In a psychological thriller, the buildup of suspense is vital. The danger in narrating these novels is the possibility of audible spoilers: A pause or change in inflection can reveal everything too soon. On the other hand, Penelope Rawlins’s performance is a masterful example of how sound can enhance suspense. She delivers an intense but not overly dramatic portrayal of the protagonist, Rachel, that elicits listeners’ sympathy for her plight. Even when the plot goes a bit over the top, Rawlins remains convincing and commanding. However, her portrayal of the male characters is less so. Their dialogue sounds like Rawlins is focusing more on gender than on overall characterization. But given the rare presence of male characters in the story, this weakness detracts minutely from her overall performance.
Pub Date: March 4, 2014
Duration: 11 hrs, 15 mins
DD ISBN: 9781480574595
Publisher: Brilliance 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
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
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