Audiobook review: Even White Trash Zombies Get the Blues by Diana Rowland
It’s been a couple of weeks since Angel and Marcus reported their once friend, now known zombie killer, Ed, as missing. He’s been seen buying camping supplies and ammo; however recently, someone phoned in a tip that he is the serial killer chopping off the heads of his victims (that was him, but they were zombies). Meanwhile, Angel senses something off with a body they collect at a secret biotech lab, and when a masked man steals the corpse from the morgue, the head coroner lets the press lay blame on Angel. Knowing she’ll need to prove her innocence or lose her job, Angel gets caught up in some nasty business.
Even White Trash Zombies Get the Blues is packed full of close calls, harrowing adventure, insightful revelations, and some wonderful interpersonal moments. Going into this one, I was a bit worried for Angel. She’s just learning to stand up for and take care of herself, and someone with a strong personality could cause a relapse into old habits. Yet Angel shows her mettle time and time again as she stands up to multiple bullies, deals with her demons, and makes right decisions. I love how far she’s come and that she’s continually adapting and growing. Angel is freakin smart. She is quick on her feet and compassionate, but she doesn’t take any crap now that she’s clean and thinking clearly.
Some of the best moments of the book are found in the evolving relationships with different characters. I love her boss, Dr. Leblanc, and his confidence in Angel. He is the father and mentor she never had. And speaking of her dad, I love watching their relationship evolve. It’s a bumpy road, but she’s forgiving and knows he’s the only family she’s got, so she wants to make it work. Angel also has amazing friends that come through for her, including a surprising accomplice that impresses me. Rowland does a wonderful job bring the story full circle and making the relationship work.
The biggest issue I had with Even White Trash Zombies Get the Blues was the whole zombie faction storyline. Maybe if it had been built up first, I would have bought into it; however it kind of came out of nowhere. With that said, there is a big twist later, but while it was going on, it didn’t work for me.
Narration: The story is shared via the first person POV of Angel. McLemore utilizes a lively, southern-accented female voice for Angel/the narrator. I found her voice well-suited for Angel and enjoyed it a lot. McLemore slightly alters her voice for the dialogue based on character gender, with slight variances between each character. Her male characters aren’t overly deep, and they often come off stilted and stiff. She adds a lot of great emotion for Angel, helping me get caught up in Angel’s world.
In the end, I like that the story concludes on an upbeat/positive note. Angel is doing well and growing into the amazing woman she’s meant to be. Even White Trash Zombies Get the Blues is exciting and even a bit terrifying at times.
My Ratings
Story: B+
Narration: B+
Jen
About the Book:
Angel Crawford is finally starting to get used to life as a brain-eating zombie, but her problems are far from over. Her felony record is coming back to haunt her, more zombie hunters are popping up, and she’s beginning to wonder if her hunky cop-boyfriend is involved with the zombie mafia. Yeah, that’s right—the zombie mafia.
Throw in a secret lab and a lot of conspiracy, and Angel’s going to need all of her brainpower—and maybe a brain smoothie as well—in order to get through it without falling apart.
Author: Diana Rowland
Narrator: Allison McLemore
Series: White Trash Zombie #2
Genre: Urban Fantasy
Audiobook Release Date: July 3, 2012
Publisher: Audible Studios
Length: 9 hrs and 10 mins
Source: purchased
Audio Speed: 1.3x
Purchase info:
Audible/Amazon (affilate link)