Get the Most Popular Audiobooks in Mysteries & Thrillers, Historical

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: Rag and Bone

Subtitle: A Billy Boyle World War II Mystery

Author: James R. Benn

Narrator: Marc Vietor

Format: Unabridged

Length: 12 hrs and 40 mins

Language: English

Release date: 09-21-10

Publisher: Audible Studios

Ratings: 4.5 of 5 out of 92 votes

Genres: Mysteries & Thrillers, Historical

Publisher's Summary:

Billy is sent to London in the midst of a Luftwaffe bombing offensive to investigate the murder of a Soviet official. There's reason to believe that the crime could be connected to the recent discovery of mass graves in the Katyn Forest, where thousands of Polish officers were executed. Is a killer is out there, targeting Soviet officials in revenge for the Katyn Massacre? If so,the diplomatic stakes couldn't be higher as the uneasy relationship between the Soviets and the other allied powers hangs in the balance.

Further complicating matters, Scotland Yard names Billy's friend Kaz, now working for the Polish government in exile, as the prime suspect. Billy must track the killer through London's criminal underworld and save his friend.

Editorial Reviews:

Billy Boyle is back. This time, in James R. Benns fifth, fascinating World War II mystery, hes on the hunt for the murderer of a Russian officer in London. Narrator Marc Vietor is also back, vividly bringing to life the latest assignment for the Boston police detective handpicked by Uncle Ike Eisenhower to serve as his personal investigator. Vietor has a soothing voice that makes listening to the latest Boyle mystery as pleasant as savoring a glass of single-malt scotch by a warm, glowing fire. And while Boyle may be from Bostons Irish South Side, Vietors voice contains a hint of an English accent mixed with softened Southie vowels, a tone that makes sense since Boyle has been stationed in Europe for two years by this point in the series, and has spent much of his time in England. More than anything, Vietors narration gives the Boyle series a wistful air, a longing for a time when good and evil seemed more straightforward.

But things are never what they seem in Rag and Bone. While the Nazis remain the bad guys, hints of the Cold War soon to come can be felt throughout the novel. Technically, the Russians are on the Allies side, but its never quite clear whos spying on whom. And Boyle, freshly promoted to First Lieutenant, must be careful of who he trusts in war-ravaged London as he investigates this mysterious murder. This includes Boyles longtime friend, Kaz, an aristocratic Polish baron living in the Dorchester Hotel. Kaz claims to be working for the Polish government, but he soon becomes the prime suspect in the murder of the Russian officer. Boyle has his doubts, but he remains a detective first, relying on facts and careful observation to determine exactly whos the killer.

Even if youve never listened to a Billy Boyle mystery, you can jump straight into Rag and Bone and not miss a beat, especially since it stands on its own as one of the better books in this tightly written series.

Critic Reviews:

"An entertaining series based on fascinating historical premises." (Booklist)

Members Reviews:

A learning opportunity ...

World War II was a given for me. I read about it in school and before reading these books, I could give you basic history book facts. Benn's books have given me a deeper look into that war. I've only read four and those out of order and yet, they still make perfect sense. I know these are in the historical fiction genre, but the notes by the author explain what is fact and what is fiction. The Billy Boyle books continue to be a good investment for 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: Empire of Silver

Author: Conn Iggulden

Narrator: Stephen Thorne

Format: Unabridged

Length: 13 hrs and 36 mins

Language: English

Release date: 09-02-10

Publisher: HarperCollins Publishers Limited

Ratings: 4.5 of 5 out of 56 votes

Genres: Mysteries & Thrillers, Historical

Publisher's Summary:

The eagerly awaited 4th novel in the bestselling Conqueror series, continuing the life and adventures of the mighty Khan dynasty.

Genghis Khan is dead, but his legend and his legacy live on. His son Ogedai has built a white city on a great plain and made a capital for the new nation. Now the armies have gathered to see which of Genghis' sons has the strength to be khan. The Mongol empire has been at peace for two years, but whoever survives will face the formidable might of their great enemy, Chinas Song dynasty.

