Please open https://hotaudiobook.com ONLY on your standard browser Safari, Chrome, Microsoft or Firefox to download full audiobooks of your choice for free.

Title: The Madness of Sherlock Holmes

Author: Philip Gardiner

Format: Unabridged

Length: 1 hr and 4 mins

Language: English

Release date: 03-04-09

Publisher: Reality Entertainment

Ratings: 1 of 5 out of 3 votes

Genres: Mysteries & Thrillers, Classic Detective

Publisher's Summary:

In a way reminiscent of Holmes' art of deduction, this audio book gets to grips with the creator of Sherlock Holmes, Sir Arthur Conan Doyle, and uncovers an even more bizarre and mysterious tale than anybody could have expected.

From secret societies to the occult, from peer pressure to inner turmoil, this is a story of such depth that it will speak to one and all. Uncovering dark secrets of Conan Doyle, this book finally explains what experiences and

influences helped to forge the character of not just Sherlock Holmes, but also Moriarty and Watson. You will never see Sherlock Holmes in the same way again.

Members Reviews:

misnomer

Book is not about Holmes at all, but about his creator's interest in spiritualism and the occult, one shared heartily by the author. There is little "text," here but lots of cloying interstitial music and other sound recordings. One of the very few disappointments I've had on Audible, which I joined when it began.

Not worth it

Kind of crappy. No real story. A bunch of over modulate background music and fluff.

Disappointing

I re-read the Publisher's Summary after attempting to listen to this book twice. So much background "music" I thought perhaps the book was attempting to promote a band. Maybe if they added some pyrotechnics.......

Please open https://hotaudiobook.com ONLY on your standard browser Safari, Chrome, Microsoft or Firefox to download full audiobooks of your choice for free.

Title: The Honourable Cracksman

Author: Matthew Elliott

Narrator: David Ian Davies

Format: Unabridged

Length: 37 mins

Language: English

Release date: 01-23-09

Publisher: One Voice Recordings

Ratings: 4.5 of 5 out of 6 votes

Genres: Mysteries & Thrillers, Classic Detective

Publisher's Summary:

Holmes is contacted by a cracksman, or thief, who has entered a residence to commit a 'routine' crime and found a decaying body stuffed in the chimney. Holmes' investigation leads him to the governmental office of his older brother, Mycroft, as the case takes on larger and more ominous dimensions.

Editorial Reviews:

British writer Matthew Elliott takes up the formidable challenge of expanding the Sherlock Holmes canon with his marvelous original story "The Honorable Cracksman". After a burglar discovers a cadaver lodged in the chimney of a home during a break-in, he engages Holmes to solve the mystery. As the investigation wears on, the detective finds himself at the office of his elder brother, Mycroft, a government official. It appears that how the man died is of paramount importance to uncovering the facts of the case. David Ian Davies delivers a superb performance that is equal parts disquieting and riveting.

Please open https://hotaudiobook.com ONLY on your standard browser Safari, Chrome, Microsoft or Firefox to download full audiobooks of your choice for free.

Title: Saturnalia

Author: Lindsey Davis

Narrator: Christian Rodska

Format: Unabridged

Length: 12 hrs and 11 mins

Language: English

Release date: 12-22-08

Publisher: Blackstone Audio, Inc.

Ratings: 4.5 of 5 out of 126 votes

Genres: Mysteries & Thrillers, Modern Detective

Publisher's Summary:

So when a general's famous female conquest escapes from house arrest - leaving a horrendous murder in her wake - Falco is on the case. If finding a fugitive isn't enough of a Zeus-like headache, Falco's wife Helena Justina's brother has also gone missing.

Against the riotous backdrop of the season of misrule and merriment, the search seems impossible. And Falco seems to be the only one who notices that some dark agency is bringing death to the city streets...

Members Reviews:

Historic Rome Adds Nice Twist to Standard Mysterie

I like the Didius Falco books and will continue to buy them but I prefer Ruth Downie's Roman mysteries to these. You cant really miss that the Falco books are written by a woman (do not read this as a lack of action or violence) but Falco has all the traits of a romance novel hero. The characters have the predictability of sitcom stereotypes, but this can be a positive attribute when you want to curl up with a solid mystery peopled with familiar old friends. It can be nice not to have to sit through 1000 pages of an author torturing his main character, to whom the reader is quite attached as well. Plus, without too much gore and sex these books can be heard around mature children (pg13 ish).

