Get the Most Popular Audiobooks in Mysteries & Thrillers, Historical

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Title: The Jupiter Myth

Subtitle: Marcus Didius Falco Mysteries

Author: Lindsey Davis

Narrator: Christian Rodska

Format: Unabridged

Length: 10 hrs and 44 mins

Language: English

Release date: 10-15-08

Publisher: Audible Studios

Ratings: 4.5 of 5 out of 132 votes

Genres: Mysteries & Thrillers, Historical

Publisher's Summary:

Marcus was hoping for a relaxed visit to Britannia. But things turn serious at the scene of a murder. King Togidubnus has been stuffed down a bar-room well - leading to a diplomatic situation which Marcus must resolve.

©2004 Lindsey Davis (P)2014 Audible, Inc.

Members Reviews:

My Favorite

This is definitely my favorite in the series so far. It is absolutely packed with action, and less cliche. This series is often hit and miss but this title contains the characters at their most likable placed in incredibly interesting situations. Christian Rodska, the narrator, continues to be excellent and add great charm and color to these mysteries.

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.

So-so

I've enjoyed this series before, but this is not the jewel in the crown. The plot is sloppy and there is a lot of explication to make up for it. There are some really enjoyable books in the series.

enjoyable and engaging mystery

loved the narrator. one of the best Falco books I've listened to so far!

Continues in same vein

The usual competent novel that continues earlier characters and the "career path" of Falco. Gently teaches about Roman Britain without being too obvious. Can be read as a stand alone but better if you've read earlier novels. Another enjoyable read.

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Title: The Savage Garden

Author: Mark Mills

Narrator: Ian Stuart

Format: Unabridged

Length: 8 hrs and 26 mins

Language: English

Release date: 10-11-08

Publisher: Brilliance Audio

Ratings: 3.5 of 5 out of 35 votes

Genres: Mysteries & Thrillers, Historical

Publisher's Summary:

As the odd history unfolds, Adam finds himself drawn into a parallel intrigue. Through his evolving relationship with the lady of the house - the ailing, 70-something Signora Docci - he hears stories of yet another violent death in the family, this one much more recent. The Signora's eldest son was shot by Nazi officers on the third floor of the villa, and her husband, now dead, insisted that the area be sealed and preserved forever. Like the garden, the third-floor rooms are frozen in time.

As Adam delves into his subject, he begins to suspect that his seemingly innocent history project might be a setup. Is he really just the naive student, stumbling upon clues, or is he being used to discover the true meaning of the villa's murderous past?

Members Reviews:

Great!

Narrator is excellent! Good characterization malntAined throughout. A total pleasure - the story and the telling.

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Title: A Spectacle of Corruption

Author: David Liss

Narrator: Michael Page

Format: Unabridged

Length: 13 hrs and 42 mins

Language: English

Release date: 08-21-08

Publisher: Brilliance Audio

Ratings: 4 of 5 out of 125 votes

Genres: Mysteries & Thrillers, Historical

Publisher's Summary:

While inquiring into some threatening notes sent to a Church of England priest, Weaver is arrested for the murder of a dockworker. After his conviction, engineered by a crooked judge who has blatantly instructed the jury to disregard the truth, Weaver escapes from prison, intent upon proving his innocence.

Meanwhile, Great Britain is reeling from a financial scandal that has sent the economy into a downward spiral; it is also preparing for a general parliamentary election - an event that happens only every seven years. Not generally someone to get caught up in politics, Benjamin Weaver finds himself caught in the crossfire of election trickery as he attempts to clear his name.

The question remains, however: What good is proving his innocence, again, when having done so once only resulted in conviction? Instead, he is determined to work against his enemies and learn their secrets to try to discover why he has been singled out for this prosecution. The most likely engineer of his ruin is Dennis Dogmill, a tobacco importer and the election agent of the Whig candidate for the Westminster Parliamentary seat. Dogmill's opponent, and Weaver's unlikely ally, is Griffin Melbury, the Tory candidate and the husband of his cousin's widow, Miriam, whom Weaver once sought to marry.

To discover the truth about the plot against him, Weaver disguises himself as a newly returned West Indian plantation owner. He must integrate himself with London society and political manipulators in order to learn the truth.

Members Reviews:

Liss-less

This story just didn't hold my attention, Even when I replayed the recording when I realized my mind had wandered I just could not stay with the story. Benjamin Weaver just seems to be excessively tooting his own horn in every adventure he relates. How he treats his friends makes my wonder why he has any friends. There was something there because I am going to listen to the second book of the series.

