#theoofgolden #allenlevi #davidmorse #afterdeath #deankoontz #edoardoballerini #furyindeath #jdrobb #susanericksen
What do September’s books have in common? Absolutely nothing! If I had tried, I couldn’t have picked books so totally unrelated in storylines. I suppose the fact that I enjoyed each one, although for different reasons, could be considered a common factor, but since that is what I aim for, and usually find, each month I don’t think I’ll count that. Book one is very trendy and popular right now and in addition to having an exceptionally good storyline, it is a debut novel which always pleases me. Keep writing aspiring authors – the next debut novel might be yours! Book two is a serendipitous find that just happens to hit on a current hot topic. Yay me! Book three feeds my addiction to a series which you may or may not be addicted to as well. Listen to it and let’s keep the love going
By Allen Levi
Narrated by David Morse
I think I’ve mentioned in the past that there are a variety of factors that influence me to read or listen to a book. In the case of Theo of Golden, I was drawn by curiosity. Everywhere I looked there were promotions for this book. It is a debut novel, a best seller, and a book club pick. The title also intrigued me – what does it mean? I encourage you to read or listen to this book. In our chaotic world, it is a book about kindness and a man who has led a complicated life with more than his share of sadness;  yet he continues to exude kindness. If you are rolling your eyes and thinking the book is probably dull, you need to stop that right now! Author Allen Levi has created complex characters with complex stories that are anything but dull. They will invite you to listen to their stories, and you will experience all the ups and downs of life with one over-arching quality: the kindness that is in very short supply these days and that our man Theo brings to the town of Golden in abundance. For those of you who thrive on “aha” moments, there is a twist that will make your day. David Morse is new to me, but I’ve learned he is a seasoned actor and he is an excellent narrator of Theo’s character. He will plant his voice firmly in your head where it will remain long after you finish listening. A bonus afterword narrated by the author will make you look forward to more from Allen Levi.
By Dean KoontzÂ
Narrated by Edoardo Ballerini
When I accidentally select a book that turns out to be pertinent to the time, I call it serendipity. The fact that author Dean Koontz is a favorite of mine explains how I came to listen to After Death in this age that is obsessed with AI. I also happen to like narrator Edoardo Ballerini so two reasons to choose this book. Because Mr Koontz always offers up something creative and often a little bit other-worldly, and because I don’t want to get too stuck in the real world adds a third reason. The serendipity I’m referring to lies in a storyline that will put you in mind of  the current hoopla over AI and how it’s going to take over the world whether we like it or not. There are some very mean and strange characters in this book, and there is also something mysterious going on that is never fully explained. Is it AI or what? You’ll have to listen and draw your own conclusions. Our hero Michael Mace has risen from the dead more or less, and it’s up to him to thwart the evil characters that are coming for all of us. No spoilers … you need to listen to find out if there is a HEA. Warning: if you are one of those people who is triggered by those scary robot dogs, you might want to pass on this one!
By J. D. Robb
Narrated by Susan Ericksen
J. D. Robb opens Fury in Death with a heart-wrenching scene from the past where Steven Redman loses everything that matters to him. Meanwhile, in the present, Darlin’ Eve and her friends and fellow officers at NYPSD are gearing up for a big party when a series of brutal murders becomes the focus instead of the anticipated festivities celebrating a new home for Mavis and Leonardo and Peabody and McNab.  The investigation reveals that the motivation goes back to an event that took place years ago and, because the perp has been in a catatonic state since then, it takes a while for him to become a suspect. Can Steven Redman’s catastrophic loss from years ago be the link between the crimes? What happens when a brilliant mind that only wants to do good is traumatized by the horrific deaths of his family and other innocents who were just living their lives in the building where they all resided? That mind dies and is reborn in a state of fury with only revenge as a goal. You will meet some unscrupulous characters who call themselves humanitarians when their primary goal is personal wealth. Our protagonist, Steven Redman, who has been reborn in fury doesn’t aim to steal their wealth but their lives, and even though Eve can relate to Redman’s fury because of her own past, she is true to her calling and begins working to bring both Redman and the ruthless characters who fueled his fury to justice. Not my favorite of the In Death series, but there is some light-hearted banter with McNab’s and Peabody’s families who have assembled for the party, and any visit with these people who have become so familiar through the voice of narrator Susan Ericksen is a good listen for those of us who are addicted to the series.
Thank You For Following Us at Literati Literature Lovers and Happy Listening in October!
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