Saturnalia is one of the better Falco books but I've yet to read one I've had any real complaints about. Falco is a good mix of gruff and sensitive and the holidays add the right amount of choas. You cant get better than Christian Rodska as a narrator, he definitely adds excitement and character.

Love this series!

I have read and re-read the books, and now am having fun listening to them on audio. Great narration! These novels have a little bit of something for everyone- they're good mysteries, they're an interesting look at the Roman Empire, and the main character is funny. Smart, but also light and entertaining. So far there has only been one book in the series I haven't absolutely loved.

This author rarely lets me down

I'm always excited when I see a new release from Lindsey Davis. She makes ancient Rome seem like the next town over. I can expect a story that makes always makes me laugh, can usually summon a few tears and makes me sad when it ends. The reader is fantastic as well. Built around the festival of Saturnalia, it brings back some great characters from a previous novel. As I listened I realized everyone has had a Christmas like Falco's Saturnalia. I can't wait for the next book. The BBC dramatizations are also great.

Gets old after awhile ...

I started off really liking this story and the writer. Found myself pausing to look up various things about Roman life up online, and enjoyed the learning experience along with the story. But, it did seem to go on a bit. And then the ending ... well, let's just say it was a disappointment. The story goes on and on, and then all of a sudden the various plot issues get "resolved" in the last chapter. It felt contrived, unsatisfying. And the whole business of the wife as co-detective also seemed trite ... too much like an ancient Rome takeoff on The Thin Man - yeah, it didn't work well. I started off wanted to read the whole series, but now I don't think so.

Love this series

The narrator may not be Simon Prebble but this one is very good as well.

Please open https://hotaudiobook.com ONLY on your standard browser Safari, Chrome, Microsoft or Firefox to download full audiobooks of your choice for free.

Title: The Unfortunate Tobacconist and The Paradol Chamber

Author: Arthur Conan Doyle

Narrator: Basil Rathbone, Nigel Bruce

Format: Abridged

Length: 45 mins

Language: English

Release date: 12-15-08

Publisher: Saland Publishing

Ratings: 2.5 of 5 out of 2 votes

Genres: Mysteries & Thrillers, Classic Detective

Publisher's Summary:

Two more classic dramatized Sherlock Holmes tales starring Basil Rathbone and Nigel Bruce.

©2008 Saland Publishing; (P)2008 Saland Publishing

Members Reviews:

A Bad Sound Recording That Gets Better

But I suppose all has been done to correct the old recording. Yes this is a classic from the past - but this adds to the pleasure. Basil is not my

fave Sherlock nor is this Watson, but it is good to have these old recordings for prosperity. I think these are taken from the old black & white films.

Disappointing

Very poor sound quality and an old-fashioned acting style make this very difficult to listen to

Please open https://hotaudiobook.com ONLY on your standard browser Safari, Chrome, Microsoft or Firefox to download full audiobooks of your choice for free.

Title: Shallow Graves

Subtitle: A Location Scout Mystery

Author: Jeffery Deaver

Narrator: Holter Graham

Format: Unabridged

Length: 8 hrs and 23 mins

Language: English

Release date: 12-01-08

Publisher: Simon & Schuster Audio

Ratings: 3.5 of 5 out of 106 votes

Genres: Mysteries & Thrillers, Modern Detective

Publisher's Summary:

When he rides down Main Street, locals usually clamor for their chance at 15 minutes of fame. But in a small town in upstate New York, Pellam experiences a very different reception - his illusionary world is shattered by a savage murder, and Pellam is suddenly center stage in an unfolding drama of violence, lust, and conspiracy, which have a stranglehold on this less-than-picture-perfect locale.

Critic Reviews:

"Shallow Graves is a real pleasure - tough-minded, intelligent, and very well written. Bravo!" (Lawrence Block)

Members Reviews:

Another winner for Deaver.

I do believe that with all audio books its the narrator that really makes or breaks a book, and as usual Holter Graham is just a real winner. This book is a true Deaver classic full of twists and turns. Again, you can't go wrong with this one, so chalk another one up for Jeffery. Shallow Graves really is true audio delight.

Great Characters, Plot and Mystery

This comes as a huge surprise for me. Its among his first novels, so I assumed he couldn't get this published until he became successful. Regardless, this is a really fun and fast paced thriller.

Holter Graham does an excellent job with narration.

A location scout, actually two scouts for a movie pull into a small town in rural NY and quickly lose favor of the residents, mayor and police. The mystery, of course, is why?

Truly great, charasmatic characters fill its pages.

Take a chance and give this one a whirl, you won't be disappointed.

Slow...

