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In the year 2021, a brother and sister make a cross-country pilgrimage to the Badlands of South Dakota, where the Twin Towers have suddenly reappeared—and Elvis Presley's stillborn twin brother has inexplicably reawakened. 

"Malcolm Hillgartner's narration is reminiscent of classic "Twilight Zone" voice-overs. This audiobook mostly defies summary, save for a few key starting points. Two decades after 9/11, the Twin Towers of the World Trade Center suddenly reappear in the Dakota Badlands. On the 93rd floor of one of the towers, Jesse Presley, the stillborn twin of Elvis, blinks into existence, unsure of exactly who is he is or where he came from. In California, siblings Parker and Zema begin a road trip to Michigan, with a detour to visit the towers. The story's structure (or lack thereof) initially may be jarring, but Hillgartner is a stabilizing presence. His commanding delivery makes the impossible seem plausible, and guides listeners through a surreal journey. " — A.T.N. © AudioFile 2017, Portland, Maine 
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"TO PROTECT AND SERVE ... delivers a revolutionary new model for American law enforcement: the community-based police department. It calls for citizen participation in all aspects of police operations: policymaking, program development, crime fighting and service delivery, entry-level and ongoing education and training, oversight of police conduct, and, especially relevant to today’s challenges, joint community-police crisis management. Nothing will ever change until the system itself is radically restructured, and here Norm Stamper shows how. The great thing about this informative audiobook is the narrator, Malcolm Hillgartner. An accomplished actor and dramatist, he has the kind of voice one can never tire of hearing. Trying to describe it is like describing a wine. Earthy, tannic, but with hints of citrus and jasmine, and a smooth finish." — Jonathan Lowe's Audiobook Reviews, JULY 2016
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"Over the first half of the twentieth century, the daredevils who tried to ride the falls at Niagara to glory were abundant. The Hill family was on hand, sometimes grimly fishing bodies from the water, throughout that era. Michael Clarkson begins this story in 1951, describing the scene as William "Red" Hill, Jr., prepares for a barrel run. Clarkson then shifts back to 1901 as Annie Edson Taylor prepares for what would be the first successful attempt to go over the falls in a barrel. Malcolm Hillgartner's narration builds tension well, making listeners feel as if they're a part of each daring stunt, maintaining excitement throughout. Even most of the successes have unhappy tinges, but this is a fascinating slice of American history." —J.A.S. © AudioFile 2016, Portland, Maine
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"Malcolm Hillgartner is the perfect narrator for this magnificent display of White's restrained literary style. Some of the essays are true gems. They have also become a marvelous tour through the life of a Maine resident and NEW YORKER writer in the middle decades of the twentieth century with concern for nuclear war, trains, summer houses, changes in New York City, ocean travel, and the passage of time. Hillgartner's smooth, cultured baritone and practiced delivery allow us to yearn unselfconsciously for the past. He seems as at home with White's homage to WALDEN as he is with White's heartfelt farewell to the Ford Model T. He conveys embarrassment in recounting White's boyish adventures and earnestness in imparting the wisdom of age. Great listening."— F.C. © AudioFile 2016, Portland, Maine

​"Narrating this elegant writer's words is unalloyed pleasure. Enough said. I have not had so much fun in a studio in ages." —MH
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"Imagine narrator Malcolm Hillgartner sitting by a fire, pipe in hand and dogs at his feet, addressing a "gentle reader." There's a quaintness to this audio collection from the late E.B. White, now better known for CHARLOTTE'S WEB and STUART LITTLE than for the HARPER'S essays from which ONE MAN'S MEAT derives. But don't let this description of a measured reading of essays set in late 1930s-early 1940s pastoral Maine lull you into thinking there's nothing here to interest today's listener. If anything, you'll be struck repeatedly by parallels to the present. Hillgartner chose wisely: A fast-paced, contemporized narration would have undermined the writing. ONE MAN'S MEAT is an authentically preserved time capsule, packed with lessons for those who learn from history." — K.W. © AudioFile 2016, Portland, Maine [Published: SEPTEMBER 2016]
