A story encumbered with multiple diversions that do nothing to wind the mainspring of the plot presents a special challenge for the skillful Jacqueline Tong: too many characters to bring to life to too little purpose. Journalist-sleuth Rona Parish's parents are newly separated, a situation that causes much drama within the family. Rona's husband is being sexually stalked (maybe) by a student in his art class, while in the center ring, Rona gets involved with the families who own the best hotel and the best jewelry store in town, who are roiled by a daughter's nightmares and an old family trauma. I'm skipping a lot. Jacqueline Tong tries valiantly, with charm and skill, to make these dozens distinct. She doesn't succeed, but I doubt it's her fault.
Pub Date: Feb. 4, 2006
Duration: 8 hrs
Publisher: BBC Audiobooks America
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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