Listen to Popular Titles Audiobooks in Mysteries & Thrillers, Historical

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Title: The Ville Rat

Subtitle: A Sergeants Sueño and Bascom Novel, Number 10

Author: Martin Limon

Narrator: Timothy Andrés Pabon

Format: Unabridged

Length: 6 hrs and 25 mins

Language: English

Release date: 10-15-15

Publisher: Recorded Books

Ratings: 4.5 of 5 out of 3 votes

Genres: Mysteries & Thrillers, Historical

Publisher's Summary:

South Korea, 1974: A young Korean woman is found strangled to death on the frozen banks of the Sonyu River with only a carefully calligraphed poem on her person. Sergeants George Sueño and Ernie Bascom, agents in the US Eighth Army CID, are called in by the formidable KNP detective Gil Kwon-up to investigate.

As they begin to investigate, George and Ernie come into direct contact with the US Army's Second Infantry Division, a disciplined and often brutal force that won't stand for outside officers questioning its men. But George and Ernie aren't exactly known for going out of their way to avoid stepping on US Army toes, and this is no exception.

A pair of likable protagonists who often discover and expose crime within their own ranks. A rarity in fiction that looks closely at daily life in 1970s South Korea, with American troops stationed there in the wake of the war.

Members Reviews:

They can steal the radio and leave the music!!

I served 4-tours in Korea between 65 & 81. Martin Limon vividly brings back memories of my time there. The "Ville Rat" is so very TRUE. It takes me back to the early 70s while I was in Korea, on an assignment with family. I went to the Yong San PX to get a refrigerator for my off-post quarters. I was told the wait was 6-9 weeks. Back at my office I told an office-mate, an army major, about the wait. He told me he had just participated in an Inspector General inspection of the Korea PX system, and that he had seen some 1,100 refrigerators in stock at the PX Inchon warehouse (same one Martin writes about). Appears both Korean and American PX civilian personnel were having US goods shipped to Korea, at US gov't expense, then diverting the goods downtown to unauthorized black-market sellers and buyers, sales prices 2.5-3 times what the US paid for the item, and collecting no Korean import taxes. They reimbursed the PX sales price and put a phony ration control authorization into the PX computer system, so everything looked kosher. It was reported, covered up, and nothing ever done. The scam went to the highest levels in the 8th US Army hierarchy. PS-2-days after calling the Inspector General, my new refrigerator was delivered. Love your work Martin. Have read them all.

The author gets it right, mostly.

First, I enjoyed the book and Jade Lady Burning as well. The author 's bio says he was in the Army 20 years and Korea 10 of them. I don't question that but I wonder what he did for the Army. He either took literary liberty with the MPs and CID or he has little knowledge of how they work, dress and equip themselves. I found terms like calling a 1/4 ton jeep a heavy truck with a cab incorrect BUT what he got right more often than not was the bar girls and female employees. I was a working MP and Patrol Supervisor for 2 tours of duty in Korea, late 50s and mid 60s. We spent a lot of time in the ville patrolling, checking bars and so on both day and night in addition to other duties involving traffic safety. I had several friends among the business women that often confided in me. Limon's description of their non working hours, dress, habits was like being back their and driving thru Texas Street. The stories in both books are typical fiction but involves the boys away from home and what they experienced.

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Title: Wrath of the Furies

Subtitle: A Novel of the Ancient World

Author: Steven Saylor

Narrator: Stephen Plunkett

Format: Unabridged

Length: 12 hrs and 5 mins

Language: English

Release date: 10-13-15

Publisher: Recorded Books

Ratings: 4 of 5 out of 35 votes

Genres: Mysteries & Thrillers, Historical

Publisher's Summary:

In 88 BC, it seems as if the entire ancient world is at war. In the west, the Italian states are rebelling against Rome; in the east, Mithridates is marching through and conquering the Roman Asian provinces. Even in the relatively calm Alexandria, a coup has brought a new pharaoh to power and chaos to the streets.

