What happens when war explodes around a child? Sara Novic's debut novel is told from the point of view of 10-year-old Ana Juric, and Julia Whelan's heartbreaking performance of it leaves no doubt about the answer. The novel uncovers the emotional scars left after Ana gets caught up in the horrors of war-ravaged Croatia in the 1990s. She goes out to buy cigarettes one day but is stymied when she's asked which brand, "Serbian or Croatian?" After the fighting begins, Whelan's reading reflects the nail-biting tension. Her Balkan accents feel right, and her character voice for Ana ages appropriately when the story jumps ahead a decade to America. Through flashbacks, Ana reveals a deep secret--one she's hidden even from herself. Whelan's understated, poignant delivery ensures that listeners won't soon forget this coming-of-age story.
Pub Date: 2015
Duration: 7 hrs, 30 mins
DD ISBN: 9781101914120
Publisher: Random House 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: 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: 1993
Duration: 3 hrs
Publisher: Audio Renaissance
Review Posted Online: Jan. 22, 2026
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