Susan Jameson gives a bravura performance as Tatiana Romanov, one of the four daughters of Tsar Nicholas and Tsarina Alexandra. In this novel Tatiana is the one who allegedly escapes the fate of her famous family (not Anastasia, as some people believe). Jameson's Tania is headstrong, innocent, and charming as she realizes the horrific conditions the Russian people, her people, are suffering prior to the 1917 Revolution. Carolly Erickson's imaginative retelling of this volatile period in Russian history follows nobles and ne'er-do-wells, and Jameson's portrayals of Cossacks, Communists, Bolsheviks, and Germans are filled with the small details that transform mere words into flesh-and-blood characters. As Tania's life goes from idyllic to turbulent, Jameson's artistry transports listeners from gilt bedrooms and lavish ballrooms to rat-infested back streets and filthy hospitals. Smart writing and Jameson’s reading make this must listening.
Pub Date: Oct. 7, 2008
Duration: 11 hrs
Publisher: BBC Audiobooks America
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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