Political intrigue permeates this bestselling novel about four very different men who, after entering British politics in the '60s, spend the next 30 years vying for power until one reaches the pinnacle as prime minister. That the author, a British lord, is himself a politico lends the machinations authenticity--as does, unintentionally, this drastic abridgment. So much dialogue has been removed that the truncation sounds like nonfiction. Indeed, so many personality points are missing that the characters would have no definition at all if it weren't for Martin Jarvis, who vividly portrays the DRAMATIS PERSONAE with the crumbs he finds. The narrative he delivers with his wonted urbanity, authority, and expressiveness. His concluding brief interview with Archer is a superfluous, but nonetheless interesting, extra.
Pub Date: May 1, 2004
Duration: 3 hrs, 45 mins
Publisher: Audio Renaissance
Review Posted Online: Jan. 22, 2026
Reader Michael Prichard delivers a convincing rendition of Archie Goodwin, the burly right hand of the portly Nero Wolfe, world-renowned gourmand and detective. Prichard preserves the 1970s setting and 1950s origins of the story, bringing listeners a well-paced narration of murder and politics--a combination of elements that usually guarantees an exciting listen. This audio entertainment is as well formed and fragrant as one of Wolfe's hothouse orchids (the stout sleuth cultivates them by the hundreds in his town house greenhouse) as Goodwin walks us through an explosive murder investigation and political wheeling and dealing in a tough yet intelligent read.
Pub Date: Jan. 15, 2006
Duration: 5 hrs, 30 mins
Publisher: Audio Partners
Review Posted Online: Jan. 22, 2026
This collection of eight short stories contains gentle tales of fantasy and magic--not the magic of wizards and wands, but of wishing mats and enormous cats and gifts brought by the winds. In a lovely English accent, Lizza Aiken quietly narrates these stories in which magic and good fortune often come to those who deserve it. Although her pitch changes little, she registers a range of emotions--from the sadness of a girl whose necklace of raindrops has been stolen to the joy of a child who moves from a hard life and a ramshackle trailer to a happy home amid the clouds. A NECKLACE OF RAINDROPS would make a soothing choice for a family car trip after a long day.
Ages 6+Pub Date: Jan. 5, 2016
Duration: 1 hr, 45 mins
DD ISBN: 9781101915721
Publisher: Listening Library
Review Posted Online: Jan. 22, 2026
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