Welcome to a New Year of Bookish Adventures!

As we turn the page to 2024, we're all about fresh starts and new experiences. What better way to kick off this literary journey than by delving into a unique format that's been capturing the hearts of book lovers and audio enthusiasts alike? In our latest podcast episode, we dive into the immersive world of graphic audiobooks, and we're taking you with us!

Graphic audiobooks are not your average listening fare. They're an innovative blend of traditional storytelling and audio drama, complete with a full cast of voice actors, sound effects, and musical scores that bring the story to life in your mind's theater. It's a cinematic experience for your ears, and we couldn't be more excited to share our thoughts on one such audiobook that has set the bar for this genre.

The story in question is "Clean Sweep" by Ilona Andrews, a tale that spins a web of fantasy and science fiction around a seemingly ordinary bed and breakfast in Texas. But as we soon discover, there's nothing ordinary about Dina DeMille's establishment. With otherworldly visitors, a magical inn with a mind of its own, and a lurking danger that threatens the safety of her neighbors, Dina's world is anything but normal.

Our episode peels back the layers of this graphic audiobook, exploring the elements that make it a standout piece and discussing the nuances that could've been better executed. We share our genuine reactions, from moments of awe to instances of boredom, and everything in between. Our co-hosts, Tamara and Casey, don't hold back, offering insights that are as entertaining as they are enlightening.

Whether you're a fan of Ilona Andrews or new to their work, this episode is sure to pique your interest. Are graphic audiobooks the future of storytelling? Can they replace the traditional reading experience? We tackle these questions and more, inviting you to join the conversation and share your own views.

So, if you're intrigued by the idea of a bed and breakfast with secrets hidden in every nook and cranny, an innkeeper wielding a deadly broom, and a shih tzu with more bite than bark, this is the episode for you. Tune in, listen closely, and let us guide you through the captivating world of graphic audiobooks.

Don't forget to subscribe and like our podcast wherever you're tuning in from, and if you're craving a visual component, head over to our Patreon for an exclusive video format without commercials.

Ready to start your year with a story that's as magical as it is mysterious? Press play on our latest episode and let the adventure begin!

​Don't miss out the exclusive After Show available on Patreon and Spreaker!

In this episode, Tamara and Classy discuss the book 'The Coworker' by Frieda McFadden. They explore the characters, including the unreliable narrators, Dawn and Natalie. They also discuss the dynamics of Caleb and Dawn's relationship and the surprising revelation of their connection. The hosts analyze the mystery and red herrings in the story and share their overall thoughts on the book. In this episode, Tamara and Classy discuss their thoughts on the book and share some comments from other readers. They talk about the ending of the book and how it stood out to them. They also discuss the likability of the characters and compare the author to other writers. The conversation then shifts to the fast-paced publishing industry and the impact on book quality. They also discuss the unlikable characters in the book and how they were portrayed. The hosts share some reader criticism and talk about the narrator's performance. They conclude by giving their overall rating and recommendation for the book, as well as teasing upcoming episodes.

Takeaways

• The book features unreliable narrators who provide different perspectives on the events.
• The relationship between Caleb and Dawn is complex and reveals unexpected connections.
• The mystery keeps readers guessing with red herrings and unexpected twists.
• The book is a quick read that is perfect for those looking for a fast-paced thriller. The ending of the book stood out to the hosts and left an impression on them.
• The likability of the characters was a topic of discussion, with the hosts sharing their opinions on the characters' personalities.
• The hosts compared the author to other writers and discussed the differences in their writing styles.
• The fast-paced publishing industry was discussed, with the hosts expressing concerns about the impact on book quality.
• The portrayal of unlikable characters in the book was analyzed, with the hosts sharing their thoughts on the character development.
• Reader criticism was shared, highlighting different perspectives on the book.
• The narrator's performance was praised by the hosts for her ability to distinguish between characters.
• The hosts gave the book an overall rating and recommended it for readers looking for a quick read.
• Upcoming episode was teased.

Episode Sponsor:
Indies United Publishing House | https://www.indiesunited.net/small-bites

Connect with Tamara on social media:
Twitter | https://x.com/shelfaddiction
Instagram | https://www.instagram.com/shelfaddiction/

Connect with Classy Green on social media:
Twitter | https://x.com/classygreen
Instagram | https://www.instagram.com/thebookishvirtualassistant

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I'm sure you've heard the saying, "Don't judge a book by its cover." That's because sometimes the most beautiful covers hide the ugliest stories and vice versa. But what about audiobooks? Are there some books that are better to listen to than read? And should we make exceptions for these kinds of books when considering if we read or listen? I'll answer all these questions below!

​Listening to audiobooks counts as reading a book. Listening to an audiobook is a great way to get more reading done in less time (if you're used to speed-reading or listening really closely). This is especially true if you have trouble focusing on one task for very long periods of time, or if you tend to lose focus easily while reading.

Listening while driving or working out can be distracting, so it's best if the narrator doesn't talk too much over music. If there's a lot of dialogue between characters, it may be difficult for someone who isn't used to listening closely enough: In this case, try turning off the music and just listening carefully!

