Review: Demon Dentist

Demon Dentist by David Walliams is a Middle Grade Audie Award Finalist this year. I was able to find a copy through my library's interlibrary loan program. Thank you public libraries for providing this service!!

The story was not my cup of tea, but the narration was fantastic. The story was about Alfie's dental adventures that turned out to be horrible, yet uplifting at the end. It made my stomach turn over and gave me shivers. As an individual who would prefer not to visit the dentist, this was a horror story. For those readers who enjoy a disgusting scare, this is the book for you. Walliams's style reminded me of Roald Dahl and Adam Gidwitz's Grimm series. For more story information, I would recommend Ms. Yingling's book review.

The narration on the other hand was wonderful! David Walliams, Jocelyn Jee Esien, and Nitin Ganatra shared the narration of the story. It was smooth dialogue from one character to another as well as genuine. Deborah Taylor spoke about authenticity of accents and it really hit home in this audiobook. Beyond the stellar narration skills of three actors, music was also added at the beginning, end, and between chapters. It felt like a grow-up version of a book and CD audiobook that has page cues. I think it really added to the story. Another addition was a sound effect to point out the use of made up words. A thoughtful touch for readers / listeners who are learning words and what is a true word versus a created word. I would definitely listen to this combo of voice talent, music, and smooth editing.

Reviewed from a library copy.

Audio Book Details...
Demon Dentist by David Walliams
Read by David Walliams, Jocelyn Jee Esien, and Nitin Ganatra
Music by Mark Morriss
Produced by Harper Audio
Number of Discs: 4
Total Time: 4 Hours, 46 Minutes
Release Date: March 2016
ISBN: 9780062443977

Review from Publishers Weekly

Review: Grayling's Song

Grayling's Song is a juvenile fiction novel written by Karen Cushman. She created a medieval world with magic. Grayling sets off on a journey to find magical people who can help her mother (and others along the way) who is turning into a tree. It's a ragtag team that comes together and helps Grayling along the way. It's a fine quest story. The unlikely characters are a good mix of interesting. It reminded me a little bit of Christopher Healy's series, The League of Princes. Grayling is more serious, and Healy is more humorous. I picked up Grayling's Song because of the narrator, Katherine Kellgren, and the fantasy element. If readers appreciate, medieval times, music, or Ms. Kellgren I would recommend this book to them.

Katherine Kellgren was an amazing narrator. Grayling sings throughout the story and Kellgren sings to tunes, too. Acapella. I am every so impressed when music is added to an audiobook. I am even more impressed when narrators feel comfortable and confident while singing without a tune in the background. Wow! Beyond the singing, Kellgren offers different voices for each character which sounded very authentic to the type of character Cushman described: crabby weather witch, languid enchantress, a befuddled wizard, and more. I would definitely listen to Kellgren again.

Grayling's Song reviewed from a library copy.

Audio Book Details...
Grayling's Song by Karen Cushman
Read by Katherine Kellgren
Produced by Recorded Books
Number of Discs: 4
Total Time: 5 hours, 6 minutes
Release Date: June 7, 2016
ISBN: 9781501916922

Review: Roald Dahl

Happy 100th Birthday, Roald Dahl!

It's amazing to see (and hear) the impact an author can have on readers all over the world. Since The BFG has been created into a movie, a book club that I joined decided to read it. This is my first time reading The BFG. I really appreciated that I had the opportunity to hear a brief biography about Dahl in the audiobook: Who Was Roald Dahl? before hearing The BFG. 

Who Was Roald Dahl? was a great companion audiobook before reading one of his books. It was very informative without being too much information for young readers. Dahl's life was full of ups and downs. He had love and loss. His boarding school days greatly influenced his stories. He truly focused on writing books for children and I could hear that in The BFG. 

Rene Ruiz narrated Who Was Roald Dahl? This is the first audiobook I have heard Rene Ruiz read. Nonfiction can be rather dry versus a novel, but I thought it was interesting. Ruiz shared the biography well. I would listen to Ruiz again.