The young Gordianus is waiting out the chaos in Alexandria with Bethesda when he gets a cryptic message from his former tutor and friend, Antipater. Now in Ephesus as part of Mithridates' entourage, Antipater seems to think that his life is in imminent danger. To rescue him, Gordianus concocts a daring, even foolhardy scheme to go behind enemy lines and bring Antipater to safety. But there are powerful and deadly forces at work here, which have their own plans for Gordianus. Not entirely sure whether he's a player or a pawn, Gordianus must unravel the mystery behind the message if he's to save himself and the people he holds most dear.

Members Reviews:

Terrible reading hurts the story

I have been a fan of Steven Saylor for years, and have enjoyed the Gordianus books, but Plunkett's reading is so bad, it has ruined the story. His impressions of Antipater are the only highlights, any dialogue by Gordianus pauses like a kid reading in front of the class. I was really disappointed.

Good but my least favorite of the prequel series

Is there anything you would change about this book?

I would edit down some of Antipater's diary. It seemed to bog down the story at times. I also thought the ending was a bit of a let down. And, a minor thing, but I was bothered by one minor character, who Gordianus had met in the first prequel, The Seven Wonders, whose development in this book seemed to me to be wildly incompatible with her character in the first book. I didn't think this was necessary at all.

What was the most interesting aspect of this story? The least interesting?

I love how Saylor provides the rich cultural and historical context as such a natural part of the story. Least interesting was how Saylor sort of overdid some of this context at times in Antipater's diary.

Did Stephen Plunkett do a good job differentiating all the characters? How?

He did some of the characters well, but others not so well.

Was Wrath of the Furies worth the listening time?

Definitely, yes. Saylor is a great storyteller.

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Title: A Man's Word

Subtitle: The King's Hound Series

Author: Martin Jensen, Tara Chace - translator

Narrator: Napoleon Ryan

Format: Unabridged

Length: 7 hrs and 1 min

Language: English

Release date: 09-08-15

Publisher: Brilliance Audio

Ratings: 4 of 5 out of 42 votes

Genres: Mysteries & Thrillers, Historical

Publisher's Summary:

The crime-solving duo known as the King's Hounds - Halfdan and his master, Winston - are investigating a possible plot against King Cnut by onetime enemy-turned-ally Jarl Thorkell. Joined on the arduous journey by Winston's woman, Alfilda, and Atheling, his cranky mule, they venture to the markets in Thetford to gather information.

On the way, they meet a wealthy farmer who is seeking justice at the District Court against a thane accused of rape. When the thane tells a bald-faced lie in court, resulting in a dismissal of the charges, all hell breaks loose. In a time when noblemen are the law and they can't be trusted to be ethical, the law has no meaning.

When the thane turns up dead, the tables turn and the accuser becomes the accused. Winston and Halfdan race to solve the crime before the region erupts in violence. Allegiances are tested and motives questioned in this captivating drama of justice and treachery in medieval England.

Members Reviews:

The Kings Hounds

Do you know what a Hound of the King means? The earliest services settling the tape of a slave girl and the murder of two noble men. The Danish were traveling into England with the hopes of expanding their Kingdom. An interesting story revealing the social classes of England and Denmark. Being a Thane without land can still.have some power if they are granted the responsibility to solve murders.

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Title: Deadly Proof

Subtitle: A Victorian San Francisco Mystery, Book 4

Author: M. Louisa Locke

Narrator: Alexandra Haag

Format: Unabridged

Length: 10 hrs and 13 mins

Language: English

Release date: 08-14-15

Publisher: M. Louisa Locke

Ratings: 4.5 of 5 out of 89 votes

Genres: Mysteries & Thrillers, Historical

Publisher's Summary:

It's the summer of 1880, and once again the lovely and inquisitive businesswoman Annie Fuller is helping San Francisco lawyer and beau Nate Dawson with a troublesome case. Nate's client, a female typesetter accused of murdering her boss, refuses to help in her own defense. Complicating matters, Nate's sister, Laura, insists on getting involved in the potentially dangerous investigation, while Laura's friend, Seth Timmons, troubled Civil War veteran, finds himself a witness for the prosecution. Will Nate be able to win his first big case? Will Laura and Seth find some way of remaining friends? And finally, will Annie and Nate's upcoming nuptials be derailed by their attempts to track down a killer?

