A deftly written mystery set on the glamorous French Riviera in the 1950s receives a droll, witty performance by Graham Halstead. Burglar John Robie (aka Le Chat) is enjoying a comfortable retirement when a copycat who knows Robie's methods appears on the scene. To prove his innocence to the police and to catch the thief, Robie contacts his criminal cohorts for help. If Robie goes back to prison, all of their amnesties for fighting in the French Resistance will be forfeited. Robie goes undercover as an American businessman to find likely victims that would appeal to the real thief. Halstead offers credible French and American accents and well-rounded believable personalities. Dodge's novel differs from Hitchcock's film, and the conclusion should surprise and delight listeners.
Pub Date: May 13, 2025
Duration: 8 hrs
DD ISBN: 9798892732062
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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