​It's been shown that people who listen to audiobooks are more likely to remember the information in them than those who read the same books. This is because listening requires more effort from your brain than reading because you have to process both what you see and hear simultaneously. So if you're planning on doing some serious studying, consider giving yourself (and your brain) a break by listening instead of reading.

Here's how this works: Your eyes and ears take up different parts of your brain, so when they work together, they make it easier for your brain to retain new information. Listening helps stimulate more neurons which makes it easier for the synapses in these neurons to fire together as a group (instead of individually). When these synapses fire together repeatedly over time, this strengthens their connections with each other which allows them all to work better together in future tasks requiring memory recall or recognition.

Welcome to this months #BuddyRead episode. What's a Buddy Read? Co-host Classy and I select a title that we'll either read, listen to, or a combination of both. Afterwards we come together to chat about it on the podcast! This is a candid and spoiler-filled convo.  We also get to talk about this book during a live book club chat, so you'll want to join the group on Facebook or BookClubs for an invitation to the next book club meeting!

​Be sure to check out the video version of this pod and watch the exclusive After Show on Patreon.

It's been forever since I've done a Shelf Byte and I'm glad to return with this title! Listen on your favorite podcast listening app!  You'll know in about 10 minutes what I thought of the book and if you should read it! If you've already read it, share your thoughts below in the comments!

Tamara's Rating: 4/5

Synopsis: AN ORDINARY LIFE

Leigh Coulton has worked hard to build what looks like a normal life. She has a good job as a defence attorney, a daughter doing well in school, and even her divorce is relatively civilised - her life is just as unremarkable as she'd always hoped it would be.

HIDES A DEVASTATING PAST

But Leigh's ordinary life masks a childhood which was far from average... a childhood tarnished by secrets, broken by betrayal, and finally torn apart by a devastating act of violence.

BUT NOW THE PAST IS CATCHING UP

Then a case lands on her desk - defending a wealthy man accused of rape. It's the highest profile case she's ever been given - a case which could transform her career, if she wins. But when she meets the accused, she realises that it's no coincidence that he's chosen her as his attorney. She knows him. And he knows her. More to the point, he knows what happened twenty years ago, and why Leigh has spent two decades running.

AND TIME IS RUNNING OUT

If she can't get him acquitted, she'll lose much more than the case. The only person who can help her is her younger, estranged sister Calli, the last person Leigh would ever want to ask for help. But suddenly she has no choice...

Welcome to this months #BuddyRead episode. What's a Buddy Read? Co-host Classy and I select a title that we'll either read, listen to, or a combination of both. Afterwards we come together to chat about it on the podcast! This is a candid and spoiler-filled convo.  We also get to talk about this book during a live book club chat, so you'll want to join the group on Facebook or BookClubs for an invitation to the next book club meeting!

​Be sure to check out the video version of this pod and watch the exclusive After Show on Patreon.

Ratings: 4/5 - Tamara | 4/5 - Classy

Synopsis: A Black father. A white father. Two murdered sons. A quest for vengeance.

Ike Randolph has been out of jail for fifteen years, with not so much as a speeding ticket in all that time. But a Black man with cops at the door knows to be afraid.

The last thing he expects to hear is that his son Isiah has been murdered, along with Isiah’s white husband, Derek. Ike had never fully accepted his son but is devastated by his loss.

Derek’s father Buddy Lee was almost as ashamed of Derek for being gay as Derek was ashamed of his father's criminal record. Buddy Lee still has contacts in the underworld, though, and he wants to know who killed his boy.

Ike and Buddy Lee, two ex-cons with little else in common other than a criminal past and a love for their dead sons, band together in their desperate desire for revenge. In their quest to do better for their sons in death than they did in life, hardened men Ike and Buddy Lee will confront their own prejudices about their sons and each other, as they rain down vengeance upon those who hurt their boys.

Provocative and fast-paced, S. A. Cosby's Razorblade Tears is a story of bloody retribution, heartfelt change - and maybe even redemption.

Welcome to this months #BuddyRead episode. What's a Buddy Read? Co-host Classy and I select a title that we'll either read, listen to, or a combination of both. Afterwards we come together to chat about it on the podcast! This is a candid and spoiler-filled convo.  We also get to talk about this book during a live book club chat, so you'll want to join the group on Facebook or BookClubz for an invitation to the next book club meeting!

​Be sure to check out the video version of this pod and watch the exclusive After Show on Patreon.

Ratings: 2/5 - Tamara | 2/5 - Classy

Synopsis: ​Elisa Wright is a mom and wife, living a nice, quiet life in a nice, quiet town. She’s also convinced her brother-in-law is a murderer. Josh has one dead wife and one missing fiancée, and though he grieved for them he starts dating someone new. Elisa fears for that woman’s safety, and she desperately wants to know what happened to her friend, Josh’s missing fiancée.

Searching for clues means investigating her own family. And she doesn’t like what she finds. A laptop filled with incriminating information. Other women.

But when Elisa becomes friends with Josh’s new girlfriend and starts to question things she thinks are true, Elisa wonders if the memories of a horrible incident a year ago have finally pushed her over the edge and Josh is really innocent. With so much at stake, Elisa fights off panic attacks and a strange illness. Is it a breakdown or something more? The race is on to get to the truth before another disappearance because there’s a killer in the family…or is there?