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Auditory Viewpoint

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Gloria Rank has lived her entire life in the dark. Blind since birth, she has made a name for herself as a respected talk radio show host in New Jersey. When her younger sister, Anna, has her identity stolen and a man is murdered outside her apartment, Anna becomes the prime suspect in an FBI investigation. But when bodies begin piling up around her, the FBI has to admit that she is being stalked by a murderer. With the FBI focused in the wrong direction, it is up to Gloria to teach Anna to use her other senses--hearing, touch, taste, and smell--which she never really had to completely rely on before to help uncover a ring of identity thieves and stop the killer from taking her life, and perhaps Gloria's as well! Their only hope for survival is an experiment in perception that will unearth heartbreaking secrets and catapult Gloria into a darkness of the heart beyond any that she has ever known.

248 pages, Paperback

First published July 25, 2013

8 people are currently reading
2004 people want to read

About the author

Lillian R. Melendez

3 books46 followers
Mystery novelist, Lillian R. Melendez was born in New York, and grew up in South Orange, New Jersey. She began to publish her work when she was very young. The arts as a whole have always been an interest, but creative writing is her passion. She received a B.A. degree in English with a minor in Psychology from Trinity University in Washington, D.C. She is a member of Mystery Writers of America.

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Displaying 1 - 30 of 41 reviews
Profile Image for SoWrongItsRANDI {Bell, Book & Candle}.
126 reviews17 followers
March 13, 2015
Bell, Book & Candle | Auditory Viewpoint Review



I feel like I just read something that should be a Lifetime movie. No joke. If any of you have ever seen a few, then you will know what I'm talking about once you read this book.



I was thrilled by the idea of a character having to use their senses other than sight. It reminds me of the character, Toph, from Avatar: The Last Airbender in which she didn't let a "disability" stop her from kicking butt and taking names! It's an all around great message. As I was saying, the idea is an interesting one and is probably my favorite part about the whole story. The added idea of hackers was okay too, but not what I was expecting at all.

As for the characters, Gloria is a very patient person. I give her kudos for dealing with her baby sister all of her life. I enjoyed her teaching Anna how to use her four other senses, as well as how brave she was. I've seen lesser people fold under the threat of fear. As for the sister, Anna, I could not stand her. Can I just ask why is there that one sister that is a whiny brat? I mean, really? Every time Anna spoke I was in a perpetual state of rolling my eyes. And she had the nerve to be ungrateful when Gloria first started teaching her. And don't get me started on the two FBI agents.



Special Agents Henderson and Sanchez were like tweedle-dee and tweedle-dum. I have no idea how they managed to make it out of Quantico and get their badges, because these two were imbeciles. They must let anyone join law enforcement these days, and if so, how the hell am I supposed to trust the law? Yeah, yeah, it's a fictional book...but still.



The antagonist of the story was just...I can't even begin to explain. I will say that I figured out the reason behind the entire plot before it was even revealed. Also ending was too fairytale for me - it just doesn't happen in the real world. There's not a whole lot of action or romance - so don't expect it. It is, however, a decent read.
Profile Image for Merril Anil.
931 reviews78 followers
May 4, 2015
Trailed through the surface

First of all a huge thanks to the author and her team for providing me with the copy of the book

The book definitely had a very interesting story base and its line of characters that came with their own weakness and strength and background story but i felt that in spite of all these valuable and essential ingredients available, the author did not go into the depths of the story.

I felt the book to be somewhat like a short fictional documentary on cybercrime. Quick and fast yet only meaty enough to attract readers but not keeping them for too long.The book has a good narration and language.

The plot was impressive too but the treatment required a little more emotional depth, not that it should have run pages describing how the characters are feeling but giving each of them with enough space in the story so that the readers can get to know them better because as of now the story just briefs you about the characters and a bit of background details and sometimes not even clear enough and then jumps right into the center and runs pretty fast with basic details.

Lets just say that it kind of runs with bare essentials and unattached without focusing on anything particular. Going with the flow

The book has interesting set of characters but without enough time given to these characters, readers may not be able to connect with the book as it deserves but on the other hand it becomes a quick and fast read with a good plot.

Profile Image for Korra II Allison Baskerville.
250 reviews8 followers
August 25, 2021
This book didn’t leave much of a lasting impression on me. It’s one of those mystery novels that tries to juggle multiple stories but does so poorly.

