Audiobooks narrated by Ron Butler

Basquiat: A Quick Killing in Art Audiobook

"New York Times Notable Book “A smart, crackling chronicle of fast game, the ’80s art market, [and] the attraction of destruction.”— Village Voice A bold and vivid biography that chronicles the dazzling rise and tragic death of Neo-expressionist artist Jean-Michel Basquiat. In less than a decade, Jean-Michel Basquiat went from being a teenage graffiti artist to an international art star. His meteoric rise to fame coincided with the outrageous excess of the heady ’80s art boom. A fixture of the downtown scene, with its explosive mix of music, fashion, art, and drugs, he soon became involved with some of its most celebrated personalities, including Keith Haring, Andy Warhol, and Madonna. Basquiat fulfilled that cynical aphorism: Die young and leave a beautiful corpse. But Basquiat did more than that: he left a beautiful corpus. With each passing year, the remarkable energy, perspicacity and originality of his work increases in power. In a world where Black Lives Matter and the imperative need for diversity are among the driving forces of our time, Basquiat’s success in the 1980s white art world, and his ongoing universal celebrity, have made him a significant role model for generation of artists to come. From the rise and fall of the graffiti movement, to the East Village art scene, to the art dealers and out-of-control auction houses, Basquiat: A Quick Killing in Art, the definitive biography of the young painter, is a vivid portrait of both the artist and his time. Basquiat: A Quick Killing in Art includes 12-14 photographs."

Phoebe Hoban (Author), Ron Butler (Narrator)

Audiobook

Murder in the Trembling Lands

"Masked balls, duels, and murder: musician, sleuth, and free man of color Benjamin January is caught up in a shocking crime in this gripping nineteenth-century mystery set in New Orleans. February, 1841. It's Carnival season in New Orleans. Free man of color Benjamin January—a surgeon turned piano player, with a talent for attracting trouble—is playing at an opulent masked ball when, little to his surprise, a quarrel breaks out between two guests, and his services are requested at a duel. Young planter Bastien Damoreau has accused a recent arrival to town of passing himself off as white—an insult not to be borne. The duel results in the stranger's death. But when January examines the body, he's disturbed to realize that young Damoreau couldn't possibly be the killer, as the dead man was shot from behind . . . January knows it's murder, but this is white people's business, and calling attention to himself is not a risk he can afford to take. So when Detective Abishag Shaw asks if he'll investigate, he declines—a decision he will later come to regret."

Barbara Hambly (Author), Ron Butler (Narrator)

Audiobook

The Nubian's Curse

"December 1840. Surgeon turned piano-player Benjamin January is looking forward to a peaceful holiday with his family. But the arrival of an old friend brings unexpected news—and unexpected danger. Persephone Jondrette has found Arithmus: a Sudanese man with extraordinary mental abilities who January last saw in France, nearly fifteen years ago, during a ghost-hunting expedition to a haunted chateau. January and his friends survived the experience . . . but Arithmus's benefactor, the British explorer Deverel Wishart, did not. He was discovered dead one morning, his face twisted in horror, and shortly afterwards Arithmus vanished, never to be seen again. Did Deverel succumb to the chateau's ghosts—or did Arithmus murder him and run away? January is determined to uncover the truth about the tragic incident from his past, and clear his old friend's name—but even he isn't prepared for what happens next . . ."

Barbara Hambly (Author), Ron Butler (Narrator)

