Discover the New Releases Audiobooks in Mysteries & Thrillers, Historical

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Title: Crying Blood

Subtitle: An Alafair Tucker Mystery

Author: Donis Casey

Narrator: Pam Ward

Format: Unabridged

Length: 7 hrs and 51 mins

Language: English

Release date: 02-01-11

Publisher: Blackstone Audio, Inc.

Ratings: 4 of 5 out of 4 votes

Genres: Mysteries & Thrillers, Historical

Publisher's Summary:

In the autumn of 1915, Shaw Tucker, his brother, James, and their sons, go on a hunting trip to the derelict farm his stepfather had bought years before.

Instead of a quail, Shaws dog, Buttercup, retrieves an old boot with the bones of a foot inside. Buttercup then leads the men to a shallow grave and a skeleton with a bullet hole in the skull.

After they are settled that night in their tents, Shaw awakens to see a pair of moccasin-clad legs strolling by his tent flap. He chases the intruder, who has disappeared so completely that Shaw wonders if he imagined seeing anyone. Had he also imagined the ghostly voice that called his name?

After he returns home, Shaw cant shake the memory of the disembodied legs and the ghostly voice. His concern is justified when he realizes that someoneor somethinghas followed him home. His dread turns to relief when he captures a young Creek Indian boy who says his name is Crying Blood. The boy had followed Shaw, hoping to find the white-haired man who killed his brother. Shaw ties up the boy in the barn, but during the few minutes he is left alone, someone thrusts a spear through Crying Bloods heart.

Who murdered the boy right under Shaws nose? The law is on the killers trail, but Shaw Tucker has a hunch about the identity of the white-haired man who called his name, and he formulates a plan. Shaws wife, Alafair, is the only one who might be able to forestall his dangerous plan. So when the opportunity arises, Shaw sends her on a wild goose chase. As soon as she is out of the way, he sets out to confront the killer. Sometimes a man has to take matters into his own hands....

A Poisoned Pen Press Mystery

Members Reviews:

A Perfect Autumn Listen

This is the fifth book in the historic mystery series set in early 1900s rural Oklahoma. The stories are carefully researched have a strong feeling of authenticity. When you listen to Donis Casey's writing it is like stepping back in time to a different way of life. I love hearing about these huge hardworking happy farm families.

Pam Ward's narration was excellent as always. Her timing and tone of voice captured the action and the feel of the era depicted. She sounds just the way I picture Alafair--such a happy thing when this happens with an audio recording.

This installment in the series was set in the abundance of the fall farm harvest season. It had enough ghosty spookiness to keep the book well grounded in the mystery genre. Perfect for a Halloween/late fall listen. Recommended if you enjoy historic mysteries set in America on the cozy end of the sliding scale.

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Title: The Sanctuary Sparrow

Subtitle: The Seventh Chronicle of Brother Cadfael

Author: Ellis Peters

Narrator: Vanessa Benjamin

Format: Unabridged

Length: 8 hrs and 23 mins

Language: English

Release date: 01-26-11

Publisher: Blackstone Audio, Inc.

Ratings: 4 of 5 out of 13 votes

Genres: Mysteries & Thrillers, Historical

Publisher's Summary:

On a spring evening in 1140 Shrewsbury, the midnight matins at the Benedictine abbey suddenly reverberate with an unholy sounda hunt in full cry. Pursued by a drunken mob, the quarry is running for its life. When the frantic creature bursts in to claim sanctuary, Brother Cadfael finds himself fighting off armed townsmen to save a terrified young man.

Accused of robbery and murder is Liliwin, a wandering minstrel who performed at the wedding of a local goldsmiths son. The cold light of morning, however, will show his supposed victim still lives, although a strongbox lies empty. Brother Cadfael believes Liliwin is innocent, but finding the truth and the treasure before Liliwins respite in sanctuary runs out may uncover a deadlier sin than thieverya desperate love that not even the threat of hanging can stop.

