John Lee narrates this true-crime story in the straightforward tone of a newscaster. In 1889, Alexandre Toussaint-Augustin Gouffé, a Parisian court official, was murdered by Gabrielle Bompard, a mesmerised woman under the sway of the ruthless hypnotist Michel Eyraud. Gruesome descriptions of dead bodies alternate with a detailed account of the crime and subsequent cover-up. At the heart of this story is the question of whether a hypnotized person can commit murder. Lee's relentless tone will draw listeners into the seamy underside of the City of Light. Details of the investigation are interspersed with forensic science as the detectives track the couple through Paris and the nearby countryside. This true-crime tale will draw listeners into the dark corners of this timeless city.
Pub Date: Feb. 25, 2014
Duration: 11 hrs
DD ISBN: 9780449012987
Publisher: Random House Audio
Review Posted Online: Jan. 22, 2026
GENERAL HISTORY | PSYCHOLOGY | TRUE CRIME | WORLD | HISTORY
Feiler’s heartfelt performance emphasizes his message that rituals are key to forging community.
Feiler is interested in how we use rituals to connect with others in an age in which fewer people than ever are baptized, get married, or are eventually buried. He casts a wide net: filing down teeth for coming-of-age ceremonies, divorce parties, placenta burials, gender reveals, and more. Feiler isn’t a professional narrator, but his authenticity and gentle humor are clearly apparent in his voice, which lends the whole endeavor the feeling of a memoir. That seems appropriate, given that Feiler travels the world participating in Vegas weddings and Nordic cold plunges and develops his own new rituals with his family to celebrate beating cancer.
Feiler’s heartfelt performance emphasizes his message that rituals are key to forging community.Pub Date: May 19, 2026
Duration: 11 hrs, 27 mins
DD ISBN: 9798217336692
Publisher: Penguin Audio
Review Posted Online: June 30, 2026
Kirkus Reviews Issue: Aug. 1, 2026
An engaged and polished performance of an illuminating, thought-provoking book.
Ashton examines the effect of humankind’s “story-shaped brain” on communication and culture, from the rise of humanity to the perilous current state of machine-driven interactions and artificial images feigning reality. His learned, heavily informative text requires no obvious “acting,” but its proper presentation demands varied levels of emotive emphasis. Derek Perkins’ intelligent narration and adept expressiveness match and even enhance the fascinating text. He excels as much in his ability to provide the exact level of emotional nuance required as he does in shaping tone and phrasing to convey literal sense. His clear, crisp voice, British accent, and perfect pacing help make this program a thorough pleasure.
An engaged and polished performance of an illuminating, thought-provoking book.Pub Date: March 3, 2026
Duration: 11 hrs, 12 mins
DD ISBN: 9780063438736
Publisher: Harper Audio
Review Posted Online: yesterday
© Copyright 2026 Kirkus Media LLC. All Rights Reserved.
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