A new series by author/narrator Simon Brett is cause for rejoicing. Ellen Curtis is a declutterer who works with hoarders and those who need a nudge at organization. Brett's portrayal of low-key Ellen is supportive and tactful when she needs to persuade her clients to let go of possessions. Listeners will be intrigued by elderly Queenie, who has 11 cats, and Ashleigh, who loves her baby but lives in squalor. Even before Ellen discovers a body at the home of one of her clients, she exudes an undercurrent of sadness. Characters are well rendered, with Ellen the standout as she investigates what turns out to be a murder. Most entertaining is Ellen's aged mother, Fleur, an actress who is always performing. Even though this mystery includes issues relating to mental illness, drugs, prison, and death, its upbeat tone makes it an enjoyable listen.
Pub Date: Jan. 22, 2020
Duration: 6 hrs, 45 mins
DD ISBN: 9781662003257
Publisher: Dreamscape
Review Posted Online: Jan. 22, 2026
This unique, engaging detective, combined with Gupta’s lovely voice, offers hours of exceptional listening.
Deepti Gupta’s performance channels the charm and wit of Kausar Khan in this second Detective Aunty episode. After Kausar moved to Toronto to clear her daughter of a murder accusation, she decided to stay to be near her family. When the body of a friend of Kausar's granddaughter is found, the death is labeled a drug-related suicide, but Kausar believes it’s murder. After much digging, it appears Qasim’s death is linked to the death of Kausar’s son, Ali, 20 years earlier. As Kausar investigates, Gupta delivers her canny logic and keen observations, her enjoyment of many cups of chai, and her Muslim faith. Gupta expresses the story’s tense mother-daughter relationships as well as its reaffirming, deep ties of love.
This unique, engaging detective, combined with Gupta’s lovely voice, offers hours of exceptional listening.Pub Date: May 5, 2026
Duration: 11 hrs, 56 mins
DD ISBN: 9780063435049
Publisher: Harper Audio
Review Posted Online: April 1, 2026
Kirkus Reviews Issue: May 1, 2026
As the clues accumulate, McLaren maintains the momentum.
Todd McLaren narrates with a steady, controlled delivery that supports this police procedural full of mounting tension. Hugo, a former federal profiler who now runs a bookshop in Paris, is pulled back into investigative work when a threatening message targets an executive at a luxury confectionery company. McLaren shapes Hugo’s perspective with measured phrasing that reflects his analytical thinking and professional habits. He gives secondary characters distinct vocal patterns through shifts in tempo and emphasis, allowing conversations to unfold at a quick pace while keeping listeners engaged, and he smoothly transitions between interviews, discoveries, and reflection.
As the clues accumulate, McLaren maintains the momentum.Pub Date: March 31, 2026
Duration: 11 hrs
DD ISBN: 9798318551444
Publisher: Tantor Media
Review Posted Online: April 1, 2026
© Copyright 2026 Kirkus Media LLC. All Rights Reserved.
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