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"E.B. White's voice is so deadpan on the page that it is nearly impossible to translate into spoken word. And White cared; he reports here that he disliked a recording of CHARLOTTE'S WEB done by wonderful Julie Harris and insisted on rerecording it in "my own monotone." White's own monotone being no longer an option, Malcolm Hillgartner does his level best to render White's quiet drollery without overplaying or spoiling the jokes, and his best is splendid. It's a marvelous organizing principle for a sampler of White's wit and wisdom, to collect his thoughts on dogs he has owned, and others he has known. Martha White profoundly understands her grandfather's style and evergreen charm, and fans of White and of dogs will be delighted."— B.G. © AudioFile 2016, Portland, Maine [Published: AUGUST 2016]
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"This brief time capsule depicting White's impressions of New York in 1949 comes encased in a second time capsule, Angell's personal introduction, written in 1999. Malcolm Hillgartner is a seasoned performer and narrator. His rich voice captures the quality of reminiscence that infuses both White's and Angell's words. Hillgartner seems as familiar with the New York neighborhoods (present and past) as the authors. His pace is perfect. White remembers the speakeasies and coal sellers of New York in the 1920s and '30s. Angell remembers his time with White, who was his stepfather. Although we associate both writers with THE NEW YORKER, White's text first appeared in HOLIDAY magazine, when Angell was an editor there." —  F.C. © AudioFile 2016, Portland, Maine [Published: JULY 2016]
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"What if the most important defense the United States can construct is not a physical wall or actual weapons but a bank of computers that can absorb, and attack, another entity's banks, government, and/or missile installations? That's the main idea in this intriguing audiobook. Narrator Malcolm Hillgartner has the kind of deep, ominous voice this audiobook demands. In this new world of potential cyber war, hackers, programmers, and computer viruses will determine who wins and who loses. Hillgartner varies his voice enough to keep the book moving, delivering this exhaustive report as a spy novel whose plot is still developing. It's a warning--and Hillgartner makes sure we get the message."— R.I.G. © AudioFile 2016, Portland, Maine [Published: MAY 2016]
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"Kunetka's audiobook provides the listener a concise and clear history of the events that led to the creation of the first atomic bomb, and a portrait of the two disparate personalities that led its development. Narrator Malcolm Hillgartner's timbre, intonation, and clarity suggest those of a radio announcer from the early twentieth-century period in which these events take place. Authoritarian General Leslie Richard Groves and physicist Robert Oppenheimer represent two seemingly incongruent approaches to the goal of building the vital weapon before the Nazis. Hillgartner's delivery is confident and direct as General Groves advocates a no-nonsense military approach, and Professor Oppenheimer focuses on the minute scientific details." —  S.C. © AudioFile 2016, Portland, Maine [Published: MARCH 2016]
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"In a gravelly voice, Malcolm Hillgartner narrates this dense biography of one of the nation's most influential strategic thinkers of the twentieth century, Henry Kissinger. Reading effortlessly, Hillgartner engages with the complex history and politics that made up the life and times of Kissinger before his appointment as Richard Nixon's national security adviser. Hillgartner shifts intonation for quotes and clearly identifies footnotes--drawn from primary sources, archives, and a multitude of published sources--without breaking his narration. His stentorian voice is perfect for this biography of an uncommonly strong personality. Using subtle shifts in pacing, Hillgartner draws the listener into the ever-increasing political tensions at home, particularly during the Korean and Vietnam Wars. Listeners will be fascinated."— M.B.K. © AudioFile 2016, Portland, Maine [Published: JANUARY 2016]
