Ron Hansen's novel chronicles the lives and times of Jesse James and Robert Ford, the sycophantic young outlaw who eventually shot Jesse in the back. In Hansen's quest for period accuracy, the early chapters are slow going, but G. Valmont Thomas's narration is strong enough to overcome the heavy exposition. Thomas's shaded characterizations provide fascinating human insights into the legend of Jesse. The author reveals details of the gunslinger’s personality—he used potions, and was superstitious and vain. Jesse’s relationship with Zee is described as well—from courtship to marriage. Hansen's habit of "verbing" nouns gets annoying ("wristed with lace," "snailed across the road"), but Thomas's performance is so appealing—with his mellifluous tones; honest, uncluttered delivery; and perfect diction—that listeners won't mind. Thomas makes this an audiobook you won't want to miss.
Pub Date: Oct. 1, 2007
Duration: 13 hrs
Publisher: Blackstone Audio
Review Posted Online: Jan. 22, 2026
Reader Michael Prichard delivers a convincing rendition of Archie Goodwin, the burly right hand of the portly Nero Wolfe, world-renowned gourmand and detective. Prichard preserves the 1970s setting and 1950s origins of the story, bringing listeners a well-paced narration of murder and politics--a combination of elements that usually guarantees an exciting listen. This audio entertainment is as well formed and fragrant as one of Wolfe's hothouse orchids (the stout sleuth cultivates them by the hundreds in his town house greenhouse) as Goodwin walks us through an explosive murder investigation and political wheeling and dealing in a tough yet intelligent read.
Pub Date: Jan. 15, 2006
Duration: 5 hrs, 30 mins
Publisher: Audio Partners
Review Posted Online: Jan. 22, 2026
This collection of eight short stories contains gentle tales of fantasy and magic--not the magic of wizards and wands, but of wishing mats and enormous cats and gifts brought by the winds. In a lovely English accent, Lizza Aiken quietly narrates these stories in which magic and good fortune often come to those who deserve it. Although her pitch changes little, she registers a range of emotions--from the sadness of a girl whose necklace of raindrops has been stolen to the joy of a child who moves from a hard life and a ramshackle trailer to a happy home amid the clouds. A NECKLACE OF RAINDROPS would make a soothing choice for a family car trip after a long day.
Ages 6+Pub Date: Jan. 5, 2016
Duration: 1 hr, 45 mins
DD ISBN: 9781101915721
Publisher: Listening Library
Review Posted Online: Jan. 22, 2026
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