Narrator Ben Aldridge gives listeners the perfect introduction to Matthew Venn, a cool-headed DI in picturesque North Devon whose calm life is about to be shattered. Aldridge narrates at an easy pace and provides a subtle regional accent as Venn investigates the murder of a man with an albatross tattooed around his neck. Aldridge's smoothly shifting accents and warm tone draw listeners in as they become privy to the additional perspectives of Matthew's wry colleague, Jen Rafferty, and kindly Morris Braddock, who is protective of his bold adult daughter with Down syndrome. As the investigation expands, listeners slowly discover the murder victim's connections to Venn's past, as well as to his sweet and energetic husband. It's a smashing start to a third series by Cleeves--who has firmly established herself with the Vera Stanhope and Shetland series.
Pub Date: Nov. 5, 2019
Duration: 10 hrs, 15 mins
DD ISBN: 9781250242433
Publisher: Macmillan 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
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