Kiff VandenHeuvel's nuanced narration elevates this dystopian thriller, drawing listeners into Winters's futuristic vision of California. What is now a state has become a separate nation in which truth is revered and lying is a crime. Lazlo Ratesic is a long-serving member of the Speculative Service, which is made up of individuals who can sense--and thus police--liars. Initially, VandenHeuvel portrays Lazlo as a hard-boiled archetype: gruff, gravelly, and blunt. Yet as Lazlo, his world, and his most recent case are revealed to be increasingly complex, VandenHeuvel layers poignancy across Lazlo's rough edges and brings a childlike tenderness to his faith in the "Objectively So," making it all the more devastating when that faith is shattered. This inventive tale of disillusionment is sure to intrigue listeners.
Pub Date: Feb. 5, 2019
Duration: 10 hrs, 30 mins
DD ISBN: 9781478917731
Publisher: Hachette 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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