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"In a spirited narration, Malcolm Hillgartner presents fascinating portraits of the four individuals who snatched victory from initial defeat in WWII: FDR; Henry Stimson, Secretary of War; General George C. Marshall, Army Chief of Staff; and Admiral Ernest J. King, Chief of Naval Operations. The author's narrative is lively in describing the characters of these four men, warts and all. The audiobook focuses on the decisions they made and the actions they took that put the U.S. on a war footing quickly and that led to the Allies triumphing over both Germany and Japan. Hillgartner's resonant baritone is expressive. Though he moves at a quick clip, he is still easy to follow. He delivers narrative sections in a consistent voice and gives each quotation an appropriate imitation of the speaker."—M.T.F. © AudioFile 2015, Portland, Maine [Published: SEPTEMBER 2015]
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Like any subject worthy of a biography, Ty Cobb was a complex soul whose life deserves the long, hard look afforded by the author. Narrator Malcolm Hillgartner carries the story well, bringing an even-keeled scrutiny to the multilayered Cobb, a Georgia native whom Hillgartner endows with a subtle Southern accent. Leerhsen delves into the life of the greatest player who ever graced a baseball diamond with as little bias as possible. He spends a good amount of time attacking previous biographical research on Cobb, sections where the author's anger is reflected in the narrator's incredulous tones. This should be considered the definitive look at Cobb."—M.B. © AudioFile 2015, Portland, Maine [Published: SEPTEMBER 2015
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"The main interests of this history of two political families are served by narrator Malcolm Hillgartner's giving each major player his own voice. In the case of the easily recognizable--Winston Churchill, FDR, JFK, and RFK--he provides rough but serviceable imitations that enliven the reading and aid listener comprehension. He lends excitement to the material without overdoing it and maintains his vigor as the book devolves through repetition, spotty writing, and lack of depth to the principals' sad ends. Still, his persistent energy helps keep the listener focused, and his strong voice and serious manner make the book's main material--gossip--seem more substantial. Overall, Hillgartner's narration renders this work more enjoyable than it might otherwise be."—W.M. © AudioFile 2015, Portland, Maine [Published: APRIL 2015]
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"A murder, a missing artifact, a long winter, and a female cop are a few of the many details that keep the listener engaged in this crime novel set in Norway. The disappearance of a Sami drum, a holy relic of the indigenous people of Norway, and the appearance of a body set the story in motion. Malcolm Hillgartner manages the tension between the various characters, particularly between the male and female cops, Klemet Nango and Nina Nansen. His characterization of their differences is achieved through pitch and pace. The story and Hillgartner's narration are examples of the best that the genre of the Scandinavian procedural has to offer." 
 —M.R. © AudioFile 2015, Portland, Maine [Published: MARCH 2015]

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"Malcolm Hillgartner's rich, expressive baritone is an ideal match for this well-written and thoroughly researched biography of Bob Hope. Steady and conversational, Hillgartner's phrasing and pace are nothing short of remarkable. Hope was an entertainment superstar in every medium, and his shrewd strategies and skillful business successes are thoroughly examined in a close look at his entire life. The work balances Hope's personal and career strengths and weaknesses with high style. The narrator's voice essentially disappears as the fascinating treasure trove of show business remembrances and anecdotes weaves the entire illuminating story. A real treat." — W.A.G. © AudioFile 2014, Portland, Maine [Published: OCTOBER 2014]
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"Malcolm Hillgartner's deep, rich voice adds life to Dvorak's stories, which string together an engaging series of science and history anecdotes that focus on the San Andreas Fault. Hillgartner knows his California place names and conveys the thrill of discovery that provides the dynamic for most of the narrative. His delivery is lively without being overdramatic. The San Andreas Fault is a good lens for learning about the development of earth science." —  F.C. © AudioFile 2014, Portland, Maine [Published: APRIL 2014]
"Every now and then a book comes around that just flies off the page for you in the studio. This is one of them, unlikely as that may seem at first glance. Dvorak is not kidding when he subtitles his work a "fascinating history." It is, peopled with unforgettable characters like Alice Eastwood (who climbed Mt. Shasta in a dress and descended by sliding several thousand feet down the glacial ice until she reached firmer ground), John Muir, and many others." — M. H.
