I tend to read the books as was mentioned above, at a conversational speed as if the plot is being played out in real time.
the characters and themes flow so well that i can quite often get a few pages on and not really remember turning the pages to get there because the story has just taken on extra dimensions (17 at most)
I too greatly enjoy the audio books, as a mechanic i can just have an earpeice in one ear and plod along with my jobs.
i have to say i greatly favour stephen briggs and nigel planer for the audio books, just cant get in the story as completely with tony robinson reading.