Critic Reviews:

Murderous though they be, the Ellis Peters books set in twelfth-century Britain have the freshness of a new world at dawnPeters weaves a complex, colorful, and at times quite beautiful tapestry. Medieval of course. (Houston Post)

Medieval England comes marvelously alive. (Washington Post)

Members Reviews:

Disappointing

Would you try another book from Ellis Peters and/or Vanessa Benjamin?

Yes Ellis Peters is a first rate story teller. Yes I have enjoyed Vanessa Benjamin when the story fits her vocal range.

What didnt you like about Vanessa Benjamins performance?

Females sound like children imitating grownups when attempting to reproduce male voices. The storyline is too masculine for a female narrator. Predominantly male characters.

Was The Sanctuary Sparrow worth the listening time?

No

Any additional comments?

To be fair males also fare poorly when attempting to voice female characters.

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Title: The Death of an Effendi

Author: Michael Pearce

Narrator: Nigel Carrington

Format: Unabridged

Length: 5 hrs and 11 mins

Language: English

Release date: 10-01-10

Publisher: Audible Studios

Ratings: 4 of 5 out of 34 votes

Genres: Mysteries & Thrillers, Historical

Publisher's Summary:

Cairo, 1909. The murder capital of the world, where deaths are two a piastre. But the death of an effendi? That is something different.

Effendis, the Egyptian elite, are important. Especially if, in a country ruled by foreigners, they happen to be foreign. Gareth Owen, the Mamur Zapt, is called in to investigate. But is he the right man to be investigating?

In some countries, if someone goes for a walk, or a boat ride with the head of the secret police and doesn't come back, it's best not to ask questions. And powerful people might have preferred Tvardovsky dead.

As the maverick financier said, before going on the shooting party, there were still crocodiles in Egypt. Of all kinds. And perhaps the place to look for them was Crocodilopolis, the ancient City of the Crocodiles, where the financiers were to hold their meeting. It is when the crocodiles start co-operating, said Tvardovsky, that you really have to watch out....

Members Reviews:

One of the best of the British mystery writers

I've been reading Michael Pearce's Mamur Zapt books for years and have rarely been let down. They are always eagerly anticipated, and this one is right up there with his best. I have not liked Pearce's other series, but the Mamur Zapt is just plain beguiling. The atmosphere of Egypt at the beginning of the 20th century is portrayed beautifully. I wish I could have been there and seen it - Pearce clearly loves the place and the period and so will you. Oh, and good characters and a well thought out mystery - what's not to like?

Lots of detail on foreign culture.

Michael Pearce's mysteries are interesting and appealing if you like to be immersed in historical fiction set in countries we don't read much about. I have read or listened to 3 of his novels and haven't become bored. To me they are at least as good as John Grisham. The narrator, Nigel Carrington can do many different characters plausibly; he is very good.

Details Galore

Would you try another book written by Michael Pearce or narrated by Nigel Carrington?

Not really.

What could Michael Pearce have done to make this a more enjoyable book for you?

He paid a lot of attention to details during that period in Egypt, and as an Egyptian I recognised many details he diligently sited. But with all the names and twists it was a bit confusing. I can imagine how much more confusing it would be to an non Egyptian.

What about Nigel Carringtons performance did you like?

Yes it was fine. Carried the story through well.

Do you think The Death of an Effendi needs a follow-up book? Why or why not?

No. It wasn't gripping enough.

Any additional comments?

The use of many Arabic words and names might put off a lot of readers as it throws the flow of the events off. I would suggest concentrating more on the actual plot.

not very exciting

I got this audio book out the library and amongst love stories and other crime fiction this sounded a bit more cultural. But it didn't quite live up to my expectations of finding more Egypt-life in it. I found the plot in the end somewhat boring and not very exciting.

The narration itself is not too bad.

