The author weaves a mystery from the bare bones of an actual murder case in Richmond, Virginia, in the 1890s. Did Lillian Madison commit suicide, or did her cousin, Tommie Cluverius, an ambitious lawyer, kill her to rid himself of an unwanted, pregnant girlfriend? Evidence can be found to support either point of view. Details of time and place are evidence of extensive research. Tom Stechschulte does an admirable job of telling the story from Tommie’s viewpoint. But despite a good narration, the listener remains unengaged. Although the mystery’s setting is vibrant, its characters are neither appealing nor interesting. The character of Tommie, in particular, comes across as scheming and self-absorbed--so obviously hiding something that he’s unable to arouse the listener’s sympathy.
Pub Date: Jan. 22, 2012
Duration: 11 hrs, 15 mins
DD ISBN: 9781464042744
Publisher: Recorded Books Inc.
Review Posted Online: Jan. 22, 2026
Novelist Benet Archdale and housemaid Carol Stratford are two young, single parents who have no reason to know each other. They become tangled in a nightmarish spiral of kidnap, fraud, family violence and death. Ruth Rendell creates psychological suspense in thrillers that are compulsively readable or, in this case, listenable. British actress Imelda Staunton's reading is perfectly paced, and the characters are well defined. You'll have a hard time turning it off.
Pub Date: N/A
Duration: 9 hrs
Publisher: BBC Audiobooks America/ Chivers
Review Posted Online: Jan. 22, 2026
Emerson and Peabody are at it again! Uncovering antiquities takes a back-seat as the romantic archaeologists track down the master criminal who is stealing Egypt's ancient treasures. With the help of their precocious son, Ramses, the intrepid pair unravel this mystery in crowded bazaars, desert camps and the heart of the Black Pyramid. Barbara Rosenblat's reading fully measures up to the tale. She is a master of timing and nuance. Rosenblat's power for character interpretation has grown with each book in this amusing series. This is the best one yet.
Pub Date: N/A
Duration: 12 hrs
Publisher: Recorded Books Inc.
Review Posted Online: Jan. 22, 2026
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