Natalie Naudus narrates the story of Opal, who is living in the desolate town of Eden, home to the mysterious Starling Mansion. The old house appeared on the day that the writer-illustrator of the gothic fantasy children's book THE UNDERLAND, Eleanor Starling, disappeared. Opal, who is providing for her brother, works for the current heir, Arthur Starling. Strange things are happening that involve them both. Naudus captures the angst and anger of Opal, who depends on her street smarts and tough attitude for survival. Likewise, Naudus conveys the loneliness and heartbreak of Arthur as he fights to protect those he loves from the evils of the mansion. Listeners will feel all the desperation and longing that make this story so engaging.
Pub Date: Oct. 3, 2023
Duration: 12 hrs, 30 mins
DD ISBN: 9781250882783
Publisher: Macmillan Audio
Review Posted Online: Jan. 22, 2026
In this fascinating coming-of-age portrait, Thomas Black Bull's journey from the child, Bear's Brother, to the fearsome rodeo rider, Killer Tom Black, is painted with compassion and insight. Forced to learn the White Man's ways, Tom reaches adulthood consumed by rage. Read with great vigor by Norman Dietz, the recording bursts with the energy of rodeo circuit and transports the listener to the southwest. The accurate portrayal of Tom's Ute ancestry and way of life, the sorrow and frustration of losing his heritage, and his angry retaliation at the world make this an excellent listening choice for adults and teenagers. It would also be a wonderful addition to high school units on the Native American experience.
Pub Date: N/A
Duration: 10 hrs
Publisher: Recorded Books Inc.
Review Posted Online: Jan. 22, 2026
George S. Irving adopts Patrick McManus's characters with gusto. Sit back and listen to yarn after yarn. Irving relishes each story, whether it's fishing stories, such as "Claw of the Sea-Puss" or "To Filet or Not to Filet," or the escapades with McManus's wary but vulnerable neighbors. Irving has the jocular chuckle down pat, and the low comedy satire comes off without a hitch. Listeners can imagine Irving tipping back a chair at the country store swapping lies with cronies and entertaining any comers with these hilarious tales. His repertoire of more than eight collections of McManus stories encourages this kind of ownership!
Pub Date: N/A
Duration: 3 hrs
Publisher: DH Audio
Review Posted Online: Jan. 22, 2026
© Copyright 2026 Kirkus Media LLC. All Rights Reserved.
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