Narrator John Michael Higgins steps into the shoes of Charlie Waldo, an ex-cop turned minimalist hermit who is dragged out of solitude to solve a case. A talented but difficult actor of stage and film has been accused of murdering his wife. Bearded, riding a bicycle, and refusing to own more than a 100 things, Waldo finds himself caught up in a maelstrom of Hollywood glitter and crooked police. Higgins gives Waldo a fun blend of insouciance and bitter regret undergirded by a fierce desire to discover the truth. The large cast of colorful characters with distinct accents and a strong narration result in an intimate story told directly to the listener. This unusual noir is filled with heart, humor, and a stunning conclusion.
Pub Date: Aug. 14, 2018
Duration: 8 hrs, 30 mins
DD ISBN: 9780525593898
Publisher: Penguin 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
© Copyright 2026 Kirkus Media LLC. All Rights Reserved.
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