Sometimes when driving for hours the random chatter of a radio show and the ads between it just don’t cut it. Every now and then, truck drivers like to hear something more structured and thought out. They want more than just noise to fill the air. Sometimes a tense narrative is the best way to make the hours of driving seem shorter.
So we thought we would recommend some audio books that will help you pass at least a few hours. Keep in mind that all of these books are also available for purchase at Google Play, iTunes Newsstand and the Amazon’s Audible storefront too. Lots of options for your dollar.
Country musicians can paint pictures of beauty and heartbreak that swell the emotions of their fans. What happens when one fan wants to make their idol a central part of their life, whether the idol wants it or not? This thriller explores that scenario with details that create a very unnerving story. Kayleigh Towne is a successful if unassuming singer-songwriter who has attracted the attention of a stalker named Edwin Sharp. Is he just awkward in how he tries to convey his admiration, or is he truly dangerous?
Celebrity stalkers like Sharp are delusional, but rarely violent. So when the chief techie in Kayleigh’s road crew is killed in a horrific onstage “accident,” the singer turns to her friend Kathryn Dance, an agent with the California Bureau of Investigation and a dedicated “songcatcher” who travels to rural areas recording the local folk music. Meanwhile, Kayleigh’s world continues to stifle her, and she can feel his eyes on her at every turn. Will Dance be able to make good on her promise of protection? Find out.
My Cross To Bear, by Gregg Allman
Gregg Allman is the primary driving force of the classic era of Southern Rock. His band built and burned a lot of bridges back in the 70s, yet they still continue to inspire and get airplay all over AOR radio. This is his story.
”My Cross to Bear” has a lot of absurd tall tales from touring, so many that you’re not surprised to learn that the Allman Brothers were, in no small part, the inspiration for the band in Cameron Crowe’s excellent and fond rock film, ”Almost Famous.” These tales, tall and small, have been untangled and crisply ironed by Mr. Allman’s co-writer, the music journalist Alan Light of the New York Times.
There are good cameos by other musicians. Aretha Franklin appears long enough to drop a five-gallon jug of pickled pigs’ feet on a hotel lobby floor while wearing a mink coat. The musician Dr. John ruins Mr. Allman’s Hammond organ by throwing handfuls of ”this New Orleans voodoo stuff called gris-gris” into it. It’s all true, and it makes for one hell of a ride.
Season Of the Witch, by David Talbot
Remembering his father’s career in San Francisco’s artistic community in the 60s, this memoir paints a portrait of a city that fell into crime and chaos during the 70s. Talbot decided to move there and discover if he could make his way like his father, but found a life beset by boogeymen and snake oil salesmen; he spins historical perspective on vermin such as Rev. Jim Jones, George Muscone, The Hells Angels and all the social and political upheaval that came with them.
It’s a fascinating look at a cultural center of the country during a time of corrupted leaders, cultural icons that presented true danger, and a generation of idealists who lost their way, their families and even their minds. It’s an often shocking look into America’s most liberal society, with all of its honesty, lies, corruption, emotions and how the city somehow emerged from it all to create the thriving industries surrounding the newest technology.
A Drop of the Hard Stuff, by Lawrence Block
Set in the seedy underworld of 70s Big Apple, a rough and tumble private eye battling alcoholism while chasing a killer doesn’t mince words. It’s detective noir at it’s most hard boiled. Matthew Scudder detective stories are always a treat, so don’t miss this one.
The novel is suspenseful, darkly humorous, philosophical, cynical, and keeps you guessing. The author’s writing style is relaxed and unpretentious, and the plot is skillfully constructed and absorbing. It’s a great break from the crime shows all over TV, since there was no Internet at that time. The detective gets his information the old fashioned way – by pounding pavements, consulting snitches, and picking the brains of his contacts at the NYPD. We know you’ll love it.
The Racketeer, by John Grisham
One of the most loved courtroom drama novelists has returned to his roots in this convict chase with a particularly strange legal loophole at it’s center. Who is the Racketeer? And what does he have to do with the judge’s untimely demise? His name, for the moment, is Malcolm Bannister. Job status? Former attorney. Current residence? The Federal Prison Camp near Frostburg, Maryland.
On paper, Malcolm’s situation isn’t looking too good these days, but he’s got an ace up his sleeve. He knows who killed Judge Fawcett, and he knows why. The judge’s body was found in his remote lakeside cabin. There was no forced entry, no struggle, just two dead bodies: Judge Fawcett and his young secretary. And one large, state-of-the-art, extremely secure safe, opened and emptied. Bannister knows what was in it, but won’t settle until he gets what he wants. It’s a heavy price.