Narrator Dion Graham makes listeners feel the ambiance of this book's title as Ball establishes its setting--the Deep South in the 1960s. The rhythm of Graham's voice quickens as a local cop on his late-night beat goes from drinking an ice-cold Coke in the diner to dealing with a dead body. Listeners may know that the first suspect turns out to be black Pasadena homicide investigator Virgil Tibbs, who is passing through town. Surprisingly, Tibbs is asked to join the investigation, at one point eliminating a suspect through a man's shave, shoes, and left-handedness. The gentle voice that Graham gives Tibbs is juxtaposed with the redneck tones of some of the locals, a contrast that maintains the undercurrent of racial tension that Ball blends with the mystery, the first in the Tibbs series. Deftly balancing the story's elements, Graham provides a strong introduction to a classic series of procedurals.
Pub Date: July 21, 2015
Duration: 5 hrs, 45 mins
DD ISBN: 9781501251450
Publisher: Brilliance Audio
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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