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The Thirteenth Tale by Diane Setterfield
Readers: Jill Tanner and Bianca Amato
Short Review: A gothic novel of intrigue about family history, fame, women, writing, truth, and secrets. It is read gorgeously by two readers who both have velvety, rich voices and lovely diction.
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Shades of Grey by Jasper Fforde
Reader: John Lee
Short Review: The first book in a new series by Fforde, set in a world where people have very limited color perception and live according to strict rules set forth by the Colortocracy. Eddie Russett, our hero, has a strong ability to see red and a plan to marry a upperclass red-perceiving woman. And then everything changes.
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American Gods by Neil Gaiman
Reader: George Guidall
Short Review: A fantastic picaresque novel about a man traveling throughout the US, working for and with American Gods. It’s expertly read by one of the most respected narrators in the business. -
The Elegance of the Hedgehog by Muriel Barbery
Readers: Cassandra Morris and Barbara Rosenblat
Short Review: A good but flawed book with two narrators of differing skill. -
Possession by A.S. Byatt
Reader: Virginia Leishman
Short Review: An intricate, beautiful, arguably overlong book beautifully read by a very talented narrator. This isn’t a book for everyone, but it was definitely a book for me. -
Neverwhere by Neil Gaiman
Reader: Neil Gaiman
Short Review: One of my favorite urban fantasies, read expertly by the author. -
A Mercy by Toni Morrison
Reader: Toni Morrison
Short Review: A beautiful book, but difficult to listen to at times. Dr. Morrison is a wonderful reader in small doses, but perhaps should have handed this book over to a pro to read in its entirety.
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The Year of the Flood by Margaret Atwood
Readers: Bernadette Dunne, Katie MacNichol, and Mark Bramhall
Short Review: This is a great book, but the audio version has a flaw that really annoyed me. I want a re-cut, just for me, sans music. I doubt I’ll get it.
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The Book Thief by Marcus Zusak
Reader: Allan Corduner
Short Review: This is absolutely a fantastic audiobook. When next I need to convince someone that audiobooks are worth considering, I’ll recommend this book first. It’s gorgeously written, and beautifully read. Moreover, it’s a book that truly matters.
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Good Omens by Neil Gaiman and Terry Pratchett
Reader: Martin Jarvis
Short review: One of my favorite humorous novels, expertly read by Martin Jarvis. I’m sure I’ll listen to this book over and over again.
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Mystic River by Dennis Lehane
Reader: Scott Brick
Short Review: A well-read, strong mystery with one major flaw.
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Middlesex by Jeffrey Eugenides
Reader: Kristoffer Tabori
Short Review: A novel I absolutely love, full of gorgeous language, beautifully-rendered characters, and entrancing history and myth. Tabori’s reading is downright fantastic, and Eugenides remains one of the most talented writers of his generation. This is one of the best books I’ve ever read or listened to.