Very Good Story, Read by an Extraordinary Narrator

This is my second David Liss novel -- the first was the equally impressive "The Coffee Trader," whose main character is also a Jew living among Gentiles -- in that case, a former Portuguese commodities broker living among the Dutch, while the protagonist here is Benjamin Weaver, a "thief taker" (someone who hires himself out to retrieve stolen property from the thief -- shades of Travis McGee in the John D. MacDonald series!) living in 1620s London, who finds himself first wrongfully accused and then wrongfully convicted of murder. (Weaver may be a distant relative of the protagonist in "The Coffee Trader," as Liss drops a hint that they both share the same family name from their Portuguese roots.)

Liss does an excellent job recreating the historical period in which this story is set, and weaves an engrossing story despite the somewhat obscure political hijinks that give rise to the main character's difficulties. Despite choosing such unfamiliar terrain -- a scheme involving "Whigs," "Jacobites," and "Tories" -- the book's introduction gives a helpful "road map" to the main historical intrigues, so that they become part of the background of the story, which can thereafter be followed with relative ease.

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Title: Buried Too Deep

Subtitle: An Aurelia Marcella Mystery

Author: Jane Finnis

Narrator: Rebecca Rogers

Format: Unabridged

Length: 12 hrs and 2 mins

Language: English

Release date: 06-25-08

Publisher: Blackstone Audio, Inc.

Ratings: 3 of 5 out of 10 votes

Genres: Mysteries & Thrillers, Historical

Publisher's Summary:

When the farmer dies, the twins head for the coast to return the man to his family and to check out a nearby shipwreck. Gallic sea-raiders are suspected of stealing the wreck's valuable official cargo and of killing the farmer.

As long-buried grudges between the natives and the Roman colonists are revived, feuding escalates to outright terrorism. A subtle, personal agenda seems to be at work as well - one or more parties may have hired the Gauls to orchestrate the violence.

Members Reviews:

Truly awful

Save your money. Awful simplistic writing with every characterisation a cliche. I gritted my teeth and listened for one hour but it didn't improve.

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Title: Folly du Jour

Author: Barbara Cleverly

Narrator: Terry Wale

Format: Unabridged

Length: 10 hrs and 34 mins

Language: English

Release date: 02-26-08

Publisher: ISIS Audio Books

Ratings: 4 of 5 out of 47 votes

Genres: Mysteries & Thrillers, Historical

Publisher's Summary:

Assistance for Joe comes from an entirely unexpected quarter: Francine, a young usherette, clawing her way into the world of the Paris Music Hall. It is she who becomes Joe's guide through this treacherous place, where the killer is sure to be lurking.

Members Reviews:

A wonderful step back to the 20s and mystery

This series is perfect for those who enjoy a good old fashion mystery from circa 1920. The characters are interesting, the dialogue is great, and the resolution of the mystery is satisfying. Sort of a mixture of The Saint, Bulldog Drummond, and Hercule Poirot.

ok, but somehow didn't hold my attention

I listen to a lot of audio books but in this case I found that my attention often drifted and I missed important points. I don't know if that was the speaker or the content. ok story, but nothing special.

Up to par

Once again Joe keeps us 'metaphorically' turning the pages. We meet some old friends/characters and catch some background and links with earlier stories too......... The series whilst appearing to be out of order actually works very well as I started with the newest one and then decided I wanted the whole series and have since started from Book 1, but I find no disadvantage. Overall I just enjoy the clever plots and well drawn people along with interesting little historical asides. This particular tale kept me guessing for a long time..... Enjoy.

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Title: Where the Heart Leads

Author: Stephanie Laurens

Narrator: Charlotte Parry

Format: Abridged

Length: 6 hrs and 28 mins

Language: English

Release date: 02-05-08

Publisher: HarperAudio

Ratings: 4 of 5 out of 101 votes

Genres: Mysteries & Thrillers, Historical

Publisher's Summary:

Penelope Ashford, Portia Cynster's younger sister, has grown up with every advantage: wealth, position, and beauty. Yet Penelope is anything but a pretty face in a satin gown. Forceful, willful, and blunt to a fault, she has for years devoted her considerable energy and intelligence to caring for the forgotten orphans of London's sooty and seamier streets.

But now her charges are mysteriously disappearing. Desperate, Penelope turns to the one man she knows who might help her: Barnaby Adair.

