit Rocha is brilliantly performed in a true 'theatre of the mind' experience by co-narrators Catelin Elizabeth, Victoria Mei, Will Thorne, and Adenerele is this complete and unabridged MP3-CD audio book edition from Brilliance Audio.

Editorial Note: Kit Rocha (www.kitrocha.com( is the pseudonym for cowriting team Donna Herren and Bree Bridges. After penning dozens of paranormal novels, novellas, and stories as Moira Rogers, they reinvented themselves by writing the nine-book multiple-award-winning (and extremely steamy) Beyond series, which became an instant cult favorite. They followed it up with two spin-off series, including the popular Mercenary Librarians trilogy published by Tor. Now they're leaping into sexy epic fantasy with happily ever afters. Their favorite stories are about messy worlds, strong women, and falling in love with the people who love you just the way you are. When they're not writing, they can be found crafting handmade jewelry, caring too much about video games, or freaking out about their favorite books or TV shows, all of which are chronicled on their various social media accounts.

1001 Dark Nights: Christmas in Cape May
Jennifer Probst, author
Alexander Cendese, narrator
Lynn Wright, narrator
Brilliance Audio
https://audiobookstore.com/publishers/brilliance-audio
9781501208263. $14.99, MP3-CD (4 Hours 3 Minutes)

https://www.amazon.com/Christmas-Cape-May-Sunshine-Sisters/dp/1501208268

Synopsis: Devon Pratt loves many things in life. The beauty of flowers. The yin and yang of energy. The power of positivity in people. And everything to do with the Christmas season.

As a floral shop owner in the beach town of Cape May, she looks forward to decorating both the town and running the annual holiday party to benefit the local animal shelter. Too bad the new owner of her favorite venue is more like the Grinch than Santa. Working with him will be a challenge, but she's too full of seasonal cheer to let him annoy her, right?

Jameson Franklin hates many things in life. Crowds. Fake cheer. Ostentatious decor. And especially Christmas. The season is full of things he'd rather avoid, but since taking over the popular restaurant Vintage temporarily for his cousin as a favor, he's trying to play nice with the locals. Too bad the florist is insisting on overrunning his sacred space with blooms, dogs, and an endless positive persistence that pushes all of his buttons.

But when too many heated confrontations lead to heated encounters, he begins to wonder what it would be like to love not only Christmas, but Devon Pratt. -- Let the festivities begin!

Critique: A truly memorable, entertaining, and very highly recommended pick for personal and community library collections, the talented storytelling skills of co-narrators Alexander Cendese and Lynn Wright bring author Jennifer Probst's "Christmas in Cape May" to life in this complete and unabridged MP3-CD audio book edition as part of the Brilliance Aujdio '1001 Dark Nights' series.

Editorial Note #1: Jennifer Probst (www.jenniferprobst.com) is the author of eight series, including The Sunshine Sisters, Stay, The Billionaire Builders, Searching For... , Marriage to a Billionaire, The Steele Brothers, Sex on the Beach, and Twist of Fate.

Editorial Note #2: Alexander Cendese (https://tantor.com/narrator/alexander-cendese.html) is a New York - based actor/narrator whose credits include roles on and Off-Broadway, in films, and on popular television shows, including Law & Order: SVU and All My Children. He holds a BFA from the Carnegie Mellon School of Drama.

Editorial Note #3: There is a listing of the audio books narrated by Lynn Wright at the Audible Amazon website at: https://www.audible.com/search?searchNarrator=Lynn+Wright

All The Little Truths
Debra Webb, author
Megan Tusing, narrator
Brilliance Audio
https://audiobookstore.com/publishers/brilliance-audio
9798400116322, $19.99, MP3-CD (11 Hours 7 Minutes)

https://www.amazon.com/All-Little-Truths-Finley-OSullivan/dp/B0BRXMHC19

Synopsis: Legal investigator Finley O'Sullivan has dealt with her share of shady characters, but the firm's latest client has an even darker past than most. In fact, Nashville Metro Police seems to think he's a murderer.

Finley isn't so sure. Her investigation into Ray Johnson's history focuses on the unsolved murder of a teenager who died thirteen years earlier. The case went cold, but questions remain. After the girl's death, people close to her started disappearing -- Ray's brother first, then the girl's mother. But why?

As Finley races to solve a decade-old murder, she uncovers new clues and long-buried secrets that could blow the case wide open. But whoever killed the girl all those years ago may still be a threat -- and now the chase is on!

