John Pruden provides a workmanlike narration of this true-crime work. The first official American expedition to the North Pole launched in 1871. Its survivors straggled back to home soil two years later without their captain. Nearly one hundred years later, the captain's grave in Greenland was opened by scientists, and an autopsy revealed arsenic poisoning. Pruden delivers a brisk narration but falls short of enhancing the historical detail with embellishment of the characters, despite the author's meticulous depictions of the surviving crew's horrifying tales of incompetence, insubordination, and even murder. Inconsistent pauses between sections are disruptive as the account jumps between various points of view and timeframes. The story is fascinating, but Henderson's thorough research and engaging storytelling are not enhanced by this production.
Pub Date: Jan. 22, 2016
Duration: 9 hrs, 15 mins
Publisher: Tantor Media
Review Posted Online: Jan. 22, 2026
Karen Chilton's fluid alto is a good fit for this biography of Thomas Jefferson. The authors are more or less successful in their attempt to present the third president in the context of his times. What we are presented with is a very human being--possessing great intellect, filled with flaws and contradictions, and still immensely fascinating nearly three centuries after his birth. Chilton's pacing and inflection are never off. She narrates with a calm demeanor, competently affecting various accents for quotes and ably giving subtle expression to the narrative. It all adds up to an enjoyable listening experience.
Pub Date: Feb. 4, 2016
Duration: 14 hrs, 30 mins
DD ISBN: 9781501909993
Publisher: Recorded Books Inc.
Review Posted Online: Jan. 22, 2026
It's hard to imagine that the horror of 9/11 took place within a window of a mere 102 minutes, but indeed it was so. Be prepared for harrowing and heroic accounts gleaned from every possible source--phone messages, police and fire department communications, personal accounts, even the media--delineating the details at Ground Zero. Reader Ron McLarty handles the job with strong characterizations and the intensity the material demands. Listeners will find it hard to turn away from the nightmare but will find redemption in some of the stories of self-sacrifice that saved many lives. D.J.B. 2006 Audie Award Finalist © AudioFile 2005, Portland, Maine
Pub Date: Jan. 22, 2004
Duration: 6 hrs
Publisher: Harper Audio
Review Posted Online: Jan. 22, 2026
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