Kathleen Wilhoite delivers an energetic narration of Maria Semple’s funny, often snide social commentary. Bernadette is lost. She can’t find herself in the Seattle housewife she has become. Once an architect and recipient of a MacArthur “genius grant,” now married to Elgin Branch, Microsoft magnate, Bernadette is trembling on the edge of a breakdown. She’s highly neurotic and slightly agoraphobic. She does errands via email through a virtual personal assistant based in India. When Bernadette disappears, it’s her brilliant daughter, Bee (Balakrishna!), who searches for her. Wilhoite’s frenetic reading works best for quirky eighth-grader Bee. Her adult voices are hyperactive, over-the-top caricatures. A more controlled reading would have better served Semple’s touching exploration of a woman’s disintegration and a daughter’s determination.
Pub Date: Jan. 22, 2012
Duration: 9 hrs, 30 mins
DD ISBN: 9781619691117
Publisher: Hachette 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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