by David McCloskey ; read by Andrew B. Wehrlen ‧ RELEASE DATE: Oct. 5, 2021
This audiobook, narrated by Andrew B. Wehrlen, pulls listeners into espionage and a forbidden relationship amid the political upheaval and violence of contemporary Syria. CIA case officer Sam Joseph has a history of working in the Middle East and understands the dynamics and dangers of the region. While Mariam Haddad works in the Syrian Palace, her family is divided--some work for Assad's regime, and others protest his brutality. When Sam is asked to recruit Mariam, they embark on an affair, further increasing the danger for both of them. Wehrlen transitions well between characters, and his pacing and emphasis match the plot's urgency. With insights into both the current climate in Syria and the life of a spy, this is a must-listen.
Pub Date: Oct. 5, 2021
Duration: 12 hrs, 45 mins
DD ISBN: 9781666153002
Publisher: Tantor Media
Review Posted Online: Jan. 22, 2026
by Steve Berry ; read by Scott Brick ‧ RELEASE DATE: Feb. 17, 2026
Brick’s masterful performance is Berry’s secret weapon for converting print to cinematic storytelling.
In Berry’s latest international mystery, operatives Cotton Malone and Cassiopeia Vitt travel to Sweden to help locate the king’s younger sister, who has been kidnapped. The ransom demand? A codex known as The Devil’s Bible, which was taken from Bohemia 400 years earlier as war contraband. Narrator Scott Brick tackles multiple accents as the Swedes, Russians, Americans, and Czechs compete to possess this Bible, leading to a volatile and deadly pursuit. Brick’s capable transitions from male to female, spy to assassin, and ally to enemy, no matter the representative country, are seamless and focused, allowing the listener to absorb the fast-paced, layered plot and accelerated action.
Brick’s masterful performance is Berry’s secret weapon for converting print to cinematic storytelling.Pub Date: Feb. 17, 2026
Duration: 11 hrs, 15 mins
DD ISBN: 9781668654057
Publisher: Hachette Audio
Review Posted Online: March 25, 2026
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by Michael Idov ; read by Santino Fontana ‧ RELEASE DATE: Jan. 27, 2026
Fontana’s strong performance is the perfect vehicle for this tale of modern-day spycraft.
Awards & Accolades
Our Verdict
GET IT
Disgraced former CIA operative Ari Falk’s self-imposed exile in the Republic of Georgia ends abruptly, and he finds himself at the heart of a mission to save the world from the leader of an extremist group intent on changing the balance of political power in Europe. Narrator Santino Fontana demonstrates a wide variety of accents, bringing to life characters from across the globe. His careful characterizations ensure the polished flow of the plot, and his skills are highlighted during dialogue-heavy scenes, where he seamlessly moves between characters and accents. Fontana’s timing and spot-on pacing keep the tension building as the twisting plot unfolds.
Fontana’s strong performance is the perfect vehicle for this tale of modern-day spycraft.Pub Date: Jan. 27, 2026
Duration: 8 hrs, 45 mins
DD ISBN: 9781668123232
Publisher: Simon & Schuster Audio
Review Posted Online: March 25, 2026
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