The Dance of the Seagull by Andrea Camilleri

The Dance of the Seagull by Andrea Camilleri, Narrator -Grover Gardner, AF, 2013, Playaway digital audio, 5.5hr, My Rating=3.5
Source: library

Before leaving for vacation, Inspector Montalbano witnesses a seagull dancing outside his homebefore it drops dead. Stopping in at his office, he notices that Fazio is missing. As he sets out to find him, Montalbano discovers that the seagulls dance of death may provide the key to understanding a macabre world of sadism, extortion, and murder.

Interesting find at my local library. I like the title. The book was overall an intriguing detective story with funny moments.

I hadn't realized that this is one in a chain of novels/short stories of Inspector Salvo Montalbano that the Italian author created. These works was made into a TV program in Italy available in English subtitles. I understand that there are a few more in the works for book translation. Cool.

Just found out that my local library has a few more of Camilleri's gems. Yay!

Brief Review: Starry Night by Debbie Macomber

Starry Night by Debbie Macomber, AF, 2013, Playaway digital audio, 5.5hrs, Rating=1
Source: borrowed from library

’Tis the season for romance, second chances, and Christmas cheer with this new novel from Debbie Macomber.
Carrie Slayton, a big-city society-page columnist, longs to write more serious news stories. So her editor hands her a challenge: She can cover any topic she wants, but only if she first scores the paper an interview with Finn Dalton, the notoriously reclusive author.
Living in the remote Alaskan wilderness, Finn has written a mega-bestselling memoir about surviving in the wild. But he stubbornly declines to speak to anyone in the press, and no one even knows exactly where he lives.
Digging deep into Finn’s past, Carrie develops a theory on his whereabouts. It is the holidays, but her career is at stake, so she forsakes her family celebrations and flies out to snowy Alaska. When she finally finds Finn, she discovers a man both more charismatic and more stubborn than she even expected. And soon she is torn between pursuing the story of a lifetime and following her heart.
Filled with all the comforts and joys of Christmastime, Starry Night is a delightful novel of finding happiness in the most surprising places.

The quick romance between Carrie and Finn was unbelievable. I just didn't fall for it so it was a struggle to get through the book. I considered not finishing it but I chugged along hoping something would turn it around. No such luck. The storyline was full of romantic clichés. The setting didn't even feel Chritmassy at all. There was just an overall cheesy feel to the read. Simply too trite for my taste.

Just the Ratings Part I

I've fallen so behind in reviews and with many books for review to read (and several book review requests pending) that I've decided not to do a full review on the fun reads I've done.  Hence, the following are just my ratings (these were read in March):


It's Only Natural by Lorraine M. Harding, NF, 2013, 271p, Kindle ebook, Rating=3
Source: own

By using natural cleaning products, not only will you be saving potentially hundreds of dollars each year but it is also an environmentally sound alternative to toxic, allergy producing house hold cleaning products. These cleaning recipes will not only leave your home and garden chemical free but are safe for children, pets, friendly for those who suffer from chemical allergies and ideal for those who just want to be more environmentally conscious.

Lightning Thief, YR, 2005, audio CDs, 10.25hrs, Rating=3
Source: library

Twelve-year-old Percy Jackson is about to be kicked out of boarding school... again. No matter how hard he tries, he can't seem to stay out of trouble. But can he really be expected to stand by and watch while a bully picks on his scrawny best friend? Or not defend himself against his pre-algebra teacher when she turns into a monster and tries to kill him? Of course, no one believes Percy about the monster incident; he's not even sure he believes himself.
Until the Minotaur chases him to summer camp.
Suddenly, mythical creatures seem to be walking straight out of the pages of Percy's Greek mythology textbook and into his life. The gods of Mount Olympus, he's coming to realize, are very much alive in the twenty-first century. And worse, he's angered a few of them: Zeus's master lightning bolt has been stolen, and Percy is the prime suspect.
Now Percy has just ten days to find and return Zeus's stolen property, and bring peace to a warring Mount Olympus. On a daring road trip from their summer camp in New York to the gates of the Underworld in Los Angeles, Percy and his friends—one a satyr and the other the demigod daughter of Athena—will face a host of enemies determined to stop them. To succeed on his quest, Percy will have to do more than catch the true thief: he must come to terms with the father who abandoned him; solve the riddle of the Oracle, which warns him of failure and betrayal by a friend; and unravel a treachery more powerful than the gods themselves.

