Carrington MacDuffie impressively presents this lackluster story, reminiscent of an English manor house mystery--except this is set in North Carolina. Listeners meet troubled 30-something Cameron Clewe and retired librarian Jane Hunter. Jane is hired to catalog Clewe's massive book collection, which is heavy on mysteries. Colorful descriptions of eccentric characters and Clewe's mansion, including hidey-holes inside and out, are well rendered. When Clewe's spoiled ex-girlfriend is found murdered after a gala, he's the main suspect. MacDuffie captures Jane's resourcefulness as she attempts to clear him, using her mystery knowledge. Sadly, the predictable story, slow pace, and unappealing characters aren't redeemed by MacDuffie's spirited presentation. Nonetheless, Agatha Christie and cozy mystery fans may enjoy this.
Pub Date: July 11, 2023
Duration: 8 hrs, 30 mins
DD ISBN: 9781666637175
Publisher: Dreamscape
Review Posted Online: Jan. 22, 2026
This unique, engaging detective, combined with Gupta’s lovely voice, offers hours of exceptional listening.
Deepti Gupta’s performance channels the charm and wit of Kausar Khan in this second Detective Aunty episode. After Kausar moved to Toronto to clear her daughter of a murder accusation, she decided to stay to be near her family. When the body of a friend of Kausar's granddaughter is found, the death is labeled a drug-related suicide, but Kausar believes it’s murder. After much digging, it appears Qasim’s death is linked to the death of Kausar’s son, Ali, 20 years earlier. As Kausar investigates, Gupta delivers her canny logic and keen observations, her enjoyment of many cups of chai, and her Muslim faith. Gupta expresses the story’s tense mother-daughter relationships as well as its reaffirming, deep ties of love.
This unique, engaging detective, combined with Gupta’s lovely voice, offers hours of exceptional listening.Pub Date: May 5, 2026
Duration: 11 hrs, 56 mins
DD ISBN: 9780063435049
Publisher: Harper Audio
Review Posted Online: April 1, 2026
Kirkus Reviews Issue: May 1, 2026
As the clues accumulate, McLaren maintains the momentum.
Todd McLaren narrates with a steady, controlled delivery that supports this police procedural full of mounting tension. Hugo, a former federal profiler who now runs a bookshop in Paris, is pulled back into investigative work when a threatening message targets an executive at a luxury confectionery company. McLaren shapes Hugo’s perspective with measured phrasing that reflects his analytical thinking and professional habits. He gives secondary characters distinct vocal patterns through shifts in tempo and emphasis, allowing conversations to unfold at a quick pace while keeping listeners engaged, and he smoothly transitions between interviews, discoveries, and reflection.
As the clues accumulate, McLaren maintains the momentum.Pub Date: March 31, 2026
Duration: 11 hrs
DD ISBN: 9798318551444
Publisher: Tantor Media
Review Posted Online: April 1, 2026
© Copyright 2026 Kirkus Media LLC. All Rights Reserved.
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