RED SPARROW gives listeners a twofer. Not only is it an excellent espionage novel, but, strange as it may seem, we also hear a gourmet recipe after each chapter wherein that food is mentioned as part of the plot. Narrator Jeremy Bobb gives a sparkling, no-nonsense performance. A "sparrow" is a Russian agent who is trained to seduce an enemy of the opposite sex. Here, the enemy is a young CIA operative named Nate Nash who is handling a Russian general code-named "Marble." The only problem is that sparrow Dominika Egorova, who goes after Nash, does the unthinkable—she falls in love with him. Bobb’s crisp narration speeds listeners through this complicated story, maintaining interest even though Nate and Dominika don't meet until a third of the story has unfolded.
Pub Date: June 4, 2013
Duration: 18 hrs
DD ISBN: 9781442361676
Publisher: Simon & Schuster Audio
Review Posted Online: Jan. 22, 2026
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
Dirk Pitt, intrepid adventurer and master explorer, searches the Sahara for the deadly toxin that is killing marine life world wide. This audio, abridged by Harold Schmidt, lacks most of the adventure, as well as the humor, of Cussler's novels. Narrator Tom Wopat brings an unconventional vocal slant to the ever-cocky Pitt. Using lots of vocal characterization, Wopat brings across the smug brashness of Pitt and handles dialogue briskly. Enhanced by sound effects and small pieces of music, this is an interesting and perplexing mystery.
Pub Date: N/A
Duration: 3 hrs
Publisher: Simon & Schuster
Review Posted Online: Jan. 22, 2026
© Copyright 2026 Kirkus Media LLC. All Rights Reserved.
Follow
Popular in this Genre
We can’t wait for you to join Kirkus!
It’s free and takes less than 10 seconds!
Already have an account? Log in.
OR
Sign in with GoogleTrouble signing in? Retrieve credentials.
Welcome Back!
OR
Sign in with GoogleTrouble signing in? Retrieve credentials.
