Listen to Popular Titles Audiobooks in Mysteries & Thrillers, Historical

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Title: The Murder of the Maharajah

Author: H. R. F. Keating

Narrator: Frederick Davidson

Format: Unabridged

Length: 10 hrs and 14 mins

Language: English

Release date: 06-26-06

Publisher: Blackstone Audio, Inc.

Ratings: 4 of 5 out of 30 votes

Genres: Mysteries & Thrillers, Historical

Publisher's Summary:

Various people in the Palace become suspects, and an imperturbable District Superintendent of Police is called in. But who will he find guilty of the murder of the Maharajah?

Members Reviews:

Murder of the Maharajah

What made the experience of listening to The Murder of the Maharajah the most enjoyable?

Probably the best thing about this book is the narrator, Frederick Davidson. He is magnificent as the stuffy, upper class English Resident, Sir Arthur - as proper and pukka sahib as he can be. He also manages the Indian members of the cast with equal precision. His accents and characters are delightful.

What did you like best about this story?

This is a a gem of a mystery from a truly excellent writer. His Inspector Ghote series is hard to find, but well worth reading, and this book features equally colorful, interesting characters. The mystery is good, too. I didn't catch on until quite late in the book.

Which character as performed by Frederick Davidson was your favorite?

There are so many favorites here. Porgy, Miss Brattle, the Inspector. The old schoolmaster is an excellent Watson to the Inspector's Holmes.

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

Although this would be an interesting movie, I don't think it would be a money maker - more psychological than what is popular now. It is along the lines of Christie's Ten Little Indians or Murder on the Orient Express.

Any additional comments?

Truly delightful!

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Title: Jane and the Stillroom Maid

Subtitle: Being the Fifth Jane Austen Mystery

Author: Stephanie Barron

Narrator: Kate Reading

Format: Unabridged

Length: 8 hrs and 41 mins

Language: English

Release date: 12-06-05

Publisher: Books on Tape

Ratings: 4 of 5 out of 91 votes

Genres: Mysteries & Thrillers, Historical

Publisher's Summary:

More shocking still is the coroner's revelation: the deceased is no man but a maidservant, clad in the garb of her master, Mr. Charles Danforth of Penfolds Hall. Tess Arnold had ruled the stillroom at Penfolds for many years, until she was labeled a witch and dismissed for indiscretion. Was Tess the prey of a madman loose in the hills, or perchance the cast-off impediment to a gentleman's marriage?

As usual, Jane's acute perception and her nose for trouble place her supremely at risk, from a killer who may strike as violently by day as he once did by night.

Critic Reviews:

"Jane Austen as sleuth continues to delight." (Publishers Weekly)

"Another first-rate addition to the series." (Christian Science Monitor)

Members Reviews:

Will the real Jane Austen please stand up?

Stephanie Barron has created a delightful series of mysteries with a most excellent (and plausible) explanation of how she acquired the long-lost manuscripts of Jane Austen. Her skills with style and language are marvelous. Kate Reading provides great pleasure for the listener. I heartily recommend this!

Not the best in the series

With the conceit of retelling Jane Austen's diaries, the author walks a line between telling an interesting mystery and being historically accurate. The book seems overly concerned with historical accuracy to the determent of the story. I haven't listened to earlier books in the series, but this installment spends very little time on the character of Jane or her family. Jane is there to follow the plot, which is told to the listener in large infodumps and results in very flat characters. Sections detailing the historical background of minor side characters and footnotes on changes to architecture over time do nothing to add excitement. I found this book boring and do not recommend it. I do recommend the 12th book in the series, Jane and the 12 Days of Christmas. Many of the issues in this book have been corrected by that title.

Good series introduction

Being a fan of Regency-era mysteries, as well as Kate Reading's narration, I decided to try the first available audiobook in the series. Turned out a smart move! Not being a Jane-ite, I suppose I'm spared the inevitable comparison with her work and life details. Biggest takeaway for me was seeing her as rather an extrovert, when somehow I'd felt her as more reclusive? As far as book itself is concerned, my only real issue was that I had trouble keeping straight who was who among the upper class characters at times.

