Josh Bloomberg's narration is a fine match of text and voice. The tumultuous events that took place in Kyiv/Kiev during the Russian Civil War (1917-1922) are interwoven throughout this exciting historical mystery by Kurkov, who has been called Ukraine's most celebrated novelist. The story concerns a young engineer turned police detective named Samson Kolechko and his investigation of two murders, a mysterious silver femur, and a strange tailored garment. Add to this a budding romance with one Nadezhda, and the entire story is quite delightful. Bloomberg uses credible Ukrainian/Russian/German accents for the dialogue. His inflections and pacing are all perfect. This is supposed to be the first installment of a series, and one hopes that Bloomberg will narrate the future installments.
Pub Date: March 5, 2024
Duration: 8 hrs, 45 mins
DD ISBN: 9780063352315
Publisher: Harper Audio
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
This isn’t a spy novel, but a cozy English mystery, and Hardingham’s narration reflects that gentler genre.
This true story of one chapter in the life of a notorious female Soviet spy is told by her friendly neighbor in a sleepy village in the Cotswolds. Young Gemma moves out of London seeking a fresh start, community, and a room of her own in which to read her beloved mystery novels. She finds herself drawn to fellow villager Ursula Beurton, whose hint of an accent and unusual daily rhythms set her apart. Gemma becomes an amateur detective, eagerly spotting clues. The listener experiences Ursula’s dangerous world of espionage at a pleasant remove, ensconced in Fiona Hardingham’s sweet, pretty delivery of Gemma’s inner monologue.
This isn’t a spy novel, but a cozy English mystery, and Hardingham’s narration reflects that gentler genre.Pub Date: Oct. 6, 2026
Duration: 9 hrs, 3 mins
DD ISBN: 9781400352593
Publisher: Harper Audio
Review Posted Online: Oct. 20, 2026
Kirkus Reviews Issue: Dec. 1, 2026
© Copyright 2026 Kirkus Media LLC. All Rights Reserved.
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