Botswana, well known to mystery fans as the setting for the Precious Ramotswe books, provides the backdrop for this story of human and animal intrigue. Leo Painter, an aging corporate mogul, brings his scheming company directors to a wild game resort to check out future opportunities. Interwoven throughout the human machinations is the parallel tale of Sekoa, a dying lion soon to be ousted by a younger rival. Ray Porter's clear, bold voice works well for the various American characters whose distinct personalities radiate arrogance, superficiality, greed, and duplicity. His intonation and inflection capably differentiate the various characters while managing to capture the treacherous nature of most of them. He is also adept with the soft, melodic African accents. Even though the listener quickly figures out who the villain is, the story is an enjoyable diversion.
Pub Date: Dec. 1, 2009
Duration: 8 hrs
Publisher: Blackstone 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
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