Handsome scion of a noble house, Adair has made a name for himself in certain circles where his powers of observation and deduction have seen him solve several serious and unsavory crimes within the town. His pedigree, relentless intelligence, and discretion make him a deadly avenger in an elegant guise. Despite his skills, or perhaps because of them, he makes Penelope distinctly uncomfortable, but the stakes are too grave.

Throwing caution to the wind, defying every rule for unmarried ladies, she appears on his doorstep late one night determined to recruit his talents. Barnaby is intrigued, both by her problem and her. Her bold beauty and undeniable brains make a striking contrast to the usual insipid misses. And as he's in dire need of an excuse to avoid said insipid misses, he accepts her challenge, never dreaming she and it will consume his every waking hour.

Members Reviews:

Do NOT Buy the Audible Abridged Version

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

This audio book is abridged. It left out so much of the original story that it made no sense at all. What a waste of money.

What did you like best about this story?

I love Stephanie Laurens and this book in its entirety is quite good. I had to get the written full version to understand what the real story is.

What did you like about the performance? What did you dislike?

With so much left out it was hard to rate performance.

What a waste of money

Would you recommend this book to a friend? Why or why not?

I love all of Stephanie Lauens books. I have read several of her series, including the Cynsters, Bastion Club and the Black Cobra. This audio does not follow the book, in fact it skips a lot of it. It is so far off I'm really disappointed. If you intend on reading along with the book, don't buy this audio book.

What did you like best about this story?

The story is all as it should be for a Stephanie Lauren book. Interesting and good intrigue.

What didnt you like about Charlotte Parrys performance?

Her performance is good, if so much of the book was not skipped.

Could you see Where the Heart Leads being made into a movie or a TV series? Who should the stars be?

Yes.

Light Romance

This was a light, pleasant romance. Penelope and Barnaby were likeable enough, but not all that special. Because of that, when they were together, it didn't have the emotional impact of a good romance. The mystery was also light and really just a plot device to get the main characters together. If you are a big Laurens fan or do enjoy light romance, you may like this one.

Pitiful Romance, Worse Mystery

This is the worst Laurens book I have read. Mystery plot has possibilities, but detectives spend too much time in bed to bother saving kidnapped boys. I found that really offensive.

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Title: Restless

Author: William Boyd

Narrator: Rosamund Pike

Format: Unabridged

Length: 10 hrs and 16 mins

Language: English

Release date: 10-30-07

Publisher: Bloomsbury Publishing Plc

Ratings: 4.5 of 5 out of 21 votes

Genres: Mysteries & Thrillers, Historical

Publisher's Summary:

Recruited for the British Secret Service at the start of the Second World War by the mysterious Lucas Romer, Eva learns to become the perfect spy, to mask her emotions and trust no one. Since then, Eva has carefully rebuilt her life - but once a spy, always a spy. And now she must complete one final assignment. This time, though, she needs Ruth's help.

Members Reviews:

A worthwhile listen

'Restless' is an enjoyable listen that's fast paced, even gripping at times, although its 'final analysis' was somewhat unconvincing, and perhaps even shallow (for an award-winning novel). Nonetheless, I'd gladly recommend it to anyone, particularly those who enjoy spy novels. And, as others have noted elsewhere, Rosamund Pike has done an excellent job narrating the book!

By the way, I chose this version of 'Restless' over the other version by Macmillan Audio as it was a lot cheaper, and I have no regrets.

Feel 'restless'

Would you recommend this audiobook to a friend? If so, why?

Simply the best audiobook I've 'read' so far.

What was one of the most memorable moments of Restless?

The escape through the parking lot in Europe after the 'double cross'.

What does Rosamund Pike bring to the story that you wouldnt experience if you just read the book?

She successfully alternates between past and present, clearly bringing out the flavour of the times. Her narration brings out the 'cold' and unforgiving nature of the events of the past as against the familiar present and finally brings out the uncertainty of the present that needs and leads to (unpleasant?) resolution. No doubt a large part of this is the authors skill, but I will always somehow connect this with the dramatic portrayal of the protagonist.

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

Yes, though there's a contrary sentiment of wanting to savour it (familiar to every reader?).

Any additional comments?

Narration plays a huge roll in the appreciation of an audiobook, and Restless is a hands down winner on this account. It has also put me on to the talent of William Boyd who I had not read before.

A different kind of spy story..

What made the experience of listening to Restless the most enjoyable?

