It's always fun to watch a "Perry Mason" episode on TV, and this audio adaptation of two of Erle Stanley Gardner's classic stories is a successful transition to the spoken-word. After all, Mason's clients are always innocent, no matter how guilty they seem. And there is a great pleasure in learning how Gardner's super-attorney solves the mysteries, usually with the guilty person confessing to the crime or being confronted with an overwhelming proof of guilt. This abridgment is well done, with sufficient detail left for the reader to follow and understand the twists and turns, despite their somewhat "incredible" solutions. William Hootkins does a fine job of narrating, varying his voice and speed to match each scene. Hootkins's storytelling keeps Gardner's stories moving at just the right pace. As usual, Perry Mason does not disappoint.
Pub Date: Jan. 22, 2000
Duration: 5 hrs
Publisher: DH 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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