Narrator Dion Graham continues to channel series detective Virgil Tibbs and a multiethnic cast of characters. This fifth in the series, first published in 1976, contains the requisite murder and sleuthing as well as depictions of ongoing technological, social, and political changes that have led the fictional Tibbs to become comfortable with identifying as "black" rather than "Negro." A missing woman may be hiding from her rich parents in voluntary poverty in the Far East, and police have begun to communicate from the field via walkie-talkie. Graham infuses the mid-century realism with careful non-stereotypical accents, pacing suited to Tibbs's methodical personality, and emotional expressions befitting stoic men and worried women. The series holds up in the present, and listeners who discover it will be rewarded.
Pub Date: Sept. 1, 2015
Duration: 6 hrs, 30 mins
DD ISBN: 9781501251610
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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