Darlene's Book Nook: #Audiobook #Review: 4 out of 5 stars for 14 by Peter Clines @PeterClines @audible

Friday, May 4, 2018

#Audiobook #Review: 4 out of 5 stars for 14 by Peter Clines @PeterClines @audible_com Audible Frontiers

TITLE: 14

AUTHOR: Peter Clines

NARRATOR: Ray Porter
PUBLISHER: Audible Frontiers

PUBLICATION DATE: June 19, 2012

FORMAT: Unabridged audiobook
LENGTH: 12 hrs and 38 mins

GENRE: Horror, Science Fiction

ASIN: B0089Y7K0M

Padlocked doors. Strange light fixtures. Mutant cockroaches.

There are some odd things about Nate’s new apartment. Of course, he has other things on his mind. He hates his job. He has no money in the bank. No girlfriend. No plans for the future. So while his new home isn’t perfect, it’s livable. The rent is low, the property managers are friendly, and the odd little mysteries don’t nag at him too much. At least, not until he meets Mandy, his neighbor across the hall, and notices something unusual about her apartment. And Xela’s apartment. And Tim’s. And Veek’s. Because every room in this old Los Angeles brownstone has a mystery or two. Mysteries that stretch back over a hundred years. Some of them are in plain sight. Some are behind locked doors. And all together these mysteries could mean the end of Nate and his friends. Or the end of everything....

MY REVIEW:

I am a total sucker for a story about a creepy house or building, so this was totally up my alley! This one is more sci-fi than horror, which isn't what I expected, but I really enjoyed it!

The main character is Nate Parker, and he's at a party with coworkers. He mentions that he is looking for a studio apartment near Hollywood, and a journalist tells him about a cheap place with a great view. Nate goes to take a look at the building, which is over 100 years old. It actually has been marked as an historical site, although no one seems to know what for. Nate is pleased with what he sees, except for the cockroach on the counter. Nevertheless, he takes the place!

Nate's neighbour across the hall, Mandy, is quiet and keeps to herself. Xela likes to sunbathe topless on the roof, and Veek hooks everyone up with internet for cheap. As he gets to know his neighbours better, they each talk about the strange things they have noticed in the building and in their suites. For example, in Nate's kitchen, there is a light that only shines black light...only it's not from a black light bulb but a regular one. Also, there are no power lines going to the building, so where does it come from? Everyone notices the green luminescent cockroaches with the extra leg! Nate, Veek, and some of the other tenants decide to figure out the mystery behind all the weird things going on in the building...just like Scooby and the Gang! When the building's caretaker has to go away for a few days, it's the perfect opportunity for them to do their sleuthing without the caretaker finding out what they are up to.

Clines puts together an eclectic cast of characters, and I loved each one of them. Veek is totally my favourite character! She is nerdy and cool, and a wise-cracking smartass! So many times, she made me laugh.

Clines is a new-to-me author, and I'm definitely reading more of his work! I want more of Nate and Veek!! I would love it if there was a sequel.

This audiobook is narrated by Ray Porter, and he was fantastic! He totally pulled off the female characters, which some male narrators have difficulty doing. His vocalization for Veek is my favourite! Here is a sample of the narration:

MY RATING: