Zombies At Tiffany's - AudioReview

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Article author: Alwyn Ash
"At the right time, in the right light, everything is extraordinary"

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"A steampunked story of diamonds, chutzpah, death and horror from the blood-drenched pen of Sam Stone."

Author Sam Stone came to my attention after reading the first in her "The Vampire Gene" book series, "Killing Kiss", a tale of seventeenth century vampire Gabriele Caccini. I have been a fan of the vampire genre since my first taste of Hammer Films productions such as "Dracula AD 1972", and so this was just right down my street, along the darkest alley, and through the creepiest cemetery. In 2012, this talented lady published a title via the Telos Publishing label featuring my second favourite creature: "Zombies At Tiffany's", a novella set in 1862, gives us jewellery, Steampunk weaponry, balls, and enough narrative to satisfy. Having had the fortune to review an audiobook adaptation, skillfully produced by those hard-working people at Spokenworld Audio, it was time to review...

"Zombies" is the first in the "Kat Lightfoot Mysteries", a Steampunk adventure that will absorb from beginning to end. This is also my first step into Steampunk, so I had absolutely no idea what to expect... Set during the American Civil War, we first encounter Henry (the part read by Texas-born and award-winning voice artist Kaleo Griffith), whose own experiences of a strange sickness affecting fellow soldiers on the battlefield are recorded in a letter to his sister, Kat. Next we are introduced to Kat Lightfoot (this is where American-born Stephanie Cannon takes over as narrator), whose immediate worries are supporting her family. She is offered a job at Tiffany’s Jewellery Store, in New York, where her pleasant and sparky demeanor shines as an asset to the company. Things are going relatively well, for awhile. That is, until an evil reveals itself, engulfing the neighbourhood into a bloody battlefield of its very own! A zombie plague, manifesting in the bodies of the living, threatens to plunge America, and quite probably the world, into darkness.

Stone's attention to detail, and knowledge of historical events, is impressive as she weaves a fascinating drama quite different from what you would first expect. The American Civil War, and Tiffany's as a location, are superb choices; as are the characters, whose fates bring them together in a battle against the undead.

Reminiscent of Dan O'Bannon's 1985 comedy horror "Return of the Living Dead" ("Brains!"), Sam Stone's use of the "I'm hungry!" element really does add that extra shiver, giving her zombies a voice instead of just a shuffling presence. Though "dead", there is clearly something else within them, a presence... the sickness! This defines them as supernatural, and linked by a single consciousness, unlike zombies of other tales, who wander aimlessly. This is proven by their ability to turn on any zombie that truly "dies", thus no longer possessed by this horrifying illness. They are also able to communicate with one another, even when not in the same room, or building.

So just what is Kat's portrayal in the novella? Well, firstly she is a simple girl, but one with steel determination and guts. When the world falls apart she takes to defending Tiffany's with weaponry engineered by the store's jewellery designer, Martin, whose talents produce some remarkably sophisticated additions, to say the least. Though the majority of the characters are likable, it is Kat who shines, as well she should. This is her story, and one that illuminates throughout. The dialogue, sharp and widely descriptive, sets the scenes perfectly. Cut off from her mother and sister - and brother - the options are limiting. But this heroine refuses to give up the fight. Think Ellen Ripley's kick-ass attitude in the "Alien" films combined with the sophistication of Louisa May Alcott's "Little Women", and you get the idea...

I was intrigued by an email received from the author, following initial contact. Her research revealed that Tiffany and Co. had produced "surgical instruments and weapons for the American Civil War" - I looked a little closer into this and read on several websites that the store specialised in decorative guns and swords in the 1850s, with work on these rising during the 1861 to 1865 conflict. This knowledge adds extra dimension to "Zombies At Tiffany's", an audiobook that I just had to relisten to a second time.

