Ben Copperfield, freelance journalist, is catapulted into the lives of the people of Castle Ridge Racing Stables as he investigates several stories: the theft of "Cajun King" just weeks before he is expected to race for the Cheltenham Gold Cup, a gypsy stunt-riding troupe, and a radical activist group committed to the liberation of sports animals. Narrator Jonathan Keeble creates what seems like a full-cast ensemble, with voices for a plethora of Hungarian and British characters. Keeble's ability to maintain unique voices during a rancorous family meeting of six characters that builds up to their exposing a grievous family secret draws the listener deeper into the drama. His skill in moving from incredulity to outrage when a break-in is discovered, without losing the story's pace, is also impressive.
Pub Date: Jan. 22, 2006
Duration: 11 hrs, 45 mins
Publisher: Recorded Books/ Clipper Audio
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
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