Too Dead To Swing

Rating:
Summary: So-so mystery performed by top talent
Review: As a mystery buff, I found the identity of the murderer in TOO DEAD TO SWING way too easy to figure out, but boy, did I have fun listening to this audiobook anyway! This is a real "audio play," performed by a full cast and including sound effects and even original musical numbers. Broadway actress Susan Egan, the voice of heroine/narrator Katy Green, is a delight, and the '40s setting is nicely evoked. While I enjoy regular audiobooks read by one person, I wish there were more full-cast productions like this one -- the only similar mystery audio plays I've been able to find are a couple of Ross MacDonald's books (SLEEPING BEAUTY and THE ZEBRA-STRIPED HEARSE). Books on tape have become a huge market and it would be nice to see publishers try something different than the usual one-reader approach. Bravo to Hal Glatzer and Audio Playwrights for daring to break the mold with this excellent production.

Rating:
Summary: Bad Choice
Review: Katy Green an accomplished violinist and sax player joins the Ultra Belles, an all girl swing band touring California in 1940, and they start dropping dead around her. The multi voice audio play narration comes across more like a soap opera. The retro to 1940 is interesting, and I enjoyed Manny the Brit talent agent who can spin a story with the best of them. But the lame whodunit murders and too little music for a musical killed my interest.

It gets worse! Wait 'til you find out who the murder is. Better yet, don't bother. Take a pass on this one.

Rating:
Summary: An audio delight
Review: This audio play features original swing music and a talented cast. The pruduction quality is quite high and the listener really gets a feel of what was life like in the 1940's. It was a pleasure to listen to and I am looking forward to listening to it again. the story is a murder mystery which takes place while a female band tours the west coast. the actors used really brought each character to life and gave that character depth and a unique personality. There are also three original songs performed throughout the play and I have to confess are quite nice and romantic. If you like audiobooks and especially theatre of the mind this is a must to add to your collection.
This audiobook contains 4 cassettes and is about six hours long. The packaging also contains large print and braile labeling so this makes a perfect gift for someone who is visually impaired. It is the first time I have seen such thoughtfulness go into a comercially produced audiobook. Highly recommended