These fingers have written many accolades about the voice and interpretations of Nadia May, but they are tingling with pleasure at her rendition of E.F. Benson's characters in the English town of Riseholme. Lucia is the queen of high society, who rules the rich denizens with her own tastes in culture and the fine arts. Because of her utter dominance, there are those who would like to see her downfall. Such fun does Nadia May have with the the stylized characters that the listener actually lives there and is part of the silly rituals of the '30's. The blustery colonel, the talkative Mrs. Weston who never gets to the point of her tale, and the Antrobus sisters, Piggy and Goosie, are all given grand verve May's exuberance. Her delight in reading this novel is directly transmitted to the lucky listener.
Pub Date: Jan. 22, 1998
Duration: 9 hrs
Publisher: Blackstone Audio
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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