Nicholas Blake's mysteries are a welcome addition to audiobooks and a chance for listeners to become acquainted with the carefully plotted literary work of Poet Laureate Cecil Day Lewis, who used this pseudonym in the 1930s and '40s. Nigel Strangeways, Blake's amateur detective, is succinctly portrayed by Steven Crossley. He captures the articulate, clever and exuberant Strangeways and gives the minor characters just the right amount of accent and personality. Crossley's narration is a perfect fit for THE BEAST MUST DIE. The story follows the scheme of a mystery writer who plots the demise of a careless driver who killed his son in an accident. A great choice for listeners who enjoy the more cerebral side of mysteries.
Pub Date: Jan. 22, 1999
Duration: 8 hrs
Publisher: Recorded Books/ Clipper
Review Posted Online: Jan. 22, 2026
Reader Michael Prichard delivers a convincing rendition of Archie Goodwin, the burly right hand of the portly Nero Wolfe, world-renowned gourmand and detective. Prichard preserves the 1970s setting and 1950s origins of the story, bringing listeners a well-paced narration of murder and politics--a combination of elements that usually guarantees an exciting listen. This audio entertainment is as well formed and fragrant as one of Wolfe's hothouse orchids (the stout sleuth cultivates them by the hundreds in his town house greenhouse) as Goodwin walks us through an explosive murder investigation and political wheeling and dealing in a tough yet intelligent read.
Pub Date: Jan. 15, 2006
Duration: 5 hrs, 30 mins
Publisher: Audio Partners
Review Posted Online: Jan. 22, 2026
This collection of eight short stories contains gentle tales of fantasy and magic--not the magic of wizards and wands, but of wishing mats and enormous cats and gifts brought by the winds. In a lovely English accent, Lizza Aiken quietly narrates these stories in which magic and good fortune often come to those who deserve it. Although her pitch changes little, she registers a range of emotions--from the sadness of a girl whose necklace of raindrops has been stolen to the joy of a child who moves from a hard life and a ramshackle trailer to a happy home amid the clouds. A NECKLACE OF RAINDROPS would make a soothing choice for a family car trip after a long day.
Ages 6+Pub Date: Jan. 5, 2016
Duration: 1 hr, 45 mins
DD ISBN: 9781101915721
Publisher: Listening Library
Review Posted Online: Jan. 22, 2026
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