The author of THE DANTE CLUB dazzles with this mystery about the publication of Charles Dickens's last work, THE MYSTERY OF EDWIN DROOD, which arrives in America in serial form, until the last installment goes missing. On the eve of Dickens's death, publisher James Osgood finds himself on a trail of murder and depravity, including involvement with the opium trade, in his quest to secure the lost ending. From Osgood’s point of view, Paul Michael methodically recreates the atmosphere of the period and recounts details of Dickens’s vast popularity in the U.S., then shifts timbre and expression for colorful portrayals of the other characters. Much more is involved than merely discovering DROOD's ending. This well-researched story unfolds with action-packed suspense, haunting imagery, romance, and exotic travel.
Pub Date: March 17, 2009
Duration: 13 hrs
Publisher: Random House 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
© Copyright 2026 Kirkus Media LLC. All Rights Reserved.
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