by James Patterson & Viola Davis ; Read by Viola Davis ‧ RELEASE DATE: yesterday
Davis is a force of nature, and her performance is riveting.
Awards & Accolades
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Viola Davis illuminates a tale of small minds dealing with big issues. Co-written with Patterson, Davis portrays elected Judge Mary Stone, a highly respected Black woman in Union Springs, Alabama. Fair-minded and self-assured, Judge Stone faces a case that divides the town. She is threatened by everyone from local crazies to the state’s governor. Vicious, violent actions accompany verbal threats, and it’s back to the bad old days of the Klan. Davis is simply magnificent. She is both subtle and blatant, giving texture to each of her characterizations. With deftness and artistry, she creates a world of ordinary, flesh-and-blood people and handles preconceptions based on antiquated prejudices with controlled rage. This one really is unputdownable.
Davis is a force of nature, and her performance is riveting.Pub Date: yesterday
Duration: 11 hrs, 20 mins
DD ISBN: 9781668653685
Publisher: Hachette Audio
Review Posted Online: yesterday
Kirkus Reviews Issue: April 15, 2026
by C.J. Box ; Read by David Chandler ‧ RELEASE DATE: N/A
C.J. Box writes about life in wild Wyoming, short stories of people living a rugged life by choice or by circumstance. David Chandler narrates in a rough-edged whiskey voice that suggests summer heat, bitter winters, and windswept prairies, guiding the listener through 10 adventures of men like Fish and Game Officer Joe Pickett. Chandler brings the listener into this strange world where, more often than not, men have to create their own justice. His performance of the economical stories, some rarely seen, is perfect. The tale of the frozen body of a Native American basketball player turned speed freak, her arm reaching through the ice of a lake in a final jump shot, is one of the most fascinating in the collection.
Pub Date: N/A
Duration: 7 hrs, 30 mins
DD ISBN: 9781470392796
Publisher: Recorded Books Inc.
Review Posted Online: Jan. 22, 2026
by Jonathan Kellerman ; Read by John Rubinstein ‧ RELEASE DATE: Feb. 3, 2026
Rubinstein’s polished narration keeps the listener fully engaged right through to the thrilling end.
Awards & Accolades
Our Verdict
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John Rubinstein returns in this latest installment of Kellerman’s long-running series. LA homicide detective Milo Sturgis is investigating the death of a former colleague. When it starts to turn into “one of those cases,” Milo calls in friend and psychologist Alex Delaware to provide his unique insights. Rubinstein’s talents are fully on display as he creates highly likable and believable characters in Milo and Alex. His warm narration style is balanced with perfect timing, which allows the tension to build as the plot twists to its conclusion while also letting the wry humor shine.
Rubinstein’s polished narration keeps the listener fully engaged right through to the thrilling end.Pub Date: Feb. 3, 2026
Duration: 11 hrs
DD ISBN: 9780593822722
Publisher: Random House Audio
Review Posted Online: Feb. 24, 2026
Kirkus Reviews Issue: April 1, 2026
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