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The Shadow in the North by Philip Pullman
Reader: Anton Lesser
Short Review: The slightly-less brilliant sequel to The Ruby in the Smoke, read just as brilliantly by Anton Lesser.
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The Ruby in the Smoke by Philip Pullman
Reader: Anton Lesser
Short Review: A beautifully read story about a resourceful young woman who finds herself orphaned and embroiled in a deadly mystery. -
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.