This week we offer audiophiles a mysterious thriller, some lengthy short stories by Stephen King, and a fast-moving science fiction title that will also appeal to young adult fans of science fiction. Please remember that all titles, including downloads, are available at your local bookstore and library.
The Reckoning
John Grisham; read by Michael Beck
Random House Audio, 18 hours, 15 CDs, $45/www.audible.com download, $31.50
John Grisham returns to Clanton, Mississippi, the fictitious town of “A Time to Kill,” and lays out a murder committed by a local war hero in 1946. Said hero and pillar of the community kills a local pastor in cold blood, creating a mystery with roots that date back 20 years earlier. Misogyny and racism figure heavily into the story, which has a twist you won’t see coming. It is, however, overwritten and is sometimes disjointed. The section about the Bataan Death March is fascinating but feels as if it were culled from another novel. Beck, as always, is a consummate professional who easily creates various voices and accents across age, gender and race. Grade: B-plus
An Absolutely Remarkable Thing
Hank Green; read by Kristen Sieh and Hank Green
Penguin Audio, nine hours and 30 minutes, eight CDs, $40/www.audible.com download, $28
When April May discovers and writes about a 10-foot-tall Transformer-like statue she stumbles upon in New York City, she is launched to fame through the internet and TV. Nicknamed “Carl,” it turns out dozens of similar and interconnected statues have appeared around the world, and April has become the contact to what appears to be alien technology. Funny, weird and clever, this also takes a hard look at fame and what it can do to our humanity. Sieh is perfect as the protagonist, as she sound youthful and, when needed, exuberant, cynical or terrified. Green reads the final chapter (one that leaves us open to a sequel) with heartfelt sorrow. This is an adult novel, but it could for work for those ages 14-plus, though the language is a bit rough. Grade: B-plus
Elevation
Stephen King; read by the author
Simon & Schuster Audioworks, three hours and 30 minutes, three CDs, $19.99/www.audible.com download, $14.17
Meh. There is nothing wrong with the two short stories in this collection, but neither is particularly compelling. King tackled a similar subject in “Thinner,” in which a man keeps losing weight no matter how much he eats. This time, the characters are more likeable but the ending is weak. One simply expects more from a master storyteller. The bonus short story “Laurie” is sweet and will especially appeal to dog lovers. King’s narration has improved greatly over the years. He sounds natural and at ease and conjures up a fine Maine accent — a pleasant little collection, but nothing memorable. Grade: B
