Simon Vance’s selections for distinct character voices make Elton’s sometimes-complicated novel quite accessible. The story follows Luke Hayman and his family as they deal with the fame, fortune, and frustrations of success. In the aftermath of Luke’s father’s death, the family is flung into the limelight as Arthur’s books (about a lad named Luke Hayseed) become the most popular novels in recent history. Vance executes strong accents as needed but also uses reserved but effective tones for the range characters. He’s careful not to exaggerate voices, such as that of the sister who ends up in the mental ward. Rather, he reads them straight, and that works well.
Pub Date: Nov. 9, 2010
Duration: 12 hrs
Publisher: Blackstone Audio
Review Posted Online: Jan. 22, 2026
Escape on a thrilling adventure with Soneela Nankani and Andrew Eiden as they narrate this suspenseful romance. A year has passed since Simi Chopra, her assorted crew, and Jack Danger pulled off a lucrative diamond heist. Now, the Chicago Mafia boss is demanding that the jewels be returned, so Simi gets the team back together. Nankani delivers an expressive performance that emphasizes Simi's conflict between her passion for Jack and the mission. Her distinct character voices keep the listener fully immersed. Eiden's lively tone gives Jack a subtle flair and confidence that make him easy to forgive and to love.
Pub Date: Aug. 20, 2024
Duration: 11 hrs, 15 mins
DD ISBN: 9780593907467
Publisher: Penguin Audio
Review Posted Online: Jan. 22, 2026
This is not a story about guns, but about blue pearls. Gerald Browne takes us to the Pacific Ocean and the world of pearl divers and natural gems and mixes in mystery, intrigue and suspense. Barry Bostwick portrays the characters in one voice, varying his intonation slightly for the Asian personalities. His reading style is very smooth, evidence of preparation and interest in the story. 18mm Blues is abridged well, collecting the important elements of the story. Unobtrusive music indicates the end of each side. Disappear into the mystery of the Far East and one of its most beautiful commodities.
Pub Date: Jan. 22, 1993
Duration: 3 hrs
Publisher: Audio Renaissance
Review Posted Online: Jan. 22, 2026
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