I'm not usually a reader of spy novels, but took the chance on this since I've loved everything else I've read by William Boyd so far. This story has all the elements of a traditional spy story, but there's depth and richness here as well as action and thrills. There's more emotion here, too. Of course there's a love story, and the two narrators of the story are a British spy during the second world war and her daughter, who slowly discovers that the mother she thought she knew has a secret, tragic and still dangerous history. As usual Boyd adds in plenty of historical detail. Rosamunde Pike's narration is beautiful. Perfect for the characters, the period and the tone of the book.

What was one of the most memorable moments of Restless?

The part of the story where Eva begins to suspect she has been betrayed is nerve-wracking.

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Title: To Ruin a Queen

Author: Fiona Buckley

Narrator: Nadia May

Format: Unabridged

Length: 10 hrs and 15 mins

Language: English

Release date: 02-05-07

Publisher: Blackstone Audio, Inc.

Ratings: 4 of 5 out of 65 votes

Genres: Mysteries & Thrillers, Historical

Publisher's Summary:

With surprises at every turn and a highly suspenseful setting, To Ruin a Queen is the best novel yet from an author whose series continues to gain momentum and whose heroine becomes more beguiling with each new tale.

Critic Reviews:

"A heroine to reckon with." (Kirkus Reviews) "Buckley's tantalizing re-creation of Elizabethan life and manner is told with intelligence and gentle wit." (Library Journal)

Members Reviews:

Un interesting Un everything

This is a Mills & Boon historical fiction. What a waste of time and money. It should be listed under 'romance' not 'history'. Factually/historically inaccurate in its elaborate descriptions. I have no idea how it ended because I died of boredom before I reached the finish. Very disappointing.

4/4

This is book four available here. I have enjoyed them and hope the rest will follow.

The narrator, Nadia May, records under several pseudonyms and is excellent in all of them.

Loved it

Great characters, good plot and an intriguing heroine are just the obvious checks in the plus column for this book. If you enjoy a lively read with some female perspective this series is for you. I have only one complaint.

There are several more books but they aren't in the Audible library!!!

Not as good as the first in this series

I enjoyed the first of this series "To Shield The Queen" so much that I bought this book as soon as I finished the first. Overall, this second one is alright but not as well written as the first. There's too much minutiae and rambling on and on about things which add nothing to the story. Also Ursula is a bit out of control here, engaging in acts which are totally implausible during her "CSI: Gloriana" undercover work, especially for a rookie investigator in an era before formal forensics. Even my favorite Audible.com narrator, Nadia May, falters with this reading. Normally a master of different voices and dialects, I don't know what happened with her rendition of Gladys, the derelict "town witch". Allegedly Welsh, Gladys alternately sounds like she's either Pakistani or Jamaican! It becomes a bit irritating after a while since May's command of both American and European accents, both past and present, is always excellent; her narration soothing and animated in the all the right places. This is still a good book but just don't listen to it right after the first one, thinking that it will be comparable. I wasn't so disappointed that I was put off from getting "Queen's Ransom", the third book in the series as soon as I finished this one. I'll just wait a week or so, listening to a few other books by different authors and narrators first.

Love It!!!

Would you consider the audio edition of To Ruin a Queen to be better than the print version?

I have not read the printed version of this book, but the narrator is wonderful.

Who was your favorite character and why?

Ursula of course is my favorite character. She is smart and courageous. Just absolutely enjoy her her.

Have you listened to any of Nadia Mays other performances before? How does this one compare?

Ms. May is just amazing in her performance of Ms, Buckley's books...

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

A roller coaster ride called Mystery.

Any additional comments?

Please consider getting the entire series of Ursula Blanchard.

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Title: The Assassins Gallery

Author: David L. Robbins

Narrator: George Guidall

Format: Unabridged

Length: 13 hrs and 18 mins

Language: English

Release date: 01-05-07

Publisher: Recorded Books

Ratings: 4 of 5 out of 94 votes

Genres: Mysteries & Thrillers, Historical

Publisher's Summary:

David L. Robbins is a New York Times best-selling author and a writer widely acknowledged for his ability to pen startlingly accurate alternate-history fiction. By positing the assassination of a U.S. president, this may be the acclaimed author's most ambitious novel yet.

Critic Reviews:

"Ingenious....A solid, satisfying treat for the armchair historian." (Kirkus Reviews) "Provide[s] thriller readers with one of their best reads of the year....The powerful climax deserves the term 'heart-stopping'." (Publishers Weekly)

Members Reviews:

Very Good Listen

Any additional comments?

Very Good read!!!

