A Shoe Addict’s Christmas by Beth Harbison

I realize Fall has just begun, we haven’t even celebrated Halloween, and Christmas is still a ways off. However, I couldn’t resist sharing this delightful holiday story with you now. You’ll see why.

◊ A SHOE ADDICT’S CHRISTMAS by Beth Harbison

◊ Narrator: Orlagh Cassidy

◊ Audio CD, 3 CDs

◊ Listening Length: 2 hours and 37 minutes

◊ Program Type: Audiobook

◊ Genre: Holidays, Literature, Fiction

◊ Version: Unabridged

◊ Publisher: Macmillan Audio

◊ Release Date: October 18, 2016

◊ Language: English

◊ ASIN: BO1LWYM5KN

◊ ISBN-10: 1427278644

◊ ISBN-13: 978-1427278647

SYNOPSIS:

From the author of the beloved bestseller, Shoe Addicts Anonymous comes a heartwarming twist on a classic tale filled with holiday cheer.

Noelle is not a fan of the holidays and to make matters worse, she is at a crossroads in her life when it seems that love and adventure are no longer possible. When she stays late at her job in a department store on a snowy Christmas Eve she accidentally gets locked in after closing. She isn’t too concerned about the prospect of spending the night in the store…until a woman appears out of nowhere and tells Noelle that she’s her guardian angel. Soon Noelle finds herself camped out in the shoe department facing several “ghosts” of Christmases past, present, and future...

Will visiting the holidays of yesterday and tomorrow help Noelle see the true spirit of Christmas? And will the love she has longed for all her life be the best surprise gift of all?

There have been countless spins on the holiday classic A CHRISTMAS CAROL, but none quite like author Beth Harbison’s A SHOE ADDICT’S CHRISTMAS.

The narration by Orlagh Cassidy is excellent. Her mannerisms and accents enhance this charming story. Her inflections of the vocals add depth to this tale.

The characters are well-developed, realistic, and likable. Charlie is a delight with wisdom and humor, while readers will be able to relate to the antics of the protagonist, Noelle.

The story setting is a bit different and adds another layer to the story. The author includes the fantasy of being allowed all access to a lavish department store with the heart of the story.

The story moves at a quick pace and holds your attention. The concept of what might have been will strike a chord with most readers/listeners. While this tale doesn’t include the appearance of three ghosts, it does have the protagonist revisiting past events.

A SHOE ADDICT’S CHRISTMAS is an inspiring holiday reminder that sometimes we all have to step out of our comfort zone to find happiness. This is a must read/listen to tale this Christmas season even if you’re not a shoeaholic. Short, sweet, and sentimental this story is sure to become a holiday classic in its own right.

A Shoe Addict’s Christmas by Beth Harbison, Narrated by Orlagh Cassidy, Macmillan Audio, @2016, ISBN: 978-1427278647, Unabridged, 3 CDs, Run Time: 2 Hours and 37 Minutes

FTC Full Disclosure – A copy of this audio book was sent to me by the publisher. However, receiving the complimentary copy did not influence my review. The thoughts are completely my own and given honestly and freely.

Thanks for stopping by today. Are you already lining up your Christmas reading material? Have you ever gotten locked in a department store after closing? Would you want to be locked in a major department store after closing?

Murder in the Courthouse by Nancy Grace

◊ MURDER IN THE COURTHOUSE by Nancy Grace

◊ Series: A Hailey Dean Mystery, Book #3

◊ Narrator: Nicol Zanzarella

◊ Audible Audio Edition

◊ Listening Length: 9 hours and 46 minutes

◊ Program Type: Audiobook

◊ Genre: Mystery, Thriller, Women Sleuths

◊ Version: Unabridged

◊ Publisher: Blackstone Audio

◊ Audible.com Release Date: October 11, 2016

◊ Language: English

◊ ASIN: B01K07CQLS

◊ ISBN-10: 1504760964

◊ ISBN-13: 978-1504760966

SYNOPSIS:

 Hailey Dean is in trouble again - and this time it could be deadly.

Hailey Dean, the prosecutor who's never lost a case, heads to Savannah as an expert witness on the sensational Julie Love-Adams murder trial, but she soon finds herself embroiled in a mystery and an unexpected love affair.

At the baggage claim, Hailey is greeted by the handsome Lieutenant Chase Billings. On their way to her hotel, they hear an all-points bulletin for a murder that has just been committed. When they race to the scene, they find Alton Turner, a courthouse sheriff known for being as neat as a pin. Only he's a hot mess now, lying sprawled in a pool of blood, severed in half by a garage door.

Never one to mind her own business, Hailey jump-starts Turner's murder investigation while juggling the Julie Love trial. The timing of the trial and murder could be a coincidence, but everyone knows there is no such thing in criminal law.

Next, Elle Odom, a gorgeous clerk, is poisoned at the courthouse cafeteria coffee bar. Then the police technician who helped find the missing handbag that contained Elle's lifesaving epinephrine auto-injector turns into alligator bait at an amusement park. And that's just the beginning.

With Lieutenant Billings falling hard for Hailey, she must dig deeper to find a killer with a very mysterious agenda - knowing full well that the next murder victim may very well be herself.

The author takes the premise of a headline from several years ago adds some dramatic twists, several unique characters, and creates an intriguing story.

Narrator Nicol Zanzarella does a superb job giving distinct voices to the characters. Her varied depth of emotions and vocals enhance the story. Zanzarella’s interruption adds a spark to the sentiments of the story.

The characters are colorful and likable. The protagonist is determined and dedicated to her work. The minor storyline unfolding in the background adds a bit of tantalizing atmosphere. The Savannah setting comes alive through the author’s rich descriptions and eye for detail. The backdrop is perfect for the feel of this story.

As the courtroom scenes play out, a murderer target several victims leaving you to ponder how they are all connected and who the killer is. The story moves at a fair pace. While there were several areas an excess of seemly unnecessary information was included the story flows smoothly. This is the third installment in the Hailey Dean Mystery series but can be read/listened to on its own.

MURDER IN THE COURTHOUSE has twists and turns to keep you guessing. Just when you think all is safe, another shoe drops. This is an entertaining story filled with surprises, murder, romance, and suspense.

Murder in the Courthouse by Nancy Grace, A Hailey Dean Mystery (Book #3), Narrated by Nicol Zanzarella, Blackstone Audio, @2016, ISBN: 978-1504760966, Unabridged, MP3 CD, Run Time: 9 Hours and 46 Minutes

FTC Full Disclosure – A copy of this audio book was sent to me by the publisher. However, receiving the complimentary copy did not influence my review. The thoughts are completely my own and given honestly and freely.

Just in case you were wondering about the author, yes it's that Nancy Grace.

Nancy Grace joined Court TV from the Atlanta Fulton County District Attorney's Office, where she served for a decade as Special Prosecutor, compiling a perfect record of nearly 100 felony convictions at trial and no losses. She has also appeared on The View and The Oprah Winfrey Show to discuss today's most important trials. She lives in New York City.

Thanks for stopping by today. Do you enjoy stories where writers take a headline and turn it into a different story with just as much suspense and drama? Have you ever served on a jury or would you want to?

Reckless Creed by Alex Kava

◊ Reckless Creed by Alex Kava

◊ Series: A Ryder Creed Novel, Book #3

◊ Narrator: Graham Winton

◊ Audible Audio Edition

◊ Listening Length: 7 hours and 1 minutes

◊ Program Type: Audiobook

◊ Genre: Mystery, Thriller, Suspense

◊ Version: Unabridged

◊ Publisher: Recorded Books

◊ Release Date: September 27, 2016

◊ Language: English

◊ ASIN: BO1K25LOV6

◊ ISBN-10: 1445055856

◊ ISBN-13: 978-1445055855

SYNOPSIS:

In the new edge-of-your-seat thriller from New York Times best-selling author Alex Kava, Ryder Creed, his K-9 search-and-rescue dogs, and FBI agent Maggie O'Dell find themselves at the center of a dire and mysterious case.

In Chicago a young man jumps from his 30th-story hotel room; along the Missouri River, a hunter and his son stumble upon a lake whose surface is littered with snow geese, all of them dead; and in Southern Alabama, Ryder Creed and his search-and-rescue dog, Grace, find the body of a young woman who went missing in the Conecuh National Forest, and it appears she filled her pockets with rocks and walked into the river.

Before long Ryder Creed and FBI profiler Maggie O'Dell will discover the ominous connection among these mysterious deaths. What they find may be the most prolific killer the United States has ever known.

Author Alex Kava takes a highly plausible threat and explodes it into a hold-your-breath new thriller.

Narrator Graham Winton does an excellent job bringing the story to life through his powerful vocals. Winton captures the emotions and tension of the characters. His tones and timing enhance the story.

The story moves back and forth from several locations setting up a timeline. The events unfold from the viewpoint of several characters giving a well-balanced look at the events. The story moves at a steady pace and holds your attention as you put the pieces together.