---

The BFG version I heard was read by David Walliams. Again, another new narrator for this listener. Walliams is an English actor and his accent help make the story come alive. Dahl was also British so it makes sense to have another Englishman share his story. The BFG's voice was very memorable for me. All of the creative words Dahl created were read smoothly throughout the entire story. I would like to hear Walliams again.

As for the book itself, I don't need to read it again. I can hear the fun Dahl created for children in his book. I think I'm too adult for it. The words Dahl created sometimes annoyed me. I also was not a fan of the other giants who ate people. I know it's a pretend story, but that thought makes me grimace and my stomach twist. Dahl's writing is very unique. I think he'll continue to be popular all over the world.

Who Was Roald Dahl? I received this audiobook from Penguin Random House for an honest review. Thank you, Listening Library! 

The BFG was reviewed from a library copy.

Audio Book Details...
Who Was Roald Dahl? by True Kelley
Series: Who Is / Who Was series
Read by Rene Ruiz
Produced by Listening Library
Number of Discs: 1
Total Time: 1 hour, 2 minutes
Release Date: June 7, 2016
ISBN: 9780735205512

Audio Book Details...
The BFG by Roald Dahl
Read by David Walliams
Produced by Penguin Audio / Midwest Tapes
Number of Discs: 1
Total Time: 4 hours, 30 minutes
Release Date: 2013
ISBN: 9781611761887

Review: A Clatter of Jars

Welcome back to the world of talents in glass jars!

A Clatter of Jars is a companion book to A Tangle of Knots. Lisa Graff returns with new stories that share a glimpse of magic in the real world. Everyone, well, almost everyone, has a special talent which can range from cooking, baking, ice control, or communicating with frogs. Some talents can beckon talents from others while others can move talents from one person to another.

If you are unfamiliar with Graff's Tangle or Clatter, I would recommend reading A Tangle of Knots first and then follow up with A Clatter of Jars. Characters from Tangle appear briefly in Clatter but I believe it is significant enough to read them in order of publication. There are also talent ties to the first novel as well.

The setting for A Clatter of Jars is a summer camp for talented kids. A great story to read during the summertime! Clatter features several talent children who's stories are woven together at camp. It's a good read for a family trip or listening on your own.

Ellen Archer narrates A Clatter of Jars. This is a different narrator from A Tangle of Knots. The differences of stories deserves a different narrator. I liked Archer's narration of Clatter. With the range of characters, I could hear the difference between who was "speaking." I also appreciated the frog sounds throughout the book. Many times we learn the sound of a frog is "ribbit," but the frogs around camp were not "ribbit frogs," so appropriate frog sounds were shared. Looking for more frog sounds? Visit Animal Diversity Web for their page on Frog Calls.


I received this audiobook from Penguin Random House for an honest review. Thank you, Listening Library!

Audio Book Details...
A Clatter of Jars by Lisa Graff
Read by Ellen Archer
Produced by Listening Library
Number of Discs: 4
Total Time: 4 hours, 31 minutes
Release Date: May 24, 2016
ISBN: 9780451485885 / 9780451485892

Review: PHC 40th Anniversary Collection

Have you heard A Prairie Home Companion with Garrison Keillor?  He's known all over the world, especially in the Midwest of America. I've known of Mr. Garrison Keillor and his numerous radio, comedy, and video appearances, but I've never tuned into A Prairie Home Companion. I figured it was about time with their celebration of 40 years and their 40th Anniversary Collection.

The 40th Anniversary Collection is from HighBridge Audio and I need to share that I am very impressed with their packaging. There was a paper sleeve over a hard plastic case. Besides the 4 discs, a booklet is included with an essay from Keillor, photographs and brief introductions about some of the people from the show, a disc index, and credits.

The four discs gives the listener a small, small glimpse of the 40 years of PHC. The collection shares "85 standout performances from four decades of music, stories, and laughter." It's a great mix of musical numbers both vocal and instrumental, skits and sketches, as well as so much humor. They lived up to their description!  Any of the discs are great to pop into a player and enjoy. I listened in the car as well as around the house.

