There's action aplenty, as usual, at 44 Scotland Street, but most UNusual is this novel’s preface, in which Alexander McCall Smith admits that Bertie (who is eagerly awaiting his seventh birthday) is his favorite character, and the one most favored by his international readers. Narrator Robert Ian Mackenzie delightfully captures the witty and diverse cast. His rendering of Bertie and his friends Tofu, Hiawatha, and Olive is much like eavesdropping on a group of noisy kids. The account of Bertie taking his baby brother, Ulysses, to school for show and tell is priceless. The fussy and warring adults, especially Bertie's tiresome mother, are equally believable and enjoyable to befriend for a spell. Best of all, Mackenzie is spot-on in delivering McCall Smith's subtle humor.
Pub Date: 2012
Duration: 11 hrs, 30 mins
DD ISBN: 9781464047305
Publisher: Recorded Books Inc.
Review Posted Online: Jan. 22, 2026
Escape on a thrilling adventure with Soneela Nankani and Andrew Eiden as they narrate this suspenseful romance. A year has passed since Simi Chopra, her assorted crew, and Jack Danger pulled off a lucrative diamond heist. Now, the Chicago Mafia boss is demanding that the jewels be returned, so Simi gets the team back together. Nankani delivers an expressive performance that emphasizes Simi's conflict between her passion for Jack and the mission. Her distinct character voices keep the listener fully immersed. Eiden's lively tone gives Jack a subtle flair and confidence that make him easy to forgive and to love.
Pub Date: Aug. 20, 2024
Duration: 11 hrs, 15 mins
DD ISBN: 9780593907467
Publisher: Penguin Audio
Review Posted Online: Jan. 22, 2026
This is not a story about guns, but about blue pearls. Gerald Browne takes us to the Pacific Ocean and the world of pearl divers and natural gems and mixes in mystery, intrigue and suspense. Barry Bostwick portrays the characters in one voice, varying his intonation slightly for the Asian personalities. His reading style is very smooth, evidence of preparation and interest in the story. 18mm Blues is abridged well, collecting the important elements of the story. Unobtrusive music indicates the end of each side. Disappear into the mystery of the Far East and one of its most beautiful commodities.
Pub Date: Jan. 22, 1993
Duration: 3 hrs
Publisher: Audio Renaissance
Review Posted Online: Jan. 22, 2026
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