Audiobooks – Page 31

The Cowgirl Aunt of Harriet Bean, by Alexander McCall Smith

Performed by Charlotte Parry

Recorded Books, New York, 2007. 1 compact disc. 1.25 hours.

It’s always fun to listen to a British narrator, and it was a treat to listen to Charlotte Parry talking about the exploits of Harriet’s detective aunts, Aunt Thessalonika and Aunt Japonica. In this book, Harriet learns that she has a sixth aunt she hadn’t known about, Aunt Formica. Aunt Formica grew up on a ranch in America, and is a skilled cowgirl, but she has asked her detective sisters for help, and Harriet gets to come along.

The story is fun, reminding me of a traditional tall tale. I love Alexander McCall Smith’s stories, but do think he does a little better when he writes about places where he has lived. This story set in the American West struck me as highly stereotypical. I certainly hope none of his readers would ever try to deal with a rattlesnake in the way that happens here!

All the same, this is a fun story and a quick read (or listen). This could be an excellent choice for a child just ready to read chapter books on their own. It’s not too long and daunting, but does have some excitement, as Harriet and her capable aunts deal with rustlers.

Find this review on the main site at:

www.sonderbooks.com/Childrens_Fiction/cowgirl_aunt.html

Skulduggery Pleasant, by Derek Landy

Performed by Rupert Degas

Harper Audio, 2007. 7 1/2 hours. 6 compact discs.

I would love to meet a well-dressed detective with a voice like Skulduggery Pleasant. The narrator does a magnificent job of making him sound tough and reliable and a hero to turn to when young Stephanie Edgely needs saving from deathly peril. His Irish accent is irresistible. When he turns out to be a living skeleton, we find we still want him on our side.

Stephanie is plunged into a world of magic and ancient evil after her uncle’s death. She comes close to death countless times as she finds herself working with Skulduggery to try to save the world.

This book is full of action and narrow escapes. The banter between Stephanie and Skulduggery is full of fun, wit, and affection.

The magic world Derek Landy creates — the one that ordinary people don’t know about but goes on around us — is much darker and more sinister than Harry Potter’s. The villains here are truly evil, and there are some gruesome deaths.

But most of all, this is a fun and captivating adventure yarn. The narration is completely magnificent, and found me wanting to linger in my car even after I’d reached my destination.

The things that happen to people (in the past of the story and its present) are horrible and gruesome enough that I would save this book for teens and up. But for those who don’t mind a little grit in the story, I highly recommend this book. Better yet, listen to the audio version and enjoy the Irish accents!

Find this review on the main site at:

Category: Audiobooks

Review of The Cowgirl Aunt of Harriet Bean, by Alexander McCall Smith

Review of Skulduggery Pleasant, by Derek Landy