Fans will delight in another cross-dressing, gun-toting Margaret Harkness adventure. Danielle Cohen's narration is spritely and intelligent as Margaret and old friend Joseph Bell investigate assassins and anarchists in 1897 Germany. Bell, the inspiration for Conan Doyle's Sherlock Holmes, invites Margaret to assist him in the search for secret documents that have fallen into enemy hands. Cohen delivers a credible cast, including Scotland Yard's Inspector Ethington and Elizabeth, his young daughter. Cohen is fine delivering the tense moments as Margaret and Queen Victoria are stalked by political adversaries. Unfortunately, she misses the subtle humor sprinkled throughout the story, and while her Scots and British accents are wonderful, her French and German are less convincing. In spite of minor flaws, Cohen makes Harper's story worth a listen.
Pub Date: Jan. 22, 2020
Duration: 9 hrs, 15 mins
Publisher: Tantor Media
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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