Narrator Anna Bentinck returns listeners to Victorian London as she voices 12-year-old Maisie Hutchins, a spunky, slightly nosy young detective who helps out at her gran's boarding house. Just when things are getting dull, Maisie is asked to investigate the disappearance of a priceless emerald necklace, given to local actress Lila Massey by her aristocratic beau. Bentinck clips along at a good pace, slowing for Maisie's speculations and speeding up for the action scenes while giving listeners a chance to spot clues along with her. The despair in Lila's voice is tempered by Maisie's strong and delightfully mischievous tones. Young listeners will learn about the preparation and backstage work needed to produce a play as Maisie and her faithful canine, Eddie, go undercover.
(Mystery. 9-12)Pub Date: Jan. 22, 2016
Duration: 2 hrs, 15 mins
Publisher: Dreamscape
Review Posted Online: Jan. 22, 2026
Through Andromeda’s story, young listeners will learn more about the justice system and their rights.
Fifth grader Andromeda Diaz is concerned about her friend, Benji, who has been accused of stealing a valuable watch and is now facing charges. Andi, the daughter of two public defenders, doesn’t believe he committed the crime, and she works to figure out what really happened. Author Almanza, who was herself a public defender, performs her own work enthusiastically. Her narration style is casual, at times not quite nailing the rhythm of the text. While she’s not a professional narrator, her knowledge of the legal process shines through.
Through Andromeda’s story, young listeners will learn more about the justice system and their rights. (Mystery. 8-12)Pub Date: Sept. 8, 2026
Duration: 5 hrs, 11 mins
DD ISBN: 9798217352364
Publisher: Listening Library
Review Posted Online: Sept. 22, 2026
Kirkus Reviews Issue: Nov. 1, 2026
A sensitive performance.
Deepa is a precocious 12-year-old girl in remission from leukemia. Under the tutelage of her uncle, a house call doctor, she becomes involved in solving teen tennis player Taio's puzzling medical mystery. Deepa is unsure of herself, but she’s ready to get back to middle school after a year away for treatment. Narrator Soneela Nankani depicts Deepa's desire to be more than the "sick kid" while navigating her youthful insecurities and the social challenges of middle school. Nankani also ably portrays Deepa's growing confidence in herself as she uses her own experience with illness to help figure out what’s wrong with Taio.
A sensitive performance. (Fiction. 8-12)Pub Date: July 14, 2026
Duration: 6 hrs, 32 mins
DD ISBN: 9781668182833
Publisher: Simon & Schuster Audio
Review Posted Online: Aug. 24, 2026
Kirkus Reviews Issue: Oct. 1, 2026
© Copyright 2026 Kirkus Media LLC. All Rights Reserved.
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