Samantha Hydeson depicts Bluebeard's castle, its inhabitants, and its visitors in this unsuccessful attempt to lend a feminist slant to the original folktale. Listeners meet unhappy gothic novelist Judith Moore, who feels she'll never find the man of her dreams. Her life changes, however, after she meets a psychopath named Gavin, who is expertly portrayed. He has leading-man good looks and behavior that are ideal for this tale, which includes a strong dose of eroticism. Sadly, despite Hydeson's splendid narration, no character is relatable, including Judith, who is predictable and repeatedly makes terrible decisions. Frequent brand names of cars, clothing, and food, along with Hydeson's cut-glass accents, make the story somewhat unintentionally funny. Hydeson is at her best while recounting Judith's bleak childhood and her warm relationship with her more easygoing sister.
Pub Date: Oct. 10, 2023
Duration: 10 hrs, 30 mins
DD ISBN: 9798400124181
Publisher: Brilliance 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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