Narrator Grover Gardner expertly portrays a wide cast of characters who live on the margins of 1930s Hollywood in this prescient novel, which imagines the potentially explosive consequences of failure to achieve the American dream. Listeners will both chuckle and grimace at Gardner's uncanny ability to mine the humor, pathos, and callousness of characters who range from shrewd aspiring actress Faye Greener to socially awkward Midwestern accountant Homer Simpson and obnoxious child actor Adore Loomis. The story is presented in vignettes, moving from one overlapping set of characters to another until a fuller picture emerges of those who see themselves as being cheated out of a secure and loving future.
Pub Date: Dec. 24, 2018
Duration: 5 hrs, 30 mins
DD ISBN: 9781982546359
Publisher: Blackstone 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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