My original The Book of Riley 5 audiobook review and many others can be found at Audiobook Reviewer.

Although George greeted Riley into the next world, he sent her bags packing back to the zombie infested world she had just left. Seems Riley still had some work to complete.

Riley and her protector, Thorn Grip, find their way to a farm with a vet and his wife. Together the two humans help heal Riley and learn much from Thorn Grip. Seeking to reunite with her pack, Riley returns to the place of her death and finds Ben-Ben and Patches looking for her.

In typical Mark Tufo fashion, the hilarity and action ensues – an egotistic, preening cat, a young Ben-Ben with the hots for the towering, cereal eating, but not a dog, Thorn Grip; a confused male vet and his loving wife, a chance encounter with Icely’s henchmen and more zombies!

Tufo’s roller coaster of emotions was ever present – you will laugh, you will guffaw loudly and you will cry. I finished the audiobook on my way to work with tears flowing down my cheeks at the end – some were tears from laughter while the last ones were of sadness and loss.

My favorite character of this book, which is also the most surprising, is Thorn Grip – I love her passion for cereal and Captain Crunch at that!

Tufo has a gift of storytelling. He has a talent for bonding his readers to his characters making them bond so that when one dies it is heart wrenching. While the last book left me stunned and angry that Riley had to die, this one left saddened even though Riley lives and there is an opportunity for there to be more Riley books should Tufo wish to write them.

Throughout each book Tufo parts words of wisdom that makes one stop and think; he makes us question our beliefs, actions, fears and what constitutes family. Well written, Tufo’s Riley 5 is an excellent book.

Sean Runnette did a wonderful narration of the Riley 5. His tone and voice are the voices of the Tufo characters and world. His reading is packed with enthusiasm, feeling and warmth.

There were no issues with production.

Audiobook was provided for review by the author. ( )