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Title: A Murder of Crows

Subtitle: A Sir Robert Carey Mystery

Author: P. F. Chisholm

Narrator: Steven Crossley

Format: Unabridged

Length: 9 hrs and 46 mins

Language: English

Release date: 06-10-10

Publisher: Blackstone Audio, Inc.

Ratings: 4 of 5 out of 37 votes

Genres: Mysteries & Thrillers, Historical

Publisher's Summary:

Its September 1592, and the dark streets of London are full of people up to no good. The redoubtable Sergeant Dodd and that dashing Elizabethan gunslinger Sir Robert Carey are in London where Careys powerful father, Lord Henry Hunsdon, wants him to solve the mystery of a corpse that has washed up from the Thames River onto Her Majestys privy steps. Meanwhile, Sergeant Dodd is plotting how to take suitable revenge for his mistreatment by the Queens Vice Chamberlain, Thomas Heneage. But no lawyer will sue against such a dangerous courtieruntil a mysterious stranger offers help with suspicious eagerness. Now, Sergeant Dodd has to help Carey find the identity of the corpse and its murderer, while bringing a little taste of the Borders to his dealings with Heneage.

Critic Reviews:

This fast-moving tale becomes a winner.A fun read for fans of Elizabethan mysteries. (Library Journal)

Members Reviews:

Seems like a series but where are the other books?

The story is fun, the characters are the best part, and their relationships, to each other, to their families. They've clearly got a history. But where are the rest of these books? I finished this one, relishing picking up the next in the series (the title clearly indicated a series) but there's no more in the Audible library. Ack! Don't do this to me! I want to know what happens to these people next!

Quite enjoyable

It was at first a little difficult to pick up the plot but the more I listened the more I enjoyed the characters, the setting, and the narration. You learn very quickly to speak "Dodd". I liked all the references to personages of the time period. I thought the story worked quite well and hope to see more available through Audible in the future.

Main Character Missing in Much of the Book

A Murder of Crows is an excellent book, and for the most part, I enjoyed listening to it. Sir Robert Carey and Sgt. Dodd are a believable duo. I was fascinated to learn that Robert Carey and his family, as well as all the bad guys, are all historical personages. My criticism is that about 2/3 of the way through, Carey departs for a mission and never reappears. Obviously this is a setup for another book but it happens too early in the story, considering it is "A Sir Robert Carey Mystery." Added to that, there are no more audio books available, though there are four additional paper volumes. I liked it enough I might continue reading the series

Steven Crossley also narrates the Matthew Shardlake series set in same time period. He is one of my favorite narrators.

This is just plain good.

I wanted to stay up all night and listen to this. Combines story line with great humor. Really enjoyed it. Am looking forward to reading more by this author.

I threw it away

I can work with a bad story, at least for a while. The accent the narrator gave Sergent Dodd may well have been accurate but it was awful to listen to. O took it for half and hour then threw the CDs away. I have no idea what the Dodd character said. It was impossible to understand.

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Title: Bone by Bone

Author: Peter Matthiessen

Narrator: George Guidall

Format: Unabridged

Length: 22 hrs and 20 mins

Language: English

Release date: 07-03-09

Publisher: Recorded Books

Ratings: 4 of 5 out of 35 votes

Genres: Mysteries & Thrillers, Historical

Publisher's Summary:

One of a very few National Book Award honorees to be nominated for fiction and nonfiction, Peter Matthiessen creates a curious blend of both in this tragic prequel to

Killing Mister Watson and

Lost Mans River. An amazing novel in its own right,

Bone by Bone caps the trilogy featuring the enigmatic E. J. Watson. During the Reconstruction Era, Edgar Watson grew up in the South at the mercy of a brutal alcoholic father and a vindictive mother. Witnessing the horrors of slavery, bilked out of his inheritance, and blamed in his youth for a murder he didnt commit, E. J. developed a reputation for violence that preceded him everywhere he went. Finally, it brought him to a tragic and bloody end as his family watched in helpless horror. Borrowing an old local tale about a man who was killed by his neighbors, Matthiessen creates a powerful character. George Guidalls excellent reading brings this moving tragedy home to us with a passion.