I love a great radio show or a variety show and A Praire Home Companion is both. It's a classic type of entertainment that will tickle the ribs of everyone. There is something for everyone in the family
- parents, children, grandparents, ladies, and gents. 

Reviewed from an Audiobook Jukebox copy. Thank you, HighBridge Audio!!

Audio Book Details...
A Prairie Home Companion: 40th Anniversary Collection with Garrison Keillor
Read by various
Produced by HighBridge Audio
Number of Discs: 4
Total Time: 4 hours
Release Date: April 2015
ISBN: 9781622315574

Review: The Zoo at the Edge of the World

Visit the Zoo at the Edge of the World! It is located in the jungles of South America. You will meet Ronan Rackham - conqueror and protector of the amazing wildlife found in the jungle.

Ronan Rackham left England to explore the jungle. He brought nothing with him, but built up a zoo resort empire with his sons Tim and Marlin. Older brother Tim follows in his father's conquering footsteps, but Marlin survives in the shadows of the zoo. His stuttering gives visitors the impression he is slow or mute, but he can talk his heart out to his animal friends at the zoo.

Another ship arrives with a boatload of guests and Tim takes over welcoming everyone. Father, Ronan, has been out hunting the dangerous and elusive jaguar. Ronan returns with the jaguar who brings animal magic to Marlin and the resort.

---

The story Eric Kahn Gale created was captivating. (Yes, pun intended.) The main character, Marlin, was very likeable and the listener wanted to see this underdog succeed. I was also very drawn to the unique trait of stuttering that was given to Marlin. I cannot recall very many books that include a character with a stutter. It was very believable. The reader, Julian Elfer, did an excellent job of reading and stuttering through Marlin's words when he attempted to communicate with the humans in this story. His British accent also gave the story wonderful depth. I would listen to Elfer again.

I was surprised by the magic and darkness that was woven into the story. As the book continued, it seemed to get darker and darker as the characters struggled with how to keep the animals safe, the people safe, entertain the guests, and remain an amazing and beautiful resort zoo. It's a mix of fantasy, historical fiction, adventure, and conservation. I think the book was very well done, but it wasn't my favorite. I invite you to give it a listen (or read) and see how you enjoy the story. Everyone's experience is different!

I was greatly amused by the recommendation from Recorded Books at the end of this audiobook. They recommended Splendors and Gloom is you enjoyed The Zoo at the Edge of the World. I would completely agree with them! I think both titles were interesting, unique, historical, and a bit unsettling. I would recommend both titles to older listeners - middle school or late elementary.

Reviewed from an Audiobook Jukebox copy. Thank you, Recorded Books!

Audio Book Details...
The Zoo at the Edge of the World by Eric Kahn Gale
Read by Julian Elfer
Produced by Recorded Books
Number of Discs: 4
Total Time: 4 hours, 45 minutes
Release Date: February 2015
ISBN: 9781490658766

West of the Moon

West of the Moon by Margi Preus


West of the Moon arrived on the hold shelf at the library for me and I took a double take. What is this? Why did I place a hold on this audiobook? I checked it out with an attitude of maybe I'll get around to it.

I was very surprised by this book. I was surprised by listening to it right away. I was surprised about the storyline. I was surprised by the ending twists. It was quite an unexpected adventure!

Author Margi Preus created West of the Moon from a line of an old family diary. Her Great Great Grandma hired a maid from her immigrant ship who didn't have a family. Preus originally wanted to write about her grandmother, but the mysterious maid without a past beckoned her from the pages of the diary. West of the Moon is the fictional tale of the lonely maid. (Hear her read a section of West of the Moon at TeachingBooks.net.)

West of the Moon is a story of sisters. The elder gets sold to an awful goat farmer while the younger sister stays with their aunt's family on the family farm. Their father went to America long ago and Astri (the elder sister) wants desperately to take her sister (Greta) and go to him. As the days grow darker at the goat farm, Astri plans an escape! She runs away with another worker from the goat farm and makes her way to Greta. The three travelers now must escape the goat farmer who is tracking them across Holland as they make their way to the coast. To make their journey even more difficult, they have no money for passage or food for the voyage or legal papers from the church. Perhaps the little gifts the travelers gain upon their journey will turn their luck around.

