Set in Victorian London, this is an engaging tale about a slander trial at the Old Bailey, involving exiled German royalty, a murdered prince who abdicated his throne for the love of his life and an outspoken countess who accuses the princess of the murder. Simon Jones gives a wonderful performance, clearly depicting more than a dozen characters of different ages and nationalities. The portrayal of the barrister, Sir Oliver Rathbone, and the patriotic Countess Zorah are particularly noteworthy. Jones's skilled narration moves the story along at just the right pace. Reminiscent of the tales of Sherlock Holmes, this is three hours of pure entertainment.
Pub Date: Jan. 22, 1996
Duration: 3 hrs
Publisher: Random House 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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