The late Trevanian's 1979 thriller, SHIBUMI, was a one-of-a-kind masterpiece. Now comes Don Winslow, with a prequel, featuring SHIBUMI’s main character, Nicholia Hell. SATORI takes place in 1951, when Hell is released from prison in Japan. He had been jailed for killing his mentor, a Japanese war criminal, in an act of mercy. Hell is recruited to pose as a Frenchman to assassinate an Asian enemy of the free world. Hell is a master of the game Go and has unparalleled skill in the Japanese metaphysical martial arts. Narrator Holter Graham gives all the characters in this prequel special treatment. He emphasizes the mysticism in Winslow's work and brings listeners into the unfamiliar world of discipline and terror without missing a beat.
Pub Date: March 7, 2011
Duration: 13 hrs
DD ISBN: 9781607886938
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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