©1999 Peter Matthiessen (P)1999 Recorded Books, LLC

Critic Reviews:

"Matthiessen has created an unforgettable slice of deeply true and resonant American history." - (

Publishers Weekly)

Members Reviews:

Compelling from start to finish.

Matthiessen writes in a genial way that kept me engrossed and wanting more. Not normally the subject matter I am attracted to but in this case it has led me to start reading Lost Man's River (I know I am reading a triology back to front). They couldn't have made a better choice than George Guidall as the narrator. He brings the colorful figure of Watson to life and also makes all the other characters sound as they should. You won't be sorry if you choose this book.

A Little Long...

This was an "ok" book. I found the characters to be real and likeable but there were just so many and the book so drawn out that I would get confused; for example, the main character E.J. Watson meets so many women that he becomes entranced by that I wasn't sure who he was with at any particular time. Should I mention the numerous offspring that he created? It doesn't seem possible.

Over all the story is entertaining but if you are offended by the use of racial slurs this is not the book for you. The author clearly uses the slurs as the people from the era did but it was a bit much at times.

I had originally purchased this audio book because it was in the myster/suspense category but this book does not have much of either.

Still, it was entertaining enough as the narrator does a wonderful job reading. He probably made it more engaging because he does such a good job.

A mediocre book at best.

Bone by Bone

If you enjoyed Angela's Ashes, I think you would enjoy this novel too. Angela's Ashes for America I guess. The story covers a long period of history of the US that otherwise kinda goes unnoticed.

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Title: The Sky Took Him

Author: Donis Casey

Narrator: Pam Ward

Format: Unabridged

Length: 9 hrs and 24 mins

Language: English

Release date: 01-27-09

Publisher: Blackstone Audio, Inc.

Ratings: 4 of 5 out of 14 votes

Genres: Mysteries & Thrillers, Historical

Publisher's Summary:

When it comes to light that Kenneth has been involved in some shady dealings with Buck Collins, the most ruthless businessman in town, everyone is convinced that Collins has done away with him. But Alafair suspects that things are not so simple.

Over the next few days, Alafair and her eldest daughter, Martha, come face-to-face with blackmail, intimidation, murder, and family secrets that stretch back over 20 years. And in the process, they discover things about each other that will change their relationship forever.

Critic Reviews:

"Those who like their puzzles cloaked in local color from a different time will be amply rewarded." (Publishers Weekly)

Members Reviews:

Trouble in Enid, Oklahoma September 1915

This is the fourth book in the cozy Oklahoma mystery series set in the early 1900's of prairie America. The author captures the feeling of homey, down to earth life through sensible unflappable main character Alafair Tucker. The story telling sets the stage nicely and transports the listener back to another time in American history. Life is surely slower in 1915 and this book tends to plod a bit. That said, I still enjoyed the story, Alafair's detecting, and the fun collection of recipes at the end of the book. Pam Ward's narration was as spot on as it always is bringing Alafair to life. A pleasant listening experience.

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Title: The Hell Screen

Author: I. J. Parker

Narrator: Roy Vongtama

Format: Unabridged

Length: 15 hrs and 2 mins

Language: English

Release date: 10-07-08

Publisher: Books on Tape

Ratings: 4 of 5 out of 35 votes

Genres: Mysteries & Thrillers, Historical

Publisher's Summary:

Akitada is on his way to the bedside of his dying mother when bad weather forces him to take refuge in a temple whose central treasure is a brilliantly painted hell screen. Perhaps its violent imagery influences his dreams: that night he is awakened by a terrible scream.

