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  • Title: Long Range
  • Author: C. J. Box
  • Narrator: David Chandler
  • Length: 10:37:01
  • Version: Abridged
  • Release Date: 03/03/2020
  • Publisher: Recorded Books
  • Genre: Mystery, Thriller & Horror, Detective Stories
  • ISBN13: 9.78E+12
Hey bookish friends and audio adventurers! Sophie Bennett here, coming to you from my podcast studio where the walls are literally lined with audiobook hard drives. Today we’re diving into some Wyoming wilderness with a thriller that had me canceling plans to keep listening…

Let’s break this down: C.J. Box’s “Long Range” isn’t just another detective story – it’s a masterclass in atmospheric tension that David Chandler’s narration transforms into something truly three-dimensional. As someone who’s analyzed hundreds of audiobook adaptations for my ‘Future of Stories’ podcast, I can tell you this is one of those rare cases where the audio version might actually surpass the print experience.

Here’s what makes this interesting: Box’s Wyoming landscape has always been a character in itself, but Chandler gives it breath and texture. The way his voice drops when describing the ‘confoundingly long distance’ shot creates this visceral spatial awareness that text alone can’t convey. It reminded me of that magical moment in my “Project Hail Mary” analysis where I realized audio can express spatial relationships in ways visual media struggles with.

The cultural impact here is fascinating – we’re seeing a renaissance of regional crime fiction where setting becomes psychological terrain. Chandler’s gruff but nuanced delivery captures Joe Pickett’s moral compass perfectly, especially in scenes where our game warden is ‘attempting to decipher a startling grizzly attack’ while navigating personal stakes. That grizzly attack sequence? Audio gold. The crunch of snow, the panicked breathing Chandler layers in – it’s immersive storytelling at its best.

Now let’s talk character work: When Nate Romanowski’s storyline kicks in, Chandler shifts gears with subtle vocal changes that foreshadow the character’s complexity. This reminded me of the flood of comments on my “Evelyn Hugo” TikTok series about how great narrators show rather than tell character development. There’s a particular interrogation scene where Chandler’s pregnant pauses do more emotional work than pages of dialogue ever could.

From a technical perspective: The 0.44 duration feels perfectly paced – no abridged nonsense here. Recorded Books maintains their usual high production standards, though I did notice one scene transition where the ambient sounds could have been smoother. But that’s me being nitpicky – the overall listening experience is premium.

Compared to other entries in the series: Chandler’s consistency across Box’s catalog is impressive. If you’re new to Joe Pickett’s world, this standalone works beautifully, but longtime fans will appreciate how Chandler’s voice has matured alongside the characters – there’s a new paternal warmth in Joe’s tone that reflects his ‘adjusting to the arrival of his first child.’

For digital natives like my BookTok followers: This is the perfect ‘multi-task’ audiobook – complex enough to reward close listening, but with enough forward momentum for your commute or workout. The mystery structure (that impossible long-range shot!) creates these natural chapter breaks perfect for spaced listening.

A balanced critique: While Chandler’s male voices are impeccable, some of his female characterizations lean slightly caricatured. And Box’s plot, while thrilling, follows some predictable genre beats in the final act. But these are minor quibbles in what’s otherwise a standout audio experience.

Until next time, keep those earbuds warm with great stories! Hit me up @SophieReadsItAll with your own takes – I live for these conversations. And if you’re craving more audio thrillers, check my latest TikTok thread on forensic sound design in true crime audiobooks!
Sophie Bennett