When the vicar’s wife loses her faith, it’s not surprising that the congregation is filled with dismay, but also with rumor, speculation, and irony. Things climax for Leeds’ Detective Peace (who is black) when a body turns up after the fellowship of a church fete! All are ingredients for a delicious mix of emotion, humor, gossip, and a fine audio presentation. Narrator Nigel Graham is outstanding as he unravels Barnard’s rich text and range of accents. As appearance and reality play out, the listener can’t help but say over and over, “Ah, yes, that must be it.” This is an excellent story for mystery fans, as well as for those who enjoy good characterization in modern fiction.
Pub Date: Jan. 22, 1997
Duration: 7 hrs, 45 mins
Publisher: ISIS Audio Books
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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