Gloria goes on the run with her sister to avoid somebody who is clearly trying to do her sister harm. Meanwhile, it’s around the time of the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade and a group of hackers is trying to commit identity theft. Good old super-hearing Gloria can’t help but overhear hackers loudly talking into the phone in public about their plans everywhere she goes.

Somehow there’s always a cop within reach who believes her story about the hackers trying to steal people’s identities. So they go up to random strangers and request to search them based on the accusations of some woman they just met.

Nothing about the story seems the least bit believable.

The narrator is just awful. He does a good job of reading the story, but that’s it. The majority of the time, he reads every single character with the same boring tone of voice. Every now and then, he’ll give a character personality. But sometimes characters voices, tones, inflection or accents will change randomly. So it’s often difficult to tell who is even talking.

The audiobook itself isn’t much better. A large percentage of Audible books seem to have issues with dialogue repeating or echoes. This book has more than any other story I’ve listened to. They’re often lumped together. If you hear the same line twice, changes are a few minutes later, it will happen again.

After reading 50+ books in 2 1/2 months, my standard for what I call a bad book has changed. This book isn’t terrible, but I’m not going to be listening to or reading it ever again.

NOTE: This copy was provided to me free of charge as a digital review copy. The opinions stated in this review are mine and mine alone, I was not paid or requested to give this book a certain rating, suggestion, or approval.
Profile Image for Book Reviewer.
4,834 reviews446 followers
January 19, 2024
In Auditory Viewpoint, Lillian R. Melendez's narrative centers around Gloria, a sharp and perceptive radio presenter whose blindness doesn't hinder her dynamic career. The story escalates when Gloria's sister, Anna, falls victim to cybercrime, leading to a harrowing journey through identity theft and its dire consequences. As the plot thickens, a dangerous killer emerges, putting both sisters' lives at grave risk.

This thriller not only delves into the chilling world of cybercrime and identity theft but also poignantly explores the profound bond between siblings. Gloria and Anna's unyielding support for each other, especially in times of dire threat, is a testament to the enduring power of family ties. Their story is a suspenseful journey as they navigate the treacherous waters of criminal hackers with the assistance of Benjamin Taylor, an acquaintance whose role becomes increasingly significant.

Melendez's novel serves as a cautionary tale about the perils of sharing personal information online, highlighting the potential for catastrophic misuse. While the narrative's pace is brisk, I feel it may leave readers longing for more time to savor the finer details. The storyline effectively maintains suspense and develops characters that resonate with authenticity. The relationship between Gloria and Anna is particularly compelling, offering a heartfelt portrayal of sisterhood under siege.

This is the perfect book for those drawn to suspenseful fiction featuring strong female protagonists. Auditory Viewpoint presents a blend of excitement and social commentary. It's a reminder of the vulnerabilities inherent in our digital age, wrapped in a story of resilience and familial loyalty.
Profile Image for Fran.
Author 57 books148 followers
March 26, 2014
Auditory Viewpoint: Lillian R. Melendez
What we often take fore granted just might save our lives. Within this world there are many people who invade our privacy, learn about our lives and seek ways to inflate their financial wealth at the expense of others. Seeing, touching, smelling, tasting and hearing provide many windows on the world and when one sense is impaired or taken away we need to rely on the rest in order to complete simple tasks, overcome difficult situations and learn how to cope with the stresses brought upon us by situations beyond our control. Auditory Viewpoint, by author Lillian R. Melendez brings to light just what happens when talk show host Gloria Rank’s sister becomes the target for a murderer. Rising to fame as the host of a radio show Gloria uses her intelligence and four senses not only in her work but also in every day situations. Gloria is blind but manages to see things as clearly as a sighted person. When her sister Anna’s identity is stolen, her life in danger it is Gloria who comes to her aid and instructs her on how to employ her other senses to see, hear, smell, taste and touch the world around her more vividly and clearly. As the host of a well-received radio show her last guest was I.T. security analyst Benjamin Taylor whose help Gloria enlists to find the person who hacked into her sister’s bank account, stole her identity and who is still tracking her whereabouts. Reporting what happened to the police finds FBI Agent Sanchez at her door hoping to find the culprit and leading the investigation. Placing her in a safe place he thought that she would be out of harms way but events transpire, Anna’s safety is compromised sending her to Gloria’s home and leading the sisters on a race against time to stop a killer and hopefully stay alive. Finding a dead body in front of her apartment door just the beginning.