The great leader Tsubodai sweeps into the west: through Russia, over the Carpathian mountains and into Hungary. The Templar knights have been broken and there is no king or army to stop him reaching France. But at the moment of Tsubodai's greatest triumph, as his furthest scouts reach the northern mountains of Italy, Tsubodai must make a decision that will change the course of history forever.

Members Reviews:

A good continuation of an epic story

The story is slow to start when compared to the thrilling third installment in the series but it does finish strong.

a good story, well read and very enjoyable.

A good story, well read and highly enjoyable. I would listen to it again just for fun.

Informative

This book is neither 'boring', nor does it have 'too many names', as another reviewer would have you believe. It is an informative and interesting follow-up to the first three books in the series and provides a satisfying end to the story, as well as a view of the future of 'the Nation'. Of course, it lacks the central figure of Genghis Khan and thus a focal point. Like the Mongol Empire itself, the various strands of the story diverge. The book is therefore probably not suited to listeners who like a one-layered, plot-driven story. My own criticism is that it is not as well written as the first book in the series in particular. It is, however, superbly read by the inimitable Stephen Thorne whose work I have admired since his rendering of Mary Stewart's 'Merlin Trilogy'. In my view the whole series allows the reader a view of the Mongols which is refreshingly different from that normally found in Western history books, and 'The Empire of Silver' is both worth hearing in its own right, and as a conclusion to the earlier three.

Good, but could have been five star!

Good follow on book from the Genghis Khan trilogy. I think it would be pretty hard to top the first three which are excellent. I wouldn't recommend this book without reading/listening to the first three in sequence though. The book is intended to stand alone in it's own right, but would I think confuse the reader/listener a little. The characters are more real having read the previous books.

Bizarre accents......

The third reader in this series and they get progressively worse. The Chinese characters in this are voiced with accents that can best be described as comical, at worst borderline racist! The stories themselves however remain strong.

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: St. Peters Fair

Subtitle: The Fourth Chronicle of Brother Cadfael

Author: Ellis Peters

Narrator: Johanna Ward

Format: Unabridged

Length: 7 hrs and 57 mins

Language: English

Release date: 07-23-10

Publisher: Blackstone Audio, Inc.

Ratings: 4.5 of 5 out of 41 votes

Genres: Mysteries & Thrillers, Historical

Publisher's Summary:

In the summer of 1139, there is a pause in the civil war racking the country, and St. Peters Fair promises to bring some much-needed gaiety to Shrewsburythat is, until the dead body of a wealthy merchant is found in the river Severn. Was Thomas of Bristol the victim of murderous thieves? If so, why were his valuables abandoned nearby?

Brother Cadfael, that shrewd but kindly monk, offers to help the merchants lovely niece, Emma. But as he searches for the killer, Thomas of Bristols wares are ransacked and two more men are murdered. Emma almost certainly knows more than she is telling, and others will soon discover this, too. Cadfael desperately races to save the young girl, knowing that in a country at war with itself, betrayal can come from any directionand even good intentions can kill.

Critic Reviews:

Each addition to the series is a joy. Long may the Chronicles continue. (USA Today)

Wonderful history lessons wrapped up in a mystery and served with style and grace. (Cincinnati Post)

Members Reviews:

Classic Cadfael

Brother Cadfael is a monk and herbalist/healer in a 12th-century Benedictine abbey on the border of England and Wales--an historically accurate location whose ruins can still be visited. The novels are set during a time of civil war and unrestas two cousins, Steven and Matilda (the Empress Maud) compete for England's throne. This series, published between 1977 and its author's death in 1995, helped launch the "historical sleuth" genre of mysteries. As with many series, the early-middle entries (Chronicles 3-8 in my opinion) seem to me to be the strongest. This entry, Chronicle 4, is one of my favorites.

