REHAB is the perfect place to listen to audiobooks. I’ll be reviewing the entertaining Simon Brett dramatizations starring Bill Nighy as Charles Paris in a few days. But right now I’m listening to the Black Mask Stories. This first volume features “Come and Get It” by Erle Stanley Gardner, “Arson Plus” by Dashiell Hammett, “Fall Guy” by George Harmon Coxe, “Doors in the Dark” by Frederick Nebel, and “Luck” by Lester Dent. The narrators are first-rate. The stories show why Black Mask is legendary. Six hours of entertainment on six CDs at this price is a bargain! Highly recommended!
Love audiobooks. I always have one going although there are many more variables in which one I chose than with a book. Dislike female narrators because I can’t hear them over running water, dislike British accents–same reason, dislike too much narrative because I drift off.
Listening to short stories like this Black Mask Vol. 1 is the best of both worlds, Patti. I can listen to a complete short story in under an hour and each short story has a different narrator.
And it’s a lot smaller and lighter to hold than the huge trade paperback edition I read. Still, I find I get too easily distracted (of course, it helps if you’re a captive audience in rehab!) and tend to lose track of the story.
You’re right about the “captive audience” aspect, Jeff. There’s plenty of downtime in REHAB which I’m filling up with audiobooks.
I don’t listen to audiobooks for the reasons Jeff mentions. The few I’ve bought over the years, mostly Stephen King stories on CDs I’ve never managed to last through. Even fell asleep once.
The narrator is a key variable in audiobooks, Randy. I’ve had some narrators put me to sleep, too! But if you can find narrators who engage you, audiobooks can provide plenty of entertainment.
I’ve listened to the first four volumes (six CDs each) and all the narrators are excellent. Eleven volumes have been released. I’m not sure if that completes the book or if there are more to come. Wish they’d do The Black Lizard Big Book of Pulps.
I’ll probably end up owning all 11 volumes, Evan. So far, I’ve only listened to the first two volumes and, like you say, all the narrators are excellent.
Hmmm, you say it’s a real bargain, but at WHAT price, George? I’ve read the book, but the stories on audio book would be nice, too.
The Black Mask audiobook Vol. 1 (6 CDs) cost me $20 at BOUCHERCON, Rick. Well worth it! I also talked my local public library into ordering a set.