A collection of anguishing stories from Africa is made all the more difficult to bear because the protagonists are all children or teenagers, each with a limited comprehension of the evil afoot but no protection from its harm. Robin Miles, Dion Graham, and Kevin Free narrate different stories, and all of them manage the balance these stories require. The three narrators successfully convey the naïveté of the young characters while also showing their awakening to the dangers that threaten them. Miles, Graham, and Free are equally adept, especially in reproducing the lilting African cadences. Nevertheless, the switch from one reader to the next is welcome—a breath of air before being resubmerged in the horror.
Pub Date: Nov. 1, 2009
Duration: 11 hrs, 15 mins
DD ISBN: 9781607883685
Publisher: BBC Audiobooks America
Review Posted Online: Jan. 22, 2026
Reader Michael Prichard delivers a convincing rendition of Archie Goodwin, the burly right hand of the portly Nero Wolfe, world-renowned gourmand and detective. Prichard preserves the 1970s setting and 1950s origins of the story, bringing listeners a well-paced narration of murder and politics--a combination of elements that usually guarantees an exciting listen. This audio entertainment is as well formed and fragrant as one of Wolfe's hothouse orchids (the stout sleuth cultivates them by the hundreds in his town house greenhouse) as Goodwin walks us through an explosive murder investigation and political wheeling and dealing in a tough yet intelligent read.
Pub Date: Jan. 15, 2006
Duration: 5 hrs, 30 mins
Publisher: Audio Partners
Review Posted Online: Jan. 22, 2026
This collection of eight short stories contains gentle tales of fantasy and magic--not the magic of wizards and wands, but of wishing mats and enormous cats and gifts brought by the winds. In a lovely English accent, Lizza Aiken quietly narrates these stories in which magic and good fortune often come to those who deserve it. Although her pitch changes little, she registers a range of emotions--from the sadness of a girl whose necklace of raindrops has been stolen to the joy of a child who moves from a hard life and a ramshackle trailer to a happy home amid the clouds. A NECKLACE OF RAINDROPS would make a soothing choice for a family car trip after a long day.
Ages 6+Pub Date: Jan. 5, 2016
Duration: 1 hr, 45 mins
DD ISBN: 9781101915721
Publisher: Listening Library
Review Posted Online: Jan. 22, 2026
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