EVERETT SMILES BY NEIL JOHN BUCHANAN

I have a lot of problems and difficulties, I'm sure those who read these reviews and follow me on Social Networks are well aware of many of these problems.  One of my biggest problems is listening to people talk. Mind just starts to wander after a few minutes.  I think this is reason why i have never listened to an audiobook before.  The thought of spending hours listening to someone else talk just didn't appeal to me.  So why I agreed to review this audiobook in the first place escapes me.  But was it it worth it, did it change my thoughts on audiobooks?  You will have to read on to find out. 

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In a world that has been destroyed by an alien invasion, the only thing that keeps Paige, an ex police officer, whose son has been taken away from her, is the thought of her son's safety.  Driven to the point of madness she talks to a store mannequin, whilst trying to stay out of the clutches of the monster upstairs, known as Sheila.  

At 45 minutes long, Everett Smiles is for me the perfect length of an audiobook.  It's just long enough for my commute to work, and in this case gripping enough that the thought of going to work is banished from my mind for the entire length of the story.  

As for the story this is an excellent example of claustrophobic post apocalyptic horror.  Populated with fabulously grotesque alien monsters, this personal tale of one womans slow descent into madness is wonderfully told in this atmospheric story.  As a story alone this is a very good tale, however the production values that have gone into this audiobook, turns Everette Smiles an excellent experience.  

You know you are in for a great audio experience when the story is introduced with a eerie  piece of music reminiscent of Marillion.  And when the narrator's voice haunting voice seeps from the speakers like chilled honey, the story immediately sends a shiver down your spine.  Her voice really adds an extra depth to this emotive  story.   

Will this make me go and seek out the latest blockbuster full length audiobook, probably not, however, I for one will eagerly await the next one from Neil John Buchanan, and you know what I may just go and see what other short stories are out there from other authors.  

Highly recommended