An intriguing array of characters and subplots are the great joy of Elizabeth George’s mystery series that revolve around Scotland Yard’s Inspector Thomas Lynley; his Sergeant, Barbara Havers; and their cohorts, Simon and Deborah St. James and Lady Helen Clyde. In this episode Havers gets more of the limelight as she is given her first chance at heading the investigation of the kidnapping and murder of the daughter of a British MP. Donada Peters has developed a kindred relationship with the characters through eight unabridged recordings. Peters fluidly interprets each of the major characters with all the style George could have intended. The minor characters of constables, housekeepers and, in this case, the staff of a London tabloid have identifiable traits making the listening pure delight. George’s series is capably narrated by Derek Jacobi in abridged form. But for mystery fans who want to savor the long unfolding of plot and savor the characters, Donada Peters is top choice.
Pub Date: Jan. 22, 1997
Duration: 22 hrs, 30 mins
Publisher: Books on Tape
Review Posted Online: Jan. 22, 2026
Part of the joy of Tom Clancy novels is one's belief that the stories could come true. His latest entry stretches that some as we find international terrorists building a nuclear bomb which is used to set Americans and Russians against one another. Jay Robertson reads with a newscaster's voice, crisp and clear with a light touch of drama. However, he does little to help listeners identify Clancy's huge cast of characters, and dialects seem difficult for him as he occasionally slips in and out of character. Nonetheless, patient listeners are rewarded as the plot unfolds. This will be a welcome addition to any library justifying the price of the multi-cassettte volumes.
Pub Date: N/A
Duration: 16 hrs
Publisher: Books on Tape
Review Posted Online: Jan. 22, 2026
John Sanford is back with another psychological thriller in his Prey series. Surgeon, psychopath and serial killer Bekker is on the loose again after the easiest jailbreak in recent memory. Ken Howard's reading moves along with all the brooding energy a reader could want from a suspense book. His narration is deep, clear and well-suited to the gravelly voices of retired detective Lucas Davenport and the other cops. While Howard manages good dialects and shifts in character, his female voices leave a lot to be desired. For the most part, the abridgment gleefully throws logic and characterization overboard in favor of thrills, but the basic flavor of many characters is still fairly well maintained.
Pub Date: N/A
Duration: 3 hrs
Publisher: Harper Audio
Review Posted Online: Jan. 22, 2026
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