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EDITOR'S PICK—SoundCommentary.com, November 2014
"Narrator Malcolm Hillgartner's outstanding reading is measured, exacting, and respectful of the complicated issues.  His French and German are perfect.  When Paris Went Dark  is deservedly on the list of nominations for The National Book Award. Highly recommended, eye-opening history." — Jean Palmer, SoundCommentary.com

"Rosbottom's revealing study of Paris under German occupation endeavors to capture the feeling of those strange and horrifying 1,500 days. He uses an impressive range of literary, journalistic, and eyewitness sources to offer different points of view. Malcolm Hilgartner's clear, somber voice suits the tragic, complex subject. His command of both German and French allows him to effectively convey French slang and the Teutonic word choices of the Nazi regime. He presents both the horror of the occupation and its few light moments without being overdramatic. This is not a traditional chronological history. Rosbottom's inquiry moves back and forth across time in his quest to capture the essence of the City of Lights at a dark time." — F.C. © AudioFile 2014, Portland, Maine [Published: SEPTEMBER 2014]
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"Clarke's examination of John F. Kennedy focuses on the fall of 1963, making the point that after almost three years in the White House, JFK was finally hitting his stride as president. Malcolm Hillgartner narrates the book and also serves as cheerleader-in-chief. He does a great job. His voice has the authoritative, assured presence necessary for a story that presents Kennedy as a man, a leader, and a tragic figure. Hillgartner's deep tone and sure pacing grab our attention from the opening music. The book is an exercise in hero worship and lamentations of what might have been, and Hillgartner channels that message, making this an impressive listening experience." — R.I.G. © AudioFile 2013, Portland, Maine [Published: OCTOBER 2013]
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"Acclaimed history professor Nasaw provides a well-researched and absorbing biography of the pessimistic Kennedy. The subject's varied roles as a financial speculator, real estate tycoon, U.S. ambassador, and movie studio owner are explored in great detail. Malcolm Hillgartner's understated narration is spot-on for the task. His tone conveys authority, and his proper emphasis and pacing keep the listener engaged. Involved with virtually all of the significant worldwide events of his time, Kennedy tirelessly pursued many roles, including SEC chairmanship. Nasaw had the benefit of complete access to the family's personal papers. Ambitious, unbridled, and relentless, this father of a U.S. president is presented in a sweeping and comprehensive work." — W.A.G. © AudioFile 2013, Portland, Maine [Published: JANUARY 2013]
Here's a list of every book I've done to date, with the most recent listed first, and a link to a review when possible:

  1. The Honest Spy by Andreas Kollender
  2. Tales from the Haunted Mansion V.1 & 2 by Amicus Arcane
  3. Return To Your Skin by Luz Gabas
  4. Whose Global Village? by Ramesh Srinivasan
  5. Drunks: An American History by Christopher Finan
  6. Lee by Clifford Dowdey
  7. Fall From Grace by Tim Hornbaker
  8. The Man Who Could Be King by John Ripin Miller
  9. Enduring Vietnam by James Wright
  10. House of Jaguar by Mike Bond
  11. Ice Ghosts by Paul Watson
  12. Shadowbahn by Steve Ericksen
  13. The Man in the Lighthouse by Erik Valeur
  14. The Castle in the Forest by Norman Mailer
  15. Radicalized by Peter R. Neumann
  16. Palm Trees in the Snow by Luz Gabas
  17. One Shining Moment by William Manchester
  18. It Takes A School by Jonathan Starr
  19. Breaking Blue by Timothy Egan
  20. A Matter of Honor by Anthony Summers and Robynn Swann
  21. The Cases That Haunt Us by John Douglas and Mark Olshaker
  22. Patrimony by Philip Roth
  23. The Counterlife by Philip Roth
