Review of ‘Three (plus one)’ by Ann McMan,

Audiobook narrated by Christine Williams

‘Three (plus one)’ is a compilation of four short stories featuring Diz and Clarissa, two co-workers who fall for each other, and their lives through four consecutive Christmas. The first story ‘Nevermore!’ was originally published in McMan’s collection of short stories ‘Sidecar’. ‘Nevermore!’ was also published in McMan’s book ‘Three’ along with ‘A Christmas tree grows in Baltimore’ and ‘Blended families’. All these three aforementioned stories plus ”Twas the nightmare before Christmas’ are published in ‘Three (plus one)’.

All the elements of McMan’s style are present in these stories: an acute sense of humour, verbal-sparring dialogues, and hilarious situations. I have to admit that Ms. McMan’s style doesn’t always work for me, but these stories made me laugh out loud. Both main characters are endearing, opposites-attract and with great chemistry. The fact that Clarissa is the epitome of ice-queens doesn’t hurt either. All the stories are featured around Christmas and are the perfect holiday read, full of the Christmas spirit.

This audiobook was narrated by Christine Williams, who has read most of Ms. McMan’s work. Ms. Williams’s tone is a perfect match for McMan’s novels: light, irreverent, and ideal for the author’s typical one-line jokes, ridiculous situations, and acid comments. Ms. Williams seems to be enjoying the story while reading it and the listener can tell.

Available for free to Audible Escape subscribers. Duration:  5 hrs and 40 mins long.

Overall, a funny and enjoyable compilation of short Christmas stories’ audiobook. 4 stars.