SPY HOOK is the first book in Len Deighton's highly regarded espionage trilogy, which includes later books SPY LINE and SPY SINKER. Bernard Samson, the cool, cynical British Secret Agent, is now stuck behind a desk at London Central, relegated to jobs no one else wants. Then he discovers millions of pounds missing and cannot resist pursuing the investigation far beyond normal channels. This production by Blackstone, with plenty of audio power and well-paced tape changes, is what more audio publications should be. Reader Robert Whitfield presents a diverse cast of international characters in a smooth, seamless delivery without a trace of forced accents or gender representation. Deighton fans are sure to love SPY HOOK, while newcomers may find the experience a bit stodgy.
Pub Date: Jan. 22, 2003
Duration: 9 hrs
Publisher: Blackstone Audio
Review Posted Online: Jan. 22, 2026
Reader Michael Prichard delivers a convincing rendition of Archie Goodwin, the burly right hand of the portly Nero Wolfe, world-renowned gourmand and detective. Prichard preserves the 1970s setting and 1950s origins of the story, bringing listeners a well-paced narration of murder and politics--a combination of elements that usually guarantees an exciting listen. This audio entertainment is as well formed and fragrant as one of Wolfe's hothouse orchids (the stout sleuth cultivates them by the hundreds in his town house greenhouse) as Goodwin walks us through an explosive murder investigation and political wheeling and dealing in a tough yet intelligent read.
Pub Date: Jan. 15, 2006
Duration: 5 hrs, 30 mins
Publisher: Audio Partners
Review Posted Online: Jan. 22, 2026
This collection of eight short stories contains gentle tales of fantasy and magic--not the magic of wizards and wands, but of wishing mats and enormous cats and gifts brought by the winds. In a lovely English accent, Lizza Aiken quietly narrates these stories in which magic and good fortune often come to those who deserve it. Although her pitch changes little, she registers a range of emotions--from the sadness of a girl whose necklace of raindrops has been stolen to the joy of a child who moves from a hard life and a ramshackle trailer to a happy home amid the clouds. A NECKLACE OF RAINDROPS would make a soothing choice for a family car trip after a long day.
Ages 6+Pub Date: Jan. 5, 2016
Duration: 1 hr, 45 mins
DD ISBN: 9781101915721
Publisher: Listening Library
Review Posted Online: Jan. 22, 2026
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