Narrator Nicole Lewis delivers great dialogue voices, including convincing Brooklyn accents for protagonists Gertie and Arlo Wilde and their kids, Julia and Larry. Lewis also expressively performs the narrative. The Wildes move into a house on Long Island's Maple Street, where Gertie becomes friends with Rhea Schroeder, who has many secrets. After drinking too much one evening, Rhea reveals too much to Gertie, regrets it, turns against her friend, and helps neighbors do likewise. This is a story of broken friendships, a sinkhole, a missing child, lies, and whispers. It is funny, tragic, and compelling. Lewis captures the essence of the adults and children of Maple Street, and even the neighborhood itself. An outstanding performance.
Pub Date: Feb. 2, 2021
Duration: 10 hrs, 15 mins
DD ISBN: 9781797119328
Publisher: Simon & Schuster Audio
Review Posted Online: Jan. 22, 2026
In this fascinating coming-of-age portrait, Thomas Black Bull's journey from the child, Bear's Brother, to the fearsome rodeo rider, Killer Tom Black, is painted with compassion and insight. Forced to learn the White Man's ways, Tom reaches adulthood consumed by rage. Read with great vigor by Norman Dietz, the recording bursts with the energy of rodeo circuit and transports the listener to the southwest. The accurate portrayal of Tom's Ute ancestry and way of life, the sorrow and frustration of losing his heritage, and his angry retaliation at the world make this an excellent listening choice for adults and teenagers. It would also be a wonderful addition to high school units on the Native American experience.
Pub Date: N/A
Duration: 10 hrs
Publisher: Recorded Books Inc.
Review Posted Online: Jan. 22, 2026
George S. Irving adopts Patrick McManus's characters with gusto. Sit back and listen to yarn after yarn. Irving relishes each story, whether it's fishing stories, such as "Claw of the Sea-Puss" or "To Filet or Not to Filet," or the escapades with McManus's wary but vulnerable neighbors. Irving has the jocular chuckle down pat, and the low comedy satire comes off without a hitch. Listeners can imagine Irving tipping back a chair at the country store swapping lies with cronies and entertaining any comers with these hilarious tales. His repertoire of more than eight collections of McManus stories encourages this kind of ownership!
Pub Date: N/A
Duration: 3 hrs
Publisher: DH Audio
Review Posted Online: Jan. 22, 2026
© Copyright 2026 Kirkus Media LLC. All Rights Reserved.
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