Two Tocks Before Midnight by C. J. Martin Narrated by Wayne Farrell

Two Tocks Before Midnight
C J Martin
Narator: Wayne Farrell                        
1 hr 6 mins.
Kotoba Books

Wayne Farrell Narrator

                                                       

C. J. Martin

The voice of  Wayne Farrell, is very engaging to listen too. I only have only good things to say about this narrator. Farrrell's voice is rich, deep, and clear. He gives an excellent presentation of the text parts, as well as in expressing the characters. Farrell, has a good handle on proper emphasis, so each character is easily distinguished. It sometimes happens, when, I see a photo or a video of a narrator, I'm rather awed, that such talent, and sounds come out of that person. I believe it takes far more acting talent to be a narrator than it does, to be a movie star. Narrators, have, more accents to learn, a huge repertoire of characters to convincingly present and above all a pleasing voice for the listener to gain full enjoyment of the book.  They also have less preparation time than a movie or stage actor. For the most part movie and stage acting relies a lot on looks, narration relies on true talent. Wayne Farrell, fits all of the criteria of an outstanding narrator. I look forward to listening to many more of the books he narrates.

Wayne Farrell has done a fine job in setting the time and place of this short story. Two Tocks Before Midnight, is a short story about a society of men who do altruistic deeds. Each man has special talents and extensive educational backgrounds, to throw into their collective pot. When an ancient manuscript comes their way, their excitement is intense. Is it a genuine or fake, document? The answer, leads to murder and mayhem. I liked, the way the story ended, justice is served, in a surprising way, or is it? If you enjoy short stories, as, I know many people do, you will definitely like C J Martins, Two Tocks Before Midnight.  This is a shorter review of the book, than I usually do, it is, a short story and to make it longer, would be a spoiler. 

Angelo's Journey, Leland Dirks, Narrator, Brian McCracken

Angelo's Journey: A Border Collie's Quest for Home

Leland Dirks, Angelo Dirks
2 hours, 15 mins.
PUBLISHER: Leland R Dirks

Narrator: Brian McCracken

Narrator Review: Angelo's Journey

Brian McCracken has a wonderful deep and expressive voice. It was a pleasure
listening to him narrate Angelo's Journey. He does not make fumbling errors like pausing too long on words or at the end of sentences. He moves right along in a smooth path to the finale. I really loved the tenor of his voice. In time I hope to hear an improvement in his capturing the emotional meaning of what he's reading, and to drop the quirky little sing song tone he often does. That tone gives a very different twist to the character that is not necessarily intended. It gives brevity to some characters words.

Brian McCracken Narrator

If you are a dog fancier you will enjoy reading about Angelo and his journey to
return home. Is Angelo an angel dog, or just a very smart Border Collie? I found
it very painful listening to some low life hitting a dog. Angelo was a special dog,
and I, could have enjoyed the story much more, without the abuse.

The rest of the story, was more sensitive. I would have liked the people Angelo came across in his journey to have a little more meat to them. Each chapter deals with new characters and situations, some seemed unlikely and contrived, like the boy scouts caught in a snow storm. I found it thin, that Angelo, just seems to be there, in some very out of the way remote places. No explanation as to how or why how he came to be there.

Angelo and Leland Dirks

Yes, there was a human in a remote place that needed comfort or a person, 'dog', to give that to them. There was not enough substance, as to how Angelo got there or knew to go there. A hungry dog is unlikely to be in a remote place, unless someone has dumped them there. Overall I think Angelo's thinking and personality could have been beefed up more and the same for the supporting characters.This is was a good book, so don't mistake my evaluation as a didn't like it. I did like it. It is a charming, and an easy read/listen. If you like animals, you will be captivated by Angelo.

   


This is the first book I've read/listened to that the author/s, shamelessly promote their website and book. I was a little confused at one point as to who was pimping their website, I was uncomfortable listening to the hype. It was overkill and unnecessary and overall distracted from the charm of the story. One invitation to visit the website at the end of the book would have been far classier.