Old friends and new listeners alike will enjoy Deadly Proof, this fourth installment of the cozy Victorian San Francisco Mystery series that blends light romance, suspense, and a glimpse into the lives of late 19th-century women who worked.

Members Reviews:

Deadly Proof

This was an interesting, clean book with a wonderful narrator. I recommend it to everyone who enjoys a good mystery.

Another winner!

I have to say that each of the books that I've listened to have left me on the edge of my seat. Leaving me wanting the next one Pilfered Promises to be on audible.

Fabulous series!

I thought that this book was fantastic as well as the whole series of the Victorian San Francisco mysteries! I am hoping that Mrs. Locke adds more to the series. I would like to continue hearing about Annie and Nate along with Nate sister, Laura and Seth who looks like he is most definitely Laura's love interest. One of the things that I enjoy about the series is it is packed full of historical detail so that the reader actually feels as if they are back in San Francisco during the Victorian era. I would recommend the book in the series to anyone who loves a good history oracle cozy mystery!

Great twists

Another enjoyable read/listen by M. Louisa Locke. The audio version by Alexandra Haag helped bring this story to life. A very good joint effort by two very talented artistes.

I especially liked all the twists and turns that kept me guessing and I will admit to being quite surprised in the end as to who the murderer really was.

In addition to this, the love and mutual respect building up between Anne and Nate was lovely to read about.

It seems that Nate's younger sister is getting up to a bit of mischief in this story which is quite refreshing.

This is the third stand-alone story in the series that I have read so far and I can quite happily recommend each one of them.

deadly proof

I loved it! This was a great book and was very hard to put down.

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Title: The Necklace Affair and Other Stories: Captain Lacey Regency Mysteries

Author: Ashley Gardner, Jennifer Ashley

Narrator: James Gillies

Format: Unabridged

Length: 3 hrs and 59 mins

Language: English

Release date: 08-12-15

Publisher: Jennifer Ashley

Ratings: 4.5 of 5 out of 72 votes

Genres: Mysteries & Thrillers, Historical

Publisher's Summary:

In "The Necklace Affair", Captain Lacey agrees to help a society matron discover what has become of her expensive diamond necklace and to clear her maid, who has been arrested for its theft. Lady Clifford declares that the rival for her husband's affections has stolen the necklace, but Lacey soon realizes that the problem is not so simple. He quickly becomes enmeshed in scandal and past secrets and recruits Grenville and Lady Breckenridge to assist him. As he investigates, he finds himself competing with the underworld criminal, James Denis, for the necklace's retrieval.

In "The Gentleman's Walking Stick", Captain Lacey is asked to retrieve a walking stick, which embroils him in an affair of theft, deception, and betrayal.

In "The Disappearance of Miss Sarah Oswald", Lacey hunts for a missing young woman, learning more about a family's sordid secrets than he wanted to know.

Members Reviews:

Excellent as always

I so enjoy the readings of this great series and so look forward to the next book.... soon I hope.

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Title: Devil's Guard: The Real Story

Author: Eric Meyer

Narrator: Gary Roelofs

Format: Unabridged

Length: 6 hrs and 44 mins

Language: English

Release date: 07-21-15

Publisher: Swordworks Books

Ratings: 4 of 5 out of 21 votes

Genres: Mysteries & Thrillers, Historical

Publisher's Summary:

Following the myths and legends about Nazis recruited by the French Foreign Legion to fight in Indochina, Eric Meyer's new book is based on the real story of one such former Waffen-SS man who lived to tell the tale. The legion recruited widely from soldiers left unemployed and homeless by the defeat of Germany in 1945. They offered new identities and passports to men who could bring their fighting abilities to the jungles and rice paddies of what was to become Vietnam. These were ruthless, trained killers, brutalized by the war on the Eastern Front, their killing skills honed to a razor's edge. They found their true home in Indochina, where they fought and became a byword for brutal military efficiency.

