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.

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.

Leviathan by Scott Westerfeld

Reader: Alan Cumming

Short Review: Fun and captivating steampunk adventure set in an alternate World War I Europe. Strong male and female leads should keep both genders interested and a very talented reader makes the story zoom along.

Catching Fire (Hunger Games, Book 2) by Suzanne Collins

Reader: Carolyn McCormick

WARNING: Have you read The Hunger Games yet? No? Then stop and go listen to that before reading this review. There is NO way to even describe this book without huge spoilers of book one.

Short Review: Strong sequel, with a slightly different pace than the original. Our protagonists are barely out of the arena on their way back to District 12 as they begin to realize the strangle hold the capitol still has on their lives. More characters, more suspense – a fun, if dark ride.

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.

3 Willows: The Sisterhood Grows by Ann Brashares

Reader: Kimberly Farr

Short Review: The summer before high school, three old friends grow, change, and find their way back to themselves.

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.

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.

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.