All-Star Cast Gathers for ‘Suspicious Incidents’
Lemony Snicket called upon a cast of some suspiciously familiar voices for File Under: 13 Suspicious Incidents (All the Wrong Questions), to be released by Hachette Audio in April. The narrators, each of whom recounts a “deeply mysterious” incident, include Holly Black, Sophie Blackall, Libba Bray, Ira Glass, Terry Gross, Jon Klassen, Chris Kluwe, Sook-Yin Lee, Rachel Maddow, Stephin Merrit, Jon Scieszka, Wesley Stace, and Sarah Vowell.
Random Brings Perez to Audio
Oscar-nominated actress Rosie Perez, best known for her roles in Do the Right Thing and White Men Can’t Jump, will read her new memoir, Handbook to an Unpredictable Life: How I Survived Sister Renata and My Crazy Mother, and Still Came Out Smiling (with Great Hair) for Random House Audio. The print and audio editions go on sale February 25. In the book, Perez chronicles the adversities she faced as a child, including her time in a Catholic orphanage.
Washington in the Booth for ‘Tanning’
Actress Kerry Washington will narrate Steve Stoute’s exploration of hip-hop as an American force, in The Tanning of America: How Hip-Hop Created a Culture That Rewrote the Rules of the New Economy, to be released by Blackstone Audio. Stoute said that Washington, the star of Scandal, ABC’s hit series, represents a “generation that pushed boundaries in order to be heard and respected.” Blackstone will release the audio on February 15, just before the February 24 premiere of VH1’s four-part documentary based on the book.
Stevens Gets Epic at Macmillan
English stage and screen actor Dan Stevens, who came to fame for his portrayal of Matthew Crawley on BBC’s Downton Abbey, was in the studio in January recording Robert Fitzgerald’s translation of Homer’s The Iliad and The Odyssey for Macmillan Audio. “In a clear, controlled, and authoritative voice, Dan Stevens brings listeners back to the original method through which Homer’s stories were meant to be absorbed,” the publisher said. “His narration makes these complex and intricate verses easy for students to comprehend, making them ideal for inclusion in classroom curriculums and study guides.” The audiobooks are slated for release in August.
Barber Reads Baldacci
British actress Nicola Barber has been cast to read The Finisher, the first middle-grade fantasy novel from bestselling thriller author David Baldacci, for Scholastic Audio. According to the publisher, “Barber’s storytelling skills, emotional range, and distinct vocal characterizations make her the perfect reader for Baldacci’s first-person narrative.” The book follows Vega Jane, a girl trying to uncover the secrets of the fantastical world she lives in.
Kellgren Dives into Potter Tales
Tantor Audio hosted narrator Katherine Kellgren in the studio to record Timeless Tales of Beatrix Potter. Kellgren, an industry veteran, has recorded over 200 audiobooks and is a multiple Audie Award winner (including two for Best Solo Narration—Female). The publisher said that “[Kellgren’s] remarkable skill will bring to life the amazing world of Beatrix Potter, which is as appealing now as when it was first created at the turn of the 20th century.” The audiobook is scheduled for a March 24 release.
HarperAudio Goes Rock
This month, Paul Stanley, the frontman and cofounder of the band KISS, is recording his memoir, Face the Music Unabridged: A Life Exposed, for HarperAudio. Stanley’s memoir, on sale in print and audio editions on April 8, is a blend of personal revelations and gritty war stories about his highs and lows both inside and outside of KISS.