The characters are well-developed and likable. The core cast of characters continues to evolve giving returning fans a little extra.

RECKLESS CREED is the third installment in the Ryder Creed series but can be read/listened to on its own. There is enough background to help new readers/listeners understand what’s going on. But be aware the background bits may just be enough to peak your interest to check out the first two books (which I highly recommend).

This tantalizing tale will grip your heart and mind as the author explores possible threats man could face. The rush to find answers will have you on the edge of your seat. The results may have you rethinking how you connect with anyone who is sick.

Kava once again gives the dogs of this series their own just recognition. She explores how unwanted dogs can become heroes and how the bond with a canine can make a difference in a person’s life. If you’re an animal lover, you will appreciate the author’s compassion for dogs that shines through her writing.

Pitting man and canine against unknown hazardous, Kava has crafted a thriller to keep you ponder the possibilities for days. Some may not like how the story ends, while the case is solved you’re still left wondering what is coming next.

Reckless Creed by Alex Kava, A Ryder Creed Novel (Book #3), Narrated by Graham Winton, Recorded Books, @2016, ISBN: 978-1445055855, Unabridged, Audible Audio Edition, Run Time: 7 Hours and 1 Minutes

FTC Full Disclosure – A copy of this audio book was sent to me by the publisher. However, receiving the complimentary copy did not influence my review. The thoughts are completely my own and given honestly and freely.

Thanks for stopping by today. Hope I’ve enticed you to check out this book and series. If you’re not an audio listener, the book is available in print and eBook formats. Have you ever been involved in the training of dogs that work with police? Have you heard of dogs that can smell different diseases in humans?

Much Ado in Maggody by Joan Hess

◊ MUCH ADO IN MAGGODY by Joan Hess

◊ Series: An Arly Hanks Mystery, Book #3

◊ Narrator: Kristin Kalbli

◊ Audio CD: 6 Discs

◊ Listening Length: 6 hours and 52 minutes

◊ Program Type: Audiobook

◊ Genre: Mystery, Thriller, Suspense

◊ Version: Unabridged

◊ Publisher: Dreamscape Media, LLC

◊ Release Date: August 16, 2016

◊ Language: English

◊ ISBN-10: 1520034717

◊ ISBN-13: 978-1520034713

SYNOPSIS:

Nothing ever happens in Maggody, Arkansas, population 755. Aside from handling the occasional barroom brawl or exploding still, Chief of Police Arly Hanks spends her days sipping coffee and squashing flies. She returned to Maggody two years ago, licking her wounds after a bad Manhattan divorce, and she fell backward into the role of sheriff. 
From Hizzoner the Moron―also known as Jim Bob Buchanon, the pettily corrupt mayor―to Ruby Bee Hanks―Arly’s mother and the town’s foremost gossip―the people of Maggody are all crazy in their own ways, and that craziness is about to turn deadly.

If you’re looking for a story that will have you laughing out loud, having to use a scorecard to keep up with events, and guessing at every turn who the real killer is, look no further than MUCH ADO IN MAGGODY.

Narrator Kristin Kalbli does a superb job bringing these unique characters to life. Her accents and mannerisms cover a wide range of emotions. Her vocals enhance this entertaining tale.

The author has created a small town atmosphere that’ll have you shaking your head in awe and comparing it to the likes of Mayberry USA. The eclectic cast of characters is well-developed and likable. Originally written in the 1980s, the events may seem a bit dated but still hold a glimmer of realism when dealing with women in the workplace.

The story moves fast and has numerous twists, turns, and surprises along the way. The satire will have you in stitches as you try to uncover who did what, when and why.

Life in small town Maggody is anything but quiet and peaceful. This is a hilarious murder mystery you won’t be able to stop listening to.

Much Ado in Maggody by Joan Hess, An Arly Hanks Mystery series (Book #3), Narrated by Kristin Kalbli, Dreamscape Media LLC, @2016, ISBN: 978-1520034713, Unabridged, 6 Discs, Run Time: 6 Hours and 52 Minutes

FTC Full Disclosure – A copy of this audio book was sent to me by the publisher. However, receiving the complimentary copy did not influence my review. The thoughts are completely my own and given honestly and freely.

Thanks for stopping by today. Do you enjoy stories that have you laughing out loud? What do you think of stories featuring Mayberry-type (from the old Andy Griffith show) towns?

