Last summer, while on a book tour in the wilds of northern Canada, I fell in love with audiobooks. I admit to being a late-adapter on this front, but when I fell, I fell hard. I’ve been a podcast listener [and creator!] for years, but didn’t pick up an audio book before I was travelling through the land of no reception.
Now I know better.
I listen to audiobooks [and podcasts, still!] while driving, running the seawall and walking the dog. Also before I fall asleep.
So, let’s discuss the latest voices in my head, shall we?
I’m going to start by talking about the book I just finished this morning. I’ve been on a Denise Mina kick for the entire summer. I am seriously in love with her writing — her storytelling ability is wonderful, her capture of the life and language of Glasgow is sublime. I thought I couldn’t love a down-and-dirty Scots writer more than Irvine Welch, but Mina? Has won my heart.
SLIP OF THE KNIFE is a Patty Meehan novel. It’s not the first of the Patty Meehan stories, sadly, but it was the first I could get in audio. The story is set before the turn of the century, in the early ’90’s in and around Glasgow. Patty is a columnist and reporter, comes from a large Irish Catholic family and gets tangled up in the murder of her ex-boyfriend who has inadvertantly taken a picture of an IRA operative. The story is gripping, but as always, it is Mina’s characterizations that grab me and haul me in. The language is raw and real [NO one can swear like a Glaswegan!] and her ability to turn a phrase has made me laugh out loud often, in spite of the often horrific subject matter.
This book was narrated by Jane MacFarlane, who does just a brilliant job. Loved the story, loved the reading. Highly recommend.
Have you listened to a good book lately? Please share!
More soon…