Sunday, November 13, 2011

Sunday Salon: In Close and Death Cloud


Time again to settle back, pour another cup of coffee, and get ready forsunday-salon-small Sunday Salon where we discuss fun books we love to share.

I have a couple of audio books to share. I continue to love my print books, but find audio books so convenient when life gets hectic and you don’t have time to sit and read. Today’s audios feature a suspense mystery and a YA that is a must for any Sherlock Holmes’ fan.

IN CLOSE by Brenda Novak

If you’re looking for suspense, mystery, a little romance, and a fair amount of action, then I have a story for you. IN CLOSE by Brenda Novak fits that bill. The audio version read by Angela Dawe brings the story to life even more.

Claire O’Toole has always wanted to know what happened to her mother, who went missing 15 years ago. After Claire’s husband, David, is killed in a freak hunting accident, she resumes her search for the truth. It seems Claire’s sister, step father and step mother would rather she left it alone.

Going through some boxes of her mother’s, Claire also finds boxes of David’s things. One box contains a folder pertaining to Claire’s mother, Alana. David had been conducting his own investigation into Alana’s disappearance before he was killed.

Circumstances reunites Claire with her former lover, Isaac Morgan. Both have fought their attraction to each other since David’s death. Reading the files, Isaac believes David’s death may not have been an accident. Seems David may have gotten too close to the truth about Alana’s disappearance.

As the two begin to search for the truth, the old feelings between them come to the surface. Both refuse to share their true feelings with the other adding another layer to the story.

Author Brenda Novak keeps the reader (or listener) on pins and needles as she includes a number of red herrings along the way. Just when you figure out what happened, she drops a different clue causing you to ponder new suspects.

This fast-pace story is heightened by the wonderful narration by Angela Dawe. Her interruption of the characters adds depth to the story. She does a delightful job of giving separate voices to each of the characters, as well as expressing their emotions. Her tone is perfect for this suspense-filled, action-packed novel.

Author Brenda Novak’s website is www.brendanovak.com

In Close by Brenda Novak, Read by Angela Dawe, Brilliance Audio, @2011, ISBN: 9781455841837, Unabridged, 10 Discs, Listening Time: 12 Hours 17 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.

DEATH CLOUD by Andrew Lane

9781427211224
Sherlock Holmes’ fans will be in for a treat, while hopefully youngsters unfamiliar with the great detective will be inspired to know more thanks to DEATH CLOUD by Andrew Lane.

Fully authorized and endorsed by the estate of Arthur Conan Doyle, DEATH CLOUD is the beginning of a new series featuring a teenage Sherlock Holmes and his friends as they solves mysteries.
The summer of 1868, 14-year-old Sherlock Holmes is sent to spend several months with his eccentric aunt and uncle in Hampshire. He has also been assigned a tutor to continue his studies. American Amyus Crowe begins teaching Sherlock using observation as one method. Meanwhile, Sherlock meets a young wayward lad, Matty, who lives on a boat.

When two local men are found with symptoms of the plaque, Sherlock begins to question certain elements. Sherlock, Matty, Crowe, and Crowe’s daughter Virginia are quickly caught up in a mystery that involves the menacing villain Baron Maupertuis and a plot to destroy the British forces.

Listed as middle-grade fiction, Author Andrew Lane has created a story that will hold the attention of readers of all ages. His writing is fast-pace and even some of the more unusual events seem plausible, it is after all Sherlock Holmes.

Dan Weyman does a wonderful job of narrating the story. He provides a vast array of accents ranging from British to American to European. He gives voice to all the characters’ emotions from Sherlock’s shy discussions with Virginia to the terror he feels caught in a burning warehouse. Weyman’s narration adds depth to the story and definitely brings the characters to life.

No matter your age, DEATH CLOUD will keep you on the edge of your seat. This is a great story to introduce youngsters to the amazing world of Sherlock Holmes. Looking forward to young Sherlock’s next adventure.

Author Andrew Lane’s website is http://www.youngsherlock.com

Death Cloud by Andrew Lane, Sherlock Holmes The Legend Begins, Read by Dan Weyman, MacMillan Audio, @2011, ISBN: 9781427211224, Unabridged, 6 Discs, Listening Time: 7 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.

What have you been reading this week? Have you listened to an audio book lately? Thanks so much for stopping by today. Have a great Sunday everyone!
 

6 comments:

  1. Oh, they book look so interesting. I'm especially interested in the second.

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  2. Mason - Oh, what an interesting idea to look at what Holmes might have been as a teenager! I hope it's really appealing to YA readers; it certainly sounds good. Thanks for sharing!

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  3. Thank you Mason for sharing those books with us. Both look interesting. I have yet to try an audio one.
    This week I read two Nancy Pickard's thrillers : The Whole Truth and Ring of Truth. Her main character is the writer Mary Lightfoot. I like the way those stories are introduced and conducted (fast pace and intriguing).
    Have a good week

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  4. Sherlock as a teenager, isn't that clever?

    Great reviews!

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  5. I'm very much an audio book lover too. I listen while commuting to work, taking a walk, and gardening. I find I get to listen to about 2 books per week, while at the same time I'm reading about one per month. :( I just wish more books were out on audio,

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