Darkest Journey by Heather Graham

◊ DARKEST JOURNEY by Heather Graham

◊ Series: A Krewe of Hunters, Book #20

◊ Narrator: Luke Daniels

◊ Audible Audio Edition

◊ Listening Length: 10 hours and 9 minutes

◊ Program Type: Audiobook

◊ Genre: Mystery, Thriller, Paranormal

◊ Version: Unabridged

◊ Publisher: Harlequin Audio

◊ Audible.com Release Date: September 27, 2016

◊ Language: English

◊ ASIN: BO1K8EXOD2

SYNOPSIS:

They say it's about the journey, not the destination.

Charlene "Charlie" Moreau is back in St. Francisville, Louisiana, to work on a movie. One night she stumbles across the body of a Civil War reenactor, the second murdered in two days. Charlie is shocked to learn that her father - a guide on the Journey, a historic paddle wheeler that's sponsoring the reenactment - is a suspect.

Meanwhile, Ethan Delaney, new to the FBI's Krewe of Hunters, is brought in on the case. He and Charlie have a history of their own, dating back to when he rescued her from a graveyard - led there by a Confederate ghost!

Charlie arranges a Mississippi River cruise so she and Ethan can get close to the reenactors and find out who knows what and who has a motive. They discover a lot more as they resume the relationship that ended 10 years ago but might die, along with them, on the Journey.

When you combine Civil War reenactors, historical cemeteries, ghosts, and author Heather Graham, you know you’re in for a captivating tale.

Narrator Luke Daniels does a superb job giving each character their own unique voice. His expressions of emotions heighten the story. His timing is spot on.

The story is filled with suspense, action, and an abundance of history. Moving at a steady pace, the story has a number of surprises in store for you before it comes to its heart-stopping end.

The characters are likable and well-developed. The author makes the ghost characters intriguing and engaging. While several characters from prior stories were involved, new readers/listeners to the series won’t be left in the dark.

The author blends the present with history and adds a touch of the paranormal to create a mesmerizing story. The budding romance of old friends adds depth to the story. A tantalizing tale of ghosts, murder, and mystery that will hold your attention from beginning to end. A perfect story for history lovers and mystery buffs alike.

DARKEST JOURNEY may just entice you to explore the area along the Mississippi River and Louisiana (without the ghosts, of course).

Darkest Journey by Heather Graham, Krewe of Hunters series (Book #20), Narrated by Luke Daniels, Harlequin Audio, @2016, ASIN: BO1K8EXOD2, Unabridged, Audible Audio Edition, Run Time: 10 Hours and 9 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 for dropping by today. Are you a Civil War buff? Have you ever attended a Civil War reenactment?

Apprentice in Death and Without Mercy

◊ APPRENTICE IN DEATH by J.D. Robb

◊ Series: In Death, Book #43

◊ Narrator: Susan Ericksen

◊ MP3 CD

◊ Listening Length: 13 hours and 6 minutes

◊ Program Type: Audiobook

◊ Genre: Mystery, Thriller, Suspense

◊ Version: Unabridged

◊ Publisher: Brilliance Audio

◊ Audible.com Release Date: September 6, 2016

◊ Language: English

◊ ISBN- 10: 1511367458

◊ ISBN-13: 978-1511367455

SYNOPSIS:

Lieutenant Eve Dallas returns in a fast-paced new novel from #1 New York Times bestselling author J. D. Robb.

Nature versus nurture...

The shots came quickly, silently, and with deadly accuracy. Within seconds, three people were dead at Central Park's ice skating rink. The victims: a talented young skater, a doctor, and a teacher. As random as random can be.

Eve Dallas has seen a lot of killers during her time with the NYPSD, but never one like this. After reviewing security videos, it becomes clear that the victims were killed by a sniper firing a tactical laser rifle, who could have been miles away when the trigger was pulled. And though the locations where the shooter could have set up seem endless, the list of people with that particular skill set is finite: police, military, professional killer.

Eve's husband, Roarke, has unlimited resources - and genius - at his disposal. And when his computer program leads Eve to the location of the sniper, she learns a shocking fact: There were two - one older, one younger. Someone is being trained by an expert in the science of killing, and they have an agenda. Central Park was just a warm-up. And as another sniper attack shakes the city to its core, Eve realizes that though we're all shaped by the people around us, there are those who are just born evil....

I don’t know how she manages to create such tension and suspenseful storylines time after time but author J.D. Robb continues to sizzle with her 43^rd installment in her In Death Series.