Though it plays homage to Truman Capote's 1958 novella "Breakfast At Tiffany's", Stone's approach to "Zombies" allows for a world of its very own, with room for follow-ups such as "Kat on a Hot Tin Airship" (published by www.telos.co.uk). To make it clear, Kat Lightfoot's adventure is not a parody of Capote's story - as writer Seth Grahame-Smith's 2009 book "Pride and Prejudice and Zombies" did for Jane Austen's masterpiece - but an original tale with three-dimensional characters and a fine premise! You can be forgiven for thinking the former. However, it is recommended that any horror fan take a look at both this and the author's other collection of work, which includes "Zombies in New York and Other Bloody Jottings". Poor America, it is getting a terrible zombie battering of late...

(Just out of interest, the wonderful covers for both "Zombies At Tiffany's" and "Kat on a Hot Tin Airship" are designed by Martin Baines - both utterly delicious! Baines's work includes designing the cover for "White Witch of Devil's End", illustrating covers for Sam Stone's "A Vampire Gene" novels, and art for advertising)

And so to the audiobook itself: Spokenworld Audio always chooses wisely with narrators, and Stephanie Cannon is most definitely a treasure trove of genius! If you have ever listened to the audio samples on this lady's official website then you will know just how versatile and talented she can be. Cannon also narrated the audiobook of "Zombies in New York", produced by Ladbroke Audio and originally available via the now defunct AudioGO Ltd. Award-winning writer and producer Neil Gardner gives us a four-hour audiobook of the finest caliber, with Kaleo Griffith equally delivering as Kat's brother. And as you would expect for zombies, there are some scenes adult in nature, with strong language to match!

Conclusion? Sam Stone's gothic tale of steampunk offers gore delight and pleasant company with Kat Lightfoot. You may need a cat...

You can obtain the audiobook of "Zombies At Tiffany's" for download at Spokenworld Audio (£7.99 ex. VAT for UK/EU), or purchase Zombies At Tiffany's from the Starfoyer Enterprise Store: Book - Paperback

Picture courtesy of Spokenworld Audio

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Sometime Never - AudioReview

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Article author: Alwyn Ash

"This is my experiment, not yours!"

7th July 1983. Ghost hunter Nancy Timperley visits what used to be the Summervale Holiday Camp, on the East Yorkshire Coast - the location of a tragedy that took place many years earlier. Tape recorder at the ready, she calls out to the spirits, hoping for a connection with the supernatural. However, out of the darkness steps the mysterious David Voland... He is friendly, engaging, and seems to know a great deal... But what is his connection with Nancy's work? Come to think of it, just what is Nancy's connection with ghost hunting? There are mysteries to uncover...

"Sometime Never" is new ground for Spokenworld Audio, a company that has, until now, focused solely on single-voiced dramatic readings and radio documentaries. New territory perhaps, but not an unfamiliar one to award-winning writer and director Neil Gardner, whose hard work and dedication (along with his team, including partner Tanja Glittenberg) has seen an increase in productivity. And so, 2014 welcomes the first full-cast audio from Spokenworld, starring Simon Jones and Rosalyn Landor, with a thoroughly intruiging story written by Scott Harrison.

Almost half an hour in length, this is one tale that crafts an instant ear-grabber, enhanced with fabulous sound design, and music by James Dunlop. Nancy has been to Summervale before, as a child, the sole survivor of a devastating fire that caused the death of 500 people. David, however, is far from being just a passer-by, for he carries a secret that must remain hidden. Via flashback, we learn of the shocking truth, and the length someone must go to to protect their children. It is a look at morality and consequence. It does also make you think, about how we live our lives, and what defines us, and how we may be perceived. Loss plays a huge part in this story, perfectly performed by the cast.

