Audiobook Sample
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- Title: Shelter in Place
- Author: Nora Roberts
- Narrator: January LaVoy
- Length: 0.625
- Version: Abridged
- Release Date: 29-May
- Publisher: Brilliance Audio
- Genre: Romance, Fiction & Literature, Mystery, Contemporary Women, Family Life
- ISBN13: 9.78E+12
As I sat under the rustling canopy of a café in Lisbon, sipping on a bica and watching the world pass by, I started listening to *Shelter in Place* by Nora Roberts. Something about the juxtaposition of the bustling square and the haunting calm of January LaVoy’s voice drew me into the story completely. Roberts’ novel begins with an ordinary evening in a mall – families shopping, teenagers killing time before a movie, employees doing their jobs. Then, in eight minutes, lives are shattered, and the narrative takes a sharp turn into a tale of trauma, resilience, and suspense.
This story reminded me of a moment from my own life: I was driving through the vast Atacama Desert in Chile, listening to *One Hundred Years of Solitude*. Like García Márquez’s magical realism, Roberts has a way of making the most surreal and heartbreaking events feel grounded, human, and close. Her characters breathe with life, each one a mosaic of complexities and vulnerabilities, and *Shelter in Place* unfolds like a deeply personal exploration into what happens after the unthinkable.
The heart of the story centers on three survivors: Simone Knox, whose artistic talent becomes her outlet for healing; Reed Quartermaine, who channels his trauma into a career in law enforcement; and the chilling antagonist, who continues to threaten their fragile sense of safety. Roberts delves deep into themes of grief, recovery, and justice, crafting a narrative that is as much about the aftermath as it is about the initial tragedy.
January LaVoy’s narration is nothing short of masterful. Her performance brought me back to evenings in Oaxaca when the family I stayed with would gather around to hear their grandmother tell stories. It’s not just the words themselves but the way she uses silence, intonation, and pacing to make you feel the weight of every moment. LaVoy shifts seamlessly between characters, giving each one a distinct voice without ever losing the rhythm of the story.
The audiobook’s production quality is impeccable. LaVoy’s crisp delivery paired with subtle sound engineering ensures that the experience is immersive without being overwhelming. You can almost hear the echo of footsteps in the mall, the tension in the air during quieter moments, and the urgency in scenes of danger.
One of the strengths of *Shelter in Place* lies in its balance. Roberts doesn’t shy away from the brutality of the event, but she also doesn’t dwell on it unnecessarily. Instead, she focuses on the resilience of her characters and the ways they rebuild their lives. This reminds me of the travelers I’ve met who have faced unimaginable losses yet find ways to move forward, often with art, community, or purpose as their anchors.
However, the pacing in the latter half of the novel might feel slower to some listeners, especially as the focus shifts to character development and the antagonist’s machinations. While the slower sections offer valuable insights into the characters’ lives, they may not appeal to those seeking constant, edge-of-your-seat suspense.
If you’ve enjoyed Nora Roberts’ previous works, or if you’re a fan of authors like Jodi Picoult who explore human resilience in the face of tragedy, this audiobook will resonate with you. Similarly, if you appreciate narrators like Julia Whelan or Jim Dale, who bring stories to life with nuance and emotional depth, January LaVoy’s performance will be a treat.
In conclusion, *Shelter in Place* is more than a story; it’s an experience that lingers long after the final chapter. It’s a reminder that even in the darkest of times, we find ways to endure, connect, and heal. Listening to this audiobook felt like sitting around a campfire with someone who knows how to weave a tale that is both heart-wrenching and hopeful. Roberts and LaVoy together deliver a journey that’s worth every minute.
If you’re looking for an audiobook that combines gripping suspense with poignant emotional depth, *Shelter in Place* is an excellent choice. I’d recommend it for long drives or quiet evenings when you can fully immerse yourself in the story.
Warm regards,
Marcus Rivera
Warmest regards,