There is an embarrassment of riches on Audible when it comes to narrator choice for this series. Patrick Tull, best known for his splendid narrations of the Aubrey/Maturin nautical novels, is an excellent choice for the "monastic" atmosphere of the series. But since Cadfael's stories lack the action of Aubrey's sea battles and political intrigues, Tull's low-key (if forceful) presentation can become soporific. Sir Derek Jacobi played the title role in the BBC dramatizations. Stephen Thorne is a classic English reader; his presentations are faultless, but not compelling. Then there's Johanna Ward.

It may seem strange to have a woman narrate these stories, in which almost all the major characters are male. But I found her reading to be highly enjoyable, moving faster and with more energy than other versions of these stories I've listened to. Whichever narrator you choose, if you like classic historical mysteries with lots of period ambience, you should enjoy these books.

Classic Cadfael

Brother Cadfael is a monk and herbalist/healer in a 12th-century Benedictine abbey on the border of England and Wales--an historically accurate location whose ruins can still be visited. The novels are set during a time of civil war and unrestas two cousins, Steven and Matilda (the Empress Maud) compete for England's throne. This series, published between 1977 and its author's death in 1995, helped launch the "historical sleuth" genre of mysteries. As with many series, the early-middle entries (Chronicles 3-8 in my opinion) seem to me to be the strongest.

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: Blood Alone

Subtitle: A Billy Boyle World War II Mystery

Author: James R. Benn

Narrator: Marc Vietor

Format: Unabridged

Length: 12 hrs and 16 mins

Language: English

Release date: 04-27-10

Publisher: Audible Studios

Ratings: 4.5 of 5 out of 90 votes

Genres: Mysteries & Thrillers, Historical

Publisher's Summary:

Billy Boyle awakens in a field hospital in Sicily with amnesia. In his pocket is a yellow silk handkerchief embroidered with the initial L. Gradually he remembers: he has been sent ashore in advance of the troops with this token from Lucky Luciano to contact the head of the Sicilian Mafia. But he must also thwart a murderous band of counterfeiters of Army scrip led by Vito Genovese.

Members Reviews:

The best yet

The mystery is not as well developed in this 3rd BB book, but the literary value is the best of the 3. All 3 are extremely well written. The events of the 1st 2 books are important in this one, so it's best to read them in order.

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 First Wave

Subtitle: A Billy Boyle World War II Mystery

Author: James R. Benn

Narrator: Marc Vietor

Format: Unabridged

Length: 11 hrs and 8 mins

Language: English

Release date: 04-20-10

Publisher: Audible Studios

Ratings: 4.5 of 5 out of 116 votes

Genres: Mysteries & Thrillers, Historical

Publisher's Summary:

Billy's task is to help arrange the surrender of the Vichy French forces in Algeria. But dissension among the regular army, the militia, and DeGaulle's Free French allows blackmarketeers in league with the enemy to divert medical supplies to the Casbah, leading to multiple murders. Billy must find the killers while trying to rescue the girl he loves - a British spy.

Critic Reviews:

Part Indiana Jones derring-do and part grown-up adventure novel with spies, black marketers, loyal and dastardly French, and the reliably evil Nazis. If you like World War II historical crime novels, youll love this one. (Mystery Scene)

Members Reviews:

Another Good Billy Boyle

This series consistently delivers entertaining and engaging stories. For further details, see my review of: Billy Boyle: A World War II Mystery.

Compelling. Recreates the disorder of landing.

If you could sum up The First Wave in three words, what would they be?

Confusion of landing troops.

Who was your favorite character and why?

Billy Boyle, the main character of the book. His integrity and growing sense of honor.

Have you listened to any of Marc Vietors other performances before? How does this one compare?

Great

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

Evil of war

Any additional comments?

no

Love this series! I really love historical fiction

This series is so enjoyable. I am a big Masie Dobbs fan and was looking for something along those lines and found this series. I really love the characters and the storylines are real wartime happenings. I recommend them highly!