As I stated earlier, I cannot recall why I originally placed this title on hold at the library. I'm thinking it was because it was a new title in the catalog. Or perhaps a review I saw...somewhere... Or the ties to fairy tales. I'm leaning on the ties to fairy tales. I love a good fairytale story and Preus wove several tales throughout the entire story of West of the Moon. The title of the book comes from the tale East of the Sun, West of the Moon which is the story about a girl and a polar bear. The fairy tale additions didn't standout, but rather wove into the fabric of the whole novel. Astri loved to share stories with her sister and she used the stories as ways to relate to her life. It was very interesting and historically relevant to the times - circa 1850's. Stories were handed down and stories sometimes became belief. Preus shares historical information at the end of her novel about the fairy tales she used as well as the beliefs of the people at that time in history.

I would recommend this title to middle schoolers or high schoolers. The journey isn't always pleasant and the choices made along the way were difficult and trying. It's a book that can generate lots of good discussions in the classroom. It could also springboard activities for students to dig into their family histories or research the fairy tales mentioned in this book. I personally went and checked out East-West renditions from the library including Sun and Moon, Ice and Snow by Jessica Day George, Ice by Sarah Beth Durst, and East by Edith Pattou.

Jessica Almasy narrated West of the Moon. I first Almasy, when she narrated Operation Yes by Sara Lewis Holmes. I enjoyed her voice during Preus' story. She has a youthful and upbeat voice. With the dark turns that arrived during the novel, the story was still alive without turning depressing or horrifying. I also liked her male voices. Female voice artists struggle with the lower male tones, but Almasy did a very smooth job. It never sounded forced or out of place.

Reviewed from a library copy.

Audio Book Details...
West of the Moon by Margi Preus
Read by Jessica Almasy
Produced by Recorded Books
Number of Discs: 4
Total Time: 4 hours, 30 minutes
ISBN: 9781490615578

We Hold These Truths

We Hold These Truths by Andrew Clements

We Hold These Truths is the final installment of Benjamin Pratt & and the Keepers of the School. The final days of school are here and it's now or never for the Keepers to find the final safeguards.

I have been waiting to listen to this book! The Keepers needed to find two more safeguards and the end of school is days away when the last book ended. The pressure builds and Ben finds himself in a new role as manager. The Keepers' plans need to be bigger, bolder, and faster. They also need to stay on the right side of the law. I hesitate to say too much about the storyline because I don't want to give any spoilers or potential spoilers. Relationships do become tense between Keepers and between Janitors. The ending was satisfying. Clements wrapped it up nicely and gave a look to the future as well.

For previous Keeper readers, this is an exciting conclusion to the end of the series. For new Keepers, this final title is exciting as well because all the books are available! There is no need to wait! Check them all out at the library and listen to one right after the other. It's a great story for elementary students and families.

Narrator Keith Nobbs finishes the Keepers series. Thank you, Simon & Schuster for completing the series with one narrator! Nobbs performance was still enjoyable. He maintained the character voices and personalities that he began with We the Children in 2010.

Reviewed from an Audiobook Jukebox copy. Thank you, Simon & Schuster Audio!

Audio Book Details...
We Hold These Truths by Andrew Clements
Series: Book 5, Benjamin Pratt and the Keepers of the School
Read by Keith Nobbs
Produced by Simon & Schuster Audio
Number of Discs: 4
Total Time: 4 hours, 30 minutes
ISBN: 9781442357044

The Case of the Time-Capsule Bandit

The Case of the Time-Capsule Bandit by Octavia Spencer

Randi Rhodes is proud of her sleuthing that she employed as a detective in her Brooklyn neighborhood. Unfortunately, case number thirty-two is her last. Her father is moving the family - Randi and himself - to Deer Creek, Tennessee. From the hustle and bustle urban life to country living in a resort town. The biggest news is the celebration of Founders' Day and the opening of the 200 year old time-capsule. But boring small-town life quickly turns exciting when the historic time-capsule goes missing and strange secret service agents are swarming the town. Randi needs to dust off her detective skills and get to work!

