by S.J. Parris ; Read by John Lee ‧ RELEASE DATE: April 10, 2012
Parris once again casts real-life sixteenth-century free thinker Giordano Bruno in the fictional role of detective and spy in a murder plot set at Canterbury Cathedral. Bruno soon discovers that the murder that has brought him to Canterbury is just the tip of an iceberg of political intrigue that includes a plot to undermine Queen Elizabeth’s claim to the throne. John Lee captures this slice of history with his colorful characterizations. He’s especially good at bringing out the malevolence in the villainous characters, of which there are more than a few. Lee also narrates the other books in the Bruno series, so fans will enjoy the consistency in the voices of the returning characters.
Pub Date: April 10, 2012
Duration: 14 hrs
DD ISBN: 9780307969729
Publisher: Random House Audio
Review Posted Online: Jan. 22, 2026
by Lauren Francis-Sharma ; Read by Ron Butler & Bahni Turpin ‧ RELEASE DATE: Jan. 22, 2015
Awards & Accolades
Our Verdict
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An astonishingly unique historical novel, which begins in Trinidad in the 1940s, this is an example of the best that an audiobook can offer. The two narrators, Ron Butler and Bahni Turpin, are superb choices who move the listener smoothly between the two main characters. Farook and Marcia Garcia are star-crossed lovers who don’t have fate on their side. Turpin evokes the rhythms of English as spoken in Trinidad, lyrical, and rhythmic. Through her confident narrative style, Marica Garcia comes across as a strong, beleaguered young woman. Her trials evoke empathy in the listener. Butler establishes the contorted choices that face Farook as an Indian man who is prevented by racism from marrying his true love. This sprawling tale spans Trinidad and the United States, from the 1940s-1960s.
Pub Date: Jan. 22, 2015
Duration: 13 hrs
Publisher: Tantor Media
Review Posted Online: Jan. 22, 2026
by Bernard Cornwell ; Read by Jack Hawkins ‧ RELEASE DATE: Jan. 8, 2013
In this stand-alone novel set during the Hundred Years' War, Thomas of Hookton, hero of Cornwell's Grail Quest trilogy, returns with his band of mercenaries in pursuit of the sword of Saint Peter—a holy relic said to bestow great power. Naturally, others are also in pursuit and are determined to win the sword at any cost. Jack Hawkins delivers a stunning performance of this dramatic novel of political intrigue and military battle. Throughout, he effortlessly distinguishes characters from all over Western Europe through various accents. Hawkins's thoughtful reading reveals the emotions of the characters, enhancing their portrayals. His performance is full of energy during Cornwell's signature battle scenes, offering the listener a visceral experience of war.
Pub Date: Jan. 8, 2013
Duration: 12 hrs
DD ISBN: 9780062209344
Publisher: Harper Audio
Review Posted Online: Jan. 22, 2026
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