Using credit cards to make online purchases is a definite risk. With the help of Benjamin Taylor the two sisters hope to find some clues to who the hacker is and how this person or persons can be stopped. But, first Gloria takes readers and Anna to the park, train station, mall and other places to teach everyone how to hone in on your other senses and see the world through Gloria’s eyes.

Readers will come front and center with a ring of people whose job it is to create false ads, promotional sales flyers and phony catalogues replicating the originals hoping to snag buyers into using their credit cards online, take their revenue and hack into more than just that one account. Frightening to say the least and definitely makes you rethink buying online. However, from personal experience although the author states the theft should be reported to the police the victim needs to report it to the three credit bureaus, Experian, Equifax and Trans Union besides stopping all of their cards to be on the safe side and even calling Social Security to put a fraud alert on their social security number. I even went as far as making sure that someone had to call me before issuing me a new card making sure that I was the one who ordered it.

The simplest of conversations some might find innocent or not understand raises a red flag when Anna overhears someone at the mall where she is testing her sense of taste, speaking on his cell about a USB drive with important information. Just where this leads you won’t believe as this one single conversation sends Anna, Gloria and Benjamin through the streets of New York City to the Thanksgiving Day parade, to the subway on different lines and into many different malls and stores hoping to find the hackers sent to commit one use crime that would do more than just hack into people’s accounts. When one of the hackers is taken into custody and released and what happens at police headquarters will stun readers. Computers crashing, an I.T. man on site so why did they need the help of a hacker to fix what someone else set into motion. As Anna and Gloria risk it all and try to stay clear of the police and FBI more bodies are found and the mastermind behind the hacking comes face to face with Gloria but you won’t believe what happens next. Finding their way across town, hearing bits of conversations, enlisting the help of the police they manage to get the hackers but not everything is that simple and one sister loses her way, another gets kidnapped and the truth behind the entire scheme comes to light. Just who hacked into Anna’s private life and why? Who was the real target? When the past comes trickling into the present the startling twist at the end will surprise readers.

Keys can be annoying when jingled in your face or someone just plays with them. But, when keys trigger a behavior causing hearing things that are not there the disease is called auditory hallucination and the person inflicted with this illness believes that they hear sounds that sound like an actual or real sound but are not really there. Just who cannot handle the sound of keys and other noises? Who wants to rid the world of Gloria and why? Will Anna and the police are able to stop what this person has in mind and started? Auditory Viewpoint: What do you hear? Who gets the final word? Use your senses, taste, and touch, hearing, sight and smell to guide you through the investigation as Gloria and Anna work together to bring down a killer and stop what one person has started. Technology: Protect yourself by being careful where you do online, when you purchase online and be vigilant about your account and your personal information. As the hackers relate in this novel beware of emails with links and nothing else. Auditory Viewpoint: Identity theft, loyalty, friendship, trust and forgiveness are just some of what the author brings to light. Interesting book and I wonder if the author is going to bring Gloria back again.

Remember that a disability does not mean you cannot soar and succeed in life. Gloria sets a fine example of what happens when your are persistent, hardworking, diligent, caring and creative not allowing anything to get in her way. Gloria who is blind teaches her sister and others how to embrace their other senses to see the world through clearer eyes.
Fran Lewis: reviewer

This book gets four stars.






Profile Image for Romy.
206 reviews6 followers
July 5, 2020
1.5 Stars/ 5 Stars
DNF at 52%

I received a free copy of this book from the author's publicist in exchange for an honest review.

The most off-putting thing about this book was the stilted speech of the both the conversations that took place in this book and the general righting style. I had a really hard time trying to get into this book because it was incredibly awkward to follow along with the overly formal conversations between characters. Also the fact that there were conversations that the MC's overheard that were way to convenient. Supposed experienced criminals, delivering vital information about thier operation in a public space, over the phone.

Initially Gloria teaching her sister Anna to use her other senses was intriguing, but Anna caught on and became a complete pro at everything in an instant. I found that very unrealistic. There was also barely any character building in the pages that I read and I felt no connection to any of the characters.