What could have made this a 4 or 5-star listening experience for you?

I generally read everything that Jeffery Deaver writes and was pleased to see two books I'd missed...are we sure that he wrote these?

Would you ever listen to anything by Jeffery Deaver again?

of course ...just because this was bad doesn't mean I'd stop reading a great author.

Who would you have cast as narrator instead of Holter Graham?

It wasn't the narrator it was the material.

Nefarious Happenings

The first of Deaver's "location scout" novels...Pelham is scouting a new little town and finds bad things. Despite resistance from the local constabulary, he solves the crimes and moves on to book #2. Characters are pretty well developed and easy to follow. A thoroughly easy and enjoyable read/listen.

AWESOME!

It was awesome! I couldn't put it down-great story line. I definitely would recommend this one.

Please open https://hotaudiobook.com ONLY on your standard browser Safari, Chrome, Microsoft or Firefox to download full audiobooks of your choice for free.

Title: The Adventure of the Greek Interpreter

Author: Arthur Conan Doyle

Narrator: Walter Covell

Format: Unabridged

Length: 39 mins

Language: English

Release date: 11-26-08

Publisher: Jimcin Recordings

Ratings: 4 of 5 out of 1 votes

Genres: Mysteries & Thrillers, Classic Detective

Publisher's Summary:

The Adventure of the Greek Interpreter is one of 12 stories in the cycle collected as The Memoirs of Sherlock Holmes. The story was originally serialised in the Strand Magazine in 1893. This story introduces Holmes's elder brother Mycroft who,according to Holmes, is endowed with powers of observation and deduction even better than his.

(P)1980 Jimcin Recordings

Editorial Reviews:

Walter Covell gives a lively performance of Sir Arthur Conan Doyles story "The Adventure of the Greek Interpreter" from the collection The Memoirs of Sherlock Holmes. He creates delightfully distinctive voices for Dr. Watson and the detective. The story marks the introduction of the formidable, yet inert, Mycroft Holmes - Sherlocks elder brother - who is seeking the detectives opinion on a matter. Mycrofts neighbor, a Greek interpreter named Meles, becomes entangled with a group of shady men. Can the brothers intervene in time to save the innocent man?

Members Reviews:

Nice plot

This is another entertaining short story by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle, featuring Sherlock Holmes. Plot is very interesting: on a summer evening, while engaged in an aimless conversation that has come round to the topic of hereditary attributes, Doctor Watson learns that Sherlock Holmes, far from being a one-off in terms of his powers of observation and deductive reasoning, in fact has an elder brother whose skills, or so Holmes claims, outstrip even his own. As a consequence of this, Watson becomes acquainted with the Diogenes Club and his friend's brother, Mycroft.

Mycroft, as Watson learns, does not have the energy of his younger brother and as a consequence is incapable of using his great skills for detective work:

â If the art of the detective began and ended in reasoning from an arm-chair, my brother would be the greatest criminal agent that ever lived. But he has no ambition and no energy. He will not even go out of his way to verify his own solution, and would rather be considered wrong than take the trouble to prove himself right.â

In spite of his inertia, the elder Holmes has often delivered the correct answer to a problem that Sherlock has brought to him. On this occasion, however, it is Mycroft who has need to consult Sherlock. Mr. Melas, a Greek interpreter and neighbor of Mycroft, tells of a rather unnerving experience he has recently gone through.

Melas was called upon one evening by a man named Harold Latimer to go to a house, supposedly in Kensington, to do some translation in a business matter. On the way there in Latimerâs coach, Melas noticed that the windows were papered over so that he could not see where he was. Latimer also produced a bludgeon, laying it beside him as an implied threat. Melas protested, saying that what Latimer was doing was unlawful. The kidnapper replied that he would make it up to Melas, but also threatened him with unspecified retribution should the eveningâs business ever be made public.

For approximately two hours they rode, at last arriving at a house. It was dark, and Melas only got a general impression of a large lot as he was hustled out of the coach and into the house. The house itself was poorly lit, but Melas made out that it was quite big.

Please open https://hotaudiobook.com ONLY on your standard browser Safari, Chrome, Microsoft or Firefox to download full audiobooks of your choice for free.

Title: The Adventure of the Final Problem

Author: Arthur Conan Doyle

Narrator: Walter Covell

Format: Unabridged

Length: 39 mins

Language: English

Release date: 11-26-08

Publisher: Jimcin Recordings

Ratings: 3.5 of 5 out of 3 votes

Genres: Mysteries & Thrillers, Classic Detective

Publisher's Summary:

This story introduces Holmes' greatest opponent, the criminal mastermind Professor Moriarty. Doyle intended this to be his final Holmes story but it's ending caused an uproar throughout England and forced him to change his mind.

