Clipper Audio/Recorded Books

Library Bookwatch, August, 2005

Clipper Audio/Recorded Books

20 Skipjack Road, Prince Frederick, MD 20678

www.recordedbooks.com

Recorded Books' Clipper imprint specializes in unabridged, library-quality productions of British authors and novels: most are narrated by British voices, and all hold the virtues of being high interest action novels. Chris Ryan's The Increment (084505217X, $109.75) is narrated by Gordon Griffin, whose smooth voice brings to life a tense spy thriller about an assassination unit of the SAS and one who has left it, only to find his ex-colleagues still need his special brand of talents. JoJo Moyes' The Peacock Emporium (18450-52552, $109.75) receives Judith Boyd's practiced and pleasing audio voice as it tells of one Suzanna, whose small business is a haven for the town's misfits even as she searches for her own happiness; The Fifth Season by David Docherty (18419-78116, $89.75) receives Graham Padden's warm style and tells of a brilliant scientist's involvement in a promising genetically modified food crop. Her success will bring threats to her life which only childhood friend Sam can cope with. Elizabeth Noble's The Reading Group (1845051-572, $109.75) receives the calm and lovely narrative style of Gerri Halligan which brings to life the trials of a group of women who meet regularly to read and discuss books. Not only do their book enjoyments become intertwined--so do their lives. Priscilla Masters' Night Visit (1841979-880, $69.75) receives Juanita McMahon's warm and moving narrative style, pairing well with the story of Dr. Harriet Lamont, who faces the end of her marriage and a decades-old mystery involving a vanished child. Alex Gray's Never Somewhere Else (1841977015, $59.75) receives Andrew Napier's moving vocal style as it tells of a series of young women who are discovered strangled in Glasgow, leading DCI Lorimer to embark on one of the most frustrating investigations of his career. David Hewson's The Villa Of Mysteries (1841978752, $109.75) enjoys Christopher Kay's clear and vivid narrative approach as it tells of a murdered young woman and a maverick pathologist who believes she's the victim of a paga ritual. Finally, Bernard Knight's The Witch Hunter (1845051734, $89.75) receives Paul Matthews' solid narrative style as it tells of the death of a prominent burgess while riding his horse, and the discovery of a voodoo doll which may indicate murder. Excellent, solid library lending audios, all.