Each of the 17 authors anthologized here took on a different Hopper painting from which to create a compelling, noir-laced story. A delightful range of works emerges, from the ironically funny tale of the ganja-smoking retired minister to the revenge story in which an abusive stalker falls into the perfect setup and the magic realism of a Basque family whose members need the ocean in order to live—and die. Many of the narrations are artful, deepening the poignancy and terror the authors invest in their characters and plots. Art historian Gail Levine’s first fiction appears here, beautifully realized by George Newbern, while Carrington MacDuffie wrings every bit of twisted American culture from “Still Life, 1931,” by Kris Nelscott. A fine crossover listen for short story fans, Hopper fans, and noir enthusiasts.
Pub Date: Dec. 6, 2016
Duration: 9 hrs, 45 mins
Publisher: Dreamscape
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.
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