The Case of the Time-Capsule Bandit is the first Randi Rhodes mystery in the Randi Rhodes series. An untitled book number two is coming out in Fall of 2014.

---

I was so thrilled to receive an audiobook copy to review! Ms. Spencer brings so much energy to her movies, as well as, her narration from the audiobook, "The Help". I was vastly looking forward to hearing her voice again.

My first reaction to her audio was slight disappointment. Her narration was flatter than I thought it would be, but I need to step back from my castles in the air and listen to reality. She's reading a story, not putting on a play or movie. It's a fine reading! She's dynamic and gives her characters different voices and remains consistent throughout the book. At one point I did think she was showing off when she had so many different cultural characters in her story, but the location of her story is in a resort town. A resort brings in people from all over the area, so a wide variety of citizen (temporary or permanent) is natural. My favorite character was the cantankerous old man who is accused of stealing the time-capsule.

All in all, it's an easy-listen story. The mystery is fun and suspenseful. The town is small-town America where everyone knows everyone. Readers who like mysteries (or ninjas) will enjoy this book. If a young reader is going through a move, this could be a good story for them. I would recommend this book to tween readers (roughly, 4th-6th graders). I am interested to see what adventure Ms. Spencer creates for the next installment of Randi Rhodes Ninja Detective.

Reviewed from an Audiobook Jukebox copy. Thank you, Simon & Schuster Audio! The opinions are my own and no monetary compensation was offered to me for my review.


Audio Book Details...
The Case of the Time-Capsule Bandit by Octavia Spencer
Series: Book 1, Randi Rhodes Ninja Detective
Read by Octavia Spencer
Produced by Simon & Schuster Audio
Number of Discs: 4
Total Time: 4 hours, 27 minutes
ISBN: 9781442364264

The Spindlers

The Spindlers by Lauren Oliver


Beware the Spindlers. They come at night and steal your soul. How do you know if the Spindlers have stolen a soul? Look in the eyes. The eyes will tell you. As haunting as Coraline or as strange as Alice's Wonderland, that's for the reader to decide.

For this reader, Coraline was way more terrifying than The Spindlers. The association with Wonderland is the location - going below. The book that came to mind to this audiobook lover was The Mark of Athena by Rick Riordan. (It's all about spiders, too.)

Overall, the concept of The Spindlers can be daunting and a bit terrifying for younger listeners (or readers), so if the reader is open to fantastical fiction with a hint of horror this is an excellent book. I would also highly recommend this title to older siblings and/or young woman. The main characters are ladies - Liza, Mirabella, and the Queen (which isn't a focus until reflecting on this piece.) The older sibling theme is strongest and very relate able. Liza must rescue her brother's soul and she will give it her all. He might be too young to understand or care, but she knows it's her job to watch over him.

Simon Vance narrated The Spindlers. For a female heavy cast, he did an amazing job! Each character had a voice and the female voices were wonderfully different from each other. The Spindler's Queen was my favorite voice.

Reviewed from a library copy.

Audio Book Details...
The Spindlers by Lauren Oliver
Read by Simon Vance
Produced by Listening Library
Number of Discs: 4
Total Time: 4 hours, 50 minutes
ISBN: 9780449015001 or 0449015009

Alchemy and Meggy Swann

Alchemy and Meggy Swann by Karen Cushman


Ye toads and vipers! Meggy Swann journeyed to London to be with her unknown father. When she arrives, the alchemist sees her and shows his great disappoint that she is not a he. Meggy feels unloved and unwanted in a filthy new place. Will London ever be home to an unlucky girl?