Fans of popular sci-fi comedy series "The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy" (created by English writer Douglas Adams) will no doubt be familiar with Jones' work: he played lead character Arthur Dent in both the radio and television series! In addition, his career has graced both film and stage. Other work includes various voice acting and audiobooks such as "The Adventures of Sexton Blake", which originally broadcast on BBC Radio 2 in 2009. It is therefore rather delightful to find this highly-esteemed actor playing the part of David in "Sometime Never". That is the beauty of Spokenworld, casting actors of this caliber and really giving the listener something to cherish. Equally rewarding is the performance by Landor as Nancy - an award-winning audiobook narrator, this lady is known for roles including that of Helen Burns in the 1970 film adaptation of Charlotte Brontë's "Jane Eyre", as well as her being cast as Pru Standfast in British television series "C.A.T.S. Eyes", spin-off from police drama "The Gentle Touch".

Neil Gardner and James Dunlop have worked together previous to "Sometime Never" on the second series of "The Confessions of Dorian Grey", published by audio company Big Finish, in 2013. Clearly the working relationship established during this period has grown to developement of other equally as stunning projects, and we can only benefit from such a collaboration. Full-cast audios are enriched by skillful sound design and music, capturing vivid imagery that permeates the mind and senses, and Spokenworld know this all too well - Harrison's script has been brought to life in the best way possible, the perfect "calling card" for a new audience whilst pleasing regular fans too!

Gardner has been a champion of audio for over twenty-four years, with a deep passion for independent productions. He has always believed in the medium, and appreciates its qualities and diversity. After all, where else can you create kingdoms, universes and magic on a respectable budget? Sound has the ability to engage in history, culture, religion... and conflict, whether it be either personal or global. For him "Sometime Never" also signals a dream come true, as he says: "I launched Spokenworld Audio in 2010 specifically to get to a time and place where we would be able to do just this sort of thing, commission and produce our own audio drama."

With further two-person audiobooks coming in 2014, and a feature-length full-cast project in the pipeline, things are looking fantastic for the team. I, for one, cannot wait to see what develops at Spokenworld HQ over the coming months. Having recently reviewed shorts "Twin Points" and "Inside The Machine" (which precede a collection of science-fiction stories to be launched this year), I can honestly say the future of independent audio is safe in the hands of these fine people! And with past and present collaborations including such names as Nicola Bryant, Emma Darwall-Smith, Michael Fenton Stevens, Barnaby Edwards, and Debbie Chazen (along with many more yet to come), the passion for audiobooks is reaching out to a diverse public whose own tastes are as varied and appetising...

Final mention must go to Harrison, who not only engineers a well-thought out idea for "Sometime Never" but shows genius in his approach, masterfully teasing us with a plot that will not only surprise but satisfy too - with past work including projects for Big Finish such as "Blake's 7" and "The Confessions of Dorian Gray", what else can you expect?

You can obtain the audiobook of "Sometime Never" for download at
Spokenworld Audio (£3.99 ex. VAT for UK/EU)

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Twin Points - AudioReview

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Article author: Alwyn Ash

"With a shudder of despair he stepped forward into the lane, its illumination coming from battered old street lamps..."

If previous story Inside The Machine had an air of mystery about it, "Twin Points" takes that and enhances it with a vision of darkness. Written by Neil Gardner, and based on an original idea by Tanja Glittenberg, this is one tale every horror and thriller enthusiast will love to hear! And so welcome to a Twilight Zone-esque slice of unworldly fiction so intense and dramatic that, by the end, you will feel its cut! There is also a morality so in touch with real world events that the very words "poetic justice" immediately spring to mind; I applaud the ingenuity in its approach to this particular subject matter!

Enjoying it so much, I emailed Tanja, who kindly had this to say about her tale, "The Inspiration for this one was an idea I had for ages something to do with flickering lights and the uncomfortable feeling it always caused in me. So I told Neil about it and what I think should be part of the story (fear, terror, torture...) and he really liked the idea and a few moments later he started to type and came up with the finished story. I absolutely loved it and soon we had the luck to have the wonderful Michael Fenton Stevens to read it for us. He too liked it and gave the whole story an even bigger impact."

