Narrator Stacy Gonzalez brings to life the docks, bars, and streets of 1800s Tacoma in Washington Territory in this queer historical romp. Alma Rosales has set up a good life for herself as opium smuggler Jack Camp. But when two men are found dead in a bar her crew frequents and several newcomers--known and unknown--come to town, Alma's situation is threatened. Gonzalez's deep voice smoothly delivers voices that range from Alma's clipped cadence to the warm drawl of her old ex-Pinkerton friend and the polished purr of her wealthy sometimes-lover. Full of action, historical detail, and a vividly imagined setting, this is an excellent addition to the growing canon of queer westerns.
Pub Date: April 9, 2024
Duration: 14 hrs, 15 mins
DD ISBN: 9781696614603
Publisher: HighBridge Audio
Review Posted Online: Jan. 22, 2026
Ayla, one of the "others," is adopted by a clan of Neanderthal cave people. She struggles to conform to their ways, but her advanced human traits overwhelm and threaten their primitive culture in this initial installment of an immensely popular series. Although the story might benefit from abridgment, Rowena Cooper easily carries out the formidable task of enlivening the mostly silent and stereotypical characters with consistent, diverse personalities and human dimension. Through skillful phrasing and inflection, she maintains the reader's interest and suspense, especially with Ayla and her plight, throughout this rambling and imaginative story.
Pub Date: N/A
Duration: 22 hrs
Publisher: BBC Audiobooks America/ Chivers
Review Posted Online: Jan. 22, 2026
This lyrical, sensual novel of woman's lot in Manchu, China, is as well researched as it is well written. Authentic in tone, it's nonetheless written for Westerners by a Western expert on China. Moreover, Susan Clark performs the demanding text superbly, with only occasional signs of fatigue. For the most part she not only sustains the quaint diction and Asian atmosphere, but also, creates whole worlds with her voice. She acts the book, rather than reads it, and, in so doing, turns a pretty trifle into a stupendous beauty.
Pub Date: N/A
Duration: 4 hrs, 30 mins
Publisher: Audio Literature
Review Posted Online: Jan. 22, 2026
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