Some Audiobook Picks

While you're at home catching up on that DIY or maybe learning a craft, why not tune into an audiobook to entertain the brain? I am a recent convert to audiobooks, and probably wouldn't have tried them if it wasn't for the Libby App on my phone. Suddenly with a phone in my pocket, earbuds in my ears, I could can go for a walk or get stuff done around the house while listening to a novel. Once downloaded, you don't need any further data to listen along. Here are a few I've particularly enjoyed:

The Arrangement by Sarah Dunn describes Lucy and Owen's random decision to try an open marriage for six months with surprisingly hilarious results. The couple are New Yorkers who have decamped to a more rural lifestyle, but still suffer the stresses of their world (keeping up with appearances; managing their autistic son; saving their chickens from predators, etc). What results is a witty comedy of manners excellently read by Ellen Archer, who does amazingly well with all the voices.

Grace and Truth by Jennifer Johnston is a poignant story about an actress who returns from a long theatre tour to her home in Dublin. When her husband declares he is leaving her, Sally throws a wobbly, then decides to reconnect with her remote grandfather, a retired bishop, so as to find out more about her father. Johnston weaves a thread of wry humour and top notch characterisation through this novella about dark family secrets. The reader, Kate Binchy brings it all to life in a delightful, Irish way.

After the Storm by Linda Castillo. I'd had lots of recommendations for these novels but this audiobook was my first experience of Castillo's ex-Amish Chief of Police, Kate Burkholder, and the crimes she solves - mostly related to the Amish people in her county. Good police procedural peopled with terrific characters: Kate's team of cops, Agent Tomasetti, Kate's troubled love interest and the Amish people who don't want outsiders solving their problems. Lots of fabulous insight into the Amish way, too. This novel blends a cold case with the aftermath of a tornado to get things off to a pacy start. The series is read by Kathleen McInerney.

Bullseye by David Baldacci. Short and sweet, this is a story that could have worked in an episode of Mission Impossible. A gang of armed robbers (or are they?) take over a bank, but what could be their real motive? Caught in the crossfire is Will Robie of the Camel Club, a bunch of elite agents that can outsmart the baddies in any given situation with their assortment of specialist skills. This 2 hour novella packs in a lot of nail-biting action. Rollicking good fun - I can see what everyone enjoys so much about Baldacci. Read by Ron McLarty.

A Fine Summer's Day by Charles Todd. I've read a few from this post WWI detective series featuring Ian Rutledge and the ghostly voice of Hamish which resides in his head. Ian's is a peculiar form of shell shock and the two make an odd crime-solving duo. But this novel jumps back in time to 1914 as clouds gather over Sarajevo and Ian plans to propose to his girl. Unfortunately, her family aren't keen on his career choice, which soon has him on the case of a murderer and turning up late for dinner parties. Little does he know that the war is going to change everything. Narrated with aplomb by Steven Crossley.

Posted by JAM