Audiobook

Westmoreland Legacy: The Outlaws Complete Collection

"The Wife He Needs Will this billionaire bachelor say "I do" to love? He desires her more than any other woman. But falling in love isn't part of the plan. The arrangement is simple: a two-week getaway, then a marriage of convenience. Until Garth Outlaw's potential bride is a no-show. Now family pilot Regan Fairchild is sharing his bed-and he can't get enough…even though he's vowed never to love again. Can Regan convince him the wife he needs and the woman he desires are one and the same? The Marriage He Demands In the wilds of Wyoming ranch country, he needs something only she can give him. What price is too high to pay? This ranching heir wants it all, including the woman who stands in his way! Businessman Cash Outlaw has inherited almost all of his late mother's Wyoming ranch…but still needs the fifty acres left to her former caretaker. As negotiations with beautiful, determined Brianna Banks become much more intimate, she reveals she'll only sell him the property…if he gives her a baby! Cash's counteroffer? That the mother of his child must become his wife! What He Wants for Christmas A blizzard has trapped this rancher with the one thing he wants under his tree-his ex! When a holiday blizzard traps him with his ex, things really heat up! It's been ten years since she broke his heart, but Leslie Cassidy's elegance still stuns rugged Alaskan executive Sloan Outlaw. Now, thanks to a ruthless enemy targeting Leslie's company, Sloan can use his wealth and influence for something nice-and something naughty. He'll save her company-if she'll spend a week with him at his luxurious winter retreat! But when a snowstorm keeps them cabin-bound, this notorious Outlaw will discover that getting what he wants for Christmas might be more than he bargained for… What Happens on Vacation... A Napa Valley vacation fling is just the thing…or will the stakes be too high? What happens in Napa Valley stays in Napa Valley…right? For Alaskan senator Jessup Outlaw, a Napa Valley vacation starts out as innocent R and R-until he meets Paige Novak. Their chemistry is explosive! And the temptation to have the Hollywood star for himself proves irresistible… but the spotlight's trained on her every move. Is the timing finally right for Jess's personal desires to come ahead of his career? Or will their vacation romance crash into reality with the return of a familiar face from Paige's past? The Outlaw's Claim These friends with benefits are about to become parents…and all bets are off! From friends to lovers to…having a baby? Maverick Outlaw is a man who knows his own mind-and he knew from the beginning that a fling with longtime friend Sapphire Bordella would be more than just sizzling, mind-blowing sex. That is, until Phire says they should go back to being just friends-and then announces that she's pregnant with Maverick's child and her father expects her to marry someone else! Maverick may not be ready to give his heart, but nothing will stop him from claiming what's his… Second Time's the Charm Years ago, family tore them apart. Will sweet revenge lead to a second chance? This one chance at revenge may be their second chance at love. Part-time rancher and world-renowned musician Dylan Emanuel never forgot his college romance with Charm Outlaw. Nor the pain of their sudden break-up and her father's demands to stay away. So when they cross paths on vacation, Dylan can't resist inviting her to his ranch-and Charm can't resist a little seductive payback. But sun-soaked days melt into fiery nights, leaving Charm caught by her own desire. Will revenge lead to a second chance…or the truth about what really happened the first time around? From Harlequin Desire: Passionate and provocative stories featuring rich, powerful heroes and scandalous family sagas. You'll be swept away by this bold, sizzling romance, part of the Westmoreland Legacy: The Outlaws series."

Brenda Jackson (Author), Leon Nixon, Ron Butler (Narrator)

Audiobook

A Civil Action, A

"Described as “a page-turner filled with greed, duplicity, heartache, and bare-knuckle legal brinksmanship' by The New York Times, A Civil Action is the searing, compelling tale of a legal system gone awry—one in which greed and power fight an unending struggle against justice. Yet it is also the story of how one man can ultimately make a difference. Representing the bereaved parents, the unlikeliest of heroes emerges: a young, flamboyant Porsche-driving lawyer who hopes to win millions of dollars and ends up nearly losing everything, including his sanity. With an unstoppable narrative power reminiscent of Truman Capote’s In Cold Blood, A Civil Action is an unforgettable reading experience that will leave the reader both shocked and enlightened. A Civil Action was made into a movie starring John Travolta and Robert Duvall. This audiobook is expertly read by Ron Butler, with audio engineering by Allie McSwain. It was produced and published by Echo Point Books & Media, an independent bookseller in Brattleboro, Vermont. Copyright (C) 1995, 1996 by Jonathan Harr (P) (2025) Echo Point Books & Media, LLC."