Eat to Live by Joel Furhman, NF, 2003/2011, 380p, Hardcover, Rating=3
Source: library

Hailed a "medical breakthrough" by Dr. Mehmet Oz, EAT TO LIVE offers a highly effective, scientifically proven way to lose weight quickly. The key to Dr. Joel Fuhrman's revolutionary six-week plan is simple: health = nutrients / calories. When the ratio of nutrients to calories in the food you eat is high, you lose weight. The more nutrient-dense food you eat, the less you crave fat, sweets, and high-caloric foods.
EAT TO LIVE has been revised to include inspiring success stories from people who have used the program to lose shockingly large amounts of weight and recover from life-threatening illnesses; Dr. Fuhrman's nutrient density index; up-to-date scientific research supporting the principles behind Dr. Fuhrman's plan; new recipes and meal ideas; and much more. This easy-to-follow, nutritionally sound diet can help anyone shed pounds quickly-and keep them off.

Rings of Trust by Kittie Howard, YA, 2012, ebook, 100p, Rating=4
Source: gift from author

In a segregated South with a sharp racial divide, values are about to clash...
When David Broussard leaves Iwo Jima, the decorated Marine thinks he'll never be in combat again. He wants to be with his family, have an operation to remove wartime shrapnel, and get on with his life. But he can't, not in rural South Louisiana in 1953. The Ku Klux Klan is furious David Broussard's son, Remy, wants to go to a black friend's birthday party. The white supremacists come at the World War II veteran with unbridled fury. Since the Klan operates in secrecy, violence spreads during the night. Hit and run operations terrify those who live along the bayou road.
But something must be done. Moses Dubois is dead, lynched by the Klan. The white-robed supremacists are on the prowl, eager to kill again. When Henri Doucet disappears, David Broussard's idealism collides with the urgent need to protect his family. The Klan's left a note: 'You're next.' David can't act alone. He needs help. But whom to trust?

Return d to Willow Lake by Susan Wiggs, AF, 2012, Playaway audio, 9hrs, Rating=3
Source: library

Sonnet Romano’s life is almost perfect. She has the ideal career, the ideal boyfriend, and has just been offered a prestigious fellowship. There’s nothing more a woman wants – except maybe a baby…sister? When Sonnet finds out her mother is unexpectedly expecting, and that the pregnancy is high-risk, she puts everything on hold – the job, the fellowship, the boyfriend – and heads home to Avalon. Once her mom is out of danger, Sonnet intends to pick up her life where she left off. But when her mother receives a devastating diagnosis, Sonnet must decide what really matters in life, even of that means staying in Avalon and taking a job that forces her to work alongside her biggest, and maybe her sweetest, mistake – award-winning filmmaker Zach Alger. So Sonnet embarks on a summer of laughter and tears, of old dreams and new possibilities, and of finding the home of her heart. At once heartbreaking and uplifting, Return to Willow Lake plumbs the deepest corners of the human heart, exploring the bonds of family, the perils and rewards of love, and the true meaning of home. Profoundly emotional and resonant, this is Susan Wiggs at her finest.

Every Day by David Levithan, YA, 2012, audio CDs, 8.5hrs, Rating=1
Source: library

Every day a different body. Every day a different life. Every day in love with the same girl. Every morning, A wakes in a different person's body, a different person's life. There's never any warning about where it will be or who it will be. A has made peace with that, even established guidelines by which to live: Never get too attached. Avoid being noticed. Do not interfere.
It's all fine until the morning that A wakes up in the body of Justin and meets Justin's girlfriend, Rhiannon. From that moment, the rules by which A has been living no longer apply. Because finally A has found someone he wants to be with--day in, day out, day after day.
With his new novel, David Levithan has pushed himself to new creative heights. He has written a captivating story that will fascinate readers as they begin to comprehend the complexities of life and love in A's world, as A and Rhiannon seek to discover if you can truly love someone who is destined to change every day.

