by Mia P. Manansala ; read by Danice Cabanela ‧ RELEASE DATE: Nov. 12, 2024
For those looking for a fun, at times even rollicking, cozy mystery full of delicious Filipino food and a bevy of delightful female characters, this installment of the Tita Rosie's Kitchen Mysteries series, narrated by Danice Cabanela, will fit the bill. Set in the fictional Midwest town of Shady Palms, the story features Lila Macapagal, owner of the Brew-Ha Café, who is embroiled in another murder mystery. This time the murder takes place during a corn festival, and Lila must prove that her bestie, Adeena, is not the killer. Cabanela is impeccable with her accents, voices, and inflections, bringing animation and drama to the dialogue. That and the story itself are enough to forgive her sometimes-wooden delivery of narrative. Foodies, cozy mystery lovers, and people interested in cultural festivals will enjoy this audio.
Pub Date: Nov. 12, 2024
Duration: 8 hrs, 45 mins
DD ISBN: 9780593911372
Publisher: Penguin Audio
Review Posted Online: Jan. 22, 2026
by Mark Pryor ; read by Todd McLaren ‧ RELEASE DATE: March 31, 2026
As the clues accumulate, McLaren maintains the momentum.
Todd McLaren narrates with a steady, controlled delivery that supports this police procedural full of mounting tension. Hugo, a former federal profiler who now runs a bookshop in Paris, is pulled back into investigative work when a threatening message targets an executive at a luxury confectionery company. McLaren shapes Hugo’s perspective with measured phrasing that reflects his analytical thinking and professional habits. He gives secondary characters distinct vocal patterns through shifts in tempo and emphasis, allowing conversations to unfold at a quick pace while keeping listeners engaged, and he smoothly transitions between interviews, discoveries, and reflection.
As the clues accumulate, McLaren maintains the momentum.Pub Date: March 31, 2026
Duration: 11 hrs
DD ISBN: 9798318551444
Publisher: Tantor Media
Review Posted Online: April 1, 2026
by C.L. Miller ; read by Emilia Fox ‧ RELEASE DATE: March 17, 2026
A cozy crime mystery ideal for a fireside listen on a dark night with a hot toddy for company.
Awards & Accolades
Our Verdict
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Emilia Fox rises to the challenge of creating a dozen or more voices to tell this intriguing murder mystery. Freya Lockwood and her aunt Carole are antique hunters working in league with the FBI, tracking down the source of three forged paintings recently shipped to the United States. A Scottish castle, concealed identities, and a couple of bodies make for a good yarn—not one to be taken too seriously, but reasonably compelling. Fox is on more stable vocal ground with Freya, Carole, and assorted Scots than she is with Phil, the FBI agent, but she keeps a firm grip on the plot and moves along at a good pace.
A cozy crime mystery ideal for a fireside listen on a dark night with a hot toddy for company.Pub Date: March 17, 2026
Duration: 11 hrs, 2 mins
DD ISBN: 9781668103067
Publisher: Simon & Schuster Audio
Review Posted Online: March 25, 2026
Kirkus Reviews Issue: May 1, 2026
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