As this audiobook opens, Charlotte Reed has recently inherited Chapters, a B&B dedicated to literature, from her enigmatic great-aunt, Isabella. As a week dedicated to the theme of mystery author Josephine Tey takes place, Charlotte discovers that one of her guests has alienated everyone at Chapters. Thus, when he is stabbed, listeners have a wealth of characters to suspect. As Suzie Althens performs, she adds depth, especially as the characters discuss the mysteries of Tey and other authors, comparing them to the real-life mystery they are embroiled in. One character Althens portrays particularly well is 70-something Ellen, neighbor to Charlotte and friend to her great-aunt. Althens makes Ellen seem perfectly credible, and delightful.
Pub Date: Jan. 22, 2020
Duration: 9 hrs
Publisher: Dreamscape
Review Posted Online: Jan. 22, 2026
This audiobook is evidence that a delightful whodunit is best consumed through the ears.
Set in the glitzy 1970s New York gourmet restaurant scene, this story of food critic Bernice Black’s mystery-solving escapades is well performed by Mozhan Navabi. The novel opens as Navabi affectionately recounts Bernice’s introduction to fine dining through the generosity of her mentor, an over-the-top French chef whom Navabi gives appropriate flair. When Bernice discovers her beloved chef’s severed head in a batch of perfectly prepared aspic, she has the food expertise to find the only other chef capable of making an aspic that divine—and hence, to identify the killer. A sultry writer for a competing magazine tries to beat Bernice to the story, and Navabi delivers the twisty narrative without losing a beat.
This audiobook is evidence that a delightful whodunit is best consumed through the ears.Pub Date: Feb. 3, 2026
Duration: 12 hrs
DD ISBN: 9798217285181
Publisher: Penguin Audio
Review Posted Online: March 10, 2026
Kirkus Reviews Issue: April 15, 2026
Jesse Vilinsky gives a vibrant performance of this delightful cozy mystery featuring a fun romance. Emersyn, who is caring for her young niece after her brother's death, is struggling to keep afloat financially after being swindled by her ex-boyfriend, Hoffman. Emersyn's natural warmth and intelligence come through in Vilinsky's narration as she creates a fictitious detective agency to scare Hoffman into returning the money. Through her efforts she meets the charming Wyatt, whose deep voice and infectious mischievousness convince Emersyn to let him help. When Emersyn's 80-year-old neighbor is accused of murdering their building super, the fictitious agency is hired to investigate. Vilinksy creates an atmospheric listen full of heart, romantic spark, and found family.
Pub Date: Jan. 6, 2026
Duration: 11 hrs
DD ISBN: 9798217159048
Publisher: Random House Audio
Review Posted Online: Jan. 22, 2026
© Copyright 2026 Kirkus Media LLC. All Rights Reserved.
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