Sweeney Todd and the String of Pearls by Yuri Rasovsky
Performed by The Hollywood Theater of the Ear (2.5 hours, unabridged)
Published by Blackstone Audio
an audio review podcast by Susan Dunman for AudioFile Magazine
Sweeney Todd is an original urban legend. His deeds have been told in stories, plays, musicals and movies since the 1800's. Now, it's audio's turn to reveal the barber who cuts his clients throats, then grinds them up to become the secret ingredient in Mrs. Lovett's meat pies.

Reposted with permission of AudioFile Magazine.

Blade Runner by Philip K. Dick
Performed by Scott Brick (9 1/2 hours, unabridged)
Published by RH Audio
an audio review podcast by Susan Dunman for AudioFile Magazine
It was January 2021, and Rick Deckard had a license to kill. Somewhere among the hordes of humans out there, lurked several rogue androids. Deckard's assignment -- find them and then..."retire" them. Trouble was, the androids all looked exactly like humans, and they didn't want to be found!

Reposted with permission of AudioFile Magazine.

Fragile Things by Neil Gaiman
Performed by the author (10 1/2 hours, unabridged)
Published by Harper Audio
an audio review podcast by Susan Dunman for AudioFile Magazine
The tales found in this short story collection will alternately delight you, frighten you, and maybe even creep you out. There is such a variety that you're sure to find something that will grab your attention and not let go.

Reposted with permission of AudioFile Magazine.

The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy: The Tertiary Phase by Douglas Adams
Performed by a full cast (3 hours, unabridged)
Published by Audio Partners
an audio review podcast by Susan Dunman for AudioFile Magazine
The universe can be a vast, empty place until Douglas Adams gets hold of it. The BBC cast that performs this radio dramatization of Adams' work fills the cosmos with characters and situations that will leave you confused, dazed, and entirely happy.

Reposted with permission of AudioFile Magazine.

The Star Beast by Robert Heinlein
Read by David Baker and a full cast (8 hours, unabridged)
Published by Full Cast Audio
an audio review by Susan Dunman
An unlikely story about childhood pets is taken to a completely different level in this 1954 classic novel by Robert Heinlein.

The Wave by Walter Mosley
Read by Tim Cain (5 1/2 hours, unabridged)
Published by HighBridge Audio
an audio review by Susan Dunman
Errol Porter can't believe he just received a phone call from his father. You really can't blame him, as his dad died from cancer nine years ago.

Fahrenheit 451 by Ray Bradbury
Read by Christopher Hurt (5 hours, unabridged)
Published by Blackstone Audiobooks
an audio review by Susan Dunman
The classic tale of a time where firemen burn books and the people who love reading are fugitives in a media saturated, brain-washed world.

The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe by C.S. Lewis
Read by Michael York (4 hours, unabridged)
Published by HarperAudio
an audio review by Susan Dunman
The classic tale of the struggle between good and evil in the magical land of Narnia is brought vividly to life by Michael York, as he ably handles a menagerie of characters including humans, beavers, fauns, giants, dwarfs, and of course, a lion and a witch! When Lucy, Edmund, Susan and Peter walk through the wardrobe into snow-covered Narnia, they enter an adventure that will change their lives and the history of an ancient land. York's melodious voice draws listeners into the story, allowing them to experience anew this captivating tale that has become a favorite with readers of all ages. The Disney movie may have increased awareness of Narnia with stunning visual effects, but don't deprive yourself of simply listening to this magical story. With Michael York as your guide, you'll see Narnia in a while new light.

Son of a Witch by Gregory Maguire
Read by the author (14 hours, unabridged)
Published by HarperAudio
an audio review by Susan Dunman
The Wicked Witch of the West is dead, but did she leave behind a son who may have inherited some of her magical abilities? Left for dead in a muddy culvert, those who tend the mysterious young man are more concerned with saving his life rather than identifying him as the offspring of Elphaba Throp. While comatose, Liir dreams of his past, beginning with the death of the witch at the hands of Dorothy. This twisted tale of the Land of Oz will forever change your vision of an innocent time and place. In the audiobook, Maguire's imagination is coupled with his narrative skills to bring to life a magical kingdom that has its share of human foibles and political maneuverings. But there's also a unique sense of the fantastic layered throughout the narrative, making this sequel to Wicked a title that will have Oz fans hoping for a third installment about Maguire's Emerald City.

