Bethan Rose Young carries listeners into a vivid Victorian world and the persona of 12-year-old Myrtle Hardcastle. Young's narration moves at a brisk clip, increasing the tension in this mystery and representing the quick intelligence and wit of its heroine. Myrtle is certain her neighbor, cranky Miss Woodhouse, has been murdered, and she's determined to discover the killer. Myrtle is encouraged by deep dives into scientific queries by her governess, Miss Judson. Young's portrayal of the intelligent, loving governess is matched by that of Myrtle's adoring father, a prosecutor. Red herrings abound, and Young's cameos of minor characters are on point, especially the unlikable American niece of the victim, who flirts with Myrtle's father. Young creates an enticing foundation and an intriguing heroine in the first installment of this historical mystery series.
. (Historical mystery. 10-12)Pub Date: Jan. 22, 2020
Duration: 8 hrs, 15 mins
DD ISBN: 9781980085461
Publisher: Recorded Books Inc.
Review Posted Online: Jan. 22, 2026
Past and present come together seamlessly.
Casey Holloway and Emily Eiden perform alternating chapters of this audiobook about two girls connected through time. In the present day, 13-year-old Penny Marks is angry and resentful about her parents’ decision to move their family to Paris for her mother’s museum job. In 1943, 13-year-old Marie Bonnet and her sister live alone in Nazi-occupied Paris. Holloway depicts the curious, determined, artistic Penny, who pursues the mystery of a painting hidden in a wall and a letter written 80 years earlier. With an accented narration, Eiden reveals Marie’s entry into the French Resistance and her commitment to hiding French art from the Germans.
Past and present come together seamlessly. (Fiction. 8-12)Pub Date: Feb. 17, 2026
Duration: 6 hrs, 42 mins
DD ISBN: 9780063321816
Publisher: Harper Audio
Review Posted Online: March 10, 2026
Contemporary Brooklyn is home to a diverse group of characters voiced by Nikki Massoud in this middle-grade mystery with a slight fantasy twist. In this second installment, amateur sleuths Roya and Amin are approached by their neighbor and fellow classmate, 12-year-old Thea, to find the treasure left in their building by her estranged grandfather. Showcasing her skills, Massoud interweaves vibrant characters and periodic Iranian words. Roya and Amin are given energetic and confident voices, while Thea's breathy voice portrays a more reserved and introverted personality. Massoud captures three generations of characters ranging from tired parents and grandparents to boisterous children.
(Mystery. 9-13)Pub Date: Nov. 11, 2025
Duration: 4 hrs, 30 mins
DD ISBN: 9798217157068
Publisher: Listening Library
Review Posted Online: Jan. 22, 2026
© Copyright 2026 Kirkus Media LLC. All Rights Reserved.
Follow
Popular in this Genre
We can’t wait for you to join Kirkus!
It’s free and takes less than 10 seconds!
Already have an account? Log in.
OR
Sign in with GoogleTrouble signing in? Retrieve credentials.
Welcome Back!
OR
Sign in with GoogleTrouble signing in? Retrieve credentials.
