#outofnowhere #sandrabrown #kyfbrewer #deathatlafenice #donnaleon #davidcolacci #amostintriguinglady #sarahferguson #ellpotter #thesouthernbookclubsguidetoslayingvampires #gradyhendrix #bahniturpin
To celebrate the month of October, I thought about resurrecting the Halloween post I did once upon a time reviewing true horror stories.  I also thought about doing an all-new group of horror stories, but  since my love of psychological thrillers keeps me perpetually on that fine line between real life horror and supernatural horror, I decided to go with my usual mixed bag of favorites. When I looked at my choices, I did see that each one has an element of horror whether it involves murder, mayhem, or encounters with the living dead. Put on your costume or jump on your broom and get ready for the ride! Trick or treat!
By Sandra Brown
Narrated by Kyf Brewer
I’m going to confess up front that I binge-listened to this book over two days. I don’t think I’ve ever done that, but I was so caught up in this story and the dynamic between the characters, I just had to know how it was all going to turn out. Author Sandra Brown gives her readers and listeners a heads-up with a foreword about the storyline which evolves around a mass shooting at a shopping mall. For the audio book, the author actually does the narration of the foreword herself. The subject matter is certainly timely, and I think Ms. Brown handles it with sensitivity and insight into what the victims of these senseless crimes must be feeling. Of course, this is fiction and is meant to be entertaining, so there is a romance between two of the characters, but that doesn’t detract from the message. There is a mystery surrounding the shooter, and it seems at one point that everyone within a mile of the mall is a suspect, but eventually the real perpetrator comes, as the title implies, Out of Nowhere. Kyf Brewer is Ms. Brown’s “go to” narrator and his performance is up to the challenge of bringing this chilling story to life.
By Donna Leon
Narrated by David Colacci
There is never any telling what will tempt me to read or listen to a book. In the case of Death at La Fenice, it was the narrator. Those of you who follow my posts know that I love JD Robb’s In Death series as well as the narrator of the series, Susan Ericksen. Having posted her bio numerous times, I’m aware that she is married to another narrator, David Colacci. I’ll admit I’ve been curious as to whether his talent could possibly compare to hers, and now I can honestly say that it does. His gift for accents is exceptional. Death at La Fenice takes places in Italy and features characters with a variety of accents, all of which he does to perfection. Author Donna Leon‘s writing style reminds me very much of Agatha Christie who has always been a favorite of mine. The mystery lies not in the drama or the rollercoaster ride but in the intricacy of the details. A man is dead. Was it suicide or was it murder and if so, who and why? The conclusion will surprise you, but you’ll be even more surprised and delighted by what is revealed about a new hero on the whodunnit scene, Commissario Guido Brunetti. I look forward to continuing the series.
By Sarah Ferguson
Narrated by Ell Potter
If you like historical fiction, romance, or Victorian novels, I think you will enjoy A Most Intriguing Lady. Written by Sarah Ferguson, the Duchess of York, this book benefits both historically and artistically from her intimate knowledge of the characters. Even though the story line is fictional, most of the characters are real people. Her knowledge of a way of life that the rest of us only read about in books also lends authenticity to the setting. The author’s ancestor Lady Mary is the heroine of this book. She is a woman ahead of her time because she refuses to settle for an arranged marriage and a life as a wife and mother. Lady Mary wants a life of her own, and the life she seems suited for is one that is shocking to her generation. Lady Mary wants to be a sleuth! When she is given the opportunity to pursue her dream as a spy for the man she loves, she rises to the challenge by allowing him into her life and by accepting an assignment to recover important papers that could affect the safety of her beloved nation. Ell Potter is an excellent narrator and the Duchess herself even pitches in with an author’s note and historical blurbs on each of the characters. There is also a Q & A at the end that I found very interesting because it revealed so much about the author and her life. Lady Mary isn’t the only intriguing lady in this book!
The Southern Book Club’s Guide to Slaying Vampires
By Grady Hendrix
Narrated by Bahni Turpin
Those of you who regularly read my posts know that I occasionally find an author’s choice of title a bit puzzling, but as I’ve said repeatedly – not my book, not my choice! The Southern Book Club’s Guide to Slaying Vampires is a complete 180 from that observation. The title sets the tone perfectly for a book that will make you smile despite the grisly nature of the subject matter. It’s a bit shocking and scandalous, somewhat gory, and will leave you wondering if the conclusion is actually “The End.” James Harris is a charming stranger who insinuates himself into a conservative southern community, and he changes every life he touches. But what is he in reality? And why does he want to join a book club whose members are all women? And once they wise up … what can they do about him? Grady Hendrix has written a book that will alternately disgust and delight you. I think you will thoroughly enjoy Bahni Turpin’s narration of this scary, not scary tale which is my tribute to the spirit of Halloween. Break out your Trick or Treat goodies to munch on, but don’t let yourself get too comfortable!
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