The character of antiques dealer-restorer Lina Townend continues Cutler’s trend of heroines who are young, female sleuths. Lina's in partnership with the older, gay Griff, who's teaching her the trade and all she's lacked by growing up in foster care. Narrator Diana Bishop is sublime as the endearing but tough Lina, the charming Griff, and the multitude they encounter—collectors, connoisseurs, and outright crooks. Bishop's compelling delivery also transports listeners to shows, auction houses, and estate sales. Lina spots a body as she hauls a van full of purchases. By the time the police arrive, the body has disappeared. Learning tidbits about antiques and hearing about delicious food, drink, and the kinds and colors of appropriate serving dishes makes for a fun mystery.
Pub Date: June 1, 2011
Duration: 7 hrs, 15 mins
Publisher: ISIS Audio Books
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
© 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.
