The violent killing of a Swedish police captain while in hospital brings to light the brutality of his 40 years on the Stockholm police force. His history leaves Detective Martin Beck and his colleagues with plenty of suspects. Tom Weiner perfects the gravelly rumble of the hard-boiled but intellectual Beck as he makes his way through the dangerous case. Sjöwall's and Wahlöö's descriptive prose, in tandem with Weiner's narration, enlivens the Scandinavian imagery, as well as the characters' often-sordid surroundings. Scrutiny of modern law enforcement, with a strong indictment of indiscriminate brutality, flows throughout as a social theme. Gripping tension leads to a bleak and horrifying disaster but leaves us awaiting more from this crime series.
Pub Date: Oct. 6, 2009
Duration: 5 hrs, 30 mins
Publisher: Blackstone Audio
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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