The Basement, Born Wicked

Did the header catch your attention? It could be the beginning of a macabre story but it’s actually the titles of 2 audio books I have to share with you.

As we celebrate Valentine’s Day today, I share 2 audios that feature different types of love. The first shows the love a serial killer has for the kill, while the second deals with young love and family love.

THE BASEMENT by Stephen Leather

A serial killer is lose in New York City kidnapping, torturing, and murdering young women.

NYPD Detectives Turner and Marcinko have a prime suspect - screenwriter wannabe Marvin Waller. Becoming more and more frustrated with his lack of success, Waller is beginning to show signs of his anger, especially toward the secretaries he encounters.

Can the detectives peel back Waller’s layers and find the truth before another woman is killed? Waller appears unphased by the cops’ attention. In fact, he seem to enjoy the banter.

Author Stephen Leather weaves his story between viewpoints of the characters. His writing flows smoothly from one character to the next causing doubt, suspicion, and speculation about the killer. The plot pulls you in. You’re sure, then you’re not, but then as you try to identify the killer.

Luke Daniels does an excellent job narrating this thriller. His tone is calm and captivating as the killer, filled with fear speaking as the victim, hard and forceful as Turner, understanding yet compelling as Marcinko, and carefree and confident as Waller. His soothing cadence adds to pull you in further and hold you spellbound till the shocking end.

THE BASEMENT is a fast-pace story that builds to a dramatic conclusion I didn’t see coming until the next victim did. It’s a captivating story.

Author Stephen Leather’s website is www.stephenleather.com

The Basement by Stephen Leather, Performed by Luke Daniels, Brilliance Audio, @2011, ISBN: 978-1455865239, Unabridged, 4 Discs, Listening Time 4 Hours, 10 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.
 

BORN WICKED by Jessica Spotswood

What would you sacrifice to save your family?

That’s the question 16-year-old Cate Cahill faces when she is left to care for her 2 sisters after her mother dies and her father stays busy with work. It’s an extremely difficult task since she and her sisters are witches and the Brotherhood is always on the alert for any signs of witchery. To make matters worse, the girls are also wanted by the Sisterhood to fulfill a prophecy.

All young Cate wants to do is be a normal girl and fall in love. Her childhood friend Paul has asked her to marry him. But, the bookseller’s son, Finn, has also caught her eye. If she doesn’t announce her intentions soon, the Brotherhood will select a husband for her and they have a couple of old widowers with children in mind.

The girls live in a New England town where women have no say in anything and the Brotherhood rules with an iron fist. Could the sisters be the chosen ones to lead the witches back to power or create a second destruction that would be the end of witches forever?

Debut author Jessica Spotswood weaves a tale of fantasy, romance, and devotion sprinkled with suspense and intrigue. The story is told from the viewpoint of a 16-year-old forced to grow up too quickly while longing to still be a teenager.

The girls’ plight is captivating. The era and circumstances are compelling. Spotswood has begun a new series for young adults that everyone will find entertaining. 

Nicole Sudhaus does a beautiful job narrating the story. Her style and mannerisms brings the teenagers to life. She gives each character their own unique voice adding depth to the story. The cadence of her voice is perfect for this tale.

BORN WICKED is a paranormal tale of witches and magic. But it’s also a story of a daughter’s keeping a promise to her dying mother, family dedication, and young love. It’s also a reminder of how fortunate females living in the US in this era are. This is a fascinating YA novel. 

Author Jessica Spotswood’s website is www.jessicaspotswood.com

Born Wicked by Jessica Spotswood, The Cahill Witch Chronicles: Book One, Read by Nicole Sudhaus, Penguin Audio, @2012, ISBN: 978-1101539637, Unabridged Digital Download, Listening Time 8 Hours, 55 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.
 
Hope everyone has a wonderful Valentine’s Day. Sending everyone virtual roses, chocolates and lots of bubbly. Thanks for dropping by.