This clever and compelling mystery, set in rural Massachusetts, is splendidly narrated by Jen Taylor. Listeners feel privy to the persona of sweet amateur sleuth Bailey Weggins, editor of Gloss magazine, who has escaped Manhattan to visit an old family friend, the owner of a spa. When a series of baffling murders occurs in the spa, Bailey must come to the aid of her friend by identifying the killer, all the while entertaining a number of love interests. Taylor skillfully re-creates a wide range of emotions in this lively story while maintaining a perfect pace. An interview with a man suffering from a terrible head cold is humorous and memorable. On another level, the narrator demonstrates raw emotion that is truly moving. The production reaches surprising heights due to Taylor's excellent delivery.
Pub Date: Jan. 22, 2003
Duration: 8 hrs, 45 mins
Publisher: BBC Audiobooks America/ Sound Library
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.
