Siobhan McSweeney captures each nuance of this creepy yet moving mystery set in 1952 in a decaying English seaside town. Listeners meet Nora, who leaves a convent after 30 years to search for a young novice named Freda, whose letters to her have mysteriously stopped. The suspense begins as Nora moves into Freda's boardinghouse, where residents include a retired puppeteer, a resentful cook, and a carnival worker. McSweeney sounds determined as Nora subtly observes and questions the odd and secretive residents, who have varied accents and post-WWII memories. After an unexpected murder, suave Inspector Rideout--at first, reluctantly; then, enthusiastically--partners with Nora. The atmospheric weather, scenic promenade, and gentle humor, including religious wordplay, keep listeners fully involved.
Pub Date: April 8, 2025
Duration: 10 hrs
DD ISBN: 9781797189031
Publisher: Simon & Schuster Audio
Review Posted Online: Jan. 22, 2026
Emmes' performance highlights Lacey’s curiosity and determination as clues accumulate.
Andrea Emmes narrates this complex tale of murder, nostalgia, and ambition. Lacey Langdon returns to her New Jersey hometown after inheriting a printing and event planning business, when the discovery of a town official’s body throws everything into an uproar. Emmes makes the most of the tongue-in-cheek humor. She ramps up the urgency when another death occurs at a subsequent event and connections to an earlier family tragedy begin to emerge. Emmes delivers all the goings-on in an engaging, conversational style that suits the amateur sleuth at its center. She uses clear characterization and precise pacing to track the evolving mystery.
Emmes' performance highlights Lacey’s curiosity and determination as clues accumulate.Pub Date: May 26, 2026
Duration: 8 hrs, 10 mins
DD ISBN: 9798318186561
Publisher: Spotify Audiobooks
Review Posted Online: June 30, 2026
Disconnected details and half-formed plotlines make this mystery feel unsolved.
Mia Barron invites listeners into this cozily detailed world. Interior decorator and miniatures artist Hannah “Cookie” Cooke becomes involved in a murder case when her client and secret lover, Chuck, is murdered in his own home. Baffling clues hidden deep in the home’s walls point to a historical mystery. As Cookie attempts to unravel the tangled clues, her personal life becomes a snarled mess. This audiobook demands listener attention as loose story threads pull in different directions. Barron’s confident narration leads the way through this audiobook. She captures Cookie’s attitude and humor while adding variety in pitch and tone for other characters.
Disconnected details and half-formed plotlines make this mystery feel unsolved.Pub Date: May 5, 2026
Duration: 11 hrs, 1 min
DD ISBN: 9798899745836
Publisher: Recorded Books Inc.
Review Posted Online: June 30, 2026
© Copyright 2026 Kirkus Media LLC. All Rights Reserved.
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