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: Elegy for April

Subtitle: A Novel

Author: Benjamin Black

Narrator: Timothy Dalton

Format: Unabridged

Length: 8 hrs and 29 mins

Language: English

Release date: 04-13-10

Publisher: Macmillan Audio

Ratings: 4 of 5 out of 204 votes

Genres: Mysteries & Thrillers, Historical

Publisher's Summary:

April Lavery has vanished. A junior doctor at a local hospital, she is something of a trail-blazer in the deeply conservative and highly patriarchal society of 1950s Dublin. Though her family is one of the most respected in the city, she is known for being independent-minded; her taste in men, for instance, is decidedly unconventional, as evidenced by her current boyfriend, a handsome and charismatic medical student from Nigeria.

Then April disappears, and Phoebe Griffin, her best friend, immediately suspects the worst. Frantic, Phoebe seeks out Quirke, her brilliant but erratic father, and asks him for help. Sober again after intensive treatment for alcoholism, Quirke soon learns that his old sparring partner, Detective Inspector Hackett, has been assigned to the high-profile case. This time, Hackett welcomes Quirkes helpthe pathologists knowledge of the darker byways of the city may allow him to uncover crucial information about Aprils whereabouts. And as Quirke becomes deeply involved in Aprils murky story, he encounters complicated and ugly truths about race-hatred, Catholic ruthlessness, and family savagery.

Both an absorbing crime novel and a brilliant portrait of the difficult and relentless love between a father and his daughter, this is Benjamin Black at his sparkling best.

Critic Reviews:

"Quirke, the haunted Dublin pathologist and haphazard sleuth, returns in the third in Black's superb series of sharply etched, nearly Jamesian mysteries.... In Black's atmospheric and penetrating works of Irish noir, pain, prejudice, greed, and violence brew behind lace curtains." (Booklist)

Members Reviews:

Great Series, Excellent Narration

This is the third in a trilogy (so far) of Quirke mysteries. The stories are compelling, the characters very real and Timothy Dalton's eloquent narration is spot on. I've listened to all three novels and he enunciates so well I haven't missed a word. Best narration I've heard of the twenty books I've purchased from Audible so far.

Excellent

Very enjoyable and absorbing novel.

Struggling Dad Comes Through

Quirk's daughter, Phoebe, hasn't heard from her friend, April, who usually called her once a day. She asks her father to help her check into April's "disappearance." Along the way, Quirk struggles with alcohol and, although not stated outright, depression. Timothy Dalton's narration is wonderful.

Mr. Black seems to get better with each story,

The overall development of plot and characters demonstrates the author's ability to draw in the audience and capture their interset. When uou combine this with Mr. Dalton's magnificient narration, you have an excellent listen of a fine drama.

No one but Dalton will do . . .

What about Timothy Daltons performance did you like?

This writer gives us such sharply delineated descriptions of his character's moment by moment experiences, and Timothy Dalton makes the most of each and every moment. As before, this reader brings a Shakespearian brilliance to every word of his narration. I'm afraid he's ruined me for most other readers. I'm so bummed to see that this is the last of the series read by T.D. Judging by the sample of the next book's reader I'm afraid I can't continue, and I so wanted to. Wasn't Simon Vance or Gerard Doyle available?

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 Hanging Matter

Subtitle: The Privateersman Mysteries, Volume 3

Author: David Donachie

Narrator: Peter Wickham

Format: Unabridged

Length: 14 hrs and 4 mins

Language: English

Release date: 09-14-09

Publisher: ISIS Audio Books

Ratings: 4 of 5 out of 23 votes

Genres: Mysteries & Thrillers, Historical

Publisher's Summary:

The Ludlow brothers' search for a well-deserved rest quickly turns into a savage contest of wills between Harry and an unseen enemy who intends to protect his livelihood by any means available.

Members Reviews:

The characters are good, and the description puts you in the times ...

It is a mystery, much much more so than a sea story. The characters are good, and the description puts you in the times and locale. An enjoyable read.

two deadbeats holding each other up.