Brilliant working out story from history

Stephanie Barron brilliantly creates a captivating story from history and Jane Austin's life. She incorporates excerpts from a stillroom maid's book to add to the intrigue

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Title: Jane and the Prisoner of Wool House

Author: Stephanie Barron

Narrator: Kate Reading

Format: Unabridged

Length: 10 hrs and 9 mins

Language: English

Release date: 11-11-04

Publisher: Books on Tape

Ratings: 4 of 5 out of 66 votes

Genres: Mysteries & Thrillers, Historical

Publisher's Summary:

Jane Austen, novelist and private investigator, is back on another case, this one involving the Royal Navy. Her brother Frank's friend, Tom Seagrave, is in the brig, accused by his first mate of stabbing a French captain after the captain surrendered. Tom denies the charges, but his dagger was found in the French captain's chest. To clear up this mystery, Jane agrees to go to the Wool House, a building where French prisoners are jailed. Risking infection, she nurses the French ship's crew, and gets an account from the ship's surgeon that exonerates Tom. But at that moment, the first mate is killed, and Tom is now doubly under suspicion. Who could want to send him to the gallows?

©2001 Stephanie Barron; (P)2001 Books on Tape, Inc.

Critic Reviews:

"Jane Austen aficionados once again have cause to rejoice, as Barron maintains her usual high standards in this latest literary historical." (Publishers Weekly)

"The language is delicious, the characterizations layered, and the plot full of surprises. Kate Reading's narration quietly underscores the Austen-esque humor and captures the quirkiness of a wide array of characters. She shines at moving along briskly while still taking time to savor the language." (AudioFile)

"Historical fiction at its best!" (Library Journal)

Members Reviews:

Excellent

I was determined not to like this author, because of my love of Jane Austin and my fear that these books could only exploit her popularity without satisfying the need of her fans for more of her. I was pleasently surprised and found myself very much enjoying the story and the writing.

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Title: Santa Clawed

Author: Rita Mae Brown

Narrator: Kate Forbes

Format: Unabridged

Length: 6 hrs and 23 mins

Language: English

Release date: 11-14-08

Publisher: Recorded Books

Ratings: 4 of 5 out of 89 votes

Genres: Mysteries & Thrillers, Historical

Publisher's Summary:

When murder befouls the idyllic winter wonderland of Crozet, Virginia, amateur sleuth Harry Haristeen takes up the investigation. Also on the scent are Harry's intrepid, four-legged friends - who never met a mystery they couldn't solve.

Members Reviews:

Typical for the series

What was most disappointing about Rita Mae Browns story?

This is another Rita Mae Brown Sneaky Pie mystery. This one was set at Christmas time in Crozet, Virginia. I mostly enjoyed it despite having the same basic criticisms of all her books. The author does use these books as an opportunity to present views on various political and ethical topics. I find it just a tiny bit annoying that the author is "using" my interest in these cats to subject me to her views on things. Actually this book is probably worse than most in that regard. In Santa Clawed, the local monastery, home to the Brothers of Love was central to the plot. The brothers were made up mostly of ex-cons who are paying their debts to mankind by being monks and working in the hospice. This is actually a good idea as it gives the opportunity to have a large number of characters with shady backgrounds as possible suspects (a suspect shortage is often a problem in this series). I don't think Brown makes use of this nearly as much as she could/should have. I dont want to include any spoilers I will just say that the resolution to the mystery had more to do with Brown making a point about people than with writing the best story. I didn't figure it out and enjoyed following along the mystery but certainly a better book could have been written. People without a soft spot for animals in mysteries definitely shouldn't bother.

avid reader

loved it! once again she keeps u in suspense and has the trio save the day!

ceylon mckinnis hemet, ca

i love this one as mush as i do all of them. can wait to get them all.

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Title: A Body in the Bathhouse

Subtitle: A Marcus Didius Falco Mystery, Book 13

Author: Lindsey Davis

Narrator: Simon Prebble

Format: Unabridged

Length: 11 hrs and 42 mins

Language: English

Release date: 08-23-16

Publisher: Blackstone Audio, Inc.

Ratings: 4.5 of 5 out of 31 votes

Genres: Mysteries & Thrillers, Historical

Publisher's Summary:

The 13th novel featuring sleuth Marcus Didius Falco explores the fervor of home improvement that's sweeping the Roman Empire and Falco's own household, specifically the bathhouse - where a body turns up.

