Narrator Peter Wickham deftly introduces teacher/curmudgeon/movie buff Peter ("Mad Max") Maxwell and his first foray into crime solving. In this 1994 title, Maxwell is upset when one of his students is brutally murdered, and he decides to mount his own investigation. The words of incredulous teachers and classmates are convincingly rendered, as are Maxwell's gruff but compassionate asides, movie quotes, and impersonations. Most entertaining is the feisty Dodd family of criminals, who contradict each other when being questioned by the police, and a drunk neighbor of Maxwell, who makes unguarded comments about him. Wickham also excels in depicting Chief Inspector Henry Hall, Maxwell's first fight in 25 years, and his experience in jail when he himself becomes the murder suspect. Listeners will be moved by the unsettling conclusion and the murderer's disturbing confession.
Pub Date: Jan. 22, 2017
Duration: 8 hrs, 45 mins
Publisher: ISIS Audio Books /Soundings
Review Posted Online: Jan. 22, 2026
Escape on a thrilling adventure with Soneela Nankani and Andrew Eiden as they narrate this suspenseful romance. A year has passed since Simi Chopra, her assorted crew, and Jack Danger pulled off a lucrative diamond heist. Now, the Chicago Mafia boss is demanding that the jewels be returned, so Simi gets the team back together. Nankani delivers an expressive performance that emphasizes Simi's conflict between her passion for Jack and the mission. Her distinct character voices keep the listener fully immersed. Eiden's lively tone gives Jack a subtle flair and confidence that make him easy to forgive and to love.
Pub Date: Aug. 20, 2024
Duration: 11 hrs, 15 mins
DD ISBN: 9780593907467
Publisher: Penguin Audio
Review Posted Online: Jan. 22, 2026
This is not a story about guns, but about blue pearls. Gerald Browne takes us to the Pacific Ocean and the world of pearl divers and natural gems and mixes in mystery, intrigue and suspense. Barry Bostwick portrays the characters in one voice, varying his intonation slightly for the Asian personalities. His reading style is very smooth, evidence of preparation and interest in the story. 18mm Blues is abridged well, collecting the important elements of the story. Unobtrusive music indicates the end of each side. Disappear into the mystery of the Far East and one of its most beautiful commodities.
Pub Date: Jan. 22, 1993
Duration: 3 hrs
Publisher: Audio Renaissance
Review Posted Online: Jan. 22, 2026
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