But for the superior narration of Karen Ziemba, this listener would have left this book before the end. Ziemba's brisk and superlative reading bolsters this otherwise tired murder plot. Jance, the author of the popular J.P. Beaumont and Joanna Brady novels, has contrived a series of unconnected events—the rape of a runaway girl and the near-killing of a classmate from the police academy—for former newscaster Ali Reynolds to solve. The plot is not altogether believable. Jance also adds some minor characters and events that only detract from the storyline. On the other hand, Ziemba single-handedly holds this book together, so the distractions become minor. Kudos to her for her accomplished accents and compelling narrative drive.
Pub Date: Feb. 7, 2012
Duration: 10 hrs, 30 mins
DD ISBN: 9781442346246
Publisher: Simon & Schuster 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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