Review: The Inn at Rose Harbor

The Inn at Rose Harbor by Debbie Macomber, AF, 2012, Playaway digital audio, 9.5hr, Rating=3
Source: library

Jo Marie Rose first arrives in Cedar Cove seeking a sense of peace and a fresh start. Coping with the death of her husband, she purchases a local bed-and-breakfast—the newly christened Rose Harbor Inn—ready to begin her life anew. Yet the inn holds more surprises than Jo Marie can imagine.

Her first guest is Joshua Weaver, who has come home to care for his ailing stepfather. The two have never seen eye to eye, and Joshua has little hope that they can reconcile their differences. But a long-lost acquaintance from Joshua’s high school days proves to him that forgiveness is never out of reach and love can bloom even where it’s least expected.

The other guest is Abby Kincaid, who has returned to Cedar Cove to attend her brother’s wedding. Back for the first time in twenty years, she almost wishes she hadn’t come, the picturesque town harboring painful memories from her past. And while Abby reconnects with family and old friends, she realizes she can only move on if she truly allows herself to let go.

Yay, I caught a first book from one of Debbie Macomber's book series!  I've seen tons of her books and read a few but never in order, so this new series was a treat to stumble into.  I look forward to the continuing installments to come (next one in August).  Though, I feel kinda silly to be excited about this but I am.  I suppose it's the thought that I'd know the story from the very start and not come into it on the 10th book!

I'm already liking the set up, a bed and breakfast inn.  Just from that, I see many possible adventures that could come from the guests that will be coming in.  But before the guests, we are introduced to Jo Marie, a fairly new widowed woman who takes on a fresh adventure of taking over a B&B and ventures to make it her own, dubbing it The Rose Harbor Inn, after her husband (Rose is her surname).  So we meet a handyman and few other local townees willing to put in their two cents.  Moreover, Jo Marie still "talks" to her husband and convinced that he had sent her first two guests her way (and the dog) because as at it turns out, they had history of tragedy or wounded heart.  So first comes Joshua, who reluctantly came to town to see his ill stepfather and then Abby, a former Cedar Cove resident in town to attend her brother's wedding.  Both back to a town that held terrible memories for them.  Of course, this made for a conversational sit down with Jo Marie because she too had hurts that qualified her to empathize with her guests, right?  Possibly an awkward moment but she was figuring out her place as the inn taker.

Overall, a potentially entertaining series.  This book started a pace that hinted mystery, upcoming romance, and emotional heart tugging moments.

By the way, I understand that Ms Macomber will be toning down the number of characters in this series to avoid potential confusion.  That sounds like a good plan.  I think a small cast would mean a tighter relationship between characters and readers.

"Friends Forever"

Friends Forever by Danielle Steel, Performed by Nick Podehl, AF, 2012, Playaway digital audio book, 8hrs, rating=2
Source:  library

Two girls and three boys, all with strikingly different looks and talents, meet at the Atwood school as young children. Together, they become an inseparable group - known to outsiders as "The Big Five" - and lean on one another through all the bumps and bends of childhood and adolescence. But when the tight-knit group graduates and scatters to different colleges, their lives diverge dramatically, and some of the friends are lost forever... Those who remain will struggle to understand that even bonds that once seemed unbreakable are not proof against tragedy - but that they can also transform into something new and entirely unexpected... (Goodreads)

This is definitely not a Christmas read!  Not that it was advertised to be one but just letting you know that it was not a jolly book.  Quite depressing actually.  It practically didn't let up.  I was hanging on to the hope that there will be a happy ending.  Well, let's just say that I was so dispirited that it would have taken an amazingly, over-top ending to snap me out of my displeased trance. 