Though a short story, there is so much I would like to talk about in this review. However, I must adhere to caution for spoilers. And so... Without doubt, those at Spokenworld understand not only how to put an audiobook together but clearly enjoy working with all its many layers, perfecting sound and delivery, employing all their talents in producing masterpiece after masterpiece. If I am to place Spokenworld with company then who better than Big Finish, Bafflegab, and Textbook Stuff! This is the brilliance in which Spokenworld work, and if "Twin Points" is an example of their range then it is with pride that I write these words.

"It lay ahead of him, the long dark alleyway, a route without pity, a remorseless seemingly unending passageway of nightmares and fear..." As is clearly forewarned on the website, "Twin points" contains some rather disturbing imagery; indeed it is extremely graphic in those areas of the tale where pain and torture are explored precisely, an intense experience for the listener. Personally I enjoy these excursions into the downright creepy and mysterious. If you think that the darkness breeds horror, perhaps you have not yet embraced the light...?

Michael Fenton Stevens, an actor and comedian whose other audio work includes "Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy" and Big Finish's "The Kingmaker", is absolutely the right choice as narrator for this piece, both timing and pitch perfect, his delivery so engaging that you feel the threat and tension build, all the while focusing on the source of two glowing dots at the far end of the alleyway. It is a walk through the unknown, a steadily paced nightmare that will have you mystified and suspicious, surmising and yearning for truth. No matter the intensity or agony, the obsession in discovering answers is too great for the unnamed protagonist of the tale. From the start, "Twin Points" has a focus of its own, and you instantly feel for the man as he is seemingly tortured by something intangible.

Like "Inside The Machine", there is a greater mind at work, an entity whose purpose is unclear until the last moment, in this case the eighth minute - and the revelation is a true eye-opener, I can assure you! The twist is so compelling that a second listening was required, if only to view the piece in a different... light, shall we say? It is most definitely an intriguing experience, comparing the two sets of emotions that you will no doubt touch upon. For the most part I was reminded of "Fire in the Sky" (1993), a sci-fi horror drama directed by Robert Lieberman, and that feeling of being subjected to a nightmarish scenario that specifically targets both psychological and physical, helpless, solely at the mercy of some unknown and emotionally detached force or greater power.

As already mentioned in my "Inside The Machine" review, this is both a taster of Spokenworld's wares and a sample of what is to come in 2014, specifically a collection of short sci-fi stories written by Neil Gardner. Other short tales available on the Spokenworld website include "The Sound Within" and "Saya's Last Gasp", read by John Banks and Louise Jameson respectively, so now is a good time to sample their delights, and get on board for what can only be a beautiful journey. Even comparing "Inside The Machine" and "Twin Points" there is much diversity, a sign that variety and surprise will always be employed in these fine productions. I am, therefore, excited at what is still to come...

You can obtain the audiobook of "Twin Points" for download at
Spokenworld Audio (FREE audiobook)

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Inside the Machine - AudioReview

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Article author: Alwyn Ash

"The mechanisms rotating and intertwining and reciprocating. The eternal operation... the infinite movement..."

The Machine. It exists. It is the whole, the centre, the life of all things. It is needed and hated. But regardless of feeling and change... there is always the Machine! It has accompanied time for so long that no one remembers its beginning...

One of the most popular four-word questions in the Universe, "Why am I here?" is the reality facing the female character in this intriguing and well-written tale from the mind of writer and audio producer Neil Gardner. Trapped inside the Machine, the woman cannot understand the reason for her being there, or comprehend the workings and reason for the Machine. An impossibility, for how can she truly be within such a place? Of course, throughout the course of just over 11 minutes we never learn of its function or even the woman's identity. It is enough to know that she is there, and needs to escape. "If the world revolves around the Sun then life revolved around the Machine."

Though a short story, "Inside The Machine" manages to create a sense of purpose, and design, and a world whose relationship with the Machine is divided by those who worship it and feel its power, to those who share no love for it at all and wish its demise. For the woman, it is neither, just an insignificant mechanical device. Now, however, the Machine has her fullest attention.