While the premise of the story was interesting, the delivery was lackluster and I can't say I enjoyed my reading experience.
Profile Image for Mike.
1,372 reviews92 followers
May 22, 2023
The second book by American author Lillian Melendez, Auditory Viewpoint is a soft crime mystery tale. An unusual sleuth, Gloria Rank has been blind since birth, yet she is a New Jersey respected talk radio show host. Her sister Anna is the victim of identity theft and when a man is murdered outside’s her apartment, she is the FBIs initial suspect. Together with an IT specialist, Gloria and Anna set out to find the hackers, despite the danger they are in, with a murder on the loose. This is an engaging tale of Gloria’s highly gifted detection using her other senses, such as hearing, touch, taste and smell to illicit clues and leads. An enjoyable narrative and characters make this a gentle crime tale with a four stars read rating. With thanks to Prolific Works and the author for an uncorrected proof copy for review purposes. As always, the opinions herein are totally my own and freely given.
Profile Image for Dharma.
146 reviews
April 1, 2020
Let me start off with the idea behind this book intrigued me at first. I was very interested and was excited to read however, the writing was not only completely unbelievable with all the jumping to different views and scenes in a matter of a sentence or two ....but also it was poorly developed: both characters main and minor. I was shaking my head constantly and not in a good way unfortunately. Really disappointed because I thought it was a really good idea for a book. DNF 70% I really tried especially because I am mostly done but I can’t get myself to finish.


Profile Image for Robin.
189 reviews3 followers
July 19, 2020
I was given a free copy in exchange for my honest review.
This was a good book. I really enjoyed trying to figure out the twists and turns. One note, which kind of bugged me - they kept saying “Harold Square” when I knew they were referring to Herald Square in NYC. 🤷🏻‍♀️
1,997 reviews10 followers
September 6, 2021
I had to stop reading in the third chapter. This is awful. Stilted unrealistic dialogue. Seems like it was written by a fifth grader. No character depth. Interesting story premise. It didn't help that my digital copy was loaded with errors.
Profile Image for Lindy.
12 reviews
May 10, 2020
Easy, smooth read with elatable characters.

Fun read, I was clueless till almost the very end. Short choppy sentences throughout- easily a one day read. Entertaining.
Profile Image for Mary.
2,653 reviews
May 24, 2020
Held my interest throughout
Profile Image for AMBER CLARK.
961 reviews24 followers
September 27, 2024
I was thrilled by the idea of a character having to use their senses other than sight. However, this book didn’t leave much of a lasting impression on me. Really disappointed.

Profile Image for Anna Briggs.
40 reviews1 follower
September 1, 2025
Auditory Viewpoint is a gripping thriller that turns darkness into strength, showing how survival can come from listening closer than ever before.
Profile Image for Bernadette.
120 reviews19 followers
June 14, 2020
I enjoyed this book. It is a quick read. I recommend it to others to read. Enjoy!
Profile Image for OpenBookSociety.com .
4,111 reviews136 followers
February 20, 2015
http://openbooksociety.com/article/au...

Brought to you by OBS reviewer Andra

I liked the premise of the book; the actual story had much promise (identity theft is a ‘now’ topic). I did enjoy the portion of the story where Gloria was trying to teach Anna to use her other senses. However, Gloria seems stilted, very abrupt sometimes. I found it hard to connect with her.

I found that at times the dialogue seemed odd, like what was said by a character was forgotten almost immediately. For example why would Eric say he had something to say and then say he had no clue??? Just confusing and takes away from my enjoyment of the story:

“Where are Special Agents Sanchez and Henderson?” Eric asked.

“Very busy. Why are you calling for them?” Captain Steve asked.

“I have to inform Special Agent Sanchez about the person I believe organized the Thanksgiving Day Parade hacking scheme.”

“And who would that be?” Captain Steve asked.

Eric stopped typing and sat back in his chair. He contemplated the question and shook his head. “I don’t have a clue,” he said slowly.

Special Agents Sanchez and Henderson walked quickly to join the rest of them.

“Here he is,” Captain Steve said, and Eric turned to Mr. Sanchez.

“I think I know who stole this USB drive from Gregory and conceivably might be his murderer.” “You do? And who might that be?” Sanchez asked.