Members Reviews:

excellent read

This is a must for any military enthusiast and storytellers alike. I really enjoyed it.

Terrible..!

Started OK for the first 2 or 3 chapters.

I downloaded this book thinking it was indeed a true story of Germán former SS soldiers fighting in Indochina in the French Foreign Legion.

Instead it reads like the fantasies of a teenage "armchair warrior" who's never seen a day of active service, let alone fight in a vicious war like the French war in Indochina...

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Title: Deadly Election

Subtitle: The Flavia Albia Mysteries, Book 3

Author: Lindsey Davis

Narrator: Jane Collingwood

Format: Unabridged

Length: 11 hrs and 27 mins

Language: English

Release date: 07-14-15

Publisher: Blackstone Audio, Inc.

Ratings: 4.5 of 5 out of 76 votes

Genres: Mysteries & Thrillers, Historical

Publisher's Summary:

In the first century AD, during Domitian's reign, Flavia Albia is ready for a short break from her family. So in July she returns to Rome, leaving them at their place on the coast. Albia, daughter of Marcus Didius Falco, who is now retired as private informer, has taken up her father's former profession, and it's time to get back to work. The first order of business, however, is the corpse found in a chest sent as part of a large lot to be sold by the Falco family auction house. As the senior family representative in Rome, it falls upon Albia to find out who, why, and by whom.

At the same time, her potential suitor, Faustus, comes looking for help with his friend Sextus' political campaign. Between the auction business and Roman politics, it's not quite clear which is more underhanded. Both, however, are tied together by the mysterious body in the chest, and if Albia isn't able to solve that mystery, it won't be the only body to drop.

Members Reviews:

To many characters

Any additional comments?

I like the books by Lindsey Davis, and Flavia Albia is a likeable character. But there is a problem in this audio book that may not apply to the print version. There a large number of characters with similar names, whose family and political relationships are very important to the story. While the print versions of other Davis books I have read have a witty cast of characters list at the front that helps keep the characters straight, I kept getting lost in the audio version as to who is who, and had no way to review or look them up. There are just too many Julias!

Stuffy narration

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

The narrator accent was too stuffy or high class. Unfortunately the joy and fun of the snarky monologue was lost due to the lack of tonal inflections.

Would you be willing to try another one of Jane Collingwoods performances?

not really

Any additional comments?

thought the book was good and in the same sarcastic fun of the Falco series which is a treat to listen too.

best of the the series so far!

definitely preferred this narrator to the previous. this narrator made Flavia Alba sound more like a 30 yr old woman and investigator rather than petulant and cynical as I felt the last two books sounded. It was a great mystery, with lots of twists in it!

Albia Flavia competes with didius falco

I really enjoyed the Didius Falco series. This is the best book in the new series about his adopted daughter from Britannia. Some good background about elections during the Roman Empire

I love Flavia Albia, but...

What did you like best about Deadly Election? What did you like least?

in this book the plot seemed a bit flat. It was not as crisp and tight I as I have come to expect. I loved the witty scenes, and the interactions which had the spark of a Tracy/Hepburn sort of vibe. And the scene where Flavia must take the gavel at on auction was quite funny, showing her wit and ease.

What was your reaction to the ending? (No spoilers please!)

Glad that it was clear that there was a future for our favorite characters. I have high hopes for future books sparkling again.

What about Jane Collingwoods performance did you like?

Actually, I think she is quite inferior to the previous narrator, Lucy Brown. Lucy had Flavia down perfectly. Just the right nuances and timing.

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Title: The Scandal At Bletchley (Hilary Manningham-Butler Book 1)

Author: Jack Treby

Narrator: Jack Treby

Format: Unabridged

Length: 8 hrs and 7 mins

Language: English

Release date: 06-22-15

Publisher: Carter & Allan

Ratings: 3.5 of 5 out of 108 votes

Genres: Mysteries & Thrillers, Historical

Publisher's Summary:

"I've been a scoundrel, a thief, a blackmailer, and a whore, but never a murderer. Until now...."