Jonathan Harr (Author), Ron Butler (Narrator)

Audiobook

The Sweetest Taboo

"The moment Sonya Morrison gazes into Mike Kelly's deep blue eyes she knows that he wants her. But she also knows he is wasting his time. She doesn't do vanilla, and is surprised when he boldly informs her that he's never acquired a taste for chocolate. Mike and Sonya are in for quite a surprise when struck with an urge to sample the forbidden, and that can only mean one course of action for this couple who risks savoring the sweetest taboo. * Mike and Sonya was first introduced in - THE SAVVY SISTAHS"

Brenda Jackson (Author), Ron Butler (Narrator)

Audiobook

Spilling the Tea

"Ninetysomething Mama Laverne is determined to find all of her great-grandchildren their perfect match before going home to glory. So far, her success rate is 100 percent-and she intends to keep it that way. After sustaining injuries in Iraq, Chancellor Madaris was told he'd never walk again. Chance credits his great-grandmother Mama Laverne with giving him the will to heal and prove the doctors wrong. He has a healthy respect for her meddling ways and knows he'll eventually end up next on her matchmaking list. When Zoey Pritchard was eight, she survived a car accident that took the lives of her mother and father, and was sent to live with her great-aunt who refused to speak about her parents. Zoey has no memory from before the crash, but she's been having the same dream over and over… Searching for answers, Zoey travels to Houston, where she uncovers a scandal involving her parents and the wealthy and powerful Madaris family. Her trail leads her straight to Chance's door. The dislike and intense attraction are instant and simultaneous. But to help Zoey restore her memory, he grudgingly introduces her to his great-grandmother… Was it chance, or Mama Laverne's plan, that threw this pair together? Supplemental enhancement PDF accompanies the audiobook. "

Brenda Jackson (Author), Ron Butler (Narrator)

Audiobook

Streetwhys

"Washington DC’s notorious detective, former drug-addled street denizen Dickie Cornish, faces off with bloodthirsty cops and the justice department in the latest thrilling release by award-winning noir author Christopher Chambers. In StreetWhys, underground detective Dickie Cornish faces a vindictive murder rap from his past if he doesn’t agree to help prove that the fentanyl ravaging the streets of DC is bankrolled by shadowy donors of a certain former president. Broke and desperate, Cornish soon finds himself on a collision course with shady public defenders and corrupt police officers, forcing him to use his street connections to flip their plan. Or die. “Streetwhys is more noir than any noir has any right to be. Dizzying. Raw. Chambers’ words pop off the page like hot rounds from a Saturday Night Special. Buckle up, buttercup.”—Tracy Clark, Anthony, Sue Grafton, Sara Paretsky and Lefty Award–winning author"

Christopher Chambers (Author), Ron Butler (Narrator)

Audiobook

The Most Dangerous Game

"Shipwrecked on a remote island, expert hunter Sanger Rainsford stumbles upon the secluded estate of General Zaroff, a man of wealth, culture… and unusual pastimes. Welcomed as an honored guest, Rainsford soon realizes that there is more to his host’s hospitality than meets the eye. As the stakes rise, he must rely on his instincts and skills to navigate a deadly challenge where losing is not an option. A gripping tale of survival and suspense, now brought to life in a masterful audiobook performance by award-winning narrator Ron Butler. Perfect for fans of action-adventure classics like Lord of the Flies and The Call of the Wild. A must-listen for lovers of suspenseful audiobooks, psychological thrillers, and classic short stories Step onto the island and enter the game. Discover why this timeless short story remains one of the most endearing thrillers written."