I applaud the mystery to this story, and the way in which the author crafts the wording to build up the true message here: the Machine is all! Its evolution has absorbed the knowledge of so many eras, taking what is required to make it a far more efficient entity, perhaps in the same way that Humans adapt to change, learning new skills and acquiring a little of everything throughout a lifespan to face tomorrow's challenges. The Machine, too, is growing within itself, developing. But, for all its mix of ingredients and mechanics, there is conformity.

If you have never explored the works available from Spokenworld Audio then you are honestly missing out on something really quite special. Founded in 2010, the company proudly shares its work with those passionate about audio books, featuring downloads covering many genres including horror, sci-fi and humour. The company also champions independent authors, working hard to promote and support. Rather than seeing a decline in audiobook production, Spokenworld believes that such a medium should be embraced by the majority, taking advantage of the digital market and enjoying instant entertainment. As someone who admires the audio form in all its colours, I am always keen to explore and experience what these creative people invent and realise.

And so back to "Inside The Machine". Not underestimating what is required to conceive an audio spectacle, Spokenworld gives us an excellent writer in Neil, atmospheric music to enhance the overall flavour, and the perfect narrator, in this case the lovely Nicola Bryant, whose other work includes film, stage and television - who can forget her wonderfully camp performance as Millicent in "Blackadder's Christmas Carol", or the part she is most famous for, that of Perpugilliam "Peri" Brown in the BBC sci-fi series "Doctor Who - perhaps you have even enjoyed her audio work reprising that same very role, for Big Finish? It is always a treat to hear Nicola narrating and performing, and with "Inside The Machine" it is indeed a delightful thought-provoking journey.

I am reminded of Dean Koontz's "Demon Seed", that feeling of something completely out of your control, a machine whose plans are unknown and unnerving, emotionless and precise. In this audio you feel the growing fear as the Machine's ultimate goal is still far from realised, though the tension increases dramatically in its intensity as the tale reaches its conclusion. Interestingly this story precedes a collection of sci-fi audio works by Neil Gardner to be released in 2014. Other short tales to listen to on the Spokenworld website include "The Sound Within" and "Saya's Last Gasp", read by John Banks and Louise Jameson respectively.

Descriptive and poetic, you will find yourself analysing the possibilities and meaning, as the Machine keeps its secrets from both the woman and the listener. That is the most intriguing part: giving just enough to tease and yet, never surrendering any where near the truth. Just like the Monoliths in Arthur C. Clarke's "2001: A Space Odyssey", a mystery is maintained. Only the Machine understands its true intent - or does it? To sum up: a delicious appetiser of what is to come, will be and what has already been. Though the bigger picture is far from clear, this snapshot is enough to terrify, conjuring up all kinds of nightmare scenarios. An engaging precursor...

You can obtain the audiobook of "Inside The Machine" for download at
Spokenworld Audio (FREE audiobook)

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Carmilla (Unabridged) - AudioReview

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Article author: Alwyn Ash

"You will think me cruel, very selfish, but love is always selfish; the more ardent the more selfish. How jealous I am you cannot know. You must come with me, loving me, to death; or else hate me, and still come with me, and hating me through death and after. There is no such word as indifference in my apathetic nature."

I have always enjoyed a walk through tales of vampires, those ghastly apparitions that must feed on the blood of their prey to survive. My journey has mostly explored cinematic portrayals, though in recent times I have discovered the works of authors such as Charlaine Harris and Rachel Caine. Until recently my only taste of Joseph Sheridan Le Fanu's classic novella, "Carmilla", had been via a screen adaptation by masters of horror Hammer Films. Titled "The Vampire Lovers", the 1970 feature starred actress Ingrid Pitt in the lead role, with Madeline Smith as her lover and victim. However, I am yet to read the tale in print, first published in 1872. Ironically, even though "Carmilla" predates "Dracula" by twenty-five years, it is Irish author Bram Stoker's 1897 novel that is most fondly remembered.