Karen Cushman excels at historical fiction. Her view of the the Elizabethan age / Shakespearean era is wonderful. She takes Meggy on a journey, not only to a new location, but to learn about herself. Meggy must overcome her physical handicap and fear of people's hate. Meggy learns to be stronger and happier. She discovers a love for London and for her fellow man. If a reader would ever be in need of historical insults, they only need read the whit of Meggy and her friend Roger. Her author's note at the end also adds insight and facts that she woven into her tale.

Alchemy and Meggy Swann would be an terrific book for classrooms or book club. Many discussions can arise about a variety of topics. History alone is one of the them, but Cushman brings up family, friends, physical handicaps, and pets just to name a few.

Katherine Kellgren reads Meggy's story. Kellgren is one of my favorite readers. Her furious back and forth between Meggy and Roger are enjoyable as well as the repeated phrase, "Ye toads and vipers!" Extra praise for singing a Capella throughout the short novel!

Reviewed from a library copy.

Audio Book Details...
Alchemy and Meggy Swann by Karen Cushman
Read by Katherine Kellgren
Produced by Listening Library
Number of Discs: 4
Total Time: 4 hours, 23 minutes

War Horse

War Horse - Audio by Michael Morpurgo

Albert's father aquires a beautiful horse. Albert immediately bonds with his father's new horse and names him Joey to along with their old farm horse, Zoey. As war becomes closer to their village, soldiers come and seek out available horses for their calvary. To keep the farm, Albert's father sells Joey. Albert it heartbroken. He asks to join the calvary, but is denied because of his youth. Albert returns home with a promise to find his beloved Joey.

War Horse is a play and a movie, but the original is a book by Michael Morpurgo. I wanted to hear the original text before seeing the play or the film version. Teachers and researchers require original resources and readers should seek them out as well.

War Horse is a short book with an amazing storyline. Listeners (and readers) see war via a calvary horse. They hear about the love of animals and the misunderstanding of using calvary in modern warfare. The story is heartbreaking, but do not toss it aside. I would highly recommend this title for any reader interested in war stories, horse tales, or overcoming adversity. I am looking forward to seeing the various interpretations on stage and film.

John Keating narrates War Horse and various Irish stories. Joey, the horse travels all over the world, so the Keating must add several dialects in his narration. When the characters moves from the UK, to France and Germany, the narration changed as well as male and female voices. Some of the group scenes were similar in character, but still understandable and very acceptable. I am very pleased the decision to use Keating for a European story would be very flat without a him.

Reviewed from a library copy.

Audio Book Details...
War Horse by Michael Morpurgo
Read by John Keating
Produced by Scholastic Audiobooks
Number of Discs: 4
Total Time: 4 hours, 4 minutes

The Whites Of Their Eyes by Andrew Clements

The last day of school is coming closer and Benjamin Pratt is running out of time. Jill and Ben need another Keeper of the School. Janitor Lyman is upping the game with technology and they need to outsmart him. The school and its history needs to survive!

With each new addition to Clements series, I am left on the edge of my seat. Clements is writing a series that is reminiscent of the serialized novels of the 1800's. Readers from the past would wait for book chapters to be printed in the newspaper. Once the complete story was finished, printers would publish the novel in several novels (think Charles Dickens). I want to read the whole book in one sitting and Clements is drawing the readers along so cleverly. Bravo! I cannot wait for the next installment!

Keith Nobbs returns to narrate the third Keepers of the School. With the first words, the characters spring back to mind immediately. I look forward to his next rendition of the Keepers of the School.

Reviewed from a library copy.

Audio Book Details...
The Whites of Their Eyes by Andrew Clements
Series: Book 3, Benjamin Pratt and the Keepers of the School
Read by Keith Nobbs
Produced by Simon & Schustler Audio
Number of Discs: 4
Total Time: 3 hours, 45 minutes

Hitler Youth: Growing Up in Hitler's Shadow

Hitler Youth by Susan Campbell Bartoletti
 
To use Bartoletti's words, the story of Hitler Youth is "complicated, riveting, and turns the heart over." The author spent two years studying to give listeners (and readers) a glimpse into twelve years of history.

