Unplugged

By: Lois Greiman

Narrated by: Barbara Benjamin-Creel

Christina McMullen, psychologist extraordinaire, has problems - not least of which are her needy clients, a schizophrenic septic system, and her sizzling-then-fizzling romance with Lieutenant Jack Rivera. But Chrissy has yet another problem she'd like to ignore: finding her secretary's missing boyfriend.

Okay, so she secretly hopes the vertically challenged computer geek has harmlessly departed from Elaine's life - after all, there's no evidence to suggest foul play. But when her razor-sharp instincts, honed by years as a cocktail waitress, start screaming, she'll have to use all her skills to protect Laney and herself from a fate far worse than heartbreak...and a little more like murder.

©2006 Lois Greiman (P)2018 Lois Greiman

The Case of the Missing Nerd

Our heroine Christina exemplifies the stereotype that folks with "problems" take up psychology as a profession. She has major trust issues, a serious inability for her mouth and brain to agree on what's going on, and an apparent pathological capacity for avoiding the truth--both understanding what it is and sharing accurately. However, her sleuthing instincts are to be admired as she turns up some seriously hinky behaviors in this comic missing person mystery, as she helps solve it. Narrator Barbara Benjamin-Creel does a marvelous job voicing the various characters and bringing the story to life.

Funny mystery.

I enjoyed the story and the narration however it also gave me anxiety as the main character can be a bit of a moron. She lied so much about what was going on, even to her on again off again cop male friend, that it created so much more drama than if she had just come clean and asked for help. I don’t care for characters who act so stupidly. That being said I may listen to another in the series since it was a funny story, but I can only hope that she wises up a little. I received a free review copy of this book at my request and have voluntarily left this review.

Laugh Out Loud Listen

A long time favorite, the Christina McMullen series by Lois Greiman is finally becoming available on Audible!

In this second entry in the series, Christina again finds herself caught in the middle of a mystery in order to protect her best friend, the beautiful Elaine. As always, she stumbles to the truth just in time to maximize chaos, anticipation, and ongoing sexual tension.

I thought long and hard as I listened, trying to decide why I'm so drawn to this character, and I think it has to be her inner dialogue. She thinks the way we all think...whether she's talking about her dysfunctional family, non-existent sex life, or her crazy patients, Lois Greiman has created a relate-able, lovable character that has her own fears and insecurities, yet she manages to stumble into triumph despite herself.

The narration by Barbara Benjamin-Creel is spot on. The range of voices she does for each of the characters indicates their personalities, and the timing is perfect for maximum comedic-enjoyment.

Don't miss the rest of the series. It doesn't disappoint.

Holiday Helper Extraordinaire

This isn't "War and Peace", but it's hilarious with just enough ballast to keep you going through any chore, thanks to the narration of Barbara Benjamin-Creel. Nothing else could have motivated me more through over 8 hours of wallpaper removal. (We're talking serious liners and glue that might have been cement.) When the book was over, I proclaimed my duties finished...but give me another one of Chrissy McMullen's adventures and there are options. (Just don't tell my daughter, and readers, don't put that stuff on YOUR walls!) While this book is one in a series, these are stand-alone stories. Listening out of order is a non-issue. Know that Chrissy is an imperfect psychologist with truth and relationship issues, a wacky family, unusual patients, an incredible friend who wants to be an actress, and well-voiced hormonal tendencies, especially regarding Detective Rivera. I'll get through the holiday season smiling, listening to the next adventure because I suspect there will be the laugh-aloud sections that get me through decorating, present-wrapping, list-making, laundry, and cooking. Liked this one more than the first. Keep them coming, Lois Greiman, and please let Barbara continue to be your voice.

Mystery, Murder, & Humor

This is such a fun listen. I loved the mystery, murder, humor and love interest. The author did a great job with all of the twists and turns, plus the surprise at the ending. I thought the narration was great too. I requested this review copy audiobook and have voluntarily written this review.