King Maybe by Timothy Hallinan-5 stars

Hallinan, Timothy, King Maybe. 10:4 hrs. 9 CDS. Blackstone Audio, 2016. $90. Audible Download.

Source: Free copy in exchange for honest review

When Junior Bender agreed to steal a rare stamp for his fence, Stinky, he never imagined how much trouble it would get him into. When his robbery gets interrupted by none other than a crime lord known as Slugger, Junior manages to escape, but his fence is in the wind and the fence’s servant is dead. Now to get the money he needs to get the bounty off his head set by an old frenemy, Jack Whelan, Junior must not only stop himself from getting killed by the Slugger, but also appease Jack. To appease Jack, he’ll have to break into another house he’d rather avoid, a Hollywood heavyweight who has the nickname King Maybe, for his cold-hearted ways with his victims. When the heavyweight’s wife, Tasha Dawn, gets killed while Junior is in the house, he knows that King Maybe set him up. Will Junior be able to avoid the Slugger, clear his name, and get justice for Tasha? 

Narrator, Peter Berkrot brings to life Junior’s world with ease. His unique voice has a befitting accent, easily distinguished voices, and draws the reader into the story. The plot is well-written and impossible to put down. The author’s mix of humor, mystery, and thriller makes this series stand out and is always a delight to listen to. Although this is the 5^th book in the series, it is easily read as a stand-alone. Fans of mystery, adventure, and humorous books like Janet Evanovich’s Fox and O’Hare series will love listening to this audiobook. 

5 stars, ADULT

Murder al Fresco by Jennifer L. Hart-5 stars

Hart, Jennifer L., Murder al Fresco. 6.28 hrs. Jennifer L. Hart, 2016. $19.95. Audible Download

Source: Purchased a copy
 

After her television cooking debut was sabotaged, Andy, aka “The Death Chef,’ Buckland longs to figure out who was behind it. Since moving back to her hometown, she’s rescued her family’s pasta shop, become engaged to her fiancé, Malcolm, and reunited with her estranged daughter, ex-boyfriend, and father. All that will come in jeopardy, however, when Andy’s former mentor and boss asks her and Malcolm to look into a blogger who is trying to bring down the show known as the “Diced Showdown.” To top it off, a chef from the show gets murdered, Malcolm comes home from a business trip with an infant son, and someone starts sabotaging Andy once more. Will Andy be able to get control of her life again? Who is the saboteur? Are they also the murderer? 

Narrator, Suzanne Cerreta’s unique voices masterfully bring to life each character’s unique personalities and accents. Characters are well developed, likable, and humorous. Her smooth intonations add depth to the author’s fast pace. The plot is well developed, engaging, and full of twists and turns. Impossible to put down, this is a must listen for anyone who likes humorous mysteries. It is recommended that people read/listen to the first two in the series, but it is not necessary. 

5 stars, ADULT

Zero Day by Jan Gangsei-5 stars

Gangsei, Jan, Zero Day. Blackstone Audio, 2016. 8 CDs. 9:3 hrs. $105. Audible Download.

Source: Copy in exchange for honest review
 

When she was 8, Addie Webster was kidnapped and disappeared without a trace. Now 16, Addie has returned. She claims she escaped from her captors. After her childhood friend and national security advisor, Darrow Ferguson, gets called in to monitor Addie’s return to her family. As the two become re-acquainted with each other, however, it becomes clear that she has an ulterior mission. Is Addie really a terrorist threat?

Narrator, Andi Arndt’s intriguing, dynamic voice brings Addie and Darrow’s characters and world to life. The plot is intriguing, fast paced, engaging, and well developed. Arndt easily navigates the twists and turns while drawing the reader into the story. The author masterfully intermixes action, thriller, and mystery together. With characters who aren’t what they seem and enchant the reader with their likable personalities, but intriguing characters, fans of action thriller fiction will enjoy reading this book. 

Grades 7 to 12, 5 stars 

Devious Minds by Colleen Helme-5 stars

Helme, Colleen, Devious Minds. 9.06 hrs. Colleen Helme, 2016. $19.95. Audible Download

Source: Free review copy in exchange for honest review

After a near fatal gunshot wound to the head almost a year ago, Shelby developed the ability to read minds. Since then, she has gotten herself shot at, framed for murder, targeted by a serial killer, and working part-time for mob boss, Joseph "The Knife" Manetto, aka Uncle Joey. When Shelby agreed to do a favor for CIA agent, Blake BoShane in order to protect Uncle Joey, she never imagined that that favor could be anything more than routine. While in France helping Blake with his case, a meeting with a rogue agent reveals a sinister terrorist plot. Shelby gets kidnapped only to be rescued by mob-htiman, Ramos. Now she and Ramos must face their deadliest challenge yet. Will Shelby and Ramos save France and themselves?

Narrator, Wendy Tremont King brings Helme's memorable characters easily to life. Her unique voice add flare and depth to the plot and engage the reader. The dynamics between Shelby, Ramos, Uncle Joey, and her husband, Chris are believable and easy to relate to. The author does a great job of distinguishing thoughts from external dialogue and
action scenes.. The plot is fast-paced, intense, and well written. Reader who are familiar with Shelby's escapades or are new to the series will have a hard time putting this book down. Recommended for those who enjoy humor, mystery, and adventure books.

5 stars, ADULT