The Whole Enchilada and The Renegades

Today I have two amazing audios to share with you that are complete opposites, but both outstanding in their own field.

Both authors are favorites of mine. I’ve followed the work of the first author for quite so time and always get a laugh out of her stories. The second author I began following just a few years ago and eagerly look forward to his books as the intensity holds me spellbound. First up is from the cozy mystery series by Diane Mott Davidson, followed by the adventure, adrenaline-propelled series by Tom Young.

THE WHOLE ENCHILADA by Diane Mott Davidson

All is going well for caterer Goldy Schulz as her son and his friend, Drew, celebrate with a joint birthday party, but then Drew’s mother, Holly, collapses and dies.

Narrator Barbara Rosenblat brings the characters to life in author Diane Mott Davidson’s THE WHOLE ENCHILADA, the 17th installment in her Culinary Mystery Series. Rosenblat draws listeners in as she expresses the vast array of emotions woven throughout the story. Her cadence is crisp and clear holding you spellbound until the end.

At first glance it appears Goldy’s best friend died of a heart attack. Later at Holly’s home, Goldy steps to get a note on the back deck and it collapses sending her into the frigid water below. Shaken, but not badly hurt, Goldy then learns that Holly had been poisoned and the deck sabotaged. 

Days later another caterer, one that was trying to imitate Goldy, is attacked and killed. When Goldy herself is attacked outside her home, she realizes the killer thinks she knows more than she does. Determined to find Holly’s killer, Goldy begins searching for answers

Davidson continues to develop and evolve her main characters in the Culinary Mystery Series so that returning readers/listeners get to know them better with each book. New fans are not lose as there is enough background information to keep you on track. This book can be enjoyed as a standalone. The characters are well-balanced, realistic and likable. The secondary characters always add a flare to the story. 

THE WHOLE ENCHILADA moves at a steady pace with Davidson’s protagonist mulling over the ‘whys’ and ‘who could haves’ in a pragmatic manner. There are twists and surprises along the way. In addition, Davidson includes many of the delicious recipes Goldy and her crew create throughout the story. This is a story that is sure to whet your reading appetite, as well as your taste buds.

Author Diane Mott Davidson can be found on Facebook. 

The Whole Enchilada by Diane Mott Davidson, Culinary Mystery Series #17, Performed by Barbara Rosenblat, Harper Audio, @2013, ISBN: 978-0062282774, Unabridged, 10 Discs, Listening Time: 13 Hours 

FTC Full Disclosure - This audio book was sent to me by the publisher in hopes I would review it. However, receiving the complimentary copy did not influence my review.
 

THE RENEGADES by Tom Young

Listening to a book by author Tom Young stirs strong emotions. While it is a story of fiction, the author’s extensive military background gives credibility to what he writes. The pain, suffering, torture, loss of life and dedication have elements of truth to them.

Having said that and the fact that I’m not big on war-theme stories, I do highly recommend THE RENEGADES.

Narrator Scott Brick brings the story, people and setting to life. His deep throaty voice gives depth to Young’s words. Brick’s cadence is alluring as he pulls you into the middle of a battle zone and breaks your heart with the tenderness of his soothing voice when emotions involve the young and innocent victims. Then he has you on the edge of your seat as the action gets underway.

Afghan Air Force adviser Lieutenant Colonel Michael Parson and his interpreter, Sergeant Major Sophia Gold, are once again reunited following a devastating earthquake in Afghanistan. They are on hand to assist with aid and rescue efforts. However, a Taliban splinter group Black Crescent, is making life difficult for the workers. They are shooting medical works, downing helicopters, and threatening anyone who takes aid. But worst of all - they’re kidnapping young boys and making them become suicide bombers.

Parson, Gold and Parson’s Afghan aircrew scramble to provide aid, along with the other workers, in everyway they can. Discovering a way to possible locate the leader of the splinter group, Gold goes against Parson’s orders. Following her lead could stops the new group or get her killed.

THE RENEGADES is action-packed from beginning to end. It’s adrenaline-driven with so many twists, turns, highs and lows it feels like a roller coaster ride. The story flows smoothly, but quickly with moments of tenderness and concern woven throughout, as well as snippets of humor.

The characters are engaging, realistic and well-developed. Their interaction with one another is plausible. Young’s eye for authentic detail adds depth to the story and places the reader/listener in the midst of the action. The story will leave you breathless, exhausted and eager for more.

Having read/listened to THE RENEGADES (or any story by Young), you come away not only having finished a fascinating story, but learned a great deal about American servicemen and women, the trials they face overseas and their dedication. Young entertains with his words, but also educates and informs.

This is the third book featuring Parson and Gold, but can be enjoyed as a standalone. But be warned, after an introduction to Parson and Gold you’ll want to know more.

Author Tom Young’s website is http://tomyoungbooks.com/
 
The Renegades by Tom Young, A Parson/Gold Novel, Performed by Scott Brick, Recorded Books, @2012, ASIN: B008MTA4AW, Unabridged, 11 Discs, Listening Time: 11 Hours and 9 Minutes 

FTC Full Disclosure - This audio book was sent to me by the publisher in hopes I would review it. However, receiving the complimentary copy did not influence my review. 

Thanks so much for joining me today. Do you like changing your reading (or listening) around from cozy to adventure to something else and back again? Or do you prefer to read only one type of book?