The year is 1929. As the world teeters on the brink of a global recession, Bletchley Park plays host to a rather special event. MI5 is celebrating its 20th anniversary, and a select band of former and current employees are gathering for a weekend of music, dance, and heavy drinking. Among them is Sir Hilary Manningham Butler, a middle-aged woman whose entire adult life has been spent masquerading as a man. She doesn't know why she has been invited - it has been many years since she left the secret service - but it is clear she is not the only one with things to hide. And when one of the other guests threatens to expose her secret, the consequences could prove disastrous for everyone.

Members Reviews:

Awesome story tho not about Bletchley!

Would you listen to The Scandal at Bletchley again? Why?

I'm a history buff-I love to learn about little-known war stories. Bletchley Park is a building in the UK where Allies (WW2) deciphered Axis' militaryt codes. Though this story is fun and involves a scandal, it has nothing to do with miltary. It is a fun wicked story though.

What was one of the most memorable moments of The Scandal at Bletchley?

My favorite part of the story was the party where the murders occur. There are several characters and twists and turns, and the way in which Sir Hillary's "secret" is revealed.

What does Jack Treby bring to the story that you wouldnt experience if you just read the book?

I thought Jack Treby was fantastic. I could listen to him all day long.

Any additional comments?

I received this audio book in exchange for an unbiased review via Audible.

Loved This Book

There are delicious twists and turns in this mansion mystery. The author narrated the book really well. I couldn't stop listening to this story. Great escapism.

A Knees-up for MI5 at Bletchly in 1929

This is one of those first person books where the narrator reveals that they are now old and dying so they can finally tell this story from the past. The author could have just done away with that bit because it doesn't matter. What does matter is that there is going to be a reunion at Bletchley that has nothing to do with code breaking.or World War II. What it does have to do with is a golden age style mystery.

It is 1929 and Sir Hilary Manningham-Butler has been invited to a reunion house party by his old boss, Sir Vincent, the head of MI5. The party is set at Bletchley in Buckinghamshire, where an improbable group of people, all with their own secrets, are brought together for ostensibly a party. However from the beginning it is clear that all will not be well.

The narrator is Sir Hilary Manningham-Butler, who is a very interesting charactor. Not likable at first, very much Sir Hilary is unconsciously an elitist,racist, misogynist, heavy drinker and smoker, in short very much a man of the time-- but he isn't really a man. And Sir Hilary, the longer you know him, kind of grew on me. By the end I was rooting for him, although he was still a jerk.

I liked this book. In fact I generally avoid books narrated by the author like a plague, but Jack Treby does a decent job.

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Title: The Monk Who Vanished

Subtitle: A Sister Fidelma Mystery of Ancient Ireland

Author: Peter Tremayne

Narrator: Caroline Lennon

Format: Unabridged

Length: 12 hrs and 51 mins

Language: English

Release date: 02-18-15

Publisher: Audible Studios

Ratings: 4.5 of 5 out of 44 votes

Genres: Mysteries & Thrillers, Historical

Publisher's Summary:

In September of AD 666, an aged monk and a set of relics disappear during the night from the Abbey of Imleach. The missing monk is a matter of great concern for the abbey. But the relics are a disaster of a much higher order. They are the priceless holy relics of St. Ailbe, the man who, in the fifth century, brought Christianity to the Irish kingdom of Muman, converted and baptized its king, and founded the abbey. The relics are the political symbol of the entire kingdom, and their disappearance threatens to disrupt its continued peace and stability.

On a visit to the Abbey of Imleach, Sister Fidelma, sister to Colgu, the current king of Muman, and an advocate of the Brehon Courts, is asked to investigate. With the help of her friend and traveling companion, the Saxon monk Brother Eadulf, Fidelma begins slowly to unravel the mystery behind the twin disappearances. But there are dark forces at work, which will stop at nothing - even murder - to achieve their aims.

