It is not always true that an author is the best reader for his book. However, in this case, Simon Brett , an audiobook narrator himself, does a superb job narrating this murder mystery, which takes place in the world of the theater. Brett gives the main character, Charles Paris, just the right amount of arrogance to make him believable as an actor, yet still likable. Ironically, Charles is involved with the production of an audiobook, as well as trying to solve the murder of his friend. Brett convincingly performs several characters with great depth and even involves the listener with Charles's moving struggle with the bottle. This reviewer felt like she was beside him at the bar drinking a pint.
Pub Date: Jan. 22, 1998
Duration: 8 hrs, 11 mins
Publisher: BBC Audiobooks America/ Chivers
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
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