The past comes back to haunt Medical Examiner Kay Scarpetta. As she investigates the death of a woman who was killed in a mysterious fire, Scarpetta must also worry about her former adversary, the psychopathic Carrie Grethen, who has vowed revenge against Scarpetta and company. Kate Reading gives a truly emotional and gut-wrenching performance. Having portayed Scarpetta three times now, Reading knows the character and becomes her. She draws the listener into the story, enabling us to feel Scarpetta's pain and distress as she faces the most tragic moment of her life. Although the mood of the story is dark, Reading's multi-dimensional performance also captures some lighter moments between major characters Scarpetta and Marino. This is a don't-miss episode for Scarpetta fans. With Reading at the helm, listeners won't be disappointed.
Pub Date: 1998
Duration: 11 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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