Gross, Andrew. 15 Seconds. 10 CDs. library ed. unabridged. 11 hrs. AudioGO. 2012. ISBN 9780792788096. $79.95; 1 MP3-CD. library ed.; Playaway digital; digital download. MYS
In a story reminiscent of The Fugitive, prominent Florida plastic surgeon Henry Steadman finds himself in the wrong place at the wrong time and accused of murdering a police officer. As Steadman goes on the run to find allies and figure things out, another murder occurs and his daughter is kidnapped by the person framing him. Well written, without banality, and exceedingly fast paced, 15 Seconds will capture readers immediately with interesting protagonists and several intriguing intertwining subplots. The material is well performed by narrator Christian Hoff, who does a wonderful job conveying the anxiety, tension, and action. VERDICT Fans of Michael Connelly, David Baldacci, Karin Slaughter, and Harlen Coben will enjoy this title. [“With its rising body count and nonstop action that builds to a harrowing climax, this is an adrenaline-fueled ride, with special appeal for fans of Gross and (James) Patterson,” read the review of the Morrow hc, LJ 6/15/12.—Ed.]—Nicole A. Cooke, Univ. of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign
Meyer, Deon. Devil’s Peak. 10 CDs. retail ed. unabridged. 12½ hrs. HighBridge Audio. 2012. ISBN 9781611748062. $39.95; 1 MP3-CD retail ed.; digital download. THRILLER
In contemporary South Africa the transgressions of a bereaved father and a prostitute collide with the caseload of alcoholic Cape Town policeman Benny Griessel. Originally published in 2004, this title is the first in a grueling, taut trilogy featuring Griessel, tarnished wunderkind of the Serious and Violent Crimes Unit. Internationally recognized for his suspense thrillers, South African novelist Meyer is doing well; his Griessel trilogy is slated for the big screen, with Devil’s Peak the inaugural film release. VERDICT Audie and Earphone Award winner Simon Vance slides from vulnerable masculinity to cool sensuality, never upstaging the author’s craftsmanship. The resultant amalgam eclipses the plot’s violence to produce a literary jewel for fans of crime, mysteries, and knockout writing. [“Readers will need a measure of patience to handle the quick jumps between stories and the half-page or so that it takes to figure out whose story is now center stage. Still, Meyer’s ability to probe the depths of his major characters makes this read well worth the effort. Recommended for public libraries,” read the review of the Little, Brown hc, LJ 3/15/08.—Ed.]—Judith Robinson, Univ. at Buffalo Lib.
Hoffman, Bryce G. American Icon: Alan Mulally and the Fight To Save Ford Motor Company. 14 CDs. library ed. unabridged. 14½ hrs. Tantor Audio. 2012. ISBN 9781452638133. $95.99; 14 CDs. retail ed.; 2 MP3-CDs. library/retail eds.; Playaway digital; digital download. BUS
Hoffman (Detroit Free Press) presents an extensive case study (2006–11) of efforts to save Ford Motor Co. Fortunately, chair and CEO Bill Ford Jr. recognized his limited skills to revitalize his family’s company and recruited Alan Mulally from Boeing as the new CEO. Arriving in Dearborn with a proven data-driven weekly mandatory business plan review, Mulally slowly transformed the corporate culture to one of genuine teamwork; simplified the product line, surpassing Toyota’s quality; and returned the company to profitability. Pete Larkin’s narration keeps the listener engaged in this epic organizational transformation. VERDICT This audiobook should be required listening by every business professional, especially those with goals to lead change within an existing organization. [“For those interested in the recent political interventions and maneuvers in the auto industry, this book provides a fly-on-the-wall view of the meetings and behind-the-scenes deal making necessary to revive an ailing giant. Recommended for readers interested in the auto industry and the current economy,” read the review of the Wall Street Journal best-selling Crown Business hc, LJ 4/1/12.—Ed.]—M. Gail Preslar, formerly with Eastman Chemical Co. Business Lib., Kingsport, TN
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The following titles are reviewed in the October 15 print issue. Visit Book Verdict for the full reviews.
FICTION
Block, Lawrence. The Topless Tulip Caper: A Chip Harrison Mystery. 4 CDs. library ed. unabridged. 5 hrs. AudioGO. 2012. ISBN 9780792779735. $49.95; digital download. MYS
Chabon, Michael. The Amazing Adventures of Kavalier & Klay. 22 CDs. library ed. unabridged. 27 hrs. Brilliance Audio. 2012. ISBN 9781469216409. $69.97; 2 MP3-CDs. library/retail eds.; Playaway digital; digital download. F
Cussler, Clive. The Storm. 9 CDs. library ed. unabridged. 10¾ hrs. Recorded Bks. 2012. ISBN 9781464043284. $102.75; 1 MP3-CD. library ed.; 9 CDs. retail ed.; digital download. THRILLER
Ford, Richard. Canada. 11 CDs. library ed. unabridged. 13¾ hrs. Recorded Bks. 2012. ISBN 9781464041181. $123.75; 2 MP3-CDs. library ed.; Playaway digital; digital download. F
Hall, Tarquin. The Case of the Deadly Butter Chicken: A Vish Puri Mystery. 8 CDs. library ed. unabridged. 13½ hrs. AudioGo. 2012. ISBN 9780792787007. $69.95; digital download. MYS
Harkness, Deborah. Shadow of Night. 20 CDs. retail ed. 25 hrs. Penguin Audio. 2012. ISBN 9781611760705. $49.95; digital download. HORROR
Palahniuk, Chuck. Invisible Monsters Remix. 6 CDs. library ed. unabridged. 7 hrs. Blackstone. 2012. ISBN 9781455156955. $69.99; 1 MP3-CD. library/retail eds.; Playaway digital; digital download. F
Phillips, Susan Elizabeth. The Great Escape. 12 CDs. library ed. unabridged. 14 hrs. Books on Tape. 2012. ISBN 9780449012161. $39.99; digital download. ROMance
Proust, Marcel. Sodom and Gomorrah. 20 CDs. retail ed. unabridged. 26 hrs. Naxos Audio. 2012. ISBN 9731843796121. $115.98; digital download. CLASSICS
Silva, Daniel. The Fallen Angel. 9 CDs. retail ed. unabridged. 10¼ hrs. HarperAudio. 2012. ISBN 9780062189271. $39.99; 9 CDs. library ed.; digital download. THRILLER
NONFICTION
Kline, Kathleen Schmitt & others. People of the Sturgeon: Wisconsin’s Love Affair with an Ancient Fish. 4 CDs. retail ed. unabridged 4½ hrs. Wisconsin Historical Soc. 2012. ISBN 9780870205682. $34.95; digital download. nat hist
Rather, Dan. Rather Outspoken: My Life in the News. 10 CDs. retail ed. unabridged. 12 hrs. Hachette Audio. 2012. ISBN 9781611134247. $34.95; library ed. AudioGO; digital download. MEMOIR
Zevin, Dan. Dan Gets a Minivan: Life at the Intersection of Dude and Dad. 5 CDs. retail ed. unabridged. 5 hrs. AudioGO. 2012. ISBN 9780792789031. $54.95; digital download. MEMOIR