Some things never change. With his new villa, Falco also gets a timeless headache: building contractors. After the departure of two shady plasterers, a rank odor in the bathhouse soon leads to the discovery of a corpse under the mosaic floor. Should Falco follow the culprits to remote Britannica? Despite the British weather (damp), the inhabitants (barbarians), and the wine (second-rate), Falco takes his whole family and goes. In veritas, Falco has another, secret reason for this exodus - his sister Maia has rejected the affection of a powerful Roman official, who vows brutal revenge. Now to protect those he loves, Falco must outrun an imperial enemy with a very long - and very deadly - reach.

Members Reviews:

long, tedious, and boring

i struggled to finish listening to this book. However it was very good as a sleep inducer.

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Title: Sharpe's Prey: The Expedition to Copenhagen, 1807 (The Sharpe Series, Book 5)

Author: Bernard Cornwell

Narrator: Rupert Farley

Format: Unabridged

Length: 11 hrs and 57 mins

Language: English

Release date: 06-26-14

Publisher: HarperCollins Publishers Limited

Ratings: 5 of 5 out of 25 votes

Genres: Mysteries & Thrillers, Historical

Publisher's Summary:

Richard Sharpe is sent to Copenhagen to deliver a bribe to stop the Danes handing over possession of their battle fleet to the French.

It seems very easy. But nothing is easy in a Europe stirred by French ambitions. The Danes possess a battle fleet that could replace every ship the French lost at Trafalgar, and Napoleon's forces are gathering to take it. The British have to stop them, while the Danes insist on remaining neutral.

Dragged into a war of spies and brutality, Sharpe finds that he is a sacrificial pawn. But pawns can sometimes change the game, and Sharpe makes his own rules. When he discovers a traitor in his midst, he becomes a hunter in a city besieged by British troops.

Soldier, hero, rogue - Sharpe is the man you always want on your side. Born in poverty, he joined the army to escape jail and climbed the ranks by sheer brutal courage. He knows no other family than the regiment of the 95th Rifles whose green jacket he proudly wears.

Critic Reviews:

"Sharpe and his creator are national treasures."(Sunday Telegraph)

"Bernard Cornwell is a literary miracle. Year after year, hail, rain, snow, war and political upheavals fail to prevent him from producing the most entertaining and readable historical novels of his generation." (Daily Mail)

"Cornwell's narration is quite masterly and supremely well-researched." (Observer)

"The best battle scenes of any writer I've ever read, past or present. Cornwell really makes history come alive." (George R.R. Martin)

Members Reviews:

More of the same both in a good and bad way

Every so often I return to Sharpe books as a fun piece of escapism and sharp relief from my regular diet of non-fiction audiobooks. Having recently listened through the first five books in the series (not the first five written) I have been increasingly struck by how formulaic they can be. They are enjoyable in the way that a quiet night in can be but after a few in quick succession the repetition becomes hard to ignore. On that front Sharpe's Prey could almost be a case study.

Before the complaints let me touch on the positives. As pure escapism in isolation of the series Sharpe's Prey is fine.

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Title: Hornswoggled

Author: Donis Casey

Narrator: Pam Ward

Format: Unabridged

Length: 8 hrs and 46 mins

Language: English

Release date: 10-05-07

Publisher: Blackstone Audio, Inc.

Ratings: 4.5 of 5 out of 28 votes

Genres: Mysteries & Thrillers, Historical

Publisher's Summary:

Alafair sets out to prove to the headstrong Alice that Walter is no paragon. You can bet Alice will have something to say about that. As she searches for the truth behind the death of Louise Kelley, Alafair uncovers such a tangle of deceit and misdirection that she begins to think that the whole town has been downright hornswoggled.

Critic Reviews:

"Readers can almost smell the scent of death on the bloodstained rug and taste the homemade butter and potato patties....The idioms and local color are delightful, and the characters are real enough for readers to fear for their safety." (Library Journal)

"Dialogue rich with Midwestern speech patterns and a consistent, unobtrusive narrative voice lift this small-town historical, which should particularly appeal to Margaret Maron fans." (Publishers Weekly)

Members Reviews:

Alafair Does It Again--or does she?

