Reviews by M

I first heard some of the chapters from this when it was broadcast as Radio 4's book of the week and was so impressed that I had to download the audiobook. It is definitely my listen of the year so far. I loved the insights into people's lives and behaviour and the reasons offered for why we do the things we do really resonated with me. This is beautifully written and the narrator absolutely does justice to the writing with the slow, hypnotic reading. Stephen Grosz' words have stayed with me long after listening. An absolute must for anyone interested in the human experience.

What a joy to finally have the amazing Tales of the City series on audio. I have read the books many many times and never tire of them. As I can no longer read I am so pleased that I can finally listen to the series. They are my comfort read/listen and I feel like the characters are old friends. If you have not yet encountered Michael Tolliver and friends here is your chance! This is read perfectly by Frances McDormand and the short chapters make it perfect for listening.

I read and enjoyed Sabine Durrant's previous novels a few years ago so was pleased to see she had finally written another. This is quite different to her previous books and even better. I was so absolutely gripped by this, I listened over 2 days and want to listen all over again! Like all the best thrillers the plot twists and turns so many times that you are never sure who to believe and who to suspect. The characterisation is excellent and believable, it's very tightly plotted and there's some humour there too. Tracy-Ann Oberman's

narration is perfect. She has a wonderfully rich voice that really draws you into this novel.

My first introduction to the Father Baldi series and I love it! Simon Brett is one of the writers and if you have enjoyed the Charles Paris series or the Fethering mysteries I'm sure you will enjoy these. David Threlfall is excellent as Paolo Baldi and these are perfect for a quick easy listen. My only complaint is that the sound is a little variable which can be annoying.

I loved Erin Kelly's first novel 'The Poison Tree' but was hugely disappointed by her second novel. This, her third novel, is excellent, her best yet. I was gripped from the opening lines to the last and could not stop listening. It is the best novel I have listened to this year, without doubt and has renewed my faith in the genre of psychological crime fiction. Like 'the Poison Tree' there is a hint of Barbara Vine at her best. Erin Kelly writes beautifully, her characterisation is perfect as is the evocation of place. I found the characters a little unbelievable in 'the Poison Tree' but they are far more developed here. I love the use of different narrators as I think this adds an extra twist to the story. Of course the excellent writing is also helped by the brilliant narration of Candida Gubbins who brings the characters to life perfectly.

I was getting a little fed up of Scandinavian fiction - love Mankell but not sure about Nesbo- so it took me a while to get round to listening to this. I am so pleased I finally listened! It is a superb crime novel, as good as anything Henning Mankell has ever written. It moves along at a really good pace and keeps you guessing most of the way through. The police procedural aspect of it is one of the best I have read for a long time and I love the relationship between the detective Carl and his assistant - the enigmatic Assad. Steven Pacey is one of my favourite narrators - he narrates Susan Hill's Serailler series brilliantly- and he does not disappoint here. I also really liked the use of UK regional accents. I have now downloaded book 2 in the series and cannot wait for the release of the third book in July.

This was originally broadcast as the 15 minute Woman's Hour drama and as I missed it at the time of broadcast I was keen to listen. It is a hugely enjoyable and amusing social comedy. The characters are voiced superbly especially the pompous Bruce. As Radio 4 are about to broadcast series 4 of The Little Ottleys this is a good time to listen. My only complaints are that it is not made clear which series this is (series one I presume?) and why are there no other series available on Audible?

This is a great listen. Not laugh out loud funny but witty enough to keep you listening. It's best to listen to series one first as familiarity with the characters definitely makes series 2 more enjoyable. David Tennant is brilliant - I love listening to his voice!

OK so this is not Jonathan Kellerman at his absolute best, but it is an Alex Delaware novel so you can't go wrong! It starts off very well, and initially I was completely drawn into the plot. The relationship between Alex and Milo, is as compelling as ever and Kellerman's characterisation is excellent. John Rubinstein narrates well and the first two thirds of the novel move at a good pace. However, I did find that the plot became rather ridiculous about two thirds in and I did slightly lose interest. Despite this, Kellerman writes so much better than most of his contemporaries that I find it hard to criticise him!

I could not stop listening to this audiobook and it has stayed with me since. It is a beautifully, compactly written masterpiece that translates perfectly to audio. The alternately narrated chapters work well and Jennifer Woodward is a compelling narrator. The family are not particularly likeable but, along with the society of wealthy Manhattanites they inhabit, are brilliantly characterised . As the parent of a teenager I found that the moral questions it raises are particulary relevant and thought provoking.

Loved this Woman's Hour soapy drama. Listen to series 1 first but this one is even better. Maxine Peake and Kris Marshall are perfectly cast and I found myself completely immersed in the ups and downs of their lives.