Two kidnappings on the streets of Shanghai in broad daylight set up the nonstop action in Pearson’s new series. Rutherford Risk, a firm that specializes in kidnap negotiations and extractions, hires John Knox, a civilian expert trained in special-ops combat, and Grace Chu, a former Red Army intelligence agent, to rescue the men. Narrator Todd Haberkorn elevates pitch and volume for the Chinese voices, and his transitions between Shanghainese and Mandarin speakers are seamless. Haberkorn’s subtle inflections make the women gorgeous, the villains despicable, and Knox a satisfying real-life hero. Each densely plotted layer takes the listener deeper into the twisted streets and back alleys of the complex mystery, exposing torture, embezzlement, bribery, and government corruption. Haberkorn’s sensational performance places this Chinese puzzle among the top suspense thrillers around.
Pub Date: June 19, 2012
Duration: 11 hrs
DD ISBN: 9781455854608
Publisher: Brilliance Audio
Review Posted Online: Jan. 22, 2026
C.J. Box writes about life in wild Wyoming, short stories of people living a rugged life by choice or by circumstance. David Chandler narrates in a rough-edged whiskey voice that suggests summer heat, bitter winters, and windswept prairies, guiding the listener through 10 adventures of men like Fish and Game Officer Joe Pickett. Chandler brings the listener into this strange world where, more often than not, men have to create their own justice. His performance of the economical stories, some rarely seen, is perfect. The tale of the frozen body of a Native American basketball player turned speed freak, her arm reaching through the ice of a lake in a final jump shot, is one of the most fascinating in the collection.
Pub Date: N/A
Duration: 7 hrs, 30 mins
DD ISBN: 9781470392796
Publisher: Recorded Books Inc.
Review Posted Online: Jan. 22, 2026
Dirk Pitt, intrepid adventurer and master explorer, searches the Sahara for the deadly toxin that is killing marine life world wide. This audio, abridged by Harold Schmidt, lacks most of the adventure, as well as the humor, of Cussler's novels. Narrator Tom Wopat brings an unconventional vocal slant to the ever-cocky Pitt. Using lots of vocal characterization, Wopat brings across the smug brashness of Pitt and handles dialogue briskly. Enhanced by sound effects and small pieces of music, this is an interesting and perplexing mystery.
Pub Date: N/A
Duration: 3 hrs
Publisher: Simon & Schuster
Review Posted Online: Jan. 22, 2026
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