In 1960, in the middle of a perfect circle of trampled wheat in the farm fields of Kickapoo Falls, Wisconsin, Maggie and Michael Butler lie murdered, mutilated beyond comprehension. Deputy Pennington, who always loved Maggie from afar, seeks to find the killer(s) but is hindered by the silence of those around him. Tom Stechschulte narrates this bone-chilling murder investigation with a practiced voice and appropriate emotional detachment. When Pennington learns of the "unnatural" sexual activities on the part of the Butlers and others, he asks about every act, requesting every detail, all of which is made more vivid by the deadpan audio performance. Listeners learn all about this integral part of the murder investigation, along with Pennington's penchant for voyeurism. Secrecy abounds, as do the motives and the maneuverings of police and participants.
Pub Date: 2002
Duration: 7 hrs, 30 mins
Publisher: Recorded Books Inc.
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.
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