Boar Island … Rules of Love and Grammar

BOAR ISLAND by Nevada Barr

◊ BOAR ISLAND by Nevada Barr

◊ Series: Anna Pigeon Mysteries (#19)

◊ Narrator: Barbara Rosenblat

◊ Audio CD

◊ Listening Length: 10 hours and 22 minutes

◊ Program Type: Audiobook

◊ Genre:  Mystery, Thriller

◊ Version: Unabridged

◊ Publisher: Macmillan Audio

◊ Release Date: May 17, 2016

◊ Language: English

◊ ISBN: 10: 1427272530

◊ ISBN: 13: 978-1427272539

SYNOPSIS:

Anna Pigeon, in her career as a National Park Service Ranger, has had to deal with all manner of crimes and misdemeanors, but cyber-bullying and stalking is a new one. The target is Elizabeth, the adopted teenage daughter of her friend Heath Jarrod. Elizabeth is driven to despair by the disgusting rumors spreading online and bullying texts. Until, one day, Heath finds her daughter Elizabeth in the midst of an unsuccessful suicide attempt. And then she calls in the cavalry---her aunt Gwen and her friend Anna Pigeon.

While they try to deal with the fragile state of affairs---and find the person behind the harassment---the three adults decide the best thing to do is to remove Elizabeth from the situation. Since Anna is about to start her new post as Acting Chief Ranger at Acadia National Park in Maine, the three will join her and stay at a house on the cliff of a small island near the park, Boar Island.

But the move east doesn't solve the problem. The stalker has followed them east. And Heath (a paraplegic) and Elizabeth aren't alone on the otherwise deserted island. At the same time, Anna has barely arrived at Acadia before a brutal murder is committed by a killer uncomfortably close to her.

BOAR ISLAND is a brilliant intertwining of past and present, of victims and killers, in a compelling audiobook that could only come from Nevada Barr.

The author’s characters are well-developed and realistic. Their interactions are plausible. She shows a vulnerable side to her characters, but also gives them strength and determination in other areas readers/listeners can relate to.

Narrator Barbara Rosenblat does a great job of bringing the characters to life through her various vocals. Her mannerisms enhance the story and adds to the emotional elements.

The rugged setting of a national park draws you in as the action of the story unfolds. The author weaves the strips of mystery into an entertaining tale.

The story moves at a good pace as you fit the pieces together.

Boar Island by Nevada Barr, Anna Pigeon Mysteries (Book #19), Narrated by Barbara Rosenblat, Macmillan Audio, @2016, ISBN: 978-1427272539, Unabridged, Audio 10 CDs, Run Time: 12.5 Hours

FTC Full Disclosure – A copy of 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 thoughts are completely my own and given honestly and freely.

THE RULES OF LOVE & GRAMMAR by Mary Simses

◊ THE RULES OF LOVE & GRAMMAR by Mary Simses

◊ Narrator: Khristine Hvam

◊ Audible Audio Edition

◊ Listening Length: 10 hours and 22 minutes

◊ Program Type: Audiobook

◊ Genre:  Contemporary Women, Women’s Fiction

◊ Version: Unabridged

◊ Publisher: Hachette Audio

◊ Audible.com Release Date: May 31, 2016

◊ Language: English

◊ ASIN: BO1G7KNZDA

SYNOPSIS:

  A woman finds love and closure and rediscovers herself when she returns to her roots in the enchanting new novel from the author of The Irresistible Blueberry Bakeshop & Café.

          Newly jobless, newly single, and suddenly apartmentless, writer Grace Hammond has come unmoored. A grammar whiz who's brilliant at correcting other people's errors, she hasn't yet found quite the right set of rules for fixing her own mistakes.

Desperate to escape the city and her trifecta of problems, Grace hits pause and retreats to her Connecticut hometown. What begins as a short visit with her parents quickly becomes a far more meaningful stay, though, as she discovers that the answers to what her future holds might be found by making peace with - and even embracing - the past.

As Grace sets out to change her ways and come to terms, finally, with the tragedy that took her older sister's life so many years ago, she rekindles a romance with her high school sweetheart, Peter, now a famous Hollywood director who's filming a movie in town. Sparks also fly at the local bike shop, where Grace's penchant for pointing out what's wrong rattles the owner's ruggedly handsome schoolteacher son, Mitch.

Torn between the promise of a glamorous life and the allure of the familiar, Grace must decide what truly matters - and whether it's time for her to throw away the rule book and bravely follow her heart.

The protagonist, Grace Hammond, is one of those characters readers/listeners can pull for with her unlucky streak, but also get upset with when she acts foolish. She’s a character that will stay with you for a while.

Narrator Khristine Hvam does a good job of bringing all the emotions to the foreground. Her various vocals gives each character a distinct sound.

The small town atmosphere is charming and inviting. Through detail descriptions and an eye for detail, the author puts you in the middle of the scene. The story moves at a good pace as it draws you in. With a few twists and turns along the way, readers/listeners pull for Grace to find her path.

The story also deals with how a death of a child impacts the entire family for years to come. With a mix of humor and romance, the story will touch your heart and encourage you to recall fond memories of your yesteryears. The tidbits of grammar and how it should be used at the beginning of each chapter is an added bonus.

The Rules of Love & Grammar by Mary Simses, Narrated by Khristine Hvam, Hachette Audio, @2016, ASIN: BO1G7KNZDA, Unabridged, Audible Audio Edition, Run Time: 10 Hours and 22 Minutes

FTC Full Disclosure – A copy of 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 thoughts are completely my own and given honestly and freely.

Thanks so much for stopping by. I hope I’ve enticed you to check out one or both of these entertaining audios. June is National Audio Month so give an audio a listen. Are you familiar with either of these authors and/or narrators?