Audio Al’s Assorted Audiobook Updates for December 2007

[Audio_Al]

I just received Hachette’s latest release of audio books and my first reaction was “Wow!” They clearly wanted to give you a fantastic selection for Christmas of new and “Replay” releases. I think they hit the jackpot…especially if mystery is your favorite genre. Actually, I believe there is something for everyone. In the past, I submitted an update covering each and every audio book separately. If I make you wait until I do this with these releases, you will miss valuable information you will want while you’re still deciding on gifts for Christmas or maybe Chanukah. Who knows, with this release, you may want to gift yourself with something from what Hachette is offering. I know that I will.

Anyway, I will try to summarize everything in as convenient and concise a manner as I know how. The best way, I think, is to group the releases by author. That way, if there are books by someone you enjoy, you can spend some time considering what is newly available and you can pass over authors that are not of interest. Also I’d like to comment briefly on “Replay” releases. I like them because they are generally offered at prices that are way below the original release prices. Further, it’s a total win situation if it happens to be by an author that you like and a book that you somehow missed on its initial outing.

Enough preambles. Here is what is now available:

James Patterson: To be fair, a couple of the offerings were jointly written with some one else. Genre is mystery. There are five releases. One is totally new. Another is a new box set of past books and the rest are “Replay” releases. They are:

* “Double Cross” in its first release. It is available both unabridged ($39.98 on 7 CDs) and abridged ($29.98 on 5 CDs). It is, of course, another in the popular Alex Cross series.

* “Women’s Murder Club Box Set” is a new release that includes three past “Women’s Murder Club” books (“1st to Die”, “2nd Chance”, “3rd Degree”). I have already listened to two of the three and did enjoy them. The lead character in the series is homicide investigator, Lindsay Boxer. The “Club” also includes medical examiner, Claire, assistant DA Jill, and Cindy a reporter working the crime desk for the San Francisco Chronicle. I listened to the last one first and just finished the first one. I wish I had had the box set…I would have read/listened to them in the best order. The box set is unabridged on 21 CDs and it is available for $49.98. Out of all of the current offerings, this one stands out as being, for the right person, the best gift opportunity.

* “Lifeguard” is a “Replay” release, unabridged on 7 CDs and priced at $14.98.

* “Beach Road is a “Replay” release, unabridged on 6 CD’s and priced at $14.98.

* “The 5th Horseman” is a “Replay” release, unabridged on 7 CDs and priced at $14.98.

David Baldacci: I have read or listened to almost everything that David Baldacci has written and have enjoyed every one. The genre is mystery and I personally recommend his works to anyone that enjoys good mysteries has not yet discovered this writer. This release is of his newest book:

* “Stone Cold” is the title – a play on words. The main character is Oliver Stone, the leader of the Camel Club. This Oliver Stone is purely fictional and has nothing to do with the well-known maker of films. This is a continuation of the Stone series that have included at least two earlier Baldacci books that I can remember reading. It is available unabridged ($49.98 on 9 CDs) and abridged ($31.98 on 5 CDs)

Michael Connelly: The genre is again mystery (be patient there are others coming below). I discovered Michael Connelly only recently and have enjoyed listening to one of the three books currently being offered at “Replay” issues. I will definitely be listening to the two I have not yet had the chance to enjoy.

* “The Lincoln Lawyer” is the one that I have read and I recommend it. This “Replay” release is available unabridged, on 10 CDs for $14.98.

* “Crime Beat” is a “Replay” offering, unabridged on 5 CD’s for $14.98 and includes bonus material.

* “The Closers” is “Replay”, unabridged on 10 CDs for $14.98 and also includes bonus material.

Brad Meltzer: Another mystery writer (three more to go) that I can personally vouch for. Since listening to “Book of Fate” Meltzer has been added to my list of authors whose books I want more of. I will definitely be taking advantage of being able to enjoy the following one:

* “The Zero Game” is “Replay”, unabridged on 5 CDs for $14.98 and is narrated by the excellent Scott Brick who also narrated “Book of Fate”.

Douglas Preston and Lincoln Child: This collaboration has produced the wonderful series based on Special FBI Agent Aloysius Pendergast of which I have read several including the following:

* “The Book of the Dead” is a “Replay” release, abridged on 5 CD’s for $14.98 and is narrated by the great Rene Auberjonois.

Nelson Demille: Is a #1 New York Times best selling author of mysteries. I have been aware of this author for some time and have been curious about his books. The one following will be a first for me with this writer:

* “Night Fall” is “Replay”, abridged on 5 CDs for $14.98 and is read by Scott Brick.

Walter Mosley: This is the last mystery genre writer covered in the update. Mosley is the author of the successful “Easy Rawlins” series of which I am currently listening to my first book, “Blonde Faith”. The following “Replay” does not appear to be in that series but I will be very interested to sample something different from this author:

* “Fortunate Son” is “Replay”, unabridged on 8 CDs for $14.98.

Nicholas Sparks: The genre is romance and Nicholas Sparks is one of the most successful current writers. He has had numerous books on the New York Times bestseller lists and a number of them have been made into movies or are currently in production. Hachette is offering three this month at their bargain $14.98 “Replay” price:

* “True Believer” is “Replay”, unabridged on 9 CDs for $14.98.

* “The Notebook” is “Replay”, unabridged on 5 CDs for $14.98. (Has been made into a motion picture.)

* “At First Sight” is “Replay”, unabridged on 7 CDs for $14.98.

John Lithgow: Actor John Lithgow compiled this book of poetry:

* “Poet’s Corner” is new and unabridged on 6 CDs for $29.98 and is read by John Lithgow and “special guests”

Charles Grodin: The genre is comedy and the book is brand new:

* “If I Only Knew Then…” is new, unabridged on 3 CDs for $24.98 and is read by Charles and Marion Grodin.

Marc Brown: This one is for the kiddies:

* “Arthur’s Audio Favorites” includes six Arthur adventures. It is on 1 CD for $19.98 and is read by Marc Brown.

Most, if not all of the above, can be downloaded from Audible at www.audible.com. Audio samples are usually available for each book at www.HachetteAudio.com and www.audible.com. These sites will also provide additional book information, including synopsis.

So, that’s it. I hope it helps you with your holiday gift shopping…or that you have found something that you want as a gift for yourself.

Respectfully,

Audio Al

[Audio_Al]

1. Would you give an audiobook to someone on your holiday list?

Thanks for your comments.

Respectfully,

Audio Al