It's about a guy who gets run out of the British Navy because he refuses orders to apologize to his captian. it get worse from here, I'ts lie a chinese fire drill everyone running around and nothing happening. the jist of the book is European children sold into sex slavery to our towel headed brothers, this will set back middle east relations twenty years

A different slant on 18th century warship action and life at sea and in England and the continent.

An entertaining read. Well developed characters and enough mystery to keep up your interest. I will look forward to his next book.

a fair book, good delivery

the book is fair reading, not that good, the delivery of the book was good

Four Stars

I enjoyed very much, not your typical sea fairing tail.

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 Doublet Affair

Subtitle: An Ursula Blanchard Mystery at Queen Elizabeth I's Court, Book 2

Author: Fiona Buckley

Narrator: Wanda McCaddon

Format: Unabridged

Length: 9 hrs and 49 mins

Language: English

Release date: 07-06-09

Publisher: Blackstone Audio, Inc.

Ratings: 4 of 5 out of 82 votes

Genres: Mysteries & Thrillers, Historical

Publisher's Summary:

In To Shield the Queen, we were introduced to Ursula Blanchard, lady-in-waiting to Queen Elizabeth I and one of the most entrancing mystery heroines to come along in many a season. Having once saved the Virgin Queen from political disaster, now young Ursula faces an even greater challenge. Some of her old acquaintances may be plotting to overthrow Elizabeth in favor of Mary, Queen of Scots, and the re-establishment of the Catholic faith. Secretary of State Sir William Cecil needs a spy in the Mason home, and Ursula is the obvious choice.

Torn between her devotion to Elizabeth and her longing to be reunited with her exiled Catholic husband in France, Ursula makes a difficult bargain that balances personal happiness against duty to Queen and country. Her journey takes her into dangerous territory, and whatever happens, she will never again be quite as trusting or secure.

Critic Reviews:

"May offers an outstanding reading... She has distinct and appropriate voices for each character and keeps the book moving along quickly." (Kliatt)

Members Reviews:

Always entertaining

Anything read by Nadia May is fun for your ears. Her "French" accent fills me with delight. The book itself is a tad more serious. Set during the reign of Elizabeth I, it again deals with the conflicts between the "new" faith and the Catholics. There are some interesting twists in the plot. Very enjoyable.

Doublet Affair

If you have some time the book is great, but it is a bit long winded. The history errors in the story are explained at the end of the book, to my satisfaction.

love these books.

I love these books & hearing them just adds a hole new demention to them.

Great series!!

Where does The Doublet Affair rank among all the audiobooks youve listened to so far?

This book is one that I have listened to over and over again. It is ranked high on my list of must reads

Did the plot keep you on the edge of your seat? How?

Yes it kept me on edge.,,When Ms. Blanchard was rescuing Brockley.

Have you listened to any of Wanda McCaddons other performances before? How does this one compare?

Ms. McCaddon is also a great narrator for this book. Easy listen and clear voice.

Was there a moment in the book that particularly moved you?

Yes..when she saw her husband again.

Any additional comments?

Audible...please get all the books in the series.

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: Arms of Nemesis

Subtitle: A Novel of Ancient Rome

Author: Steven Saylor

Narrator: Scott Harrison

Format: Unabridged

Length: 10 hrs and 29 mins

Language: English

Release date: 05-29-09

Publisher: Blackstone Audio, Inc.

Ratings: 4 of 5 out of 75 votes

Genres: Mysteries & Thrillers, Historical

Publisher's Summary:

To Gordianus the Finder falls the fateful task of resolving this riddle from Hades. In a house filled with secrets, the truth is slow to emerge. And as the hour of the massacre approaches, Gordianus realizes that the labyrinthine path he has chosen may just lead to his own destruction.

Critic Reviews:

"A compulsively entertaining whodunit." (

New York Times Book Review)"Entertaining...Saylor's sense of style and elegantly witty writing make the most of this genre transference." (

Boston Guide)

Members Reviews:

Awful narrator!

Would you listen to Arms of Nemesis again? Why?

