In the introduction to this 1952 Golden Age mystery, the author reveals that this is her personal favorite of her mysteries. Much of the book's description fits her own home and London neighborhood. The gravelly, rich voice of narrator Robin Sachs is ideal for the book's bygone era and multiple characters, both male and female, who ALL admit to murder in order to protect each other for a variety of sometimes bizarre reasons. A dense fog adds to the atmosphere; it's the perfect setting for a killing. Sachs's best creation is old Mrs. Evans--who refers to herself as "dotty." Her testimony at the murder trial is priceless. Brand keeps listeners guessing until the very last sentence in this constantly changing but somewhat dated story.
Pub Date: April 2, 2013
Duration: 7 hrs, 15 mins
DD ISBN: 9781622310463
Publisher: HighBridge 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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