Conroy's story is told through the narrative of Jack McCall, who is initially running from, then returning to his South Carolina family, friends and painful memories. The tale begins in Italy and treats us to some wonderful descriptions of both Rome and Venice. It moves to South Carolina, where rich dialects abound. Regional accents and foreign nationalities give particular challenge to the narrators. Current action and recollections of years past interweave, to keep the listener mesmerized, though at times a bit skeptical. Conroy's novel demands an interpreter who can do justice to the rich characters and consummate storytelling. Jonathan Marosz turns in a solid narration, which is listenable and entertaining. However, the listener becomes too aware of the story's length. Marosz makes some choices about the characters' accents that create confusion. He gives Jack's narrative voice a Southern accent, as well as his speaking voice. This leads to difficult transitions between simple narrative and dialogue between accented and non-accented speakers. The story itself drives the audio experience rather than Marosz guiding it.
Pub Date: Jan. 22, 1995
Duration: 28 hrs, 30 mins
Publisher: Books on Tape
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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