Critique: Of special and particular interest to fans of cold case murder mysteries, author Debra Webb's compelling novel, "All The Little Truths" is exceptionally well narrated by the vocal storytelling talents of Megan Tusing. This complete and unabridged MP3-CD audiobook edition from Brilliance Audio is an especially recommended pick for both personal and community library Mystery/Suspense audio book collections.

Editorial Note #1: Debra Webb (www.debrawebb.com) is the author of more than 170 novels. She is the recipient of the prestigious Romantic Times Career Achievement Award for Romantic Suspense as well as numerous Reviewers' Choice Awards. In 2012, Webb was honored as the first recipient of the esteemed L. A. Banks Warrior Woman Award for her courage, strength, and grace in the face of adversity. Webb was also awarded the distinguished Centennial Award for having published her hundredth novel. She has more than four million books in print in many languages and countries.

Editorial Note #2: Megan Tusing (https://www.megantusing.com) is an actor and an award-winning audiobook narrator. She developed a love of storytelling and a passion for language at a young age when first introduced to William Shakespeare, which eventually led her to pursue a career in acting. She has recorded over 300 audiobooks, most from her home studio, with such publishers as Penguin Random House, Simon & Schuster, Hachette, Harper Collins, and Macmillian, as well as indie authors.

Flop Dead Gorgeous
David Rosenfelt, author
Grover Gardner, narrator
Macmillan Audio
www.macmillanaudio.com
9781250325303, $29.99, CD

https://www.amazon.com/Flop-Dead-Gorgeous-Carpenter-Mystery/dp/1250325307

Synopsis: Trying to be retired lawyer Andy Carpenter remembers every dog that's come through the Tara Foundation's doors, but the most well-known alum of the dog rescue organization that Andy founded in Paterson, New Jersey, may be Mamie. Adopted by famous actress Jenny Nichols (Andy's high school girlfriend) the miniature French poodle is now practically a starlet in her own right.

Andy doesn't hold it against his friend. In fact, he and his wife, Laurie, have dinner with Jenny while she's in town filming her next big hit. But after an eventful meal, there's a plot twist the next morning that none of them see coming: Jenny's costar is found dead, a knife in his back. It's not long before Jenny is arrested for the murder and finds herself in need of Andy's legal services.

While Mamie becomes reacquainted with Tara, Andy's golden retriever, Andy digs into the lives of the rich and famous.

Critique: A fun and funny cozy mystery written by one of the best in the business today, author David Rosenfelt's "Flop Dead Gorgeous" is brilliantly narrated by the impressive vocal storytelling talents of Grover Gardner. Still another in the extended 'Andy Carpenter Mystery series, the complete and unabridged CD audio book edition from Macmillan Audio is unreservedly recommended for both personal and community library Mystery/Suspense audio book collections.

Editorial Note #1: David Rosenfelt is the Edgar-nominated and Shamus Award-winning author of more than twenty Andy Carpenter novels, including One Dog Night, Collared, and Deck the Hounds; its spinoff series, The K-Team; the Doug Brock thriller series, which starts with Fade to Black; and stand-alone thrillers including Heart of a Killer and On Borrowed Time.

Editorial Note #2: Grover Gardner (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Grover_Gardner#Biography) is an American narrator of audiobooks. As of May 2018, he has narrated over 1,200 books. He was the Publishers Weekly "Audiobook Narrator of the Year" (2005) and is among AudioFile magazine's "Best Voices of the Century".

EDITOR'S NOTE:

The Midwest Book Review is an organization of volunteers committed to promoting literacy, library usage, and small press publishing. We accept no funds from authors or publishers. Full permission is given to post any of these reviews on thematically appropriate websites, newsgroups, listserves, internet discussion groups, organizational newsletters, or to interested individuals. Please give the Midwest Book Review a credit line when doing so.

The Midwest Book Review publishes the monthly book review magazines "California Bookwatch", "Internet Bookwatch", "Children's Bookwatch", "MBR Bookwatch", "Reviewer's Bookwatch", and "Small Press Bookwatch". All are available for free on the Midwest Book Review website at www (dot) midwestbookreview (dot) com

Anyone wanting to submit books for review consideration can send them to:

James A. Cox, Editor-in-Chief
Midwest Book Review
278 Orchard Drive
Oregon, WI 53575-1129

To submit reviews of any fiction or non-fiction books, email them to Frugalmuse (at) aol (dot) com (Be sure to include the book title, author, publisher, publisher address, publisher website/phone number, 13-digit ISBN number, and list price).

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