RUNNING CLOSE TO THE WIND

This raucous story's unabashedly lusty queer pirates--particularly the eccentric Avra Helvaçi--are brought to life in Casey Jones's committed narration. Avra isn't exactly welcomed by Captain Teveri az-Haffar's crew, but he brings stolen government secrets and a string of good luck with him that the crew is glad to take aboard. When they set sail to sell the secrets, they encounter deadly serpents, a mysterious (and seriously good-looking) monk, and an ambassador who is out for their heads. Avra contends with his impulsive desires among a crowd of sexy seafarers. Jones's performance of the sweet but exasperating Avra is especially impressive: Listeners won't know whether to love or be annoyed by Avra--but they'll no doubt want to join the swashbuckling fun. A.A.H. © AudioFile 2024, Portland, Maine [Published: JUNE 2024]