In the sixteenth book about British Inspector Alan Banks, he investigates the murder of a journalist who was writing about a rock band of the 1960s named The Mad Hatters. Evidently, the journalist had learned something vital about a 1969 murder that involved the band. For a considerable portion of the book, Ron Keith must handle two narratives set 36 years apart, each involving one of the murders. The only warning listeners have of a change from 1969 to 2006 or vice versa is the announcement of a date. Keith handles these potentially confusing time shifts clearly. In addition, his interesting characterizations and well-paced reading make this an involving listen.
Pub Date: Jan. 22, 2006
Duration: 16 hrs
Publisher: BBC Audiobooks America
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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