“Philip Cole,” Eric answered.

“Do you know for sure?” Special Agent Henderson asked.

Captain Steve Buchanan and the rest of the FBI agents looked at Eric, who remained silent and motionless as he thought long and hard about his answer. “It might be someone by the name of Philip Cole.” Eric quickly turned to look at them. “It might be him.” He slowly turned his head forward to face the computer screen, but didn’t lean towards it.”
Or just reading a section that was a bit confusing and did not seem to add much value to the fact that Benjamin had just fallen down a flight of stairs – why mention the stages of sleep?:

“Benjamin continued to roll down, his back hitting against the fourth step, and his body unendingly began to turn as his whole left side struck against the sixth to tenth steps. The fourteenth to fifteenth steps came into impact with his head. The fall caused a slight concussion as the stairs brought him down with a great force of gravity. Benjamin did not move. He passed through stage 1 and 2 of REM sleep and was in stage 3, all in five quick minutes.”
Overall, I enjoyed the premise of the story. Unfortunately for me, the intermittent and misplaced or odd dialogue took away my enjoyment of the story.

*OBS would like to thank the author for supplying a free copy of this title in exchange for an honest review*
Profile Image for Laura.
18 reviews1 follower
February 20, 2017
Not great...
The idea behind the book sounded interesting however I just felt that it wasn't carried out very well.

The characters were under developed. It was impossible to feel any 'draw' to them, or to even care about how the story panned out for them. This applied from the main characters to the small characters that appeared for only a short time within the book.
The story didn't come together very well, there were too many 'jumps' in what was happening, and to me it make most of the book unbelievable. From thinking some is a suspect to agreeing that they are a victim in the space of two lines, to then immediately be followed by the victim being taken to a safe place a line later...
The dialog between the characters was also poor.

All in all, I was disappointed by what I thought could be a very interesting view on the story, becoming a bit of a laugh out loud book, but for all the wrong reasons.
3 reviews
September 23, 2013

Your senses are your lifeblood - through your ability to see, touch, smell, taste & hear, you can revel in every day's surroundings. While some definitely take these senses for granted, there are some that need each and every one to survive the simplest of days, especially when one particular sense may be impaired.

The second novel from author Lillian R. Melendez, titled "Auditory Viewpoint", spins the story of talk radio host Gloria Rank, who has risen from obscurity to become a highly reputable on-air personality. Her handicap of blindness doesn't detract from her intrinsic ability to provide entertainment on an auditive level to her loyal followers. Her younger sister Anna has just suffered one of the most troubling crimes known to humanity, thanks to the technological age, and that dereliction is identity theft...and it couldn't have come at a worse possible time...you see, there has been a murder committed against a man whose bloody form has mysteriously ended up on Anna's doorstep. This has now made the identity-less Anna suspect #1, and FBI Agent Sanchez is leading the headhunt.

Anna, in her desperation, turns to her big sister and I.T. security analyst Benjamin Taylor in hopes of finding some clues as to how this all began, and why she has become the target of an indisputable set-up by identity thieves. Gloria surmises that Anna will not only have to use her smarts in order to clear her name, but teaching her to hone all of her senses will come as a substantial benefit when the time comes to gather evidence...and potentially save her life from the person (or persons) who now want her dead.

The book itself is quite an enjoyable read, complete with engrossing dialogue between characters and a sensation of intrigue & conspiracy that are ever-present. You'll find yourself jumping into this book with both feet and won't have any problem with contrived plot points or settlement into boredom, simply because there isn't any there - it clearly appears that the wrinkles Melendez didn't iron out with her first book, have been delicately smoothed out with her second, and for that, this reader is pleasantly contented. Mrs. Melendez seems headed on a path to become a valued member of the mystery-writing contingent, and if you want a good old-fashioned whodunit, this is the narrative to submerge your optical organs into - read on & ENJOY !
Profile Image for Kelly Smith Reviews.
256 reviews51 followers
December 30, 2013
Lillian R. Melendez's novel about a blind woman trying to solve a crime is one of the most thought-provoking books I've read in a while. Its writing is different; doesn't read like a typical crime novel.

Gloria is a popular radio-show host whose most recent interview is with an IT professional named Benjamin.
What you realize about Gloria is that she is blind, and that sets the tone for the entire novel.