The premise was sweet enough, from kindergarten to adulthood these five individuals demonstrated the important bond lifelong friends can have.  In between were rough trials that tested their friendship and relationships with their parents and siblings.  Overall with a theme of examining a generational age prone to self destruction or tragedies.  Usually that kind of look in life is right up my alley but I didn't buy it here.  There was something about the storytelling that just didn't quite pierce into me.  There were several heart wrenching moments that should have but they felt superficial instead.  The repetitiveness didn't help as well but rather became somewhat annoying. 

Bless Mr. Podehl's heart because he did a great job at narrating but it was the script that just didn't allow him to convey depth.

This wasn't an awful book because there were tender moments and complex relationships worth exploring.  Perhaps that's part of the problem, too many things were going on.

"11th Hour"

*First, I want to send out positive thoughts and prayers for safety to those within Hurricane Sandy's way. Be prepared and stay safe!*

11th Hour by James Patterson and Maxine Paetro, AF, 2012, Playaway digital audio book, 7hrs, rating=3
Source:  library

Your best friend
Lindsay Boxer is pregnant at last! But her work doesn't slow for a second. When millionaire Chaz Smith is mercilessly gunned down, she discovers that the murder weapon is linked to the deaths of four of San Francisco's most untouchable criminals. And it was taken from her own department's evidence locker. Anyone could be the killer--even her closest friends.
Or a vicious killer?
Lindsay is called next to the most bizarre crime scene she's ever seen: two bodiless heads elaborately displayed in the garden of a world-famous actor. Another head is unearthed in the garden, and Lindsay realizes that the ground could hide hundreds of victims.
You won't know until the 11th hour
A reporter launches a series of vicious articles about the cases and Lindsay's personal life is laid bare. But this time she has no one to turn to--especially not Joe. 11TH HOUR is the most shocking, most emotional, and most thrilling Women's Murder Club novel ever. (Goodreads)

The Foursome are back and lots of drama happening but only two crime mysteries to solve.  The drama:  Lindsay is pregnant and hormonal, Yuki is sleeping with Jackson, Cindy is engaged to Rich, and Claire has her hands full trying to find out more about the skulls.  Then the crimes:  (1) Two heads appear at a renowned actor's home; and (2) A man nicknamed "Revenge" is killing drug dealers.  Sounds like ingredients for an interesting mystery read, right?  Indeed it was ..well, in my case, an interesting audio read. 

On the softer side of this novel, immediately I thought Lindsay overreacted to the alleged affair her husband was supposedly having with an old flame then I remembered that when I was pregnant with my second son I had a moment when I convinced myself that my husband was cheating on me.  Of course it was all in my head and attest to how hormones can play in a person's mind.  Granted Lindsay took it over-the-top here but I suppose her fictional pregnancy fart must have affected all logic!  Anyway, I like the continued female bonding among the foursome and overall flow their lives play along the mystery part of the book.  Thus, all together this book was a good blend of drama and thriller.

Brief Reviews: Playaway Edition

I'm so behind with reviews.  These were read last month!  My memory's not that great so going into detail is just not going to happen.  Hence, here's the short and sweet version. :)

The Litigators by John Grisham, AF, 2011, Playaway digital audio,  11.5hrs, rating=4
Source: library

Small time lawyers Finley and Figg were going to finally play with the big guys with the help of recently hired to their firm, Harvard graduate, David Zinc.  Boy, did they play!

Fabulous read! It had drama, comedy, and suspense. Wonderful characters.  Now I see the fondness for Grisham.

Calico Joe by John Grisham, AF, 2012, Playaway digital audio, 4.5hrs, rating=4
Source: library

Oh wow, brace your heart.  Here I discovered a shocking baseball practice (at least to me) but whoa, did that story exemplified moral qualities that father-son can learn from.  Sad story but redemptive too.

Awesome quick read!

The Beginner's Goodbye by Anne Tyler, AF, 2012, Playaway digital audio, 6.5hrs, rating=3
Source: library

I imagine that losing a spouse would be downright devastating.  Saying goodbye just wouldn't be in the vocabulary.  Certainly Aaron wasn't prepared to let go of his wife Dorothy or vice versa (as illustrated by seeing her apparition) but he had no choice.  He did however use this grieving period of time to reflect on their marriage and hence invited the readers to ponder about living for the moment.  Thought provoking read if you read between the lines.

