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
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
A cozy crime mystery ideal for a fireside listen on a dark night with a hot toddy for company.
Emilia Fox rises to the challenge of creating a dozen or more voices to tell this intriguing murder mystery. Freya Lockwood and her aunt Carole are antique hunters working in league with the FBI, tracking down the source of three forged paintings recently shipped to the United States. A Scottish castle, concealed identities, and a couple of bodies make for a good yarn—not one to be taken too seriously, but reasonably compelling. Fox is on more stable vocal ground with Freya, Carole, and assorted Scots than she is with Phil, the FBI agent, but she keeps a firm grip on the plot and moves along at a good pace.
A cozy crime mystery ideal for a fireside listen on a dark night with a hot toddy for company.Pub Date: March 17, 2026
Duration: 11 hrs, 2 mins
DD ISBN: 9781668103067
Publisher: Simon & Schuster Audio
Review Posted Online: March 25, 2026
Kirkus Reviews Issue: May 1, 2026
© Copyright 2026 Kirkus Media LLC. All Rights Reserved.
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