Audiobook Sample

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Dear fellow wanderers of the literary road,

There’s something magical about discovering a story that feels like it was meant to be heard rather than read. Kevin G. Chapman’s “Car, the Dog & the Girl: A Short Story” is one of those rare gems that comes alive through the author’s own narration, creating an intimate experience that reminds me of sitting around a campfire in the Atacama Desert, listening to tales unfold under a blanket of stars.

This tight, punchy noir story follows Lenny, a small-time guy looking for his big break, who takes what should be a simple transport job that spirals into chaos. The premise hooked me immediately – it’s the kind of story I’d imagine hearing from a grizzled trucker at a roadside diner somewhere along Route 66. Chapman’s writing is lean and mean, with not a word wasted, perfectly suited for the audiobook format where every syllable carries weight.

Listening to Chapman narrate his own work is a particular pleasure. There’s an authenticity in his delivery that reminds me of those evenings in Oaxaca with the storytelling grandmother – that same sense of a tale being passed down, of someone who knows exactly where to pause for maximum effect. His voice has just the right amount of gravel for this kind of streetwise narrative, and he handles the dialogue with natural rhythm that makes each character distinct.

The story unfolds like a classic noir film compressed into audio form. You can almost smell the leather seats of that red convertible, hear the dog’s anxious panting in the backseat, feel the tension when the girl’s husband shows up. Chapman’s background as a thriller writer shines through in how expertly he builds suspense within the constraints of a short story format. The pacing is impeccable – it’s one of those rare audiobooks I listened to in a single sitting because I simply had to know how Lenny would extricate himself from this mess.

What makes this audiobook special is how Chapman uses the medium to enhance the storytelling. The subtle changes in his voice when switching between Lenny’s internal monologue and the external dialogue create a cinematic effect. There’s a particular scene where Lenny realizes just how badly he’s been set up – the way Chapman delivers that moment of dawning comprehension had me nodding along in sympathy, remembering my own youthful misadventures where simple plans went spectacularly wrong.

The story’s themes of loyalty, betrayal, and the unexpected consequences of seemingly small decisions resonate deeply. It’s a meditation on how our lives can change direction in an instant, much like when I found myself stranded in a small Chilean town after trusting the wrong mechanic – a situation that, like Lenny’s, started with a car and led to unexpected human connections.

As a free audiobook, this is an absolute steal. The production quality is excellent – clear recording, well-balanced audio levels, and none of the distracting artifacts that sometimes plague indie productions. At just under an hour, it’s the perfect companion for a commute or an evening walk, though I’d suggest listening when you can give it your full attention to appreciate all the nuances.

Compared to other short story audiobooks in the noir/suspense genre, Chapman’s work stands out for its perfect marriage of writing and performance. While some authors should leave narration to professionals, Chapman clearly understands the rhythm of his own prose and delivers it with the exact cadence he intended. It’s reminiscent of the best episodes of old radio dramas, where voice and text create something greater than the sum of their parts.

If I had one critique, it’s that I wanted more – the story is so engaging that the ending, while satisfying, left me wishing for a full-length novel in this world. But perhaps that’s the mark of a great short story: it leaves you hungry rather than overstuffed.

For fans of gritty, character-driven noir with a touch of dark humor, this audiobook is a must-listen. It’s particularly perfect for those who appreciate the authenticity of an author narrating their own work when done this well. The free price point makes it an easy recommendation – download it for your next road trip and let Chapman’s voice transport you to the streets of Boston and Brooklyn, where one wrong turn can change everything.

Until our next literary adventure, keep your ears open for stories that speak to the soul.
Marcus Rivera