Taken, Elvis Cole #13, by Robert Crais, AF, 2012, Playaway digital audio, 8hrs, rating=2.5
Source: library

Tough topic of human trafficking here so it involved some rough language and violence.  Not my usual cup of tea.  I did like Elvis and Joe's tight friendship and loyalty.  Since this is book #13, they must go way back.  Nice to read that they remained faithful to their friendship.  That's a good take out!

Brief Reviews: 92 Pacific Boulevard; Philippine Folklore Stories

92 Pacific Boulevard by Debbie Macomber, AF, 2009, Playaway digital audio, 10.5hrs., rating=3
Source: library

Dear Reader,
I'm not much of a letter writer. As the sheriff here, I'm used to writing incident reports, not chatty letters. But my daughter, Megan—who'll be making me a grandfather soon—told me I had to do this. So here goes.
I'll tell you straight out that I'd hoped to marry Faith Beckwith (my onetime high school girlfriend) but she ended the relationship last month, even though we're both widowed and available. There were a few misunderstandings between us, some of them inadvertently caused by Megan.
However, I've got plenty to keep me occupied, like the unidentified remains found in a cave outside town. And the fact that my friend Judge Olivia Griffin is fighting cancer. And the break-ins at 204 Rosewood Lane—the house Faith happens to be renting from Grace Harding…
If you want to hear more, come on over to my place or the sheriff 's office—if you can stand the stale coffee!
Troy Davis (Goodreads)

I missed the first eight books to this series so it's no wonder I felt lost!  There were so many characters and lots of things going on that I had a hard time following who's-who and what's-what.  Overall though, it's a good leisure read for those who like community drama stories.

Philippine Folklore Stories, AF, 2004, Kindle ebook, 48p, rating=4
Source: own

Excerpt from one of the stories...

But one day, while they were laughing and singing, the earth suddenly opened and Harisaboqued sprang out before them. They were very much frightened and fled in terror down the mountain side. When they reached the foot and looked back they saw a terrible sight. All the tobacco had disappeared and, instead of the thousands of plants that they had tended so carefully, nothing but the bare mountain could be seen. (Goodreads)

During my early childhood, I grew up hearing many superstitious beliefs and old wives' tales so this read took me back.  A memory trip back to my native country through folklores (11 told here).  I can't say I have heard any of these before but I felt the stories for the entertainment they brought.  One in particular reminded me of what my aunt instructed me to do as we walked through this foresty path (somewhere in the Philippines) during the night.  She told me to say, "Tabi, tabi" so as to say to the ghosts or creatures of the night to stay away from us.  Looking back at it now, I think she may have said that so that I don't go wondering off there at night by myself.  Not like I would anyways.  As a kid, I was a big scaredy cat!

"The Art of Racing in the Rain"

by Garth Stein, AF, 2008, Playaway digital audio, 7hrs, rating=4
Source: library ISBN#9781436132527
Cover: is different from one I listened to, can't find it on the web

Enzo knows he is different from other dogs: a philosopher with a nearly human soul (and an obsession with opposable thumbs), he has educated himself by watching television extensively, and by listening very closely to the words of his master, Denny Swift, an up-and-coming race car driver. Through Denny, Enzo has gained tremendous insight into the human condition, and he sees that life, like racing, isn't simply about going fast. Using the techniques needed on the race track, one can successfully navigate all of life's ordeals.
On the eve of his death, Enzo takes stock of his life, recalling all that he and his family have been through. In the end, despite what he sees as his own limitations, Enzo comes through heroically to preserve the Swift family, holding in his heart the dream that Denny will become a racing champion with Zoë at his side.
A heart-wrenching but deeply funny and ultimately uplifting story of family, love, loyalty, and hope, The Art of Racing in the Rain is a beautifully crafted and captivating look at the wonders and absurdities of human life...as only a dog could tell it. (Goodreads)

The afflictions kept on adding up and so this was not a pleasant read.  Talk about, when it rains it pours!  Such a downer but the telling of the journey through Enzo's (family dog) point of view provided compassion that hooked me.  Enzo's insights was spot on and his voice to the situations compelling. 

