This nonfiction work focuses on the decades-long duel between Police Chief William Parker, who refused to take bribes, and the brutal gangster Mickey Cohen for control of Los Angeles. It’s no wonder that this book has been made into a television series—it’s got more murders, bombings, and backstabbing than “The Sopranos” and more power plays, political bosses, and backroom dealing than “Boardwalk Empire.” And it’s all true! Kirby Heyborne narrates in a style reminiscent of Walter Winchell. (Considering the material, some listeners may long for a more whisky-laced baritone to bring out the noir.) If you liked CHINATOWN, L.A. CONFIDENTIAL, or THE BLACK DAHLIA, you’ll get a big kick out of this historical crime story. R.W.S. 2013 Audies Finalist © AudioFile 2012, Portland, Maine
Pub Date: Feb. 4, 2012
Duration: 17 hrs
Publisher: Tantor Media
Review Posted Online: Jan. 22, 2026
Carol Matthau epitomizes a glamour and lifestyle not associated with the 1990's. Here is a life of privilege, tragedy and worry about what friends would think of her new frock or lover. Matthau possesses a voice and delivery that simply could not be improved on. In her coy whisper, she tells compelling stories involving everyone from William Saroyan (husband #1) and Truman Capote to Carson McCullers, Gloria Vanderbilt, and Walter Matthau (husband #2). This excellent audio presentation will leave you wanting to read the entire book to discover what juicy tidbits were left out.
Pub Date: N/A
Duration: 3 hrs
Publisher: The Publishing Mills
Review Posted Online: Jan. 22, 2026
A perfect marriage of text and delivery.
Women are routinely missing from American history texts. This audiobook seeks to remedy that. Journalist O’Donnell’s TV-honed voice carries the stories in compelling fashion. Dozens of overlooked heroines are profiled, such as Elizabeth Freeman, an enslaved woman who filed a lawsuit to obtain her freedom, or Emily Warren Roebling, an engineer who saved the Brooklyn Bridge when her husband fell ill. The writing style is straightforward and narrative-based, making it easy for listeners to follow. O’Donnell varies her tone to suit the material, reflecting intensity, disbelief, humor, and admiration. The sketches are generally short, making this a perfect audiobook for people with short windows of opportunity for listening.
A perfect marriage of text and delivery.Pub Date: Feb. 24, 2026
Duration: 10 hrs, 37 mins
DD ISBN: 9798217176236
Publisher: Penguin Random House Audio
Review Posted Online: yesterday
Kirkus Reviews Issue: April 1, 2026
© Copyright 2026 Kirkus Media LLC. All Rights Reserved.
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