Kirby Heyborne’s Russian accents and phrasing convincingly portray the awkward American expressions of 10-year-old immigrant Vaclav. Vaclav dreams of becoming a magician, with his best friend, Lena, as his lovely assistant. Lena, also an immigrant, shyly struggles with language and a difficult home situation, which is only partly relieved by Vaclav’s loving family and the fun of practicing their magic. Then, when her guardian dies, Lena disappears from Vaclav’s life, but he never forgets her. Seven years later, they’re reunited. Rebecca Lowman’s softer, clipped delivery depicts Lena at 17 as she tries to fill in her missing memories about the sudden death of her guardian. Heyborne’s unaccented portrayal of the older Vaclav is loaded with emotion.
Pub Date: May 17, 2011
Duration: 10 hrs
DD ISBN: 9780307932723
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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