Jayne Entwistle is a wry, spirited narrator, and her scratchy, warm voice is expertly matched to this dark comedy. When their headmistress and her brother die unexpectedly, the students of St. Etheldreda's school must think quickly, keep up appearances, and attempt to solve their murder before anyone is the wiser. The language of this story is almost Victorian, but Entwistle keeps events and characters clear, and her meticulous pacing is well suited to a murder mystery. Despite the gruesome deaths and the ensuing intrigue, Berry’s wickedly hilarious group of intelligent, triumphant young women and Entwistle's range of emotions and characterizations make this piece a compelling listen.
. (Farce/mystery. 11-13)Pub Date: Sept. 23, 2014
Duration: 9 hrs, 30 mins
DD ISBN: 9780553396010
Publisher: Listening Library
Review Posted Online: Jan. 22, 2026
Contemporary Brooklyn is home to a diverse group of characters voiced by Nikki Massoud in this middle-grade mystery with a slight fantasy twist. In this second installment, amateur sleuths Roya and Amin are approached by their neighbor and fellow classmate, 12-year-old Thea, to find the treasure left in their building by her estranged grandfather. Showcasing her skills, Massoud interweaves vibrant characters and periodic Iranian words. Roya and Amin are given energetic and confident voices, while Thea's breathy voice portrays a more reserved and introverted personality. Massoud captures three generations of characters ranging from tired parents and grandparents to boisterous children.
(Mystery. 9-13)Pub Date: Nov. 11, 2025
Duration: 4 hrs, 30 mins
DD ISBN: 9798217157068
Publisher: Listening Library
Review Posted Online: Jan. 22, 2026
With a bright, youthful tone, narrator Rachel Jacobs voices innocent 12-year-old Razzi. Razzi has lived her entire life in an old compound--or mansion--with her parents, brother, and a few other families. She and the other children have never been allowed to go outside because nearly all of mankind was eliminated after the "Great Poisoning." However, a traumatic medical episode and a tragic event cause Razzi to question her sheltered existence. Will she rebel against authority to feel the sun on her skin and the wind on her face? Jacobs nimbly switches between adult and child voices, and her controlled pacing and subtle dramatic emphasis heighten the tension. Jacobs' performance effectively conveys Razzi's emotional turmoil as the story unfolds, adding depth to the narrative.
(Speculative thriller. 9-12)Pub Date: Oct. 7, 2025
Duration: 4 hrs, 30 mins
DD ISBN: 9798225000264
Publisher: Scholastic Audiobooks
Review Posted Online: Jan. 22, 2026
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