Gloria's sister, Anna, has her identity stolen, but it goes deeper than that: people want her dead. Bodies show up at Anna's apartment and, when someone tries to warn her about an impending attack, be gets stabbed as well.

The police do the best they can, but it isn't enough. Gloria knows she must take charge the only way she knows how: by using her other four senses to "get" things people with sight don't.

With Benjamin's help, can she help save her sister? Or is Benjamin an enemy, too?

In Auditory Viewpoint, the reader gets an inside look at what it's like living without sight and always having people doubt you. Anna constantly makes Gloria seem,t just blind, but stupid as well, which is obviously not the case at all.This look inside their relationship (Anna is younger butbut has always had to be the older-acting sibling) is also unusual in a suspense novel, but it is welcome. It gives it a much more personal effect.

I also loved the intense detail Ms. Melendez put in when gloria was training Anna to use her other senses. It went beyond what others might put, and, as a gal with an eye for detail, it was more than appreciated that she took the time to add in the little things.

You won't know you are reading a novel that is about 150 pages until you finish it and say, "I want more".

Great story, unique ciscumstances and excellently portrayed emotions. Give it a read, you'll agree!

4/5--great!

For more reviews, please visit my blog at www.kellysmithreviews.wordpress.com
Profile Image for Autumn.
2,366 reviews47 followers
February 14, 2015
I received this book as part of a blog tour to give an honest review.

I read the blurb and I figured this would be a good book. Umm it was just okay. It wasn't really what I was expecting I guess you would say. I expected more action dealing with the people who are hackers.
I did enjoy how Gloria showed us how to use our other senses instead of our eyesight.
Now on to the story, it seemed like a good story plot. You have Gloria who works for a radio show and on the day she has an IT expert her sister ends up getting her identity stolen. Now in this day and age that is a real thing so this was something I was like oh my how can she get it back, what will she do?
Then comes a dead body which kind of threw me off because for someone to steal someone's identity then a dead body pops up that just seemed a bit out there.
But there was a reason for this and it all comes together as the story progress and we find out the real intention of the hackers but more importantly hacker.
We watch as Gloria, her sister Anna and Benjamin track down the hackers hopefully before they can do more damage than they have already done but they do it with other senses rather than just eyesight.

I did enjoy the twist that came along with this book. It was one that I didn't not see coming and I enjoyed it.

What made me rate this book the way I did was because the story didn't seem real to me. I know it is a story and all but the way some of the scenes were acted on just didn't get that real vibe to it you know. For example the girls go to the mall to practice using the other senses and magically someone is there stealing a wallet.
The author's writing style seemed different to me than I am used to so it did take some getting use to especially while trying to figure who who was saying what at certain times.
Profile Image for Diane Coto.
388 reviews10 followers
June 28, 2015
Gloria Rank has been blind since birth, but being blind didn’t slow her down. She learned how to get around very well. Through senses other than sight, she manages to take in much of her surroundings. She is a radio host. She and her partner have just hosted a show about Identity Theft with Benjamin Taylor, a security expert and president of Wired Security. As soon as she parts ways with Benjamin, she tries to locate him once again as her sister, Anna, becomes a victim. A hacker has not only stolen a lot of money from her, they’ve also stolen her identity. Not only that, Anna appears to be in physical danger from the hacker. The man that someone killed outside her apartment seems to tie in with Anna somehow. At first the police suspect Anna, but then they realize she’s is a victim. They try to send Anna to a secure place, but it becomes unsecure very quickly and Gloria takes it upon herself to help her sister by teaching her to use her other senses to avoid danger.

I really liked the premise of this story. It didn’t dwell on Gloria’s handicap, but rather focused on her strengths. I really admired Gloria’s can-do attitude, even when her sister was fighting against her efforts. Gloria knew that Anna was not safe, and so she insisted that Anna listen to her. The dialogue bothered me because it was too formal, even between the sisters. For instance, most people contract ‘do not’ and ‘will not’ into ‘don’t’ and ‘won’t’. Such was not the case in this story. Many of the scenes were unrealistic. They were too coincidental and logistically weak. The characters were not given enough depth for the reader to feel a warm connection with them. Rating: 2.5 out of 5.
Profile Image for Sandra Stiles.
Author 1 book81 followers
April 21, 2015
I received a copy to facilitate my review. The opinions expressed here are my own.

