This languid, innovative mystery begins with a carefully planned rare manuscripts heist from Princeton University's library by a group of experienced crooks. January LaVoy's expert narration engages listeners as debt-ridden novelist Mercer Mann reluctantly becomes involved in the case. The prime suspect is successful Florida bookstore owner and bon vivant Bruce Cable. LaVoy's presentation is well suited to this slow-paced yet fascinating study of a private eye's investigation methods, which are occasionally just this side of illegal. She finds outstanding, distinctive voices for the various charismatic characters--from writers to academics to FBI agents. The sardonic edge to the dialogue includes all those involved in the book business, and LaVoy appears to enjoy their parties and conversations. Listeners will appreciate the surprising ending, which proves that Bruce is a true gentleman and Camino Island a true writers' community.
Pub Date: June 6, 2017
Duration: 8 hrs, 45 mins
DD ISBN: 9780525523260
Publisher: Random House Audio
Review Posted Online: Jan. 22, 2026
Part of the joy of Tom Clancy novels is one's belief that the stories could come true. His latest entry stretches that some as we find international terrorists building a nuclear bomb which is used to set Americans and Russians against one another. Jay Robertson reads with a newscaster's voice, crisp and clear with a light touch of drama. However, he does little to help listeners identify Clancy's huge cast of characters, and dialects seem difficult for him as he occasionally slips in and out of character. Nonetheless, patient listeners are rewarded as the plot unfolds. This will be a welcome addition to any library justifying the price of the multi-cassettte volumes.
Pub Date: N/A
Duration: 16 hrs
Publisher: Books on Tape
Review Posted Online: Jan. 22, 2026
John Sanford is back with another psychological thriller in his Prey series. Surgeon, psychopath and serial killer Bekker is on the loose again after the easiest jailbreak in recent memory. Ken Howard's reading moves along with all the brooding energy a reader could want from a suspense book. His narration is deep, clear and well-suited to the gravelly voices of retired detective Lucas Davenport and the other cops. While Howard manages good dialects and shifts in character, his female voices leave a lot to be desired. For the most part, the abridgment gleefully throws logic and characterization overboard in favor of thrills, but the basic flavor of many characters is still fairly well maintained.
Pub Date: N/A
Duration: 3 hrs
Publisher: Harper Audio
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.