And so it is a heavenly treat to discover Textbook Stuff's unabridged audio adaptation of "Carmilla", narrated by British actress and voice artist Miriam Margolyes ("Blackadder", "Harry Potter"). Clearly much love has been invested into this retelling of Le Fanu's story, with crisp sound design and music by composer Howard Carter (known also for his Big Finish work including titles such as "Treasure Island", "Doctor Who" and "Jago & Litefoot"), which allow the listener to be immersed in the world that is being related. This, and Margolyes' perfectly-delivered narration, achieves something quite remarkable - you can feel yourself in every scene, witnessing every moment, as if you are actually there sharing someone else's life. The richness makes for a captivating audiobook...

The multi-talented Barnaby Edwards produces and directs this stunning telling of a gothic love story focusing on eighteen-year-old Laura, whose life is changed by the arrival of Carmilla to her home in Styria, Austria. The newcomer is equally young and beautiful, and a friendship is formed. However, there is much mystery concerning Carmilla, and before long Laura falls under her spell. Of course, this all follows the mysterious death of another young lady, Bertha Rheinfeldt, whose uncle General Spielsdorf states in a letter to Laura's father, "I thank God my child died without a suspicion of the cause of her sufferings. She is gone without so much as conjecturing the nature of her illness, and the accursed passion of the agent of all this misery. I devote my remaining days to tracking and extinguishing a monster. I am told I may hope to accomplish my righteous and merciful purpose. At present there is scarcely a gleam of light to guide me".

A theme that Le Fanu's text delivers is that of lesbian vampirism, Carmilla's interest in Laura quite clearly more than just an act of friendship. Though the tale is careful in its exploration of this, understandable given Carmilla's publication date, the unsettling attraction and affection that Carmilla displays for her new friend is unmistakable. What emotions play a part in this bond, however? Can a vampire truly love? That is surely the appeal of vampirism, the erotic taste of beauty and yet... the desire for blood is stronger still, an uncontrollable urge to survive, to exist. And then there are the vivid nightmares of a cat-like beast that stalks Laura's room, biting her before taking Human form and vanishing. Following this the young woman's health deteriorates...

You can quite clearly see the comparisons between "Carmilla" and Dracula", for they both share similar patterns: the presence of Professor Abraham Van Helsing in the latter is likely inspired by Le Fanu's character creation of Baron Vordenburg, both vampire hunters. And, just as Bertha in "Carmilla" succumbs to vampirism before Laura, so does Lucy before Mina in "Dracula". Though Stoker's masterpiece had created a universe of its own and helped to establish vampires further within the conscious mind, it is interesting to consider the possibility that, without Joseph Sheridan Le Fanu, there would have been no Count Dracula; "Carmilla" has almost certainly influenced other literature and media. Indeed, the same can be said of "Varney the Vampire", published in book form in 1847 - these early explorations of "vampyre" have set the foundations by which modern writers follow.

How the text from the original novella came to be transferred to audiobook is fascinating in itself. Barnaby Edwards' passion for resurrecting "Carmilla" began in May 2011, when he invited fellow horror fans and Textbook Stuff customers to support the project by pledging via wefund.com. An accompanying video featuring Barnaby and music by Carter explained what would be required to make the audiobook a reality. You will be astonished to learn, for example, that such an ambitious project costs approximately £10,000 to finance - one reason why independent companies such as Spokenworld Audio, Textbook Stuff and Big Finish should be applauded for their hard work and commitment.

Thankfully funding exceeded the £5,000 target (with Textbook Stuff meeting the remaining £5,000) and Laura's encounter with the terrifying and yet alluring Carmilla was recorded at Moat Studios, London, in July of that year. For this reviewer, rediscovering "Carmilla" in audio format is an eye-opener, and I passionately feel that a creature such as this is, in every way, just as enticing and seductive as her male counterpart. She is the perfect predator, a femme fatale whose empowering sexuality and charm is used to entrance and snare her prey. Vampires are the most fascinating of supernatural beings, their immortality and strength incomparable. Whether demon or tortured soul, these "creatures of the night" (and in some cases, "day" too) will continue to defy time, entertain and terrify, and find new ways of reaching out from beyond the grave.