This was an excellent book. I was intrigued by the idea that a blind person would be the one to step up to try to solve a crime. When Gloria Rank interviewed Benjamin Taylor on her morning radio talk show she had no idea she would need his help. Benjamin Taylor was an expert on identity theft. Gloria’s younger sister Anna is a victim of identity theft. That isn’t the only problem she has. A body has been dumped on Anna’s doorstep ad she has become the prime suspect. It will be up to her and he sister to find out what is actually going on.

The reason this story intrigued me was because Gloria sets out to help those who are trying to solve this crime learn to use their other senses. I was right there with her. I had to agree with her character that we don’t utilize our other senses. About five years ago I had some severe eye problems and was actually losing my sight. Thankfully several surgeries later and most of it has been restored. The thing is, I had to learn to rely on my other senses. I’m a teacher. I used my hand to guide me down the hallway because it was so blurry. I could no longer make out the faces of my students so I had to learn the sound of their voice, their walk, or their cologne. When you can’t see what you are eating on your plate you learn to utilize your smell to find your food.

This was a great approach to writing this story. It was unique and kept me on the edge of my seat all the way through. I would highly recommend this book to those who love mystery and intrigue.
Profile Image for Gayle Pace.
1,110 reviews22 followers
January 16, 2016
MY VIEW
In today's world the serious subject of Ms. Melendez's book is all too real. The book is fiction but it will make you think. This could be anyone you know. Identity theft is so prevalent, it can grab anyone at anytime.
Ms. Melendez brings out the subject in an unique way. She uses another all too real subject in real life, human handicaps. The author mixes the two subjects and shows us that even a blind person can achieve things that are beyond our understanding. You never think that identity theft is going to happen to you ,but think twice. Ms. Melendez not only makes you start to seriously think, but she gives us the view of reality through the heart and soul of a strong women who's challenged. You soon see where that challenge is her strength. This may have been a fictional read but it has a strong taste of reality. We all should stop and reflect, not only on identity theft but on the challenged people and how their strengths are beyond words. This book was a different kind of read. It, to me, was a mind opener. Ms. Melendez wrote a thought provoking book from page one to the end.
I would suggest this book to everyone. Get yourself a copy and have one reality wake up call. It may just make you change some things in your life and that in itself could be your saving grace.

I was given a complimentary copy of AUDITORY VIEWPOINT from Lillian R. Melendez and Book Sparks for my personal view. No other compensation took place.

I would give this book 4STARS.
Profile Image for Laverne .
23 reviews10 followers
May 3, 2015

Headline: Use your senses.
When I read the back of the book I was excited to get started, why you ask? Well finding a character that uses her senses in a way I have not seen in a book made this read a welcomed treat. Gloria is a radio host and we meet her sister Anna after she becomes the victim of identity theft. Suddenly it appears that someone might also be trying to kill Anna. Along with her friend Gloria decided to find the perpetrators on her own without the police. They travel to and from a few cities tracking down the hackers who have stolen her sisters’ identity. Now this I found to be a little strange because one Gloria is blind and her sister is well they both are civilians.
The story gets even stranger when they track down the hackers and stop a police officer on the streets of New York during the Thanksgiving Day parade and try to get him to make an arrest on the hacker. Not realistic at all, I found many challenges like this one throughout the story. But I still think it was worth a read, especially because we don’t want readers to miss the theme of struggles and how what others view as a disability might actually be someone’s strength.
A complimentary copy of this book was provided in exchange for my honest and thoughtful review.
3 bookmarks

