Val McDermid's stand-alone novel crosses geographical boundaries: a crime in Scotland, persons of interest in England, and possible ties to the Balkans. Davina Porter's narration consistently maintains the authenticity of the accents and clearly distinguishes among the subplots. However, McDermid is known for her strong characters--especially women--and Porter's portrayal weakens them beyond the vulnerabilities McDermid exposes. While Detective Karen Pirie exhibits great patience with her subordinate officer, she comes across more mother than mentor. Porter's tone works somewhat better with Professor Maggie Blake, but additional edginess for both women would better reflect their life experiences and personal strengths. Despite this minor drawback, the thriller excites, and the audio will keep listeners fully engaged.
Pub Date: Jan. 22, 2014
Duration: 11 hrs, 30 mins
DD ISBN: 9781490632735
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
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