Narrator Susan Ericksen gives a stirring performance as she brings these characters to life. Her accents and mannerisms enhance the spine-tingling thriller. Ericksen’s timing and tone are spot on especially as the tense increases adding depth to the story.

The author has a flare for making the future seem like the present. Through her rich descriptions and vivid details, the setting comes to life.

The characters are well-developed and likable. Returning fans will see the growth the protagonist has made in her own life. The secondary cast of characters continue to strength making the story flow smoothly. Intense and adrenaline-fueled, the story takes twists and turns keeping you on the edge of your seat.

Robb continues to show the lengths people will go to for what they believe. APPRENTICE IN DEATH is a gripping story that deals with revenge and hate while highlighting friendship and love of family.

Apprentice in Death by J.D. Robb, In Death series (Book #43), Narrated by Susan Ericksen, Brilliance Audio, @2016, ISBN: 978-1511367455, Unabridged, MP3 CD, Run Time: 13 Hours and 6 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.

◊ WITHOUT MERCY: A Body Farm Novel by Jefferson Bass

◊ Series: A Body Farm Novel, Book #10

◊ Narrator: Tom Stechschulte

◊ Audible Audio Edition

◊ Listening Length: 10 hours and 13 minutes

◊ Program Type: Audiobook

◊ Genre: Mystery, Thriller, Suspense

◊ Version: Unabridged

◊ Publisher: HarperAudio

◊ Audible.com Release Date: October 4, 2016

◊ Language: English

◊ ASIN: BO1IIGTI96

SYNOPSIS:

In the most suspenseful installment of the New York Times best-selling Body Farm series to date, forensic anthropologist Dr. Bill Brockton investigates a bizarre murder - and confronts a deadly enemy he thought he'd put behind bars for good.

Forensic anthropologist Bill Brockton has spent 25 years solving brutal murders - but none so horrific and merciless as his latest case: A ravaged set of skeletal remains is found scattered in the woods of nearby Cook County. They are all that is left of a victim who had been chained, hand and foot, to a tree on a remote mountainside. The bones tell Brockton and his longtime graduate assistant, Miranda, that the victim was a young male under the age of thirty. As they dig deeper to establish his identity, they uncover warning signs that long-simmering hatred is about to explode into violence, engulfing the region in chaos.

But the shocking case is only the beginning of Brockton's trials. In the middle of the troubling investigation, the unthinkable happens. The most frightening and deadliest criminal Brockton has ever foiled - the sadistic serial killer Nick Satterfield - escapes from prison, bent on wreaking vengeance. And he's had nearly 20 years to plan.

Simply killing Brockton isn't enough. Satterfield wants to make his nemesis suffer first, by destroying everything Brockton holds dear: his son, his daughter-in-law, and his grandsons and even Miranda, who's now on the verge of completing her PhD and launching a forensic career of her own.

Barraged by dangers striking from all directions, haunted by the ghosts of old cases, and desperate to save those he loves, Brockton finds himself slipping closer to the abyss. Pushed to the edge, he is forced to question the two pillars that have guided his life and his entire career - the justice system and the quality of mercy. Can the two truly coexist?

If he cannot reconcile these principles, which will Brockton choose in his ultimate moment of truth?

A harrowing, thoughtful, and provocative tale that explores what happens when one honorable, rational man is tested beyond all measure, Without Mercy is a powerful exploration that raises uneasy questions about justice and revenge, compassion and principle, the desire to kill and the will to survive.

This is a story that blends science and police procedures into an intriguing and suspenseful tale.

Narrator Tom Stechschulte does an excellent job giving distinct voices to these characters. His mannerism is spot on enhancing this enthralling story.

The story is a good mix of suspense and details of anthropology without bogging you down in precious details. Moving at a good pace, the story has twists and turns that will hold your attention from beginning to end. While some facts are disturbing and dark, the story includes bits of humor and friendship for a good balance.

The characters are likable and well-developed. The setting moves around a bit but is easy to follow. Full descriptions make you feel you’re in the setting.

WITHOUT MERCY is a gripping story that deals with revenge, captivity and the evil that sometimes overtakes man.

Without Mercy by Jefferson Bass, A Body Farm Novel (Book #10), Narrated by Tom Stechschulte, HarperAudio, @2016, ASIN: BO1IIGTI96, Unabridged, Audible Audio Edition, Run Time: 10 Hours and 13 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 today. I hope I’ve enticed you to check out one or both of these fascinating audios. If you’re not into listening to stories, both books come in print and eBook formats also. Are you a fan of either series? Have you ever heard of the real Body Farm in Tennessee?