Runny Babbit: A Billy Sook by Shel Silverstein
Read by Dennis Locorriere (1 hour, unabridged)
Published by HarperAudio
an audio review by Susan Dunman
Shel Silverstein delighted old and young alike with his stories, music, poetry, and signature illustrations. Now, 6 years after his death, memories of such classics as The Giving Tree, A Light in the Attic, and Where the Sidewalk Ends are rekindled with the publication of Runny Babbit. Completed before Silverstein's death in 1999, the recent publication of this fanciful collection of poems about a cute little bunny rabbit caries the author's trademark quirky humor wrapped up in wordplay poetry that will delight kids as they learn the twists and turns of "Runny Babbit talk." Tongue twisters galore are handled admirably by narrator Dennis Locorriere. The illustrated book, combined with this audio version, makes a perfect combination of sight and sound linguistic delight.

Thud! by Terry Pratchett
Read by Stephen Briggs (10 1/2 hours, unabridged)
Published by HarperAudio
an audio review by Susan Dunman
Thud is the sound made by a heavy troll club when it comes in contact with the head of a very unfortunate dwarf. Or at least, that's the rumor on the streets Ankh-Morpork as dwarves become incensed at the murder of one of their own. And it's exactly what Commander Vimes and the City Watch does not need, especially as the anniversary of Koom Valley, an epic battle between dwarves and trolls, is right around the corner. Vimes finds it hard to concentrate on the big picture when his attention is distracted by such bureaucratic pressures as being forced to hire a vampire due to affirmative-action demands from the black ribbon abstinence league, whose members pledge not to drink a drop of human blood. And although Vimes refuses to believe in the supernatural, that doesn't mean it doesn't exist, especially when it comes in the form of a malignant evil called the Summoning Dark that has Vimes in its sights. Pratchett brings to life another Discworld adventure that uses humor to highlight serious topics such as racism, bigotry, and family. This story will delight fans and serves as an excellent introduction to the series for the uninitiated. Stephen Briggs makes this production one of those rare audiobooks where the reader and text is a perfect fit. Don't miss it.

Anansi Boys by Neil Gaiman
Read by Lenny Henry (10 hours, unabridged)
Published by HarperAudio
an audio review by Susan Dunman
When Fat Charlie's father dies while singing at a karaoke bar, his estranged son figures it's just one last way his dad has managed to embarrass him. After the funeral, Charlie is told by grieving neighbors that his prank playing, carousing father was not a man, but Anansi, the trickster West African spider god. And, though he doesn't know it, Charlie has a brother named Spider who inherited all the god-like powers. So begins an amazing tale of magic, imagination, and myth wrapped up in humor and hi jinks. Lenny Henry does an exceptional job with a cast of characters ranging from African animal gods to little old Caribbean ladies to a mother-in-law nightmare. This book is almost impossible to categorize as it tells a story you simply must hear to fully appreciate. After hearing it, you might even begin to believe that maybe, just maybe, Anansi, the god of storytelling, really had not two, but three very clever sons -- Fat Charlie, Spider, and Neil.

An Interview with Christopher Paolini
an audio interview by Susan Dunman
Christopher Paolini's love of fantasy and science fiction inspired him to begin writing his debut novel, Eragon, when he graduated from high school at 15. Recently, Eldest, his second book in The Inheritance Trilogy was published to great acclaim. He is hard at work on the third book in Paradise Valley, Montana, where he lives with his family.

1984 by George Orwell
Performed by Simon Prebble (11.5 hours, unabridged)
Published by Blackstone Audiobooks
an audio review podcast by Brian Price for AudioFile Magazine
Doublethink, thought police, constant surveillance, never-ending war. Although this classic dystopian novel was written in 1949, Orwell's lean prose, finely honed political discourse, and penetrating images seem as fresh, as menacing, and as disturbingly prophetic as ever. With British equanimity, Simon Prebble accentuates every shade of gray in post-Blitzed-London.

Reposted with permission of AudioFile Magazine.

