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THE BITTER PAST

SHERIFF PORTER BECK, BOOK 1

James Babson's fine performance of this audiobook reflects the story's Nevada setting--it's mostly relaxed and without a lot of unnecessary drama. The story is told through the eyes of Sheriff Porter Beck, an ex-military intelligence officer whose small department is stretched to its limit when the tortured, mutilated body of an ex-FBI man is found in his jurisdiction. The case leads to the past, to the days of nuclear tests and secrets in the Nevada desert. Babson's narration is thoroughly engaging. He is low-key but still makes his characters distinct and real with different voices and personalities. The story itself has a few rough spots--some listeners may find a particular federal agent not particularly believable--but Babson's work helps overcome those.

Pub Date: July 18, 2023

Duration: 10 hrs

DD ISBN: 9781705095119

Publisher: Recorded Books Inc.

Review Posted Online: Jan. 22, 2026

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    MISS WOLCOTT'S GHOST

    Molina’s intense, intelligent performance makes the novel’s bizarre circumstances believable, terrifying, and...

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    An urgent phone call in the middle of the night. A body found in a location no one has ever heard of. So begins Penny’s 21st contribution to her popular Armand Gamache series. Narrator Alfred Molina is new to the Gamache audiobooks, but he seems comfortable in Three Pines. As Gamache and his team at the Sûreté du Québec, Jean-Guy Beauvoir and Isabelle Lacoste, struggle to unravel a tangled web leading to Lost Nation, a lost ship, lost documents, and an extinct plant. As the case unfolds, Jean-Guy and Gamache experience nightmares reliving horrific situations. All the regulars are here, and Molina handles them with respect. Only Ruth’s voice lacks its usual vitriol.

    Molina’s intense, intelligent performance makes the novel’s bizarre circumstances believable, terrifying, and compelling.

    Pub Date: yesterday

    Duration: 13 hrs, 31 mins

    DD ISBN: 9781250446602

    Publisher: Macmillan Audio

    Review Posted Online: Aug. 31, 2026

    Kirkus Reviews Issue: Oct. 15, 2026

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      THE DYING LIGHT

      From the Matthew Venn series series , Vol. 4

      This addition to the series is Cleeves at her best.

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      Narrator Jack Holden draws listeners into this complex murder investigation led by Detective Matthew Venn and his team. Seventeen-year-old Charlotte (Lottie) and Hannah have come to Devon, England to celebrate the completion of their school year, staying at Hannah’s family vacation home. When Lottie is found dead in the swimming pool, the search begins for Hannah, who seems to have disappeared. Hannah’s father, a prominent politician, raises the profile of the investigation. Listeners follow along as Venn and his team chase down leads, uncover dark past events, explore current relationships, and dive into the black hole of social media. Holden masterfully delivers the atmospheric settings, complicated personalities, and compelling story.

      This addition to the series is Cleeves at her best.

      Pub Date: Sept. 29, 2026

      Duration: 10 hrs, 33 mins

      DD ISBN: 9781250452078

      Publisher: Macmillan Audio

      Review Posted Online: Sept. 28, 2026

      Kirkus Reviews Issue: Nov. 15, 2026

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