Members Reviews:

IT'S GOOD!

Would you listen to The Monk Who Vanished again? Why?

Although this was given a mediocre review by another listener, the story contains one of the best court room scenes by Fidelma ever.

DO NOT HESITATE to hear in sequence.....

Who was your favorite character and why?

FIDELMA

Which scene was your favorite?

THE TRIAL

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

YES

Any additional comments?

READ ABOVE

love these books, and now I have a least favorite.

Ms. Lennon is extraordinarily good at narration! But this was the lest complex and/surprising story on this series so far...

So Good!

I'm so glad Sister Fidelma is on Audible! I've read all of these books before, but it is so nice to listen to them too. Well written and well narrated!

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Title: The Seventh Trumpet

Subtitle: A Mystery of Ancient Ireland

Author: Peter Tremayne

Narrator: Caroline Lennon

Format: Unabridged

Length: 11 hrs and 19 mins

Language: English

Release date: 02-18-15

Publisher: Audible Studios

Ratings: 5 of 5 out of 36 votes

Genres: Mysteries & Thrillers, Historical

Publisher's Summary:

When a murdered corpse of an unknown young noble is discovered, Fidelma of Cashel is brought in to investigate in Peter Tremayne's The Seventh Trumpet

Ireland, AD 670. When the body of a murdered young noble is discovered not far from Cashel, the king calls upon his sister, Fidelma, and her companion, Eadulf, to investigate. Fidelma, in addition to being the sister of the king, is a dailaigh - an advocate of the Brehon Law Courts - and has a particular talent for resolving the thorniest of mysteries. But this time Fidelma and Eadulf have very little to work with - the only clue to the noble's identity is an emblem originating from the nearby kingdom of Laign.

Could the murder be somehow related to the wave of violence erupting in the western lands of the kingdom? The turmoil there is being stirred up by an unknown fanatical figure who claims to have been summoned by "the seventh angel" to remove the "impure of faith". Fidelma and Eadulf, once again grappling with a tangled skein of murder and intrigue, must somehow learn what connects the dead noble, a murdered alcoholic priest, and an abbot who has turned his monastery into a military fortress. When it appears that things cannot get more complex, Fidelma is abducted, and Eadulf must rescue her before the mystery can be solved.

Members Reviews:

It was as usual a good mystery, more convoluted than usual.

Returning to where we left off two books ago, Fidelma and Eadulf have reconciled offstage and Eadulf came home, she quit the orders, was not elected Chief Brehon and all is well. This plot is annoying - one we learned a few books ago in an epilogue set five years in the future they are together so no tension and two, we dont even see what happened Eadulf just caves. Regardless a body is found of a noble just beyond the gates of Cashel. Fidelma discovers a strange brother nearby and of course this all connects along with much bigger plots. It was as usual a good mystery, more convoluted than usual.

Fidelma's personality is getting crotchetier

Fidelma has always been arrogant, a name dropper, testy and had a sense of humor only when it suited her...but she was also knowledgeable, fair and loyal... But in this book, and I am in the middle of the book as I write this, her personality has deteriorated, she is without humor, she is all me me me - it seems her ambition has grown, and not being elected to the office she saught, she is in a bad humor indeed - Frankly she is no longer likable. I continue reading because the series so far has never disappointed, and I'm hoping that as I read on Fidelma will come to her senses," straighten up and fly right"

The historical aspects of the book, the descriptions of dress, way of life, the laws of the time are all still interesting and worth the reading.

Sorry Mr. Tremayne!!! Perhaps I should have waited until I finished the book to write the review - But I'm mad at her now!!!

I learned nothing from reading this one

Boring, boring, boring. The only reason that I finished it, was because I had really enjoyed books by Tremayne in the past. This one felt like it was just a file folder full of facts thrown together and expected to be a story. No connection to the reader whatever! To me it seems as if no effort went into character interaction or development.