The narrators can’t redeem this disappointing, unsatisfying mystery.
Narrators Anna Burnett and Matthew Biddulph commendably present this thriller that’s high on melodrama and low on likable, relatable characters. Aspiring celebrity chef Charlie and charity fundraiser Freya were briefly happily married until a tragic accident—their fault—and alcoholism changes everything. The wealthy supporting characters are all entitled and self-important. Biddulph and Burnett both present biting versions of Anita, the villainous mother-in-law, whose antics add a bit of levity. When a charity for sick children is cunningly ripped off, it’s heartbreaking. Descriptions of London and the Cotswolds add atmosphere. Not knowing who to trust or what to believe is ultimately irritating rather than captivating.
The narrators can’t redeem this disappointing, unsatisfying mystery.Pub Date: March 31, 2026
Duration: 8 hrs, 50 mins
DD ISBN: 9781250434609
Publisher: Macmillan Audio
Review Posted Online: June 16, 2026
Part of the joy of Tom Clancy novels is one's belief that the stories could come true. His latest entry stretches that some as we find international terrorists building a nuclear bomb which is used to set Americans and Russians against one another. Jay Robertson reads with a newscaster's voice, crisp and clear with a light touch of drama. However, he does little to help listeners identify Clancy's huge cast of characters, and dialects seem difficult for him as he occasionally slips in and out of character. Nonetheless, patient listeners are rewarded as the plot unfolds. This will be a welcome addition to any library justifying the price of the multi-cassettte volumes.
Pub Date: N/A
Duration: 16 hrs
Publisher: Books on Tape
Review Posted Online: Jan. 22, 2026
John Sanford is back with another psychological thriller in his Prey series. Surgeon, psychopath and serial killer Bekker is on the loose again after the easiest jailbreak in recent memory. Ken Howard's reading moves along with all the brooding energy a reader could want from a suspense book. His narration is deep, clear and well-suited to the gravelly voices of retired detective Lucas Davenport and the other cops. While Howard manages good dialects and shifts in character, his female voices leave a lot to be desired. For the most part, the abridgment gleefully throws logic and characterization overboard in favor of thrills, but the basic flavor of many characters is still fairly well maintained.
Pub Date: N/A
Duration: 3 hrs
Publisher: Harper Audio
Review Posted Online: Jan. 22, 2026
© Copyright 2026 Kirkus Media LLC. All Rights Reserved.
Follow
Popular in this Genre
We can’t wait for you to join Kirkus!
It’s free and takes less than 10 seconds!
Already have an account? Log in.
OR
Sign in with GoogleTrouble signing in? Retrieve credentials.
Welcome Back!
OR
Sign in with GoogleTrouble signing in? Retrieve credentials.
