Narrator John Lee presents the iconic Bernie Gunther in a compelling origin story. At the beginning of his tenure on the Murder Commission, Gunther is focused on pursuing a serial killer who is targeting disabled war veterans. To uncover the killer, Gunther agrees to follow his boss's revolutionary idea of going undercover. Lee imbues the entire production with gravitas and grit, lending the story a haunting literary tone. Characters speak with vivacity and depth, a testament to both the writing and the narration. Lee perfectly captures Gunter's sarcastic voice with a hint of youthful vibrancy. Despite this being both a prequel and the final book in the series, new listeners can easily follow. The entire production feels grander than one voice, with Lee elevating the story to a captivating listen.
Pub Date: April 9, 2019
Duration: 11 hrs, 15 mins
DD ISBN: 9781984840639
Publisher: Penguin 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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