Polly Edsell commendably delivers this story set in 1890s London. Listeners meet ultra-confident Quinn le Blanc, who is part of a gang that specializes in scamming wealthy families through complex ruses. Edsell captures characters from multiple classes with a variety of personalities, and delivers colorful descriptions of sights and aromas above and below stairs, creating plenty of atmosphere. Standouts include the ever-faithful valet, Silk and wealthy, uncertain Duke Kendal, along with his seemingly gentle stepmother and condescending sister. Most amusing are Edsell's portrayals of Quinn, who disguises herself as a dim-witted flower seller, and the generally snide observations of a dreary Buckingham Palace. After many red herrings, patient listeners are treated to a surprising conclusion.
Pub Date: Jan. 22, 2025
Duration: 12 hrs, 45 mins
Publisher: Harlequin Audio
Review Posted Online: Jan. 22, 2026
Ayla, one of the "others," is adopted by a clan of Neanderthal cave people. She struggles to conform to their ways, but her advanced human traits overwhelm and threaten their primitive culture in this initial installment of an immensely popular series. Although the story might benefit from abridgment, Rowena Cooper easily carries out the formidable task of enlivening the mostly silent and stereotypical characters with consistent, diverse personalities and human dimension. Through skillful phrasing and inflection, she maintains the reader's interest and suspense, especially with Ayla and her plight, throughout this rambling and imaginative story.
Pub Date: N/A
Duration: 22 hrs
Publisher: BBC Audiobooks America/ Chivers
Review Posted Online: Jan. 22, 2026
This lyrical, sensual novel of woman's lot in Manchu, China, is as well researched as it is well written. Authentic in tone, it's nonetheless written for Westerners by a Western expert on China. Moreover, Susan Clark performs the demanding text superbly, with only occasional signs of fatigue. For the most part she not only sustains the quaint diction and Asian atmosphere, but also, creates whole worlds with her voice. She acts the book, rather than reads it, and, in so doing, turns a pretty trifle into a stupendous beauty.
Pub Date: N/A
Duration: 4 hrs, 30 mins
Publisher: Audio Literature
Review Posted Online: Jan. 22, 2026
© Copyright 2026 Kirkus Media LLC. All Rights Reserved.
Follow
Popular in this Genre
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
Sign in with GoogleTrouble signing in? Retrieve credentials.
Welcome Back!
OR
Sign in with GoogleTrouble signing in? Retrieve credentials.