Richard Connell (Author), Ron Butler (Narrator)

Audiobook

A Bird in the Air Means We Can Still Breathe

"In this poignant mixed voice, mixed form collection of interconnected prose, poems and stories, teen characters, their families, and their communities grapple with the COVID-19 pandemic. Amidst fear and loss, these New York City teens prevail with love, resilience and hope. From the award-winning author of Chlorine Sky and Vinyl Moon. '[A] gorgeous, tender testament to the generation of young people who shouldered the pandemic." --Brendan Kiely, award-winning and New York Times bestselling author Grief, pain, hope, and love collide in this short story collection. In New York City, teens, their families, and their communities feel the brunt of the COVID-19 pandemic. Amidst the fear and loss, these teens and the adults around them persevere with love and hope while living in difficult circumstances: - Malachi writes an Armageddon short story inspired by his pandemic reality. - Tariq helps their ailing grandmother survive during quarantine. - Zamira struggles with depression and loneliness after losing her parents. - Mohamed tries to help keep his community spirit alive. - A social worker reflects on the ways the foster system fails their children. From award-winning author Mahogany L. Browne comes a poignant collection of interconnected prose, poems, and lists about the humanity and resilience of New Yorkers during the Covid-19 pandemic."

Mahogany L. Browne (Author), Ali Nasser, Amir Royale, Andrea Emmes, Brandon Miles, Chantelle Ramdeen, Elena Rey, Emana Rachelle, Kiebpoli Calnek, Mahogany L. Browne, Marie-Francoise Theodore, Nile Bullock, Ozzie Jacobs, Ron Butler, Tyla Collier (Narrator)

Audiobook

Blue Light

"In 1965, a mysterious beam of blue light descended from space, illuminating Northern California. This extraterrestrial beam possessed strange powers, causing those it touched to either die, go mad, or gain a unique, extraordinary ability. This newfound power represented the full actualization of human potential, bestowing strengths, understandings, and communication abilities far beyond normal human capacities. Those affected by the light were soon dubbed 'Blues' and were segregated from society due to their superhuman abilities. United by their shared experiences, the Blues began searching for their purpose in the universe. However, an evil force known as the 'Gray Man' soon emerged, setting the stage for a battle between good and evil. The Gray Man, originally Horace LaFontaine, was a character struck by the light at the moment of his death, revivified as a demon with a mission to annihilate the Blues. Once the Blues discovered their nemesis, they took refuge in the forests outside Northern California. Despite their efforts to hide, the Gray Man learned of their location through inside sources. Determined to confront their enemy, the Blues decided to declare war on the Gray Man. This epic battle, which takes place at the novel’s climax, showcases the Blues utilizing their extraordinary powers to ultimately destroy the Gray Man. After their victory, the Blues settled into small cities in Northern California, integrating and living normal lives alongside the other residents of California."

Walter Mosley (Author), Ron Butler (Narrator)

Audiobook

Learning to Flourish in the Age of AI

"This timely book affirms that humans can flourish in the Age of AI by relying on their distinctive strengths. It explores the skills and knowledge required to interact effectively, efficiently, and responsibly with AIs—both today and in the future. In Part I, this book develops the Cognitive Amplifier Loop, which allows humans to use AI to build on their cognitive and emotional strengths and manage their limitations. Kosslyn discusses ways to employ this loop to offload tasks to AI and to utilize it to train us effectively and efficiently, as well as how to use it to both learn and engage in critical thinking and creative problem-solving—and manage cognitive and emotional constraints. Part II establishes how to draw on the Cognitive Amplifier Loop to help us improve our human relationships, addressing emotional intelligence, effective communication, leadership, followership, and collaboration skills. Finally, Part III builds on previous chapters to consider how to interact with AIs to help each of us learn and grow. Throughout the book, Kosslyn provides practical strategies and AI-assisted exercises to help readers develop these essential skills and knowledge. Kosslyn argues that by cultivating distinctively human capabilities, we can not only coexist with AI but flourish in an AI-infused world. This book is a must-read for anyone involved with AI, education, or Learning and Development in industry. It will also appeal to anyone studying thinking and decision-making, AI and psychology, and the use of technology in the classroom."

Stephen M. Kosslyn (Author), Ron Butler (Narrator)

Audiobook

Audiobooks Narrated by Ron Butler