David Thorn moves from plummy prep school English to the voice of a monosyllabic bushman without a hitch when Gilman's main character, Max, eludes an assassination attempt and takes off from his boarding school to go to Africa. There he intends to rescue his father from a villain who wants to pollute the part of the continent that he does not drown while maintaining possession of the area's only clean water. Thorn's delivery remains even-keeled even when he’s is describing Max’s out-of-body experiences (he takes flight in animal form) and his exploits fighting off poison, geysers, gunmen, baboons, an albino crocodile, and foes of Planet Earth. Nonstop (somewhat implausible) action and a wide array of well-voiced characters make for pleasurable listening.
Young AdultPub Date: Sept. 23, 2008
Duration: 11 hrs, 30 mins
Publisher: Listening Library
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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