The Invasion of the Body Snatchers by Jack Finney
Performed by Kristoffer Tabori (6.5 hours, unabridged)
Published by Blackstone Audiobooks
an audio review podcast by Brian Price for AudioFile Magazine
In this science fiction classic, the world's population is being taken over by an alien race. Kristoffer Tabori reads the first-person narrative with gritty intensity, reminding listeners of a smart and sinister 1950's detective novel. This production reminds us why it's called a classic.

Reposted with permission of AudioFile Magazine.

Sunrise Alley by Catherine Asaro
Performed by Hillary Huber
Published by Blackstone Audiobooks
an audio review podcast by Brian Price
A man, barely alive, is washed ashore during a violent, raging storm and is found and nursed back to health by Samantha Bryton, a retired, reclusive and brilliant Silicon Valley scientist. The man, who was supposed to have been killed in an automobile accident weeks earlier, is actually an illegally built android, an EI (Evolutionary Intelligence). Soon Samantha and Turner Pascal are on the run from Charon, Turner's evil creator, the military (everybody's on the run from the military), and other EIs and AIs from the notorious Sunrise Alley, where many rogue Artificial intelligences hide while planning an attack on humans.

Dune by Frank Herbert
Performed by Simon Vance and a full cast (22 hours, unabridged)
Published by Audio Renaissance
an audio review podcast by Brian Price for AudioFile Magazine
Listening to Dune offers the opportunity to experience this classic work in a way that manages to feel comfortably familiar and surprisingly new at the same time. The story of Paul Atreides and the fulfillment of his destiny on the desert planet Arrakis is brought vividly to life in this outstanding production.

Reposted with permission of AudioFile Magazine.

Crooked Little Vein by Warren Ellis
Performed by Todd McLaren (5 1/2 hours, unabridged)
Published by Tantor Audio
an audio review by Brian Price
Warren Ellis wears his heart and his politics on his sleeve in this darkly humorous and twisted detective-genre tale of the near future. Down on his luck private eye, Mike McGill, stares out his office window at a crumbling, drug-infested, distopian New York City wondering where his rent's going to come from when a big black limousine pulls up and a cadaverous President's Chief-of-Staff climbs out and gives McGill a strange assignment -- find and retrieve the alien-influenced alternate Constitution of the United States. From there McGill and his gorgeous, intelligent nymphomaniac assistant with a heart of gold, Trix, take on all kinds of human scum and follow the clues from New York to Texas to Los Angeles in this lewd, humorous and cruel look at a world lost in moral and political decay.

Susan Dunman

Eldest by Christopher Paolini
Read by Gerard Doyle (23 hours, unabridged)
Published by Listening Library
an audio review by Susan Dunman
In the tradition of classic epic fantasy, Eldest takes readers on a grand adventure with dragons, dwarves, elves, humans, and assorted evil beasties. When the unlikely farm boy Eragon discovers he is destined to be a legendary dragon rider, his life becomes much more interesting and infinitely more dangerous. In this second book in the Inheritance Trilogy, Eragon continues his training among dwarves and elves to gain those skills and allies he will need to defeat the cruel King Galbatorix. Narrator Gerard Doyle brings a host of characters to life, especially Saphira, the enigmatic dragon. Although this book is regarded as a young adult title, fantasy lovers of all ages will thoroughly enjoy the trials and triumphs of Eragon and Saphira.

Charlie and the Chocolate Factory by Roald Dahl
Read by Eric Idle (3 ½ hours, unabridged)
Published by HarperAudio
an audio review by Susan Dunman
It's everyone's dream to find a golden ticket to their heart's desire. For Charlie, his dream is to win a trip to Willy Wonka's Chocolate Factory. Fortunately, his dream does come true and Charlie, along with Augustus Gloop, Veruca Salt, Violet Beauregarde, and Mike Teavee, wins the chance for a deluxe guided tour through the famous chocolate factory with Willie Wonka himself. Along the way, there are lessons to be learned and wonders to be explored. Eric Idle was nominated for a Grammy for his performance in this unabridged rendition of Dahl's classic children's tale. It's a great match of narrator with story and makes the telling simply delectable.