Let me start out by saying that the narration for this book was terrific. Pam Ward really captured the timing and feel of the story. Up until the last hour of the recording I was wishing I had 6 stars to award for a review--I thought it was that good. Then as the story wound down I became increasingly less enchanted with the whole thing. I have read reviews from people who loved the first book but liked the second book (this book) in the series less so. I thought they were silly. To my mind book 2 was definitely better--then it all changed. I won't elaborate with plot spoilers or where I think it went wrong because that will ruin the story. It's a good book and worth a listen. 1913 rural Oklahoma farm and town life are beautifully described. It just left me wondering and feeling a bit hornswoggled myself!

PS-- there are more recipes at the end of this book too.

1913 Small Town Oklahoma . . . Murder Part 2

Alafair Tucker can sniff our a murder . . . both literally and figuratively . . . I could listen all day long to the country sayings (as I'm a country gal myself) . . . and when Alice, one of Alafair's older daughter's falls for the young widowed barber, whose wife had just been murdered and thrown into the river . . . well, my mother's instincts were on high alert, just like Alafair's. This is a great story on many levels, a murder mystery, an historical tale of rural Oklahoma in the early 1900s, and a funny, touching story of small town and family. I find myself identifying with Afafair's emotions as a mother more and more as this series continues. Can't wait for the next book.

Mystery, Family, History;)

loved it. Especially the old home family ways and the Creek Irish heritage.;) Great Mystery!

Very entertaining

This is a great story. The murder mystery itself is a bit convoluted but it's no different than some of the stories of things that happen today that have folks shaking there head. The author has done a great job developing characters, relationships, and giving the reader a good slice of life for the time and location. Very enjoyable.

Historical Oklahoma cozy mystery

This is the second Alafair Tucker mystery, set in 1913, Oklahoma. Though it sparkles in historical atmosphere, language, and family life, it doesn't quit live up to the first book in this series. That said, I definitely enjoyed Alastair's detecting to protect her large family.

Alice, one of Alastair and Seth Tucker's eldest daughters is bound and determined to marry the widowed barber, Walter.

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Título: El club Dumas[The Dumas Club]

Autor: Arturo Pérez-Reverte

Narrador: Juan Carlos Gustems

Formato: Unabridged

Duración: 12 hrs and 52 mins

Idioma: Español

Fecha de publicación: 01-12-17

Editor: Penguin Random House Grupo Editorial

Calificaciones: 4 de 5 de 37 votos

Categorías: Mysteries & Thrillers, Historical

Resumen del editor:

La gran novela de Arturo Pérez-Reverte que abrió el camino del éxito internacional a los thrillers inspirados en el mundo de los libros¿Puede un libro ser investigado policialmente como si de un crimen se tratara, utilizando como pistas sus páginas, papel, grabados y marcas de impresión, en un apasionante recorrido de tres siglos? Lucas Corso, mercenario de la bibliofilia, cazador de libros por cuenta ajena, debe encontrar respuesta a esa pregunta cuando recibe un doble encargo de sus clientes: autentificar un manuscrito de Los tres mosqueteros y descifrar el enigma de un extraño libro, quemado en 1667 con el hombre que lo imprimió.

La indagación arrastra a Corso -y con él, irremediablemente, al lector- a una peligrosa búsqueda que lo llevará de los archivos del Santo Oficio a los libros condenados, de las polvorientas librerías de viejo a las más selectas bibliotecas de los coleccionistas internacionales.Construida con excepcional talento narrativo, El club Dumas sitúa pieza a pieza una trama excitante, minuciosa y compleja, donde se dan cita los ingredientes de la novela clásica por entregas, los relatos policíacos y de misterio, los juegos de adivinación y las técnicas del folletín de aventuras.Esta novela fue llevada al cine por el director Roman Polanski con el título La novena puerta.

Please note: This audiobook is in Spanish.

Opiniones de los miembros:

Dumas interesante pero sólo él.

El narrador me pareció excelente. En cuanto al tema del libro me gustó la parte que se refiere a la vida de Alejandro Dumas pero el resto de los personajes eran poco intetesantes restándole dinámica a la historia.

excelente historia

la voz del narrador y su estilo es perfecto. Lo único que no me gusto fueron las narraciones de las letras y números que se demoran mucho. solo eso, ninguna queja.

Nunca se está solo cuando un libro está cerca

Excelente, la estructura de la novela es muy original y salpicada de notas muy interesantes sobre las novelas de Alejandro Dumas. Con un final impredecible.

La narración es muy buena.