It's only after Akitada returns to his family and a scene of domestic unhappiness and scandal that the significance of that cry becomes clear. For while he slept, a woman was murdered, and now he must find her killer, even if it means looking very close to home.

Critic Reviews:

"Elegant and entertaining....Parker has created a wonderful protagonist in Akitada....She puts us at ease in a Japan of one thousand years ago." (The Boston Globe)

"Akitada is as rich a character as Robert Van Gulik's intriguing detective, Judge Dee." (The Dallas Morning News)

Members Reviews:

The Hell Screen

I wish I had read this one in order.....UGHHHHH. This one is set when Akitada takes a job in the far north, and the trials the family endures while up there. But, this is a very good novel featuring this family and his retainers.

probably the best one in the series

gruesome horror, but better character development than others. ends positively. narrator's regional accent was distracting.

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Title: The Noble Outlaw

Subtitle: Crowner John Mysteries

Author: Bernard Knight

Narrator: Paul Matthews

Format: Unabridged

Length: 12 hrs and 23 mins

Language: English

Release date: 10-07-08

Publisher: Whole Story Audiobooks

Ratings: 4 of 5 out of 66 votes

Genres: Mysteries & Thrillers, Historical

Publisher's Summary:

Richard de Revelle, founder of the school, immediately tries to blame Nicholas de Arundell, a young outlawed knight living rough on Dartmoor. As Sir John discovers, Nicholas has good reason to bear a grudge against the unscrupulous de Revelle. But is he really a killer?

With the victim's identity unknown and the motive a mystery, the murder remains unsolved. But then comes a second death - and Sir John is forced to track down the 'noble outlaw' in order to find the answers...

Members Reviews:

Not my favorite Crowner John

The Noble Outlaw wasn't my favorite Crowner John mystery. Two main story arcs, one involving a dispossessed Knight, the other involving a series of murders, finally intersect near the end of the book. For me, that intersection felt forced. I didn't buy into the motivation of the murderer. In fact, the plot line of the series of murders never caught my interest. A body showed up every now and then, but even Crowner John didn't focus on the murders. It seemed as if the murder storyline was an afterthought because the main plot didn't include a murder mystery. As always, the author weaves cultural and societal information into the story, though much of the information was repeated.

It was pleasant to see that the Crowner's wife was human after all. Paul Matthews does an excellent job with the narration; his voices are distinct and I always knew who was speaking.

Detailed and enjoyable

This was an enjoyable journey into 12 century England. The detail in the lives of the people combine with a well executed mystery. I didn't figure this one out ahead of Sir John!

Living History

I love the Croner John stories as they not only provide an enjoyable "Who Dunnit" they give a brilliant insight of life in the 12th Century.

Once again though why is it that audible.co.uk never make books of a series available in chronological order or for that matter as a complete series. Out of the dozen or so in this series they have only listed books 4 & 5.

Excellent Story

Well written and well read. This has been a most enjoyable experience. The setting and historical detail are most interesting and the characters well drawn.

I will be buying the other book by this author and narrator.

The Noble Outlaw

Brilliant tale that transports you back to Medieval England. A well crafted story full of historical detail that brings the period to life.

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Title: The Dying Trade

Subtitle: The Privateersman Mysteries, Volume 2

Author: David Donachie

Narrator: Peter Wickham

Format: Unabridged

Length: 13 hrs and 29 mins

Language: English

Release date: 08-12-08

Publisher: ISIS Audio Books

Ratings: 4 of 5 out of 35 votes

Genres: Mysteries & Thrillers, Historical

Publisher's Summary:

Arriving in the squalid, seething port of Genoa, they find it a tinderbox of tension, fed by the discovery of a hanged British sea captain and packs of English and French sailors at each other's throats.

At the behest of Admiral Hood, Harry is drawn into the midst of the lurid murder investigation, only to find himself mired in roiling layers of intrigue, avarice and danger - and the deadly charms of a beautiful woman.

