Andrew Gross has crafted an unnerving novel based in part upon the suicide of his nephew, as well as his own chance meeting with Charles Manson 40 years ago. The result is, at times, a mesmerizing story that will leave some shaking their heads. At other moments, however, the story meanders. Narrator Christian Hoff’s use of accents and inflection helps focus the listener and minimizes the moments when the story seems to drift. Fortunately, those lulls disappear as the book builds to its memorable conclusion. As the tension grows, Hoff ably captures the intrigue and revels in the dialogue that sets Gross’s writing apart from that of more pedestrian writers.
Pub Date: Jan. 22, 2011
Duration: 11 hrs, 15 mins
DD ISBN: 9780062072757
Publisher: Harper Audio
Review Posted Online: Jan. 22, 2026
C.J. Box writes about life in wild Wyoming, short stories of people living a rugged life by choice or by circumstance. David Chandler narrates in a rough-edged whiskey voice that suggests summer heat, bitter winters, and windswept prairies, guiding the listener through 10 adventures of men like Fish and Game Officer Joe Pickett. Chandler brings the listener into this strange world where, more often than not, men have to create their own justice. His performance of the economical stories, some rarely seen, is perfect. The tale of the frozen body of a Native American basketball player turned speed freak, her arm reaching through the ice of a lake in a final jump shot, is one of the most fascinating in the collection.
Pub Date: N/A
Duration: 7 hrs, 30 mins
DD ISBN: 9781470392796
Publisher: Recorded Books Inc.
Review Posted Online: Jan. 22, 2026
Dirk Pitt, intrepid adventurer and master explorer, searches the Sahara for the deadly toxin that is killing marine life world wide. This audio, abridged by Harold Schmidt, lacks most of the adventure, as well as the humor, of Cussler's novels. Narrator Tom Wopat brings an unconventional vocal slant to the ever-cocky Pitt. Using lots of vocal characterization, Wopat brings across the smug brashness of Pitt and handles dialogue briskly. Enhanced by sound effects and small pieces of music, this is an interesting and perplexing mystery.
Pub Date: N/A
Duration: 3 hrs
Publisher: Simon & Schuster
Review Posted Online: Jan. 22, 2026
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