by A.E. Hotchner ; Read by Michael Crouch ‧ RELEASE DATE: July 10, 2018
A novel told from the point of view of a 12-year-old boy can be a challenge for even the most talented narrator, but Michael Crouch thrives in the role. Set in Depression-era St. Louis, this charming--if a bit hokey--story draws on scenes from Hotchner's own childhood. (The author turned 101 this year.) After his father is wrongfully arrested for a murder during a jewelry store heist, young Aaron sets about trying to prove his innocence. The plot strains credulity and has the feel of a young adult detective novel, but it's good, clean fun. And it's made more entertaining by Crouch, who captures Aaron's youthful energy and rounds out the colorful cast with a subtle palette of accents and voices.
Pub Date: July 10, 2018
Duration: 4 hrs, 45 mins
DD ISBN: 9780525632696
Publisher: Random House Audio
Review Posted Online: Jan. 22, 2026
by Lauren Francis-Sharma ; Read by Ron Butler & Bahni Turpin ‧ RELEASE DATE: Jan. 22, 2015
Awards & Accolades
Our Verdict
GET IT
An astonishingly unique historical novel, which begins in Trinidad in the 1940s, this is an example of the best that an audiobook can offer. The two narrators, Ron Butler and Bahni Turpin, are superb choices who move the listener smoothly between the two main characters. Farook and Marcia Garcia are star-crossed lovers who don’t have fate on their side. Turpin evokes the rhythms of English as spoken in Trinidad, lyrical, and rhythmic. Through her confident narrative style, Marica Garcia comes across as a strong, beleaguered young woman. Her trials evoke empathy in the listener. Butler establishes the contorted choices that face Farook as an Indian man who is prevented by racism from marrying his true love. This sprawling tale spans Trinidad and the United States, from the 1940s-1960s.
Pub Date: Jan. 22, 2015
Duration: 13 hrs
Publisher: Tantor Media
Review Posted Online: Jan. 22, 2026
by Bernard Cornwell ; Read by Jack Hawkins ‧ RELEASE DATE: Jan. 8, 2013
In this stand-alone novel set during the Hundred Years' War, Thomas of Hookton, hero of Cornwell's Grail Quest trilogy, returns with his band of mercenaries in pursuit of the sword of Saint Peter—a holy relic said to bestow great power. Naturally, others are also in pursuit and are determined to win the sword at any cost. Jack Hawkins delivers a stunning performance of this dramatic novel of political intrigue and military battle. Throughout, he effortlessly distinguishes characters from all over Western Europe through various accents. Hawkins's thoughtful reading reveals the emotions of the characters, enhancing their portrayals. His performance is full of energy during Cornwell's signature battle scenes, offering the listener a visceral experience of war.
Pub Date: Jan. 8, 2013
Duration: 12 hrs
DD ISBN: 9780062209344
Publisher: Harper Audio
Review Posted Online: Jan. 22, 2026
© Copyright 2026 Kirkus Media LLC. All Rights Reserved.
Hey there, book lover.
We’re glad you found a book that interests you!
We can’t wait for you to join Kirkus!
It’s free and takes less than 10 seconds!
Already have an account? Log in.
OR
Trouble signing in? Retrieve credentials.
Welcome Back!
OR
Trouble signing in? Retrieve credentials.
Don’t fret. We’ll find you.