Top audiobook picks from AudioFile. Each title gives an exceptional audio experience--a synergy of author and narrator for great listening. Hear excerpts from each title and listen to a candid AudioFile review. AudioFile is an independent source of audiobook views and news. All audiobooks, all the time!
Tuesday, September 29, 2009
CHEEVER: A Life by Blake Bailey, read by Malcolm Hillgartner
One of the most important American postwar writers, John Cheever is a fascinating biographical subject, and he is very much alive in Malcolm Hillgartner's reading.
Hearing Ed Asner’s narration is a bit like hearing a great tall tale told by a favorite grandfather. His gruff tone and quirky interpretations of Hiaasen's usual over-the-top oddballs make a fine program for listeners ages 10 and up.
DREAMS MAY COME by Richard Matheson, read by Robertson Dean
Matheson's (I AM LEGEND) novel opens with the death of the main character and reveals the afterlife as a wonderful, perfect place. Narrator Dean's delivery reveals the fear and wonder of a man as he discovers what lies after death.
PICCADILLY JIM by P.G. Wodehouse, read by Martin Jarvis
From the creator of Jeeves and Wooster comes the story of a British ex-newsman and reforming playboy who finds himself pretending to be an imposter impersonating himself. Narrator Jarvis dives in with comic voicing and expert pacing.
THE LAUGHING POLICEMAN by Maj Sjöwall and Per Wahlöö, read by Tom Weiner
Another excellent police procedural about Martin Beck and his colleagues of the Stockholm Homicide Squad, and once again, Tom Weiner gives a performance that is pitch-perfect for the material.
HOUNDSLEY AND CATINA AND THE BIRTHDAY SURPRISE by James Howe, read by Peter Pamela Rose
Narrator Rose captures a charming cat and a thoughtful dog—two friends who attempt to cheer each other up with birthday surprises. A great listen for kids ages six and up.
STONE'S FALL by Iain Pears, read by Roy Dotrice, John Lee, and Simon Vance
Pears' fascinating story follows the fate of an English arms supplier and his mysterious wife. John Lee, Simon Vance, and Roy Dotrice share the microphone, each doing an impeccable job with accents and narrative turns.
EYE OF THE CRICKET by James Sallis, read by G. Valmont Thomas
Lew Griffin is an African-American writer and teacher in New Orleans who sometimes does investigations. He has a novelist's mind full of dreams, memories, and literature as he looks for the shape of a book, or for various missing persons, in this case, his long-gone son. Narrator Thomas can make you laugh out loud or make you grip the edge of your seat.
DEATH OF A DORMOUSE by Reginald Hill, read by Di Langford
Reginald Hill takes a break from his excellent series about Yorkshire policemen Dalziel and Pascoe to produce a different kind of mystery. As Trudi Adamson works through her shock at the death of her husband, listeners come to understand that Trudi's husband was not who he seemed to be. This combination of author Hill and narrator Di Langford is great, and we'll hope for a sequel.
THE SCARECROW by Michael Connelly, read by Peter Giles
L.A. TIMES crime reporter Jack McEvoy has the chance to free an innocent convict and catch a serial killer at the same time. Peter Giles delivers the story with crisp and compelling narration.
The Voices of Agatha Christie: A Conversation with Rosalind Ayres
September 12th through the 20th is Christie Week! In celebration of Agatha Christie, Robin Whitten speaks with Rosalind Ayres, narrator of several of Christie's Miss Marple mysteries.
The Voices of Agatha Christie: A Conversation with Hugh Fraser
September 12th through the 20th is Christie Week! In celebration of Agatha Christie, Robin Whitten speaks with Hugh Fraser, narrator of dozens of Christie audiobooks.
THE ONCE AND FUTURE KING, by T.H. White, read by Neville Jason
Narrator Jason's narrative voice, easy pacing, and host of individual characterizations transport listeners into T.H. White's classic retelling of the tales of King Arthur.