This 1953 murder mystery could have been written yesterday. It's a unique, intelligent novel that dares to evolve beyond a whodunit into a thoughtful journey into the mind of a sociopath. Narrator Mauro Hantman skillfully performs, gracefully slipping from character to character so perfectly that the listener is never lost. Author Ira Levin, who also wrote ROSEMARY'S BABY and THE BOYS FROM BRAZIL, shows an astounding ability to craft a portrait of a man who is determined to marry into wealth—no matter how many sisters he has to kill. Levin cleverly tosses in a few curves about the identity of the killer, which Hantman does not betray. There's an ease to Hantman's performing style that gently leads the listener along until—BAM!—things get crazy. Hantman maintains complete control. M.S. 2012 Audies Finalist © AudioFile 2011, Portland, Maine
Pub Date: May 1, 2011
Duration: 8 hrs, 45 mins
DD ISBN: 9780792778868
Publisher: AudioGo
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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