I cannot describe the stories in this non-fiction piece. After watching the History Channel's series on The Third Reich, this audiobook was very intriguing find on the library shelf. It was amazing and heart stopping to hear how children and young people played such a large role in history. I would highly recommend this book.

The enhanced CD adds another layer of interest. The photos are from archives and personal albums (shown with permission). If the book is not available, the added photographs on the CD are a great plus.

Kathrin Kana reads Hitler Youth along with the author. Her voice is deep and serious. Her accent on German names and places is wonderful and genuine.

Reviewed from a library copy.


Audio Book Details...
Hitler Youth: Growing Up in Hitler's Shadow by Susan Campbell Bartoletti
Read by Kathrin Kana and Susan Campbell Bartoletti
Produced by Listening Library
Number of Discs: 4
Total Time: 4 hours, 27 minutes

The Flint Heart

The Flint Heart by Katherine Paterson

My rating: 3.5 of 5 stars

Jump into the world of British fairy tales! John Paterson and his wife Katherine freely adapted Eden Phillpott's original story, The Flint Heart. They modernized the tale for today's readers. If you are a lover of fairy tales, find this treasure. Brilliance Audio also included an amazing afterword with Katherine Paterson.

The story reminds me of Alice in Wonderland. The pieces fit together, but in unexpected ways. Mysterious creatures and inanimate objects come to life! Reader Ralph Lister is enjoyable to hear. His UK training is appreciated considering this is an English story.

When you finish this tale, you might be interested in finding the original. The Flint Heart is an old story and isn't easy to find. I recommend Google Books to view of copy of Philpott's original tale.

Reviewed from a library copy.

Audio Book Details...
The Flint Heart freely adapted by Katherine Paterson & John Paterson
Read by Ralph Lister
Produced by Brilliance Audio
Number of Discs: 4
Total Time: 4 hours, 10 minutes

It Happened on a Train

It Happened on a Train: Brixton Brothers, Book 3 by Mac Barnett




Steve Brixton is finished with being a detective. After discovering the ghostwriter's secret, he is set on throwing away the entire Bailey Brothers series and his own detective agency. Yet, a mystery catches his attention during a train ride. He agrees to come out of retirement, just this once.
The mystery, the danger, the humor! I love the Brixton Brothers books. Every time a another book appears, I cannot wait to get my hands on it. Barnett writes a story that can be enjoyed by children and adults alike. I would highly recommend reading the Brixton Brothers (starting with book one, because they do follow an order), to anyone who wants a mystery or humorous story. If the reader enjoys both genres, it's a perfect fit!

Arte Johnson returns to read book 3. Johnson brings perfect animation to the Brixton Brothers. He isn't flamboyant but straight forward in his approach. I hope all future Brixton Brothers books will be read by Johnson.

Reviewed from a library copy.

Audio Book Details...
It Happened on a Train by Mac Barnett
Series: Book 3, Brixton Brothers
Read by Arte Johnson
Produced by Listening Library
Number of Discs: 4
Total Time: 4 hours

Murder at Midnight

Murder At Midnight - Audio by Avi

Travel back to Medieval Times when the printing press was the newest technology in the land and magic was feared. King Claudio outlaws magic and Magnus is thrown in jail. Magnus' newest servant is a mission to save him from jail and a sentence of death.


I do not read many stories set in Medieval Times, but Avi shares a wonderful tale of mystery. I particularly enjoyed the new technology that travelers brought to the city - a printing press. A great treasure was discovering that a Printer's Devil was the individual who set the type and brushed on the ink. The sticky ink would cover the worker and make him (or her) look like a devil.

Avi wrote this story in 2009, but it is a prequel to Midnight Magic written in 2004. I am interested to see where the story leads in the next book.


As far as the narrator goes...I waited too long to write this review. I would slot Woodman in the average category. Nothing dynamic stood out and I finished the audiobook, so he has an enjoyable voice.

Reviewed from a library copy.

