When Empress Theodora is found dead, her husband, Emperor Justinian, is alone in believing that his wife was murdered. Everyone else appears to accept that she died of natural causes, particularly given the lack of evidence to the contrary. As the story unfolds, John, the lord chamberlain, is directed by the emperor to find the empress's killer, and he turns up a large number of suspects. Narrator Simon Pebble brings the wide cast of characters alive through skillful narration. Pebble ensures that the characters—from aristocrats to servants—are distinguishable through subtle vocal characterization. The well-paced narration complements the seemingly impossible puzzle, allowing the listener to enjoy hearing the pieces come together.
Pub Date: March 6, 2012
Duration: 8 hrs
Publisher: Blackstone 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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