The unsolved mystery here dates back to the Civil War, as Mary and Homer Kelly try to clear the name of one of her ancestors, who was accused of "skedaddling" from battle. Interspersed with the present-day story of their investigation is the tale of her ancestor and Otis Pike, the actual deserter, who resorts to murder to escape without discovery. Michael Prichard recreates the Civil War era with zest, especially the dramatic jumble of thoughts within the mind of cowardly Otis Pike. The theatrical quality of Prichard's voice is a good match for the stage setting that weaves throughout the novel. The story unfolds in expected ways and has a surprise or two at the end. J.A.S.
(c) AudioFile 2004, Portland, Maine
Pub Date: Jan. 22, 2003
Duration: 9 hrs
Publisher: Books on Tape
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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