Editorial Reviews:

What is the world's greatest detective without an equally skilled adversary? "The Adventure of the Final Problem", performed expertly by Walter Covell, is the last of the Sherlock Holmes stories, and introduces listeners to the "Napoleon of Crime", Professor James Moriarty. Holmes has been on the trail of Moriarty for some time, and in this story, the two finally come to blows in one of the most shocking and tense moments of the entire Sherlock Holmes catalog. Fans and newcomers alike will enjoy this engaging performance of one of the more beloved Holmes mysteries.

Members Reviews:

Great customer service from Educational Liquidators

Great customer service from Educational Liquidators! My book was severely torn in the mail, and they got out a new copy in the mail right away! These books are interesting versions of Sherlock Holmes individual stories with large illustrations and written for chlldren. Abriged, but really good and faithful versions.

Sherlock ... always interesting

Read this before going to Switzerland to the real Falls!!! Sure added interest to the story! I loved visiting the Museum in Meiringen after reading this book.

Excellent read

Another entertaining Sherlock Holmes mystery. Enjoy reading

Well, you love action. Are you happy now?

Sherlock Holmes is being stalked by a criminal as smart as himself. Bricks nearly crash onto his head, he is almost run over by a speeding carriage, and his house is set on fire. Holmes has a plan but first he must try to elude his stalker, Moriarty. I don't spoil endings, but as for all you action lovers, read this actiony book and then ask yourself: "Am I happy now?"

Please open https://hotaudiobook.com ONLY on your standard browser Safari, Chrome, Microsoft or Firefox to download full audiobooks of your choice for free.

Title: Sherlock Holmes

Subtitle: The Manor House Case & Murder By Moonlight

Author: Arthur Conan Doyle

Narrator: Basil Rathbone

Format: Abridged

Length: 48 mins

Language: English

Release date: 11-21-08

Publisher: Saland Publishing

Ratings: 4 of 5 out of 6 votes

Genres: Mysteries & Thrillers, Classic Detective

Publisher's Summary:

Two more classic dramatized Sherlock Holmes tales starring Basil Rathbone and Nigel Bruce.

©2008 Saland Publishing; (P)2008 Saland Publishing

Members Reviews:

poor sound quality

The sound quality was so poor I could not listen to this with any enjoyment. Shame these are good stories!

Please open https://hotaudiobook.com ONLY on your standard browser Safari, Chrome, Microsoft or Firefox to download full audiobooks of your choice for free.

Title: A Case of Identity

Author: Sir Arthur Conan Doyle

Narrator: Walter Covell

Format: Unabridged

Length: 39 mins

Language: English

Release date: 11-20-08

Publisher: Jimcin Recordings

Ratings: 4 of 5 out of 6 votes

Genres: Mysteries & Thrillers, Classic Detective

Publisher's Summary:

The story revolves around the case of Miss Mary Sutherland, a woman with a large income due to the interest from a fund set up for her. She is engaged to a quiet Londoner who has mysteriously disappeared. Sherlock Holmes's solves the case rather easily, much as it puzzles Watson.

Editorial Reviews:

The masterful wit of Sherlock Holmes is well documented in the classic stories from Sir Arthur Conan Doyle, but the speediness with which Holmes is able to solve the mystery in "A Case of Identity" is a surprise to even Dr. Watson. With a lively performance from Walter Covell, the case of Miss Mary Sutherland's vanishing suitor quickly becomes child's play for the expert detective. But of course, the joy for the listener is never merely the answer to the missing suitor, but the clever path and reasoning Holmes takes - and Watson's mesmerized reaction. Listen along as Holmes and Watson work their way to the solution, and see if you are able to crack the case before the master himself.

Members Reviews:

Fair

A simple mystery which I figured out early on. The story is about a young woman who comes to Sherlock Holmes asking for him to find her fiancée.

Sherlock Doesn't Even Break A Sweat

I listened to the audiobook version via Librivox

The entire situation of a missing suitor was solved without Sherlock ever having to leave his sitting room. Just by listening to testimony, reading a few letters, and summoning the culprit to his residence, he was able to reach his conclusions, which was somewhat anticlimactic, though resourceful on his part.

I enjoyed the narrator David Clarke. He had a great British accent and his use of different voices for the various characters was charming without being corny.

Elementar...

