Never was ancient Rome so saucy as it is in this mystery/romance, which takes detective Falco from the palaces of Rome to the sun-drenched Italian countryside. The setting would be nearly idyllic were it not for the scandalous traitors sunning themselves and a murderous madman on the loose—not to mention the problems Falco is having with his love life. This BBC dramatization is full of stormy performances. The best moments feature Anton Lesser's alternatingly dopey and cunning Falco as he pleads for forgiveness—or escape—from ladylove Helena Justina, portrayed by Anna Madeley. While one might wonder about the similarity between ancient Roman culture and that of modern-day Britain, sound effects and appropriate music help one maintain suspension of disbelief throughout.
Pub Date: Feb. 4, 2006
Duration: 3 hrs
Publisher: BBC Audiobooks America/BBC Radio
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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