Dare I say it? Flavia de Luce is my favorite detective, and her crime-solving expertise and charming cleverness are gloriously enhanced by Jayne Entwistle's stellar performance. Entwistle vocally embraces the 11-year-old sleuth's spunk, bravado, intelligence, and innocence. When a film crew and movie stars descend on Buckshaw manor during Christmas week, murder and mayhem ensue, with most of the village of Bishop's Lacey stranded there in the midst of a huge snowstorm. Even with the plethora of suspects, Flavia is undaunted as she methodically and scientifically pursues clues to this locked-room mystery. Entwistle’s portrayal reflects the main character’s macabre glee, droll wit, and precociousness and makes every metaphor and perceptive observation a wicked joy to hear.
Pub Date: Nov. 1, 2011
Duration: 7 hrs, 30 mins
DD ISBN: 9780307879462
Publisher: Random House Audio
Review Posted Online: Jan. 22, 2026
Novelist Benet Archdale and housemaid Carol Stratford are two young, single parents who have no reason to know each other. They become tangled in a nightmarish spiral of kidnap, fraud, family violence and death. Ruth Rendell creates psychological suspense in thrillers that are compulsively readable or, in this case, listenable. British actress Imelda Staunton's reading is perfectly paced, and the characters are well defined. You'll have a hard time turning it off.
Pub Date: N/A
Duration: 9 hrs
Publisher: BBC Audiobooks America/ Chivers
Review Posted Online: Jan. 22, 2026
Emerson and Peabody are at it again! Uncovering antiquities takes a back-seat as the romantic archaeologists track down the master criminal who is stealing Egypt's ancient treasures. With the help of their precocious son, Ramses, the intrepid pair unravel this mystery in crowded bazaars, desert camps and the heart of the Black Pyramid. Barbara Rosenblat's reading fully measures up to the tale. She is a master of timing and nuance. Rosenblat's power for character interpretation has grown with each book in this amusing series. This is the best one yet.
Pub Date: N/A
Duration: 12 hrs
Publisher: Recorded Books Inc.
Review Posted Online: Jan. 22, 2026
© Copyright 2026 Kirkus Media LLC. All Rights Reserved.
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