Jessa Maxwell's engaging debut novel, narrated in individual sections by a talented ensemble, will especially appeal to those who love reality cooking shows. "Bake Week" is an American spin-off of "The Great British Baking Show," tent and all. The show's star, Betsy Grafton, "America's grandmother," has run the show for nine successful seasons, but the producers have hired a famously nasty male chef to co-host the tenth season. As the show is filmed at Grafton's Vermont home, listeners get the personal backstories and secret motives of all six competitors and cohosts. With behind-the-scenes insights and highly personal revelations of breakdowns, abuse, sabotage, and murder, there's never a dull moment. Exceptional performances by each narrator deliver delicious recipes and devious plots. Appetizing listening.
Pub Date: March 7, 2023
Duration: 8 hrs, 30 mins
DD ISBN: 9781797153445
Publisher: Simon & Schuster Audio
Review Posted Online: Jan. 22, 2026
Anne McCaffrey's matter-of-fact and straightforward storytelling makes credible this tale of a universe being colonized by humans, a few of whom have telekinetic and telepathic powers. Jean Reed-Bahle's skillful narration is as fast-paced as the storyline, and she has a broad range of voices. The use of an echo effect when characters communicate telepathically is appropriate and effective. Brilliance has produced a program that listeners from teenagers to adults will enjoy.
Pub Date: N/A
Duration: 10 hrs
Publisher: Brilliance Audio
Review Posted Online: Jan. 22, 2026
Robin Cook's medical thriller will have a built-in audience which, for the most part, will not be disappointed with this story. Medical Examiner Laurie Montgomery is certain there is a connection in a series of Yuppie deaths. Technically the production is of high quality; no intrusive sound effects or music detract from the listening experience, and the narration is well-paced. However, narrator Peters's British accent and pronunciations are, at best, out of character and are downright ludicrous when she tries to impersonate Italian-American gangsters. The choice of narrator is inexplicable since the story is set in New York, and all major characters are Americans. Regardless, larger collections will want to have this because of Cook's popularity.
Pub Date: N/A
Duration: 12 hrs
Publisher: Books on Tape
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.