  24. The Age of Daredevils by Michael Clarkson
  25. The Prague Orgy by Philip Roth
  26. It Is Well by James D. Shipman
  27. Building Engaged Schools by Gary Gordon
  28. John Lennon Vs. the USA by Leon Wildes
  29. The Anatomy Lesson by Philip Roth
  30. Ancient Evenings by Norman Mailer
  31. E. B. White on Dogs edited by Martha White
  32. One Man's Meat by E. B. White
  33. Zuckerman Unbound by Philip Roth
  34. The Essays of E. B. White by E. B. White
  35. The Lynching by Laurence Leamer
  36. To Protect and To Serve by Norm Stamper
  37. The Ghost Writer by Philip Roth
  38. Perilous Judgement by Dennis Ricci
  39. Here Is New York by E. B. White
  40. All Tomorrow's Parties by Rob Spillman
  41. Jihad Academy by Nicolas Hénin
  42. Most Evil 2 by Steve Hodel
  43. Darkness There: Tales by Edgar Allan Poe
  44. Dark Territory by Fred Kaplan
  45. Peacerunner by Penn Rhodeen
  46. Let There Be Water by Seth M. Siegel
  47. The Collapse of Parenting by Leonard Sax
  48. The General and the Genius by James Kunetka
  49. Kissinger: The Idealist 1923-1968 by Niall Ferguson
  50. Ty Cobb: A Terrible Beauty by Charles Leerhsen
  51. American Warlords by Jonathan W. Jordan
  52. The Hundred-Year Marathon by Michael Pillsbury
  53. There Is Simply Too Much To Think: Collected Essays by Saul Bellow
  54. Kill Chain by Andrew Cockburn
  55. The Last Warrior by Andrew Krepinevich and Barry Watts 
  56. 40 Days Without Shadow by Olivier Truc
  57. Good Hunting by Jack Devine
  58. A Christmas Far From Home by Stanley Weintraub
  59. When Lions Roar by Thomas Maier
  60. The Nazis Next Door by Eric Lichtblau
  61. Hope: Entertainer of the Century by Richard Zoglin
  62. The Edison Effect by Bernadette Pajer
  63. The Age of Opportunity: Lessons from the New Science of Adolescence by Laurence Steinberg
  64. When Paris Went Dark by Daniel C. Rosbottom
  65. Pegasus by Danielle Steel
  66. Fear and Loathing (The Gonzo Letters, Vol. 2) by Hunter S. Thompson
  67. The Proud Highway (The Gonzo Letters, Vol.1) by Hunter S. Thompson
  68. The Lion's Gate by Steven Pressfield
  69. The Curse of Lono by Hunter S. Thompson
  70. Showtime by Jeff Pearlman
  71. Earthquake Storms by John Dvorak
  72. Lincoln's Boys by Joshua Zeitz
  73. Call Me Burroughs by Barry Miles
  74. Our One Common Country by James B. Conroy
  75. Eldritch Tales by H.P. Lovecraft (with various narrators)
  76. Young Mr. Roosevelt by Stanley Weintraub
  77. Dreams of Terror and Death by H.P.Lovecraft (with various narrators)
  78. The Map and the Territory by Alan Greenspan
  79. The Assassination of the Archduke by Greg King and Sue Woolmans
  80. Lawrence in Arabia by Scott Anderson
  81. JFK's Last 100 Days by Thurston Clarke
  82. Capacity for Murder by Bernadette Pajer
  83. Kissinger by Walter Isaacson
  84. The Mystery Writers of America present The Mystery Box edit. by Brad Meltzer (with various narrators)
  85. The Price of Justice by Laurence Leamer
  86. Liar Liar by the Liars Club (with various narrators)
  87. Vatican Diaries by John Thavis
  88. Vermeer's Hat by Timothy Brook
  89. The Man Within My Head by Pico Iyer 
  90. Mortal Consequences (Forgotten Realms, The Netheril Trilogy, Book 3) by Clayton Emery 
  91. Sektion 20 by Paul Dowswell
  92. Fidel and Che by Simon Reid-Henry
  93. Dangerous Games (Forgotten Realms, The Netheril Trilogy, Book 2) by Clayton Emery  
  94. The Piano Cemetery by Jose Luis Peixoto
  95. Sword Play (Forgotten Realms, The Netheril Trilogy, Book 1) by Clayton Emery 
  96. Falling Stars (Firestar Saga Book 4) by Michael Flynn
  97. Lode Star (Firestar Sage Book 3) by Michael Flynn
  98. No Questions Asked by Ross Thomas
  99. Rogue Star (Firestar Saga Book 2) by Michael Flynn
  100. Screen Scam by Michael Bowen
  101. Unforced Error by Michael Bowen
  102. The Highbinders by Ross Thomas
  103. The Procane Chronicle by Ross Thomas
  104. Protocol for a Kidnapping by Ross Thomas
  105. The Brass Go-Between by Ross Thomas