No. Harrison is horrible. Had I noticed who was reading before I spent the credits I never would have downloaded this book.

What didnt you like about Scott Harrisons performance?

Dead, dead, dead voice. He has one tone and its boring.

I'm Hooked!

I love the characters. Steven Saylor places me in Rome each time I listen. I wish I could find the entire series here!

Crassus crassus rich as Croesus

If you could sum up Arms of Nemesis in three words, what would they be?

Murder and mayhem at the foot of Vesubius

What did you like best about this story?

I liked Olympia's apprentice, forget her name.

Any additional comments?

Enjoyed listening to it during my commute

Good crime book

This series is really nice. Good crime books with the twist of glimpses into the life in ancient Rome. Very interesting.

Good voice but not amazing (for my taste).

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 Glass of Time

Subtitle: A Novel

Author: Michael Cox

Narrator: Josephine Bailey

Format: Unabridged

Length: 18 hrs and 8 mins

Language: English

Release date: 10-27-08

Publisher: Tantor Audio

Ratings: 4 of 5 out of 136 votes

Genres: Mysteries & Thrillers, Historical

Publisher's Summary:

In the autumn of 1876, 19-year-old orphan Esperanza Gorst arrives at the great country house of Evenwood to become a lady's maid to the 26th Baroness Tansor. But Esperanza is no ordinary servant. She has been sent by her guardian, the mysterious Madame de l'Orme, to uncover the secrets that her new mistress has sought to conceal and to set right a past injustice in which Esperanza's own life is bound up.

At Evenwood, she meets Lady Tansor's two dashing sons, Perseus and Randolph, and finds herself enmeshed in a complicated web of seduction, intrigue, deceit, betrayal, and murder.

Few writers are as gifted at evoking the sensibility of the 19th century as Michael Cox, who has made the world of Charles Dickens and Wilkie Collins his own.

Critic Reviews:

"[Listeners] will find themselves deeply engaged by the elegant descriptive prose." (Publishers Weekly)

"Atmospheric and engrossing.... Strongly recommended." (Library Journal)

Members Reviews:

Satisfying and Engaging

I was interested in this book primarily because I read and enjoyed the previous book in this series, "The Meaning of Night" and was eager to find out the resolution of the drama played out in that story. Though at first I wasn't crazy about Ms. Bailey's narration - she didn't epitomize the protagonist to me - after just an hour or two I couldn't imagine the story being read by anyone else. She was wonderful, and her renderings of the characters were evocative and compelling.

"The Glass of Time" is gothic Victoriana at its best, and it's got everything that genre demands: deadly family secrets, forbidden romances, murder, lifelong obsession, and conflict that spans generations. Esperanza, the protagonist, is an interesting and complex heroine, and although her motivations grow murky toward the end of the tale, they are no more confusing than those of the average 19-year-old. I was deeply satisfied by the conclusion of the story and very much enjoyed it as an audiobook. Listening to it also prevented me from skipping ahead in order to find out what happened (a very bad habit of mine). Highly recommended!

A good read

The Glass of Time is a pretty good read. There are no real surprises for a reader who's paying attention, and the tense shifting can be somewhat jarring , but overall it was enjoyable. The author may have overestimated the power, or at least the endurance, of love, and that tends to make the story feel less genuine, but it is still a fun story of intrigue that carries the reader along for the ride. As always, Josephine Bailey is wonderful.

Fabulous read

This is a wonderful story to follow The Meaning of Night. The narration is engaging and the plot, although somewhat predictable, a really well-thoughtout story.

Soap opera but well narrated

Having invested many hours listening to the first half of this novel, I persisted and finished it, but am pretty sure that was not worth it. This is a silly, contrived, artificial story that ceases to ring even a little possibly true half way through. Of course, in fiction readers (or listeners) need to "suspend disbelief," but the suspension required in Glass of Time is beyond my willingness or ability.

austin mystery

This long drawn out tale had good bones. But wading through the wordy 1st person thought process was tiresome.