Narrator Tanya Eby tells a fascinating story. From late 2012 through early 2013, Accomack County, located on Virginia's Eastern Shore, endured 86 fires, all set by an elusive arsonist. But listeners shouldn't expect a prolonged whodunnit. The culprits, a local couple, are revealed early on. Instead author Monica Hesse paints a vivid portrait of a struggling rural community that is both divided and united by the baffling crimes. Eby briskly delivers the background information that sets the stage for the onset of the fires. When quoting firefighters, investigators, and citizens, Eby uses a range of Southern accents that ring true and humanize the community. Her respectful approach mirrors Hesse's treatment of the arsonists, who are presented as emotionally complex and morally gray.
Pub Date: July 11, 2017
Duration: 7 hrs, 30 mins
Publisher: Dreamscape
Review Posted Online: Jan. 22, 2026
Buckley offers a reasonable proposal for a national service program without jail or criminal penalties. Narrator Lawrence reads with a slow and careful announcer's voice; one wishes Buckley were reading this one himself. Books on Tape does its usual quality job with formatting, packaging and tape-turning instructions. The reader repeats the last sentence at such times, so you're sure you haven't missed anything. Popular nonfiction collections will appreciate Gratitude, and the topic is likely to prove timely in the years ahead.
Pub Date: N/A
Duration: 5 hrs
Publisher: Books on Tape
Review Posted Online: Jan. 22, 2026
Kozol’s shocking exposé of inequities in the funding of our public schools contrasts white suburban schools with those serving black and Hispanic populations. Interviews with students, teachers, and school administrators add eloquent testimony to Kozol’s disturbing presentation of facts. Narration by Jack Winston is clear and brisk, but the pace is unrelenting, with little pause for transition between scenes or chapters. Winston’s cool, detached voice contrasts with Kozol’s impasssioned and outraged message. The sheer repetition and magnitude of Kozol’s damning evidence is numbing; the narration gives no relief. Powerful medicine, most easily taken in small doses. Music signalling tape changes is jarringly inappropriate.
Pub Date: N/A
Duration: 8 hrs
Publisher: Brilliance Audio
Review Posted Online: Jan. 22, 2026
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