  106. Firestar (Firestar Saga Book 1) by Michael Flynn
  107. The Patriarch by David Nasaw
  108. The Color of Christ by Edward J. Blum and Paul Harvey
  109. The Impossible Rescue: The True Story of an Amazing Arctic Adventure by Martin W. Sandler
  110. Every Love Story is a Ghost Story: A Life of David Foster Wallace by D. T. Max
  111. Unintended Consequences by Edward Conard
  112. 21st Century Dead edit. by Christopher Golden (with various readers)
  113. The Number of the Beast by Robert Heinlein (with various readers)
  114. Some of Your Blood by Theodore Sturgeon
  115. Game Over: Jerry Sandusky, Penn State and the Culture of Silence by Bill Moushey, Robert Dvorchak
  116. Fatal Induction by Bernadette Pajer
  117. The Finest Hours: The True Story of the Coast Guard's Most Daring Sea Rescue by Michael J. Tougias and Casey Sherman
  118. Private Empire: ExxonMobil and American Power by Steve Coll
  119. By Blood by Ellen Ullmann
  120. George F. Kennan by John Lewis Gaddis
  121. Time to Get Tough by Donald Trump
  122. To Jerusalem and Back by Saul Bellow
  123. Sweetness: The Enigmatic Life of Walter Payton by Jeff Pearlman
  124. Pearl Harbor Christmas by Stanley Weintraub
  125. Reamde by Neal Stephenson
  126. Already Gone by John Rector
  127. Ghost Wars: The Secret History of the CIA, Afghanistan and Bin Laden by Steve Coll
  128. The Interrogator by Glenn L. Carle
  129. Spark of Death by Bernadette Pajer
  130. Hearts Touched by Fire edit. by Harold Holzer (with various readers) 
  131. A Sailor's History of the Navy by Thomas J. Cutler
  132. Americans in Paris: Life and Death Under Nazi Occupation by Charles Glass
  133. For Us the Living by Robert A. Heinlein
  134. On the Blue Comet by Rosemary Wells
  135. Bonhoeffer: Pastor, Martyr, Prophet, Spy by Eric Metaxas
  136. Superconnect: Harnessing the Power of Networks and the Strength of Weak Links by Richard Koch and Greg Lockwood
  137. Dancing in the Dark: A Cultural History of the Great Depression by Morris Dickstein
  138. Unafraid by Jeff Golden
  139. Deadline Man by Jon Talton
  140. Overboard by Michael J. Tougias
  141. Herzog by Saul Bellow
  142. Twisted Tree by Kent Myers
  143. A Good Fall by Ha Jin (with various readers)
  144. Service Dress Blues by Michael Bowen
  145. Most Evil by Steve Hodel
  146. The Man with the Golden Arm by Nelson Algren
  147. The Pursuit of Elegance by Matthew E. May
  148. Harbor Hill by Richard Guy Wilson
  149. K Blows Top by Peter Carlson
  150. Cheever: A Life by Blake Bailey
  151. The Collected Stories of Phillip K. Dick, Vols. 1 & 2 (with various readers)
  152. Your Heart Belongs to Me by Dean Koontz
  153. The Sun and the Moon by Matthew Goodman 
  154. I Am Potential by Patrick Henry Hughes (with various readers)
  155. Shoot the Lawyer Twice by Michael Bowen
  156. The Reagan I Knew by William F. Buckley
  157. Venice for Lovers by Louis Begley, Anka Muhlstein
  158. Twilight Eyes by Dean Koontz
  159. The Canterbury Tales by William Chaucer
  160. Boys Adrift by Leonard Sax, MD
  161. The End is Not Yet by L. Ron Hubbard
  162. Slow Motion Riot by Peter Blauner
  163. The Politically Incorrect Guide to Western Civilization by Anthony Esolen
  164. The James Boys by Richard Liebman-Smith
  165. All Hands Down by Kenneth Sewell and Jerome Preisler
  166. Atmospheric Disturbances by Rivka Galchen
  167. Nightmare at 20,000 Feet by Richard Matheson (with various readers)
  168. Black Mask Audio Magazine, Vol. 1 (with various readers)
  169. AC/DC by Tom McNichol
  170. A$$hole by Martin Kihn
  171. The Purpose of the Past by Gordon S. Wood
  172. Why We're Liberals by Eric Alter
  173. Snow Angels by Steward O'Nan
  174. Common Wealth by Jeffrey D. Sachs
  175. On God by Norman Mailer
  176. Black Wings Has My Angel by Elliot Chaze
  177. It's Not About the Coffee by Howard Behar
  178. The End of Poverty by Jeffrey D. Sachs
  179. American Gangster and Other Tales of New York by Mark Jacobson
  180. Noble Lies by Charles Benoit