In this mystery set in 1887 London, protagonist Veronica Speedwell is an anomaly among English women, most of whom cling to their Victorian mores. Angele Masters narrates in the first person as adventurous Veronica, a plucky butterfly hunter who defies social constraints and declares her sexual freedom. Masters exquisitely portrays Veronica's determination, wit, and inquisitiveness. Voices for supporting characters are also unique and realistic, and the dialogue-rich text moves at an excellent pace. Veronica and her colleague, Stoker, a natural historian, are asked to investigate the murder of an artist's mistress. Veronica leads Stoker into awkward and amusing situations as they follow obscure clues that lead to an opium den, a bohemian grotto, and interviews with royalty.
Pub Date: Jan. 22, 2017
Duration: 12 hrs, 30 mins
DD ISBN: 9781501902550
Publisher: Recorded Books Inc.
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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