Critic Reviews:

"Donachie sails on without a rival in sight" (Times Literary Review, London)

Members Reviews:

A tale of Skullduggery

This is a series about the dying trade of privateerman. This is book two. I have not read book one.

Privateerman Harry Ludlow and his partner and brother James arrive in the squalid, seething part of Genoa. They find it a tinderbox of tension, fed by the discovery of a hanged British sea Captain. The story is set in late 1700 and early 1800 when the British and French were fighting during the Napoleonic War. Admiral Hood assigns Harry to investigate the death of the British officer.

Donachie tells about smuggling boys and young girls from Eastern Europe and Russia t to sell as slaves to the Ottoman Empire. There is some sea action toward the end of the book but mostly it is a murder investigation or murder mystery story. The book is well written and the characters are interesting. Peter Wickham narrated the book.

Kind of felt like I was dumped in the middle

I liked the other John Pierce books, so I picked this one up hoping it would be as entertainig. The narration was excellent, but I forced myself to listen to this story. I just did not care about the characters and after 1 hour I allowed myself to give up.

Good story enjoyed the characters

Where does The Dying Trade rank among all the audiobooks youve listened to so far?

I have read many and it is an enjoyable read

What was one of the most memorable moments of The Dying Trade?

When the end came with the showdown with the count

Which scene was your favorite?

I had many some funny so touching

If you were to make a film of this book, what would the tag line be?

I like the books title even if it doesn't mean anything till near the end

Any additional comments?

Look forward to reading the next in the series

Good

Good book,but some overused phrases.a match for john pearce series,although I can see a Stephen maturin in the surgeon Fairbairn

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Title: The Secret Adventures of Charlotte Bronte

Author: Laura Joh Rowland

Narrator: Rosalyn Landor

Format: Unabridged

Length: 14 hrs and 11 mins

Language: English

Release date: 04-29-08

Publisher: Books on Tape

Ratings: 3 of 5 out of 18 votes

Genres: Mysteries & Thrillers, Historical

Publisher's Summary:

Upon learning that she has been falsely accused of breaching her publishing contract, the normally mild-mannered Charlotte sets off for London to clear her name. But when she unintentionally witnesses a murder, Charlotte finds herself embroiled in a dangerous chain of events. With the aid of her sisters, Emily and Anne, and of the suspiciously well-informed but irresistibly attractive brother of the victim, Charlotte works to unravel a deadly web of intrigue that threatens not only her own safety but the very fabric of the British Empire.

Charlotte is plunged into a perilous adventure and a passionate romance that leads her from the peaceful Yorkshire moors to the crime-infested streets of London, across the sea to the Continent, to the ports of Cornwall, the wilds of Scotland, and the palaces of Queen Victoria herself. Will Charlotte be able to stop a devious invisible villain whose schemes threaten her life, her family, and her country?

Critic Reviews:

"Laura Joh Rowland not only evokes Victorian-era London with a sure hand in this detective novel, she creates a believable Charlotte whose intelligence, stubbornness, and wit recall Jane at every turn. Even more important, the mystery itself is particularly fine." (Entertainment Weekly)

Members Reviews:

Excellent

I love Laura Joh Rowland's books but was somewhat leery about purchasing this audiobook because the subject was such a departure for her. I soon realized, however, that her writing skills were well able to make the leap. I was caught up with her skillful depiction of these beloved characters and was very sad to have the tale come to an end. The narrator, Rosalind Landor was excellent, as always, and contributed greatly to my enjoyment of the story. I would love to see more of her books on Audible with the same narrator.

Somewhat contrived

Any resemblance between the Author and Charlotte Bronte is purely coincidental, but this wild tale is fun to listen to. The reader is excellent.

Strange

I know this is fiction, but to use the Bronte sisters for this story when they are such well known authors seemed somehow "sacreligious". I love historical fiction but this one was hard to get through and not very well written even if the author had used fictional characters.