A thoughtful and engaging listening experience.
Narrator Rebecca Lowman faces a demanding task: portraying Margaret Finch, a brilliant research assistant who is on the spectrum; socially challenged; and anchored to a tightly scheduled, detail-obsessed life. The slow, methodical introduction to this protagonist may initially feel sluggish. Hang in there—once the mystery takes hold, the narrative gathers momentum, and listeners come to appreciate Finch’s perseverance, intelligence, and caring--if awkward--nature as she investigates the death of her boss. Finch also finds an unexpected ally in the university’s unconventional custodian. Lowman skillfully differentiates characters and, through tone and pacing, heightens tension and sustains interest through to the surprising conclusion. Along the way, listeners will pick up intriguing facts about plants.
A thoughtful and engaging listening experience.Pub Date: Nov. 18, 2025
Duration: 8 hrs
DD ISBN: 9798217163229
Publisher: Penguin Audio
Review Posted Online: Feb. 24, 2026
In this fascinating coming-of-age portrait, Thomas Black Bull's journey from the child, Bear's Brother, to the fearsome rodeo rider, Killer Tom Black, is painted with compassion and insight. Forced to learn the White Man's ways, Tom reaches adulthood consumed by rage. Read with great vigor by Norman Dietz, the recording bursts with the energy of rodeo circuit and transports the listener to the southwest. The accurate portrayal of Tom's Ute ancestry and way of life, the sorrow and frustration of losing his heritage, and his angry retaliation at the world make this an excellent listening choice for adults and teenagers. It would also be a wonderful addition to high school units on the Native American experience.
Pub Date: N/A
Duration: 10 hrs
Publisher: Recorded Books Inc.
Review Posted Online: Jan. 22, 2026
George S. Irving adopts Patrick McManus's characters with gusto. Sit back and listen to yarn after yarn. Irving relishes each story, whether it's fishing stories, such as "Claw of the Sea-Puss" or "To Filet or Not to Filet," or the escapades with McManus's wary but vulnerable neighbors. Irving has the jocular chuckle down pat, and the low comedy satire comes off without a hitch. Listeners can imagine Irving tipping back a chair at the country store swapping lies with cronies and entertaining any comers with these hilarious tales. His repertoire of more than eight collections of McManus stories encourages this kind of ownership!
Pub Date: N/A
Duration: 3 hrs
Publisher: DH Audio
Review Posted Online: Jan. 22, 2026
© Copyright 2026 Kirkus Media LLC. All Rights Reserved.
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