| The Seagull by Ann Cleeves; narrated by Janine Birkett MysteryWhat it's about: In this eighth book in the series, D.I. Vera Stanhope visits an old adversary in prison and promises to look into a cold case. Much to her surprise, the case has connections with her late father.
Why you might like it: Vera Stanhope's quirky character remains intact, even as the past haunts her with dark memories.
Narration: This is narrator Janine Birkett's third Vera Stanhope production, and her clear, well-modulated voice will please Vera's fans. |
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| Good Me Bad Me by Ali Land; narrated by Imogen Church Psychological SuspenseWhat it's about: At 15, Annie turned her mother in for serious crimes. Now she's living under an assumed name in a psychologist's home, preparing for her mother's trial, but her foster sister resents her and she's being bullied at school. Can she escape the influence of her mother's toxic personality?
Why you might like it: This gripping debut is a tense, disturbing read.
Narration: Imogen Church presents a believable Annie while distinguishing clearly among the voices of various characters. |
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| Emma in the Night by Wendy Walker; narrated by Therese Plummer and Julia Whelan Psychological SuspenseWhat it's about: Sisters Cassandra and Emma disappeared together; three years later Cass reappeared alone with a complicated explanation. Now FBI forensic psychiatrist Abby Winter is sure that Cass isn't telling her everything. What really happened, and could their mother have played a role?
Why you might like it: Unreliable witnesses, a dysfunctional family, and a convoluted plot will keep your attention.
Narration: Therese Plummer and Julia Whelan provide an intense narrative performance that powerfully supports the plot. |
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| Sing, Unburied, Sing by Jesmyn Ward; narrated by Kelvin Harrison Jr., Rutina Wesley, and Chris Chalk FictionWhat it is: The award-winning Sing, Unburied, Sing relates a powerful story of how the past affects the present and of deeply entrenched racism. Featuring 13-year-old biracial Jojo and his black, drug-addicted mother, the novel delivers deeply affecting characters, a strong sense of place (rural Mississippi), and a touch of magical realism.
Narration: Kelvin Harrison Jr., Rutina Wesley, and Chris Chalk display their talents as they voice three distinct characters in a masterly rendition of this complex and affecting novel. |
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Artemis
by Andy Weir; narrated by Rosario Dawson Science Fiction
What it is: Augmenting his limited income by smuggling contraband to survive on the moon's wealthy city of Artemis, Jazz agrees to commit what seems to be a perfect, lucrative crime only to find herself embroiled in a conspiracy for control of the city. By the best-selling author of The Martian.
Narration: Rosario Dawson makes listeners care about a diverse cast of characters with quirky mannerisms.
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Recent Kid & Teen Releases
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| Solo by Kwame Alexander with Mary Rand Hess; narrated by Kwame Alexander with Randy Preston Teen Fiction What it's about: In engaging free verse and his own song lyrics, 17-year-old songwriter Blade Morrison relates the challenges he faces as the son of a drug-addicted rock musician.
Narration: In this AudioFile Earphones Award-winning recording, the author's own voice convincingly portrays the character he created. |
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Wishtree
by Katherine Applegate; narrated by Nancy Linari Kids Fantasy
What it's about: An old red oak tree tells how he and his crow friend, Bongo, help their human neighbors get along after a threat against an immigrant family is carved into the tree's trunk.
Narration: It's easy to suspend disbelief with Nancy Linari's animated reading of this story. Especially memorable are her vivid portrayals of minor characters, especially Bongo, a sarcastic crow who is Red's best friend.
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Coming Up For Air
by Miranda Kenneally; narrated by Carly Robins Teen Romance
What it's about: When high school senior Maggie realizes there is more to life than swimming, she may be placing her long-term friendship with teammate Levi and her hope of an Olympic tryout at risk.
Narration: Carly Robins delivers credilbe voices for Maggie's friends, family, teammates, and rivals.
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The Apprentice Witch
by James Nicol; narrated by Elizabeth Knowelden Kids Fantasy
What it is about: Sent away in disgrace after failing her witch's assessment, Arianwyn learns that the remote community where she works as a magic apprentice is under the shadow of a dark hex infestation, a situation that is further complicated by a spiteful rival and mysterious dark elements that affect her magic.
Narration: Elizabeth Knowelden's narration is perfect for this action-packed gem of a story as she swiftly segues among the many characters. Especially delightful are her depictions of the magical beings.
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Patina
by Jason Reynolds; narrated by Heather Alicia Simms Kids Fiction
What it is about: A newbie to the track team, Patina "Patty" Jones must learn to rely on her family and teammates as she tries to outrun her personal demons.
Narration: Simms captures Patty's many moods and also skillfully renders the minor characters in the story and captures its rhythms and pacing.
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The Hate U Give
by Angie Thomas; narrated by Bahni Turpin Teen Fiction
What it is about: After witnessing her friend's death at the hands of a police officer, Starr Carter's life is complicated when the police and a local drug lord try to intimidate her in an effort to learn what happened the night Kahlil died
Narration: Turpin's voice is expressive of the raw pain and heartbreak that tears through Starr as she witnesses Khalil's shooting. (Booklist)
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Contact your librarian for more great audiobooks!
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