Narrator Corrie James's crisp British accent is a decided advantage for the listener, given the density of detail Summerscale incorporates into this story of sin and redemption in Victorian England. Along with a historically accurate account of a gruesome crime and its aftermath, Summerscale presents a vivid look at working-class life in London's East End and in Australia from the mid-1800s until after WWII. James's ability to transition smoothly from the standard English of the narrative passages to dialogue featuring both Cockney and Aussie accents adds even more authenticity to this elaborately researched analysis of the ghastly matricide that captivated England in the 1890s. Riveting text and masterful presentation blend wonderfully to create a gripping and informative audiobook.
Pub Date: Jan. 22, 2016
Duration: 9 hrs, 30 mins
DD ISBN: 9781501919985
Publisher: Recorded Books Inc.
Review Posted Online: Jan. 22, 2026
Impressive research and a mound of evidence reconstruct a tawdry French scandal.
French actor Alain Delon died in 2024 at the age of 88, which makes this a now-it-can-be-told story. In October 1968, the body of Stevan Marcovic, a hanger-on of Delon’s, was found dumped outside Paris. The crime has never been solved, but Chisholm has reconstructed the case with a sharpness of detail worthy of an eyewitness. Narrator Orlando Wells sounds like he could have been that eyewitness, and he delivers Chisholm’s packed narrative with grace and flourish. What’s fascinating here are the vivid recreations of people, scenes, and an atmosphere where only the famous and rich—and criminal—can thrive.
Impressive research and a mound of evidence reconstruct a tawdry French scandal.Pub Date: Nov. 3, 2026
Duration: 12 hrs, 31 mins
DD ISBN: 9798349171581
Publisher: Dreamscape
Review Posted Online: Nov. 3, 2026
Kirkus Reviews Issue: Jan. 1, 2027
A fascinating look into the beginnings of true-crime writing.
In this audio original, author Dawson (American Sherlock, 2020) turns her attention to a series of brutal crimes that led to breakthroughs in crime-solving using forensics. With a serviceable and intelligent narration, Dawson focuses on two horrific crimes known as the Ratcliffe Highway Murders. In 1811, two families living five blocks apart were slaughtered in their homes. These senseless, apparently motiveless murders not only inspired new methods of police investigation, they also piqued the imaginations of notable writers. Dawson connects the Ratcliffe Highway Murders to Poe’s “Murders in the Rue Morgue” and Conan Doyle’s A Study in Scarlet.
A fascinating look into the beginnings of true-crime writing.Pub Date: Oct. 20, 2026
Duration: 3 hrs
DD ISBN: 9798217355594
Publisher: Penguin Audio
Review Posted Online: Sept. 29, 2026
Kirkus Reviews Issue: Nov. 15, 2026
© Copyright 2026 Kirkus Media LLC. All Rights Reserved.
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