Narrator Meredith Orlow captures protagonist Hazel’s energy and curiosity. The story is set in small-town New England at the height of McCarthy-era paranoia. Friendless and lonely, Hazel is obsessing over both creating a bomb shelter in the cemetery her parents run and the new grave digger, who she thinks could be a Russian spy. Orlow contrasts her character with that of Samuel, a new boy in town, giving him a voice that is skeptical and convincingly boyish as he helps Hazel with her detective work. Orlow varies her expression and pacing—even breaking into song—as Hazel uncovers secrets she didn’t suspect or want to know. This is a lively story about actions and consequences, trust and community.
(Historical mystery. 9-12)Pub Date: Jan. 22, 2014
Duration: 8 hrs
DD ISBN: 9781490627601
Publisher: Recorded Books Inc.
Review Posted Online: Jan. 22, 2026
Contemporary Brooklyn is home to a diverse group of characters voiced by Nikki Massoud in this middle-grade mystery with a slight fantasy twist. In this second installment, amateur sleuths Roya and Amin are approached by their neighbor and fellow classmate, 12-year-old Thea, to find the treasure left in their building by her estranged grandfather. Showcasing her skills, Massoud interweaves vibrant characters and periodic Iranian words. Roya and Amin are given energetic and confident voices, while Thea's breathy voice portrays a more reserved and introverted personality. Massoud captures three generations of characters ranging from tired parents and grandparents to boisterous children.
(Mystery. 9-13)Pub Date: Nov. 11, 2025
Duration: 4 hrs, 30 mins
DD ISBN: 9798217157068
Publisher: Listening Library
Review Posted Online: Jan. 22, 2026
With a bright, youthful tone, narrator Rachel Jacobs voices innocent 12-year-old Razzi. Razzi has lived her entire life in an old compound--or mansion--with her parents, brother, and a few other families. She and the other children have never been allowed to go outside because nearly all of mankind was eliminated after the "Great Poisoning." However, a traumatic medical episode and a tragic event cause Razzi to question her sheltered existence. Will she rebel against authority to feel the sun on her skin and the wind on her face? Jacobs nimbly switches between adult and child voices, and her controlled pacing and subtle dramatic emphasis heighten the tension. Jacobs' performance effectively conveys Razzi's emotional turmoil as the story unfolds, adding depth to the narrative.
(Speculative thriller. 9-12)Pub Date: Oct. 7, 2025
Duration: 4 hrs, 30 mins
DD ISBN: 9798225000264
Publisher: Scholastic Audiobooks
Review Posted Online: Jan. 22, 2026
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