Profile Image for Laverne.
327 reviews53 followers
May 17, 2015
When I read the back of the book I was excited to get started, why you ask? Well finding a character that uses her senses in a way I have not seen in a book made this read a welcomed treat.
Gloria is a radio host and we meet her sister Anna after she becomes the victim of identity theft. Suddenly it appears that someone might also be trying to kill Anna. Along with her friend Gloria decided to find the perpetrators on her own without the police. They travel to and from a few cities tracking down the hackers who have stolen her sisters’ identity. Now this I found to be a little strange because one Gloria is blind and her sister is well they both are civilians.
The story gets even stranger when they track down the hackers and stop a police officer on the streets of New York during the Thanksgiving Day parade and try to get him to make an arrest on the hacker. Not realistic at all, I found many challenges like this one throughout the story. But I still think it was worth a read, especially because we don’t want readers to miss the theme of struggles and how what others view as a disability might actually be someone’s strength.
A complimentary copy of this book was provided in exchange for my honest and thoughtful review.
Profile Image for Kim Jacobs.
93 reviews2 followers
October 3, 2013
Gloria has been blind since birth and has learned to use all of her other senses to function in life. Gloria's sister Anna has her identity stolen and a man is murdered outside of her door. From there both Gloria and Anna go on a quest to survive and determine who stole Anna's identity and why. I was a bit confused as the story went from an identity theft to a murder and how this was tied together and how Anna was involved. The idea that Gloria helped Anna become better at using all of her other senses (aside from sight)to keep safe was interesting but a bit frustrating that they determine this is a better way to go instead of relying on the police to do their job. I personally didn't care for the amount of dialog in the book. It made it harder to read since I had to determine who was saying what in the majority of the book instead of following a story line and simply reading what happened. Also the dialog that was written was in very simple form and didn't seem to follow the pattern of normal adult conversation. Everything was wrapped up at the end, explanations were given as to what happened to who and why. This gave a closure to the book.
Profile Image for Marjorie.
835 reviews68 followers
April 14, 2015
Given To Me For An Honest Review

Auditory Viewpoint by Lillian R. Melendez is a page turner. Once you pick it up and open it up, it will grab you and hold you down and you will watch those pages turn and turn and turn some more until you get to the last one. There are a few twists and turns thrown in too. As you read the story, you will see that it is about identity theft. Or is it? Anna, gets her identity stolen and learns that she is being stalked. Gloria, her sister, is blind. She teaches her sister how to learn to use all of her senses. Before long people are being killed around Anna. The police and FBI think Anna is involved with these murders. Why is this happening? Will the real killer ever be found? Did Anna kill? The ending will surprise you .... it did me. You have to read this book so you can say, "OMG!" at the end. I gave this book 5 stars but it deserves more. This would make a great addition to your library or to any library's bookshelf. I highly recommend this book to everyone especially to those who enjoy reading suspense and mystery. I look for many more from Lillian R. Melendez.
11 reviews1 follower
February 3, 2014
Lillian R Melendez book is a realistic wakeup call in fictional form. She brings to reality a serious subject in our world today and the approach she uses to bring it is unique, interesting, and beyond normal perspective. Lillian takes an everyday issue and combined it with a human handicap to show what those whom are challenged can do that would blow are minds. If only we all could smell, hear and feel things as others do but Lillian goes above and beyond to show us. I have never thought of identity theft as a real life problem personally but wonder now if I should. Lillian details the crisis and challenge so extraordinarily it gets your minds wheels churning. Lillian not only gives us insight on an issue not taken so seriously but gives us a view of the world through the heart of women whose challenges are a blessing in disguise. Lillian has written a fabulous fictional story of real life circumstances that will make you think and marvel at the journey from begging to end. Thank you for the story and wakeup call that is a delight to read.

Stacey Lee Eldridge
Profile Image for Charissa Wilkinson.
851 reviews13 followers
March 18, 2015
I received this book for a fair review.

Overview: Gloria Rank, a blind radio host, has gotten a call from her sister. Anna’s bank account has been tapped. It appears that Anna Rank is in the process of having her identity stolen. Conveniently, Gloria just had a guest, on her show, who was talking about such things. Can Gloria keep her sister alive while they find out why Anna’s identity was stolen? Or will one of them end up as the next body in the thieves’ wake?

Likes: John and Benjamin really looked out for Gloria. Also, Special Agents Sanchez and Henderson were trying to catch the killer. They just had to consider all avenues for the investigation.

Dislikes: I didn’t care for Gloria’s attitude, mainly because she reminded me of a control-freak. And Anna couldn’t seem to be able to make up her own mind. A stern voice can convince her to do anything. Even if it is completely dangerous or intelligence impaired.

Conclusion: It’s a pretty good debut. I hope you enjoy it. Perhaps Ms. Melendez’s next book will be stronger.
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