In 1797, as the war between England and France (soon to be joined by Spain) continues, the Royal Navy is devastated by the Great Mutiny. Flag Captain Richard Bolitho returns to his home in Falmouth in the midst of the crisis and immediately becomes a player in the events that follow. Michael Jayston reads this action-packed adventure with spirit and dash that mesh exceedingly well with the writing. His characters’ voices are a perfect match for their personalities, and he conveys the excitement, chaos, and horror of battles at sea and hand-to-hand combat. The lives of seamen and officers, all subject to the wills of their superiors, are told with meticulous attention to detail and accuracy, and Jayston’s performance enhances every aspect of the story. This is a top-notch audio, an example of how good listening can get.
Pub Date: Jan. 22, 2004
Duration: 12 hrs, 30 mins
Publisher: BBC Audiobooks America
Review Posted Online: Jan. 22, 2026
Reader Michael Prichard delivers a convincing rendition of Archie Goodwin, the burly right hand of the portly Nero Wolfe, world-renowned gourmand and detective. Prichard preserves the 1970s setting and 1950s origins of the story, bringing listeners a well-paced narration of murder and politics--a combination of elements that usually guarantees an exciting listen. This audio entertainment is as well formed and fragrant as one of Wolfe's hothouse orchids (the stout sleuth cultivates them by the hundreds in his town house greenhouse) as Goodwin walks us through an explosive murder investigation and political wheeling and dealing in a tough yet intelligent read.
Pub Date: Jan. 15, 2006
Duration: 5 hrs, 30 mins
Publisher: Audio Partners
Review Posted Online: Jan. 22, 2026
This collection of eight short stories contains gentle tales of fantasy and magic--not the magic of wizards and wands, but of wishing mats and enormous cats and gifts brought by the winds. In a lovely English accent, Lizza Aiken quietly narrates these stories in which magic and good fortune often come to those who deserve it. Although her pitch changes little, she registers a range of emotions--from the sadness of a girl whose necklace of raindrops has been stolen to the joy of a child who moves from a hard life and a ramshackle trailer to a happy home amid the clouds. A NECKLACE OF RAINDROPS would make a soothing choice for a family car trip after a long day.
Ages 6+Pub Date: Jan. 5, 2016
Duration: 1 hr, 45 mins
DD ISBN: 9781101915721
Publisher: Listening Library
Review Posted Online: Jan. 22, 2026
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