Standoff
by Patricia Bradley
My first foray into the world of audiobooks was on a recent roadtrip by myself. Because I am a newbie to this medium, I was going to forgo a review. By the time I got to the end of Standoff by Patricia Bradley, however, I realized I do have some insights to share.
- Although the format, an audio book, is interesting, I don’t think it will ever replace actually reading the book. Just as I enjoy print copies and e-books, audiobooks are another tool in my toolbox but not my favorite at this point.
- You need uninterrupted alone time to be able to enjoy an audiobook.
- I listened to this book because I had read # 4 (Deception) in the series and wanted the backstory. That is not what I got. I discovered the series is composed of four different protagonists with some overlap in minor characters. These books can truly be read as standalones.
- As a newcomer to audio books, but not to dramatic arts, I hesitate in my judgement of Rachel Dulade, the book’s reader. She had a difficult task as she spoke in a deep South, Louisiana accent for a variety of characters, both men and women. It was difficult to distinguish her male characters from each other. Her narrator voice was without accent and well done.
- The plot itself was excellent. The book started out a bit slow, but by the end the pace was heart-thumpingly fast.
- My favorite supporting character is Daisy, an elderly neighbor of Brooke, the protagonist. Daisy is a wise and independent woman who hovers on the brink of needing extra help in her daily activities.
- There are a lot of moral and ethical issues the characters must face. Suspicion casts its shadow on a number of Rangers and political standouts. It is hard for Brooke to know whom to trust. The reader is also given an inside peek at the many ways people deal with grief.
- I recommend this book and series in whatever format you prefer.
Rating: book—5/5, audio—4/5
Category: Mystery, Suspense, Christian Fiction
Notes: #1 in the Natchez Trace Park Rangers Series, but is a standalone novel.
Publication: May 4, 2020—Baker Publishing, Tantor audio
education pathways 
I prefer a physical book in my hand as well. Maybe feeling that book offers some kind of comfort or something but I have loved books ever since I can remember. The story sounds interesting.
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Your comment could have been written by me. My book memories go back as far as I can remember, and I associate them with love, comfort, and fun.
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I am not a fan of audio books however I haven’t done that lately, maybe they’re better now…I find I would always get caught up by the narrator’s voice and it would distract me and take away from the story. Did listening distract you from your driving?
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Yes, Jenna, I did worry that it was a form of distracted driving which is never good.
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I only like audio books when we are on a road trip. I like a book in my hands.
But this story sounds pretty good.
Have a nice weekend!
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There’s just something about a physical book!
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I agree, audiobooks can be good on a solo roadtrip but I prefer to read books myself so that I can re-read sections that are confusing.
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Good point. Also we somehow have a physical memory as to where in the book a passage is. You don’t have that with an e-book. One advantage of an e-book is you can do a search on a character’s name to help recall who they are if you have put the book aside for a while or there are a lot of characters.
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True
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Well I feel audiobooks won’t work for me if you need uninterrupted time now that my husband is retired. I only read books and have never listened to an audiobook. Thank you Linda!
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My problem exactly! 😉
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You did a great job with this review, Linda. I have not read or listened to any books by Patricia Bradley, but it sounds like I would enjoy her books. I agree, I can’t and wouldn’t try listening to an audiobook with someone else around. I think that might be one of the reasons I do enjoy them, I am alone. One of the issues with female narrators is often the male voices. I prefer when they have two narrators.
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I agree that two narrators would have made a huge difference with this audiobook.
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