In this selectionsfrom the Sounds Like Murder series, Otto Penzler shows his keen ear for what makes a good audio mystery: a strong story line with few digressions to secondary plots. The action moves briskly but smoothly, so listeners can't get confused or need to rewind. And perhaps the most satisfying aspect--thestory has a strong sense of completeness while also being concise. Narrator Rosenblat seems to sense these attributes and reinforces them with her performances. The characters are nicely drawn, playing to idiosyncrasies just enough to enliven the tale. Even fans who think they "know" the work of the author or narrator will be pleasantly surprised with the freshness of this presentation.
Pub Date: Jan. 22, 1998
Duration: 1 hr, 50 mins
Publisher: Random House Audio
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
© Copyright 2026 Kirkus Media LLC. All Rights Reserved.
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