In 1889 San Francisco, the feisty Sarah Woolson aspires to be an associate in a law firm. Her first client is a young widow accused of brutally murdering her husband. During Sarah’s investigation four more murders occur, and Sarah is the only one who believes they’re linked. While the writing isn’t in the highest tradition of the genre, the performance will not be surpassed. Anna Fields has a superb gift for creating character voices, both male and female. Her male voices are particularly outstanding; each is not only uniquely identifiable, but foreign accents (Scots and Chinese) are perfectly portrayed. Emotions are skillfully interpreted, whether highly charged or sympathetic. Many listeners might figure out who the villain is before the last chapter, but it won’t spoil the enjoyment of this beautifully performed book.
Pub Date: Jan. 22, 2004
Duration: 8 hrs, 30 mins
Publisher: Blackstone 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.
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.
