“Chapter 2,” begins Christopher Boone, the remarkable protagonist of Mark Haddon’s remarkable novel. Christopher has Asperger’s syndrome, a version of autism. He doesn’t like to be touched, understands only two emotions, speaks the literal truth, requires order, and loves numbers, including the prime numbers with which he organizes the chapters of the book he is writing. Cast as a mystery story told in the first-person (Christopher wants to discover who killed the neighbor’s dog), this is actually a tale about how we make sense of a confusing world. It is funny, sad, uplifting, and moving all at once. It is a must-read. Make that a must-listen, for Jeff Woodman is masterful. His Christopher, with the light voice of an adolescent boy, is precise, dogmatic, and revealingly flat when discussing emotions. Dad’s blue-collar accent is a heartbreaking mix of stolid, patient, and frustrated. Mom sounds frantic. Even the people Christopher meets on the London Underground are miniature voice portraits. It’s all perfect, and perfectly unforgettable.
Pub Date: Jan. 22, 2003
Duration: 6 hrs, 15 mins
Publisher: Recorded Books Inc.
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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