Listeners explore a darker side of garden clubs in this nod to one of Conan Doyle's most well-known Sherlock Holmes stories. Gemma Doyle gets paid $10 by an 11-year-old girl to prove that her mother is not guilty of murder. Sheila Tierney is suspected of poisoning Anna Wentworth out of revenge for the destruction of her garden, which she blames on Anna. Narrator Kim Hicks heightens the humor of the audiobook as Gemma tries to stay out of the case but keeps getting dragged into it. Gemma, the Sherlock Holmes figure in this series, sounds analytical and largely devoid of personal emotion. In contrast, her friend Jane, the Watson figure, speaks in a gentle voice that makes her sound naïve at times. Listeners may find certain character voices to be shrill, but overall they will still enjoy the audiobook.
Pub Date: Jan. 12, 2021
Duration: 8 hrs, 15 mins
DD ISBN: 9781662065064
Publisher: Dreamscape
Review Posted Online: Jan. 22, 2026
Atherton’s deft performance speedily moves this mystery along toward its intense conclusion.
Kristin Atherton sounds like a full cast in this clever whodunit. A chilling prologue recounts the 1966 death of rock star “Monty” Montrose. Sixty years later, celebrity ghostwriter Lyssa Moore receives a commission to investigate Monty’s life and the questions surrounding her death. Lyssa interviews all those still alive who remember Monty, opening a convoluted can of worms. Since those interviewed are older, their memories are questionable. Finding herself in danger, Lyssa wonders if she’s taken on too much or whether she’s just being paranoid. Atherton is masterful delivering a wide range of voices and accents, keeping the large cast of possible suspects easily identifiable.
Atherton’s deft performance speedily moves this mystery along toward its intense conclusion.Pub Date: Aug. 1, 2026
Duration: 9 hrs
DD ISBN: 9781511389969
Publisher: Brilliance Audio
Review Posted Online: July 28, 2026
Kirkus Reviews Issue: Sept. 15, 2026
This lighthearted adventure is perfect for a relaxing few hours spent with a cup of chai, solving a not-too-taxing mystery.
Deepa Samuel’s whimsical narration reflects the characters in this cozy mystery. There’s something suspicious about the allegedly accidental death of Rohit, the president of the homeowners association. Rohit was disliked by almost everyone for his underhanded tactics, bullying, vicious snipes, and even blackmail. Neeti Shah, a retired librarian and the victim’s longtime friend, suspects foul play. She gathers her friends, and together they form the titular Masala Chai Mystery Club. Samuel gives each of them a distinctive voice—some high-pitched and annoyingly squeaky, but in keeping with their high-spirited personalities. When more murders occur, the club members begin to realize that they’re in danger.
This lighthearted adventure is perfect for a relaxing few hours spent with a cup of chai, solving a not-too-taxing mystery.Pub Date: July 21, 2026
Duration: 9 hrs, 39 mins
DD ISBN: 9798318372834
Publisher: Spotify Audiobooks
Review Posted Online: Sept. 19, 2026
© Copyright 2026 Kirkus Media LLC. All Rights Reserved.
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