This was a fantastic book!  The characters were endearing and the story heartwarming.  Truly, Enzo's narration to his family's journey was a great way to see a better outlook on life that only a beloved pet could discern.  This novel sincerely brought out the intense feelings of love our domestic companions have for us and a reminder of great worth they offer as member of our family.  Lucky to those who had or has an Enzo in their life for such is a gift of life enrichment and joy!


I love and miss you Gigi and Crystal!  I'll see you in heaven when my time's up. 

Brief Reviews: Kill Me If You Can; The Graduate; Breakfast at Tiffny's

Kill Me If You Can by James Patterson and Marshall Karp, AF, 2011, Playaway digital audio, 8hrs, rating=3.5
Source: library

I was ready to drop this because it was getting to be a heavy Rated R to my reading ears (incest, violence) but dang it the plot hooked me!  I wanted to see what happens to Matthew after he found a bag of diamonds at Grand Central.  Wow, the twists was awesome!!  I just could have done without the incest part (not too crazy about the violence either but I can't say the title didn't warn me) so I would recommend this to adults only.  In general, the romance was alright but it was the BIG twist that delighted me.

The Graduate by Terry Johnson, AF, 2011, Playaway digital audio, Based on the novel by Charles Webb and screenplay by Calder Willingham and Buck Henry, 2hrs, rating=3
Source: library

Because this was a radio play, there was the dramatic sound effects and several actors so it was very entertaining.  Kathleen Turner was perfect as Mrs. Robinson.  She was hilarious!  But because I pictured Dustin Hoffman as Benjamin Braddock, I had a harder time connecting to the actor Matthew Rhys in this play.  Don't get me wrong, his voice acting was great and fitting.  Anyway, this was a fun find.  Bummer, my library doesn't have the book this was based on so I can compare.  Oh, I haven't seen the movie!  I've seen clips here and there but not in whole.  Remember, I've been living under a rock! ;)

The Breakfast Club by Truman Capote, AF, 1958, 85p, rating=3
Source: library, ISBN#0-451-16651-5
Cover: not the same image as book I read from; couldn't find it on the Web

Ugh, I've been sitting on this review for weeks!  I can't seem to put to words my disappointment so I'll just go with that, I was disappointed.  I was expecting a light, cute, and sophisticated story (had image of Audrey Hepburn's depiction of Holly Golightly) and frankly it was not.  I can understand the literary fascination to this book.  You can pick it apart and find interesting things but it may have been too dark or scandalous for my liking.  Therefore, this might be one of those times that I might like the film version better than the book (based on the image, I actually haven't seen the movie!  Haha, I might not like the movie either?).

Audrey Hepburn as Holly Golightly (source)

Qualifies for this challenge

Brief Reviews

33 Habits of a Really Good Man by Yvonne Swinson, NF, 2010, 79p, rating=3.5
Source: won from I Am A Reader, Not A Writer

This is the author's sweet and tender tribute to her father, Bill Wells.  A mini memoir.  Each story prefaced with simple quotes of wisdom then gives examples of how Mr. Wells was inspired by them and then lived them.  A wonderful legacy he left on how to make good principles become habit.  Inspirational.  A Soup for the Soul feel.

I cried at the author's poem.  There lies her talent.

Unlocking the Power of the Spirit by Campbell Gray, NF, 2010, 118p, rating=3.5
Source: won from I Am A Reader, Not A Writer

A good book to help recognize and make use of the power of the Holy Ghost.  Mr. Gray gives examples from personal life experiences to make the points.  It's a good refresher course for strong, active LDS members and inspirational for those struggling to find the Spirit. 

