Robert Petkoff opts for a barebones narration of the unusual friendship between CIA maverick Jack (Cowboy) Platt, based in Washington, DC, and KGB agent Gennady Vasilenko, based in the Soviet embassy. Petkoff's detached narration reflects the attitude of the two spies as they carried out their dirty tricks. Methods of interrogation and torture, and other deadly aspects of spy craft from the Cold War into the twenty-first century, are also depicted in the story. Petkoff's minimal Russian accent for Vasilenko's dialogue and Russian terminology contrasts dramatically with his "radio broadcaster" enunciation for the narrative and his portrayals of Platt and other Americans. A perfect listen for fans of spy stories and exposés.
Pub Date: Oct. 2, 2018
Duration: 11 hrs, 30 mins
DD ISBN: 9781549142710
Publisher: Hachette Audio
Review Posted Online: Jan. 22, 2026
Impressive research and a mound of evidence reconstruct a tawdry French scandal.
French actor Alain Delon died in 2024 at the age of 88, which makes this a now-it-can-be-told story. In October 1968, the body of Stevan Marcovic, a hanger-on of Delon’s, was found dumped outside Paris. The crime has never been solved, but Chisholm has reconstructed the case with a sharpness of detail worthy of an eyewitness. Narrator Orlando Wells sounds like he could have been that eyewitness, and he delivers Chisholm’s packed narrative with grace and flourish. What’s fascinating here are the vivid recreations of people, scenes, and an atmosphere where only the famous and rich—and criminal—can thrive.
Impressive research and a mound of evidence reconstruct a tawdry French scandal.Pub Date: Nov. 3, 2026
Duration: 12 hrs, 31 mins
DD ISBN: 9798349171581
Publisher: Dreamscape
Review Posted Online: Nov. 3, 2026
A fascinating look into the beginnings of true-crime writing.
In this audio original, author Dawson (American Sherlock, 2020) turns her attention to a series of brutal crimes that led to breakthroughs in crime-solving using forensics. With a serviceable and intelligent narration, Dawson focuses on two horrific crimes known as the Ratcliffe Highway Murders. In 1811, two families living five blocks apart were slaughtered in their homes. These senseless, apparently motiveless murders not only inspired new methods of police investigation, they also piqued the imaginations of notable writers. Dawson connects the Ratcliffe Highway Murders to Poe’s “Murders in the Rue Morgue” and Conan Doyle’s A Study in Scarlet.
A fascinating look into the beginnings of true-crime writing.Pub Date: Oct. 20, 2026
Duration: 3 hrs
DD ISBN: 9798217355594
Publisher: Penguin Audio
Review Posted Online: Sept. 29, 2026
Kirkus Reviews Issue: Nov. 15, 2026
© Copyright 2026 Kirkus Media LLC. All Rights Reserved.
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