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Title: Secret of the Seventh Son

Author: Glenn Cooper

Narrator: Mark Boyett

Format: Unabridged

Length: 13 hrs and 42 mins

Language: English

Release date: 12-29-09

Publisher: Audible Studios

Ratings: 4 of 5 out of 1104 votes

Genres: Mysteries & Thrillers, Historical

Publisher's Summary:

Nine people have been slain in New York City, nine strangers with nothing in common - the apparent victims of a frighteningly elusive serial killer. Only one thing links the dead: postcards they received, mailed from Las Vegas, announcing the day they would die.

Assigned to the case is a legendary FBI profiler with a troubled past, a drinking problem, and nothing left to lose.... Abandoned to a monastery is an unwanted son born under a curse on the seventh day of the seventh month of the year 777.... Unprepared for a momentous discovery is a post-World War II expedition into the crypts of a clandestine medieval society.... but all lead to a secret embroiled in destiny, history, evil, faith, and corruption - and one terrifying truth that no one must ever know.

Members Reviews:

An Ear Burner

What's the equivalent of a page turner in audioland...an ear burner? This one's hard to turn off, you want to listen to it in big gulps, so clear off your calendar for a 18 mile walk or a weekend cleaning frenzy. Author has a really unique premise, the core creative idea that drives the story is novel and ambitious. So in terms of plot, and unique slant I'd give this 5 stars. But I gotta knock it down a bit for very stock characters, the protagonist is cliche, the supporting cast...ditto. Don't let that stop you from listening though, still great entertainment and I'm absolutely on to the next one!

Incredible story - couldn't turn it off!

I've never read anything by Glen Cooper before, and was a little unsure of whether or not I would like the Seventh Son... but I loved it! The characters were great and the plot was unbelievable - yet just crazy enough to believe... maybe. I almost stopped reading when Area 51 and UFOs were mentioned (I can't stand alien stories), but once I realized what was really going on, I'm so glad I didn't. Each chapter is more and more intriguing. The characters have depth and are relatable. The main character, FBI Agent Will Piper, starts out apathetic and boorish, but then transforms as he hunts for the Doomsday Killer. It is easy to see why he was at one time considered a top serial killer profiler. The transitions from one time period to another (8th century, 1940s, 2000s, etc.) are surprisingly easy to keep up with and kept me interested. It is easy to get caught up in the action. This could easily become a box-office smash!

Nicely Wound Story

This first book in the two-book series following the flawed Will Piper is wonderfully done. The story is well developed, believable and simply an enjoyable listen. In the genre of Dan Brown... you can read either book first and you will find it completely understandable and enjoyable... tying the two together makes it remarkable.

Extremely entertaining!

I read a lot of mystery thrillers and most, while good, usually follow a fairly formulaic pattern. This book pretty much does the same thing, however adds the unique twist of jumping in and out of time periods to explain the story. I LOVED it! If Ken Follett and Michael Connelly collaborated this would be the result. I enjoyed and felt for each character, due in large part to the excellent narration. I've never heard Mark Boyett, but will look to see what other works he's read. He did a superb job with voice changes, even the females, and put a lot of feeling into each character.

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Title: A Deadly Brew

Subtitle: The Fourth Matthew Bartholomew Chronicle

Author: Susanna Gregory

Narrator: David Thorpe

Format: Unabridged

Length: 16 hrs and 36 mins

Language: English

Release date: 04-13-17

Publisher: Hachette Audio UK

Ratings: 5 of 5 out of 18 votes

Genres: Mysteries & Thrillers, Historical

Publisher's Summary:

The fourth chronicle of Matthew Bartholomew continues the adventures of the 14th-century Cambridge physician when he is called to attend to two deaths from some poisoned wine. The opening of a new and very well-endowed college has created petty infighting amongst the academics as new appointments are made. The winter and spring have been appallingly wet, there is a fever outbreak amongst the poorer townspeople and the country is not yet fully recovered from the aftermath of the plague. The increasing reputation and wealth of the Cambridge colleges are causing dangerous tensions between the town, church and university, and then the poisoned wine kills the first victim - a student. The second victim is Dittone, the deputy master of the new college, but there seems no connection between him and the student. Matthew must establish the facts before relations between town and gown spiral out of control.

Members Reviews:

Deadly Brew

I really enjoy these Bartholomew stories especially the two protagonists. It is complex without being over complicated and kept my interest. Looking forward to reading more in this series

I also enjoy the style of the narrator