Talented actor Alan Cumming delivers a stellar performance of Volume 4 of Maupin's Tales of the City. Fans will welcome the return of the quirky residents of 28 Barbary Lane, San Francisco, and there is sufficient backstory to offer newcomers an enjoyable stand-alone novel. Cumming individualizes the numerous personalities through subtle variations of pacing and intonation without resorting to stereotypes or losing Maupin's chatty style. Cumming's soft Scots burr is particularly appealing as characters and scenes from the UK enter the story. The novel was considered groundbreaking when it was originally published in 1984 for focusing on the AIDS epidemic. Now, in the 21st century, we see that its themes of love and family are timeless.
Pub Date: March 26, 2013
Duration: 8 hrs, 45 mins
DD ISBN: 9780062259769
Publisher: Harper Audio
Review Posted Online: Jan. 22, 2026
Reader Michael Prichard delivers a convincing rendition of Archie Goodwin, the burly right hand of the portly Nero Wolfe, world-renowned gourmand and detective. Prichard preserves the 1970s setting and 1950s origins of the story, bringing listeners a well-paced narration of murder and politics--a combination of elements that usually guarantees an exciting listen. This audio entertainment is as well formed and fragrant as one of Wolfe's hothouse orchids (the stout sleuth cultivates them by the hundreds in his town house greenhouse) as Goodwin walks us through an explosive murder investigation and political wheeling and dealing in a tough yet intelligent read.
Pub Date: Jan. 15, 2006
Duration: 5 hrs, 30 mins
Publisher: Audio Partners
Review Posted Online: Jan. 22, 2026
This collection of eight short stories contains gentle tales of fantasy and magic--not the magic of wizards and wands, but of wishing mats and enormous cats and gifts brought by the winds. In a lovely English accent, Lizza Aiken quietly narrates these stories in which magic and good fortune often come to those who deserve it. Although her pitch changes little, she registers a range of emotions--from the sadness of a girl whose necklace of raindrops has been stolen to the joy of a child who moves from a hard life and a ramshackle trailer to a happy home amid the clouds. A NECKLACE OF RAINDROPS would make a soothing choice for a family car trip after a long day.
Ages 6+Pub Date: Jan. 5, 2016
Duration: 1 hr, 45 mins
DD ISBN: 9781101915721
Publisher: Listening Library
Review Posted Online: Jan. 22, 2026
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