With its blend of mythology, suspense, and mystery, this novel is engaging and atmospheric--as long as listeners can suspend disbelief and dive into the engaging narration. Penelope Rawlins shifts expertly between the past and present timeframes of the story. She also creates believable distinctions between the two primary characters--DS Joanna Harper and her estranged daughter, Ruby--as well as an assortment of supporting characters. Two storylines unfold simultaneously: Ruby collects her friend's young daughter, who was apparently abandoned by her mother when she left to join her selkie family. At the same time, Gregor, a seemingly single man, is found nearly dead in his apartment, and Joanna leads the investigation into what happened. As the stories become intertwined, Rawlins provides a nuanced and thought-provoking delivery.
Pub Date: Nov. 9, 2021
Duration: 12 hrs, 15 mins
DD ISBN: 9781666520941
Publisher: Dreamscape
Review Posted Online: Jan. 22, 2026
Halstead handles moments of unease with restraint as Nicholas gets closer to the truth.
Graham Halstead delivers a hair-raising performance in this classic whodunit, which takes place on the remote tip of Cape Cod. Halstead makes the most of a familiar setup as Nicholas, a ghostwriter, arrives during the holidays to help a famous writer finish a book. Halstead gives the various guests and family members distinct vocal identities, which helps the listener clarify their relationships and competing motives. He plays up the raucousness in scene after scene, including the drunken evening that ends in two deaths. Halstead then switches to a measured pace that allows suspicion to build gradually as Nicholas gathers clues.
Halstead handles moments of unease with restraint as Nicholas gets closer to the truth.Pub Date: Oct. 6, 2026
Duration: 3 hrs, 34 mins
DD ISBN: 9780063433694
Publisher: Harper Audio
Review Posted Online: Oct. 5, 2026
Kirkus Reviews Issue: Nov. 15, 2026
Howard maintains tight suspense until the very end.
Florence Howard gives this period mystery a poised, atmospheric performance that suits its glittering, dangerous setting. On the opening night of a grand hotel in 1926 London, Diana Gold welcomes an eclectic crowd while awaiting two influential figures from her past. Howard creates a confident, commanding persona for Diana, with subtle undertones that suggest unease. Howard ratchets up the tension when a guest is discovered dead. Howard plays up the whodunit staples as the celebration turns into a search for answers when hidden motives emerge among those gathered. She distinguishes the vast cast through changes in cadence and vocal texture, keeping the listener grounded. Her pacing gathers momentum as revelations surface and suspicion jumps between the guests and staff.
Howard maintains tight suspense until the very end.Pub Date: Sept. 29, 2026
Duration: 10 hrs, 10 mins
DD ISBN: 9781488237980
Publisher: Harper Audio
Review Posted Online: Oct. 13, 2026
Kirkus Reviews Issue: Dec. 15, 2026
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