The Tuesday Night Survivors' Club (Audiobook), by Lynn Cahoon

 

Audiobook Review (plus original ebook review at end)

Narrator C.S.E. Cooney Tantor Audio, 7 hour duration

I thoroughly enjoyed the e-book version of this book and was delighted to see an audio version available. The story's focus on a group of soon-to-be friends who are brought together by them having survived cancer could be a downer but the book was more a story of friendship, new beginnings, and inner strength than cancer. Kudos to author Lynn Cahoon for handling this potentially tricky subject matter (Cahoon is a survivor, too) and making it work. And, all this circles about a murder that the book club members are determined to look into, even after being cautioned not to do so by the town detective, Drew. It's an intriguing mystery, highlighted by the growing friendship of the group. See the original review below my thoughts on the audio version for more insight.

As for the audio version, although I was having trouble keeping which voice was which straight initially, I realized at some point that I'd nailed it and just automatically knew who was speaking when the narrator spoke as the book progressed. This was done through both subtle changes of pace, emphasis, accent and inflection as well forcefulness, if that makes sense. In other words, you quickly could pinpoint the more confident, forceful personalities of the group. As for Rarity, the main character, the narrator's voice seemed perfect, showcasing her kindness and concern for all. The voice made me feel that Rarity was someone I'd like and trust.

One of the things that came through to me much more forcefully in this audio version was how much Rarity adored the dog she unexpected found herself with. Hearing it, I realized how often the dog was the topic of conversation or interest, not to mention that Rarity talked to it frequently, just as most of us owned by dogs do. In addition, besides these frequent mentions the author also gets in subtle bits of info on dog care and all involved with owning a dog, including the importance of vet care, the need to tag and identify your pets, and the need for proper nourishment and such items as dog beds, toys, leashes, and, well, the list can be endless as any dog owner knows. I honestly didn't really notice this via simply reading. The chapter changes were simply a stated "Chapter__" whatever with no disruption to the flow.

Bottom line, a fine addition to the editions available. Thanks to #NetGalley and #TantorAudio as well as publisher #KensingtonBooks for making this audio version available. I should note that my own little dog listened as I did and says Killer deserves extra treats.

ORIGINAL REVIEW OF eBOOK:
I've become a huge fan of Lynn Cahoon. This book only made me more of a fan. Skillfully centered about a cancer survivor book group, Cahoon deftly weaves in introductions to new characters and new mysteries without either making cancer the central theme or ignoring it. As someone who was a bit wary of reading this book given my own family's losses from the disease, I have to admit to almost passing it up. I'm glad I didn't. Yes, cancer survival isn't hidden in some dark corner in the book but it is more the thing that brought this intriguing cast on new characters together. With nods to the worries and concerns that all survivors have, Cahoon, who has survived her own cancer journey, doesn't try to pretend the disease doesn't exist. Instead, she uses it to pull people together, form and strengthen friendships, and, oh, yes, solve the murder of a group member. I had no real clue who the murderer was until the reveal, so it definitely will keep you guessing.

The characters were likeable and it was interesting to see the dynamics of friendship and, hmm, maybe romantic relationships developing. I was actually sorta meh on Archer until the end, maybe because it didn't seem like we got to know him as well as we did Drew the detective, but he won me over when he showed up with flowers after Rarity's regular cancer checkup. This was in sharp contrast to her last boyfriend who pretty much ignored than left her while she was ill. Her best friend Sam, who it took me a moment initially to figure out was probably a Samantha, not male, has always had her back and despite a brief flair of jealousy on Sam's part, still had Rarity's back. We all need friends like that who will tamper down their own emotions to support us. Drew, of course, seemed like a winner from the time he told Rarity about the now owner-less dog, Killer. Dog lover that I am, I had to admire Rarity for agreeing to take in Killer even when she was most likely envisioning a large, scary dog. It didn't take Killer long to worm his way into her heart, however.

I liked the characters and how well the medical issues surrounding potentially fatal illness was worked smoothly into the story. This included doctors who may or may not be real doctors pushing miracle cures, treatments, and pushing their products on the most vulnerable. Grr, but enough said on that topic, The key theme here isn't medical. It's friendship. It's good to have friends and Rarity is slowly but surely finding friends and making her own place in Sedona, New Mexico. I'm looking forward to following this series.

Thank you #NetGalley and #KensingtonBooks - #LyricalPress for introducing me to Rarity and the rest of her growing circle of friends, not to mention Killer. Treats for Killer!