Audio Book Details...
Murder at Midnight by Avi
Series: Book 1, Midnight Magic
Read by Jeff Woodman
Produced by Scholastic Audiobooks
Number of Discs: 4
Total Time: 4 hours, 55 minutes

A Tale Dark and Grimm by Adam Gidwitz


"Are there any small children in the room now? If so, it would be best if you just...hurried them off to bed. Because this is where things start to get, well...awesome. But in a horrible, bloody kind of way."

If you prefer not to read about blood, gore, fights and magic, I would pass this title up...well, maybe. I would have to agree with the quote, it is awesome. Awesome, as in the definition of awe. Gidwitz put the classic tales and gave them new twists, while maintaining the old feel of blood, guts and gore. The original tales are not pretty. The original tales were gathered from the German people at that time and the folklore was bloody. Life is not always happy ever afters and those original tales reflected that feeling of right and wrong, revenge and reward. If you enjoy a good fairytale, find a copy of A Tale Dark & Grimm. Gidwitz wove the tale of Hansel and Gretal, but he offers a couple more stories on his website at http://www.adamgidwitz.com/tales-dark-ne...

Johnny Heller returns to read! I previously heard him read Flawed Dogs and Al Capone Does My Shirts. I enjoy listening to him read. When I placed the first CD in the player, it felt like welcoming a friend back. Thanks for a great listen, Johnny.

Reviewed from a library copy.

Additional book review at Waking Brain Cells.

View all my reviews

 Audio Book Details...
A Tale Dark & Grimm by Adam Gidwitz
Read by Johnny Heller
Produced by Recorded Books
Number of Discs: 4
Total Time: 4 hours, 45 minutes

Flawed Dogs: The Shocking Raid on Westminster

Flawed Dogs: The Shocking Raid on Westminster by Berkeley Breathed



The idea of Flawed Dogs is very catchy. Who doesn't want to see an underdog succeed? The adorable dachshund on the cover with a ladle for a leg peaked my curiosity. I am sad to say that the story didn't meet my expectations. The storyline jumped between scenes quickly. Many times I hit rewind to repeat sections of the novel. Johnny Heller read very well. Sadly, Berkeley Breathed wrote a choppy novel that has a time setting of three years (with a year unwritten because of the horrible events that take place at that time.) I wonder what the author was reaching for in this novel: revenge, redemption, creating an anti-hero or even a Byronic hero. I can't put my finger it. My heart broke listening to the outcome of Sam the Lion. Incidentally, the Flawed Dogs troupe had very minimal appearances or action throughout this story. A brief introduction and then the shocking raid on Westminster. Regretfully, I cannot urge you to listen to this book. Perhaps it is a better book story, then a CD story. How do you rate this book?

Reviewed from a library copy.


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Audio Book Details...
Flawed Dogs: The Shocking Raid on Westminster by Berkley Breathed
Read by Johnny Heller
Produced by Recorded Books
Number of Discs: 4
Total Time: 3 hours, 45 minutes

Leaving the Bellweathers

Leaving the Bellweathers by Kristin Clark Venuti


If you could create your own village with eccentric individuals, what kind a name would you give your town? Author Kristin Clark Venuti gave her imaginative city the memorable name of Eel-Smack-by-the-Bay. Her humorously dubbed village grabbed my attention right away. A grin would stretch across my face at every mention of Eel-Smack-by-the-Bay during Michael Page's rendition of Leaving the Bellweathers.


Beyond the clever town title, Ms. Venuti, weaves a wonderful tale about the life of the Bellweather's butler named Benway. Benway is writing his memoirs, taking care of the bizarre Bellweathers and counting the day until he can leave the insanity of life at the lighthouse. The novel rotates between journal entries and actual events that happen during his last few months of service.


Michael Page give a wonderful performance. Each character is distinct and Benway has the proper butler tone of voice. The screaming triplets are also terrific throughout the entire novel. Thank you for a memorable audiobook, Mr. Page.


Reviewed from a library copy.

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Audio Book Details...
Leaving the Bellweathers by Kristin Clark Venuti
Read by Michael Page
Produced by Brilliance Audio
Number of Discs: 4
Total Time: 4 hours, 21 minutes