Author Deborah Rodriguez (KABUL BEAUTY SCHOOL) returns to Afghanistan, this time stepping into fiction. Switching from beauty school to coffee shop, she brings current-day Kabul into focus from the viewpoint of proprietor Sunny and her customers. Sunny befriends a British reporter and an American philanthropist, questions her attachment to the men in her life, and takes in a kidnapped young woman from the mountains. The realities of war-torn Afghanistan are both the backdrop and essence of Sunny’s world. Mozhan Marno’s voice carries authenticity as she differentiates the local speech of tailor Rashif, gentle Yasmina, landlady Halagan, and son Ahmet. Marno’s cosmopolitan side shines as the brash American, Candace, and the steely Brit, Isabel. With brisk pacing, Marno leads the listener through the intricacies of Afghan life and the dramas of Sunny’s coffee-shop family.
Pub Date: Jan. 25, 2011
Duration: 9 hrs, 30 mins
DD ISBN: 9780307879189
Publisher: Random House 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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