To start a mystery with the death of one son and the mutilation of the other--both police constables--poses a problem for the author and listeners. It's difficult to believe that their mother, Detective Harriet Martens, could continue with her police duties after those personal losses. Because of her stoicism, she becomes a somewhat unappealing heroine. Given the story's emotional situation, it's also difficult for listeners focus on the investigation of the theft of a bio-weapon. However, Sheila Mitchell does such a masterful job with narration that, by the end, one does empathize with Detective Martens. But no matter how well read--and Mitchell does the job with panache--this is not one of Keating's best novels.
Pub Date: Dec. 1, 2006
Duration: 6 hrs, 30 mins
Publisher: BBC Audiobooks America
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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