Hotel Vendome by Danielle Steele, AF, 2011, Playaway digital audio, 9hrs, rating=3
Source: library

A trying father-daughter story.  Father, Hugues, left by wife for a rock star.  He gets custody of their daughter, Heloise.  He owns and manages a prestigious hotel and Heloise grows up in that life.  No surprise she wants to follow in her father's footsteps ..even though it wasn't what Hugues would have wanted for her.  Overall the story was about growth for the both of them as individuals. 

Character wise, with the exception of Hugues' delay in telling Heloise about Natalie, Hugues seems to be too perfect!  He had all the answers regarding hotel and life.  And Heloise, well, she was down right a spoiled brat when it came to finding out her father's personal affairs.  These qualities I found to be a flaw so it made for a stirring (not the touching kind) read for me.

By the way, Fred Stella did a wonderful job narrating this book.  :)

The Lucky One by Nicholas Sparks, AF, 2008, audio CDs, 10.5hrs, rating=2
Source: library

Nicholas Sparks love stories usually move me but this one didn't really do it for me as a whole.  The soldier (Logan) and best friend (Victor) angle was a classic lure so that part had potential.  I suppose I didn't completely buy into the premise ..soldier finds a picture of a pretty woman (Elizabeth) and it ends up giving him "luck" in surviving the war, so he goes to seek out the woman to thank her but doesn't tell her the entire story before they fall in love with each other so when the secret finally comes out, yikes, trouble!  Of course, there's got to be other elements to spice things up, like the woman has a son (Ben), a meddling ex-husband (Clayton, who you'd like to smack a few times!), and a wise grandma (Nana).  My favorite character ended up to be Logan's dog, Zeus ..he was consistently genuine.

Looks like the movie version might be better than the book.  Zack Efron looked smokin' on the film trailer!  Reason I wanted to get my hands on this book in the first place.  Bummer that the book wasn't as good as I'd hoped it would be.  Though, I really liked the ending.  It was it's saving grace. 

"77 Shadow Street"

by Dean Koontz, Peter Berkrot (narrator), AF, 2011, Playaway digital audio, 14hrs, rating=3.5
Source:  library

I am the One, the all and the only. I live in the Pendleton as surely as I live everywhere. I am the Pendleton’s history and its destiny. The building is my place of conception, my monument, my killing ground. . . .
The Pendleton stands on the summit of Shadow Hill at the highest point of an old heartland city, a Gilded Age palace built in the late 1800s as a tycoon’s dream home. Almost from the beginning, its grandeur has been scarred by episodes of madness, suicide, mass murder, and whispers of things far worse. But since its rechristening in the 1970s as a luxury apartment building, the Pendleton has been at peace. For its fortunate residents—among them a successful songwriter and her young son, a disgraced ex-senator, a widowed attorney, and a driven money manager—the Pendleton’s magnificent quarters are a sanctuary, its dark past all but forgotten.
But now inexplicable shadows caper across walls, security cameras relay impossible images, phantom voices mutter in strange tongues, not-quite-human figures lurk in the basement, elevators plunge into unknown depths. With each passing hour, a terrifying certainty grows: Whatever drove the Pendleton’s past occupants to their unspeakable fates is at work again. Soon, all those within its boundaries will be engulfed by a dark tide from which few have escaped.

Goodness, I don't know where to begin!  The narrator nailed "the One" too well that the hairs on the back of my neck stood up!!  I kid you not, his voice for it had the feel of Hannibal Lecter.  Of course one night, I made a mistake of listening to it in bed, in the dark, and alone without hubby dearest.  I had to turn it off or I'd have nightmares!!  I was surprise I hadn't!  Yes, ladies and gentlemen, I am a big wuss.  I don't do horror well.  But psychological thrillers interest me so I stuck to it.  It was pretty good.  A lot of characters and happenings but overall a mind bending ride!  In the end, you're left pondering and counting your blessings ..oh, and possibly have a renewed aversion to fungus!

Quite a fascinating outlook on good vs evil.  Through the guise of mystery entertainment, this read also gave plenty of opportunities to delve into human nature.  It takes you in an adventure of philosophy of life.  One for the thinking books.