This is an under-rated book caused by the first reviewer who went to the extreme and gave it a one star instead of at worst a three star... The rating unjustly skewed the books ranking downward.

This story is very entertaining read! As always reader "George Guidall" is superb.

Below are more action thrillers that are "espionage/military/assassin" genre that you may also like if you like this book. (The list of authors is not rank in order of my favorite reads).

Nelson DeMille - The Lions Game .... Great book

Barry Eisler

Daniel Silva

Brad Thor

Brad Meltzer

Alex Berenson

Vince Flynn - Mitch Rapp

Robert Littell - The Company: A Novel of the CIA (good but very long)

Lee Child - Jack Reacher

Adrain Mckinty - Dead I May Well Be

Trevanian - Shibumi

Bernard Cornwell "Sharpes Tiger" (Richard Sharpe series) /Historical Fiction

Engaging

Thoroughly engaging. I listen while I drive and on several occasions, drove out of my way and below the speed limit, even waiting in parking lots to finish chapters. I thought the story was well written and historically interesting.

new end to an old story

Well paced story set during WWII. I was a little put off by the modern slang and idioms set during this time. I don't think people then talked about the "spin cycle." The two main characters were well drawn. The story line was interesting and the final chapter worth the read.

really good spy/assassin book

makes you think it's 1945. historical characters like roosevelt are in it. great cat in mouse between govt agents and protagonist. highly recommend this book. way, way better than similar types.

The Naration was great

The book had some good parts and some dull ones.

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Title: To Shield the Queen

Author: Fiona Buckley

Narrator: Nadia May

Format: Unabridged

Length: 9 hrs and 26 mins

Language: English

Release date: 11-06-06

Publisher: Blackstone Audio, Inc.

Ratings: 4 of 5 out of 116 votes

Genres: Mysteries & Thrillers, Historical

Publisher's Summary:

Suddenly Ursula finds herself at the center of the scandal, trying to protect Elizabeth while not losing her heart to a Frenchman who may be flirting with sedition against her Queen. As she sets out to find the truth, alone in a glittering court that conceals a wellspring of blood and lies, she can trust neither her lover nor her monarch.

Critic Reviews:

"Narrator Nadia May is excellent as she takes on the royal entourage, but she is extra charming portraying Ursula as a clever, witty, sharp-tongued woman who has an eye for the gentlemen! The characters sparkle as May imbues them with the language and speaking manner of a significant and distinctive historical period." (AudioFile)

Members Reviews:

Very good

This is the first in a series featuring Ursula Blanchard in the service of "Good Queen Bess". The story has good characters, likable bad guys and a smart heroine. The plot might seem a little thin to start but then it takes a new twist and you get a nice surprise. Nadia May is perfect as usual. I'm planning to get the next two audio books with my next credits:)

To Shield the Queen

What a facinating story. I love the time period and the history. The narrator's voice made it even more compelling. Can't wait for more from Fiona Bucklley.

Fun and engrossing

This is the first of several books featuring Elizabethean sleuth Ursula Blanchard. The whole series is delightful. Nadia May is a fantastic narrator, and brings the characters alive. What's great about this series is that the author picks a historically accurate event to focus on (in this book, it is the mysterious death of Sir Robin Dudley's wife), but about which modern historians do not have "all the answers." She then weaves a complex story line presenting what possibly could have happened. Heroine Ursula is a thoroughly likeable and amusing character, and if she seems too "modern" sometimes, who cares? This is wonderful "cloaks and daggers" stuff, complete with secret documents, court intrigue, and complicated clues to "who did it." If you like historical fiction, and want a really fun and entertaining way to spend a rainy evening, you can't go wrong with this series.

Enjoyable

The author does a great job of creating a totally fictional character among actual historic figures. Since Isabella is supposed to be working undercover for Elizabeth I, who knows if she really existed or not? Buckley remains true to the events of the time while weaving a tale of mystery and intrigue. Nadia May, one of my top narrators, does her usual masterful job here. Very enjoyable.

Thoroughly enjoyable.

Though some of the problems Mistress Ursula Blanchard encounters seem to easily resolved, her personality is of such a sort that I found I didn't much mind. She's a very likeable character.

Also, the narrator was quite good, though I admit it took me a little while to get used to the sound of her voice. She has a good rhythm and cadence, but her voice is pitched higher than I expected. She's quite good at accents, though.

A thoroughly enjoyable listen. But be warned: you'll be sadly disappointed if you expect to listen to the whole series. Audible has only this one (the first book), and the third and fourth books. There are, in fact, eight books in all.