Detroit Christmas is a short story adapted as a full-cast audiobook from Baen. Set in the Grimnoir Chronicles, it follows a missing person case investigated by Jake Sullivan, a heavy (gravity manipulator). He’s hired by the wife of a prominent healer who has disappeared.

This was first time I’ve listed to an English audiobook with a full cast, and I really enjoyed them. Lex Wilson was very good as as Sullivan, presenting a calm—yet tough—demeanor. Meridith Sause was wonderful as the worried wife, and I could just imagine watching the scenes unfolding in typical noir detective style. Complete with black and white shots and Doris Day soft filtering.

The story was a fun addition to the Grimnoir series, and filled in some details from Jake’s life before he joined the Grimnoir Society. He’s a no-nonsense guy. At a little over an hour, Detroit Christmas is a quick listen, too. If you like listening to old radio dramas, this is a fun throwback to those days. The special audio effects made me feel like I was in the middle of the story.

Correia always tells a fun and exciting story, and this adaptation captured that very well. So, if you have a long commute, like to take long walks or runs, or have mindless tasks at work, Detroit Christmas is a good way to fill that time with something interesting. The characters are fun, though perhaps a little over-the-top on occasion. I strongly recommend it.

Release Date: February 11, 2016 (USA)
ISBNs: none
Publisher: Baen Books
Narrator: a full cast
Language: English

MySF Rating: Four point zero stars
Family Friendliness: 85%

Content:

Alcohol/Drugs: 1 (brief smoking, brief social drinking)
Language: 2 (occasional, mild and deity)
Sexuality: 1 (some innuendo, mention of being naked)
Violence: 2 (gunfights, magical power fights, some death)