The Magician's Nephew by C.S. Lewis
Read by Kenneth Branagh (4 hours, abridged)
Published by HarperAudio
an audio review by Susan Dunman
This December, Disney will release its film adaptation of The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe. That seems like a very good excuse to listen to all of the books in the C.S. Lewis classic series, The Chronicles of Narnia, starting with The Magician's Nephew. Often considered a prequel to the series, this title gives listeners the history of Narnia and sets the stage for the future epic conflict between good and evil. Kenneth Branagh does a grand job with this four hour, unabridged title. Especially entertaining is his rendition of all the animals of Narnia, giving each a distinctive voice. If you've never experienced Narnia, listen to the beginning of this inspiring adventure and I'll bet you won't be able to stop.

Frankenstein: Prodigal Son by Dean Koontz and Kevin J. Anderson
Read by John Bedford Lloyd (6 hours, abridged)
Published by Random House Audio
an audio review by Susan Dunman
Putting a new twist on Mary Shelley's classic horror tale, Dean Koontz fast-forwards 200 years to modern-day New Orleans, where Victor Frankenstein is still alive and well and experimenting with the definition of life. Unknown to Victor, his original creation is also alive and when a string of grisly murders occur, the one-time monster arrives to help perplexed detectives discover that they have much more to worry about than a lone serial killer. This six-hour abridgement will have Frankenstein fans on the edge of their seats and ready for the next installment in this four-part series by a master of psychological drama.

Going Postal by Terry Pratchett
Read by Stephen Briggs (11 1/2 hours, unabridged)
Published by HarperAudio
an audio review by Susan Dunman
Moist von Lipwig is a shyster and con man extraordinaire. Although he's made a fortune by conning innocent people, his luck has run out and now he will be hanged for his crimes. But Lord Vetinari, the Supreme Ruler of Ankh-Morpork, offers Moist another option. It doesn't seem much better than death, but circumstances dictate that Moist will become the new Postmaster General of Ankh-Morpork. Hilarity ensures, as Terry Prachett takes jabs at just about everything one can imagine. Prachett's universe is an extraordinary place where the bizarre is commonplace and human foibles are examined with utmost scrutiny. It's a place where droll British humor is alive and well, and you'll be sorry if you don't start exploring immediately.

The Time Traveler's Wife by Audrey Niffenegger
Read by Maggi-Meg Reed and Christopher Burns (12 hours, unabridged)
Published by HighBridge Audio
an audio review by Susan Dunman
The Time Travelers Wife offers a different approach to the typical time-travel story. In this novel, author Audrey Niffenegger decides to wrap time travel around a love story, focusing on how a husband and wife cope with unexpected time travel. Henry has been diagnosed with Chrono-Displacement Disorder, a malady which regularly resets his genetic clock. Tossed like a leaf on the waves of time, Henry's adventures allow listeners to contemplate the concepts of past and future and how both shape who we are. Bridging a range of emotions, the author offers a most satisfying look at enduring love through various stages of life.

Septimus Heap, Book One: Magyk by Angie Sage
Read by Allen Corduner (12 hours, unabridged)
Published by Harper Children's Audio
an audio review by Susan Dunman
Silas and Sarah Heap love their six sons and look forward to the birth of their seventh child. Although Silas is just an Ordinary Wizard, this child, aptly named Septimus, is the seventh son of a seventh son and wondrous things are expected. But the midwife announces the child is dead and dashes off with the body. On the very same day, Silas finds an abandoned baby girl and decides to raise her as his own. So begins an extraordinary tale for kids ages nine and up. Bursting with imagination and, of course, magic, the narrator skillfully guides listeners through an exciting story than is immensely satisfying and will have its audience expectantly waiting for the next book in this three-part series.

A Series of Unfortunate Events: The Grim Grotto by Lemony Snicket
Read by Tim Curry (5 1/2 hours, unabridged)
Published by HarperAudio
an audio review by Susan Dunman
The latest adventures of the Baudelaire orphans are sadly described by the woefully hilarious Lemony Snicket in this 11th book in his Series of Unfortunate Events. With a true knack for low-key humor, Snicket tells how the intrepid Baudelaire orphans find themselves on a submarine while trying to escape the clutches of the evil Count Olaf. Violet, Klaus, and Sunny must use all their ingenuity as they explore a mysterious underwater cavern filled with poisonous mushrooms. Between the author's droll writing and Tim Curry's slightly sinister narration, listeners of all ages will enjoy the thrilling and chilling escapades of the Baudelaire children as they try to solve a variety of confusing mysteries.