Narrator Edoardo Ballerini waltzes listeners through New York City society as Zimmerman’s macabre tale of civility and violence unfolds. Wealthy Hugo Delegate stands accused of serial murder. He does not proclaim his innocence, however, fearing that the true culprit is his adopted sister, Bronwyn, a “savage” girl raised in the Nevada wilderness. Distinctive voicings of the braggarts and businessmen, socialites and sinners associated with this story make Hugo’s extended account vividly clear for listeners. Gradually, Ballerini alters Hugo's characterization, deliciously hinting that Hugo may be the ultimate unreliable narrator. During the trial, Ballerini narrates Hugo’s long-winded defense at a brisk clip. A master of phrasing, Ballerini tightens the descriptive passages while lingering over Hugo’s dreamy musings. Subtle yet powerful, his elegant style works well.
Pub Date: March 6, 2014
Duration: 14 hrs, 45 mins
DD ISBN: 9780698149465
Publisher: Penguin 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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