David George complements this poetically written alternative history set in contemporary Scotland's Balmoral Castle. Listeners spend Christmas with King Eric, his family, and longtime chef Jon Alleyane during a raging blizzard. Fears arise when the King dies after ingesting his favorite whiskey. George's spirited descriptions of food, the castle, and the winter storm are captivating. Each character is splendidly developed: Alleyane, with his gorgeous Barbados accent; the drunken queen; and the decadent brother are all striking. As murder seems likely, the lines are drawn, and most of the royals enlist open-minded Alleyane to investigate until the storm abates. One obstacle after another, ceaseless surprises, and shifting allegiances confront Alleyane, who prevails at last. Fascinating behind-the-scenes glimpses of the royals and the gripping conclusion guarantee a wonderful listen.
Pub Date: Oct. 25, 2022
Duration: 9 hrs, 30 mins
DD ISBN: 9780593669570
Publisher: Penguin Audio
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
C.J. Box writes about life in wild Wyoming, short stories of people living a rugged life by choice or by circumstance. David Chandler narrates in a rough-edged whiskey voice that suggests summer heat, bitter winters, and windswept prairies, guiding the listener through 10 adventures of men like Fish and Game Officer Joe Pickett. Chandler brings the listener into this strange world where, more often than not, men have to create their own justice. His performance of the economical stories, some rarely seen, is perfect. The tale of the frozen body of a Native American basketball player turned speed freak, her arm reaching through the ice of a lake in a final jump shot, is one of the most fascinating in the collection.
Pub Date: N/A
Duration: 7 hrs, 30 mins
DD ISBN: 9781470392796
Publisher: Recorded Books Inc.
Review Posted Online: Jan. 22, 2026
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