This is not among my favorites in the short stories from Sherlock Holmes series, but it is not completely bad. The story revolves around the case of Miss Mary Sutherland, a woman with a substantial income from the interest on a fund set up for her, which she will get full control upon her marriage. She is engaged to a quiet Londoner who has recently disappeared. Sherlock Holmes's detective powers are barely challenged as this turns out to be quite an elementary case for him, much as it puzzles Watson.

The fiancé, Mr. Hosmer Angel, is a curious character, rather quiet, and rather secretive about his life. Miss Sutherland only knows that he works in an office in Leadenhall Street, but nothing more specific than that. All his letters to her are typewritten, even the signature, and he insists that she write back to him through the local Post Office.

The climax of the sad liaison comes when Mr. Angel abandons Miss Sutherland at the altar on their wedding day.

Holmes, noting all these things, Hosmer Angel's description, and the fact that he only seems to meet with Miss Sutherland while her disapproving youngish stepfather, James Windibank, is out of the country on business, reaches a conclusion quite quickly. A typewritten letter confirms his belief beyond doubt. Only one person could have gained by this: Mr. James Windibank. Holmes deduces "Angel" had "disappeared" by simply going out the other side of a four-wheeler cab.

After solving the mystery, Holmes chooses not to tell his client the solution, since "If I tell her she will not believe me.

Please open https://hotaudiobook.com ONLY on your standard browser Safari, Chrome, Microsoft or Firefox to download full audiobooks of your choice for free.

Title: The Boscombe Valley Mystery

Author: Arthur Conon Doyle

Narrator: Walter Covell

Format: Unabridged

Length: 55 mins

Language: English

Release date: 11-20-08

Publisher: Jimcin Recordings

Ratings: 3 of 5 out of 3 votes

Genres: Mysteries & Thrillers, Classic Detective

Publisher's Summary:

Sherlock Holmes and Dr. Watson are in Boscombe Valley to investigate the death of Mr. Charles McCarthy. Inspector Lestrade, of Scotland Yard, whose meagre abilities are often upstaged by Holmes's brilliant deductions, has concluded that it is a murder, and that McCarthy's son James is the killer. The facts point to something much more complicated, however,and Holmes employs his keen powers of deduction to unravel a tangle of questions and put Lestrade to shame yet again.

Members Reviews:

Sherlock with a Big Twist..

I didn't even notice this was Sherlock the "V" or 4th until I read it and realized this was a descendant of Sherlock Holmes who lives in Miami on South Beach. It's quite a different re-imagination of the whole concept of Sherlock. I especially like the idea of the irascible unseen cook, Chef Hilario, who never leaves the kitchen at Fleming House. It would be fun to see a TV series like this. Current up to date Sherlock. I liked it very much, Will buy more just to revisit the crazy cast!

A very will written novella

A very will written novella with interesting well developed characters, a fast moving story line, and a successful conclusion. I would recommend this novella and series too anyone who is looking for a quick read. Enjoy reading

Dr. Watson and Sherlock Holmes team up once again to find out who really murdered Charles McCarthy ...

Dr. Watson was no longer living with his friend Sherlock Holmes on 221B Baker Street, but his interest in helping him solve another case was piqued when he received an interesting telegram. Apparently Holmes was looking into the Boscombe Valley tragedy and wanted to know if Watson was interested. It appeared to be one of those simple cut and dried cases with an obvious solution. James McCarthy had murdered his own father, was no doubt the culprit, and that was that. Guilty as charged, but Holmes smelled a rat and wanted to know if Watson would assist in the case. Mrs. Watson urged him to head to Ross and help Holmes crack the case. When the two men met up to go over the case Holmes, true to form, said "I will take nothing for granted until I've looked into things personally."

James McCarthy had been seen heading to the Boscombe Pool, gun in hand, and was actually seen arguing with his father. Patricia Moran watched as the argument turned to blows and then fled the scene. A shot while later a bloodstained James ran for help shouting that his father was dead. When Charles McCarthy's body was examined at the scene it was discovered that his "head had been struck by a blunt weapon." Oddly enough, the gun James had been carrying was clean. When James went to trial he refused to disclose what the argument was about. He muttered something about a mysterious missing cloak and someone using a special Australian call to summon him in the same way his father had once done. "Cooee!"

James kept rambling on in the courtroom and when he was asked about his father's last words he sounded positively insane. When James said, "No, he seemed delirious, mumbling something about a rat. But it made no sense at all to me," the case became even more mysterious. Not much was making sense to anyone and only Alice Turner believed he was innocent. Dr.