Andrew Vachss's antihero, known only as Burke, may be dead—but thanks to reader Phil Gigante, he's not nearly gone. Burke—tough guy, extortionist, ex-con—along with a dozen other negative characteristics—is set up for a hit. Even with a bullet to the head, which impairs his vision, his desire for revenge isn't impaired at all. Though he's maimed, he sets out to track down those responsible—and more important, the killers of his beloved partner/dog, Pansy. Gigante, who usually has a strong, clear voice, makes Burke gruff and scary. Not only is Gigante perfect as Burke, but he's also called upon to do various accents, among them, Russian. Gigante's delivery is surprising because he can transition from tough guy to a believable woman in an instant. This listener's first "Burke" experience was convincing enough to inspire backtracking to the 11 previous thrillers—and Phil Gigante's performances.
Pub Date: Dec. 29, 2010
Duration: 11 hrs
DD ISBN: 9781441824080
Publisher: Brilliance 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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