You can purchase the audiobook of "Carmilla" for download at
Spokenworld Audio (MP3 sound files) - £14.99 ex. VAT

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All Aliens Like Burgers - AudioReview

Article author: Alwyn Ash


"Young, polite and intelligent Tom Bowler has barely ever ventured out of the small English town where he grew up..."

"All Aliens Like Burgers by Ruth Wheeler, read by Debbie Chazen" - and so begins this fantastic audiobook, recorded by Spokenworld Audio and adapted from the novel of the same name by Hirst Publications. 1996. Tom Bowler, alone in a rapeseed field, encounters something that will change his life forever... It all starts at the jobcentre, where he accepts an appointment for an interview. But at 10pm? And in the middle of nowhere? Strange. However, he attends, and this is where Tom’s encounter with extra-terrestrials will lead him to Truxxe, his new home for the duration of his employment.

AALB: the audiobook benefits from sound effects; and all new music by award-winning radio, film and television composer Jon Nicholls. Debbie Chasen, too, is just perfect for this project, the various accents she employs sheer joy to hear (yes, the same actress who played Foon Van Hoff in 2007 Doctor Who story Voyage of The Damned); the audiobook brought together with skill by multiple-award winning radio & audio director Neil Gardner.

If you have already read the book and feel that there is nothing to be gained by listening to this reading, then think again - there is plenty to enjoy second time around. The very high-quality option is, quite frankly, superb (although at almost 1GB some people may find it a little too large a file to download - that is why the lovely people at Spokenworld Audio are offering additional download options, all in stereo and still high quality).

So, the story... "I wonder if aliens shave?" is a question that most of us would never ask, but author Ruth Wheeler considers every possibility, bringing humour to All Aliens Like Burgers (AALB for short) and making this just one of those sci-fi adventures that you cannot put down - or switch off. The world that central character Tom finds himself on is as large and mind-boggling as you might imagine, requiring major adjustment and new thinking which, excitedly, brings with it further comedy and misunderstandings. A sexy robot, just the kind of thing you need during long shifts. And a compsuit, allowing others to see you wearing whatever they consider as "normal dress".

In a nod to JK Rowling’s Quidditch, I believe, we are given Spotoon, a game that involves... spitting? Yes! - every pub should have one (or maybe they do and I just don’t get out much LMAO). It is also a must, in most science fiction, that a writer introduces a way of explaining how and why we are able to understand alien language, if indeed it is possible. Ruth takes this on board with ALSID (the Atmospheric Linguistic Spectrum Interpretation Device), which makes Tom’s adjustment easier until one particularly comical moment - and a frightening one too!

It also becomes quite apparent that some of Tom’s co-workers need to adapt to Human behaviour in return - Raphyl, for example, is unfamiliar with a "nod", "What does that mean, when you move your head like that?"

In addition to the main plot we have a subplot, involving brothers Schlomm and Hannond. Again, an ingenious idea that brings extra versatility to an ever developing plot structure which also involves a far deeper mystery about Truxxe itself.

"So what do I get for my money?" you ask. Well for £9.99 + VAT (at time of posting) you receive 6hrs 42mins (that's 22 chapters!) of pure unabridged entertainment. Bargain! And your download will work on any MP3 player. And as previously said, the quality is high; it is easy to see (or in this case hear) the hard work and passion that has gone into this production.

It also has to be said that All Aliens Like Burgers is Ruth’s debut novel and a follow-up, Do Aliens Read Sc-fi? is due out soon, in paperback. Both are part of The Truxxe Trilogy so do look forward to more from this book and audio series. If I have wetted your appetite (or you would just like to listen to a preview) then do pop along to Spokenworld Audio. There are also three videos to watch - one featuring Debbie chatting with the lovely Ruth Wheeler herself!

Do also check out Ruth's official website.

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