Penelope Keith and Russell Tovey embody the warmth of the protagonists in this charming novel told from dual perspectives. Tovey narrates with emotional vulnerability and an inquisitive tone in portraying Clayton Stumper. The lovably old-fashioned 26-year-old unravels the final mystery left by the legendary puzzle maker Pippa Allsbrook, who raised him in her later years after he was abandoned at birth on her doorstep. Penelope Keith lends a spirited voice to the scenes from Pippa's perspective, which explore her youth as a talented crossword maker in the male-dominated field and her unlikely path to raising Clayton. The sole weakness is the interactive puzzles included throughout the story, which are challenging to follow in the audio format even with the balanced pacing. Otherwise, this is a rich, captivating adaptation.
Pub Date: April 9, 2024
Duration: 11 hrs, 45 mins
DD ISBN: 9780593821879
Publisher: Random House Audio
Review Posted Online: Jan. 22, 2026
Powerless women find their voices in a society controlled by men.
De Gramont’s novel, set in New York City in the early 20th century, introduces the newly widowed Isabelle Bishop, who hopes that marrying the wealthy, older widower John Whitten will rescue her along with her mother and daughter, Mariah, from scandal and poverty. Carlotta Brentan brings this diverse cast of characters to vibrant life. Whitten is loving and kind—as long as his demands are met. And instead of Isabelle, he wants to marry Mariah. Isabelle is determined and practical as she convinces Mariah to agree, for the sake of the family, to this arrangement. Hetty, Mariah’s lady’s maid, befriends Mariah, helping her find her confidence.
Powerless women find their voices in a society controlled by men.Pub Date: Nov. 10, 2026
Duration: 10 hrs, 58 mins
DD ISBN: 9781668151334
Publisher: Simon & Schuster Audio
Review Posted Online: Sept. 22, 2026
Kirkus Reviews Issue: Nov. 1, 2026
An emotional journey through 1970s New York, conveyed with heart and soul.
Thurston's performance eloquently captures the spirit of the theater, the arts, and human connection. Growing up in the South, young Tiller Loomis discovers his passion for entertaining through puppetry. After his older brother dies in Vietnam, Tiller finds his way to New York, where he discovers his people: an acting troupe hired to put on a new children's show on the same public television network as Sesame Street. Thurston's voice so embodies Tiller's dreams and desires, it's occasionally heartbreaking. Listeners who remember those halcyon days of children's public programming and the theatrical spirit that powered it will be particularly moved.
An emotional journey through 1970s New York, conveyed with heart and soul.Pub Date: Nov. 3, 2026
Duration: 11 hrs
DD ISBN: 9781668658956
Publisher: Hachette Audio
Review Posted Online: Nov. 10, 2026
Kirkus Reviews Issue: Jan. 1, 2027
© Copyright 2026 Kirkus Media LLC. All Rights Reserved.
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