Ed McBain's latest crime novel again features the notorious criminal the Deaf Man and the officers of New York's 87th Precinct. While the characters are filled with personality and Michael Arkin sounds appropriately authoritative, the book's premise--that the Deaf Man has hired junkies to deliver clues based upon quotes from Shakespeare about what he will do next--is hokey, at best. In addition, the novel begins too slowly, particularly for those who are unfamiliar with the Deaf Man and the prior books in the series. Eventually, the story gains momentum, as does Arkin's reading. In particular, Arkin memorably captures the frustrations, self-doubt, and second thoughts of Detective Carella, who ruminates about going broke paying for two weddings, his mother's and his sister's, all at once.
Pub Date: Jan. 22, 2004
Duration: 11 hrs, 15 mins
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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