Two dogs snoring by the fire make the only sounds in a silent backwoods cabin in Ohio on a summer night in 1839. When a sudden knock at the door sends the dogs into a frenzy, Nathan, with his sister, Molly, begins a journey to find his lost and injured father and to uncover the truth about the mysterious and fearsome Weasel, a man whose hatred has transformed him into an inhuman monster, capable of unspeakable acts. Jeff Woodman employs careful modulation of tone, his urgency carrying the story forward at moments of highest tension, his relaxed narration filling in the background between plot points. While Nathan's voice is earnest and clear, and Weasel's deep drawl is frighteningly real, the hollow voice of Pa is less convincing. Nevertheless, this will be a popular choice among middle-grade listeners who love adventure stories with a dose of danger.
Ages 10+Pub Date: Jan. 22, 1998
Duration: 2 hrs, 45 mins
Publisher: Recorded Books Inc.
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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