What I'm Adding to my Wishlist!
I always have so many audiobooks queued up to listen to that I seldom keep up with all the new releases that pique my interest. This year, I'm hoping to use these 'roundup' posts to highlight a few of the most recent releases have have been added to my wishlist (or which have sometimes jumped straight into my library).
~ AUDIBLE SHOWS ~
(Free for UK Audible subscribers)
By: Afua Hirsch.
Length: 3 hrs and 45 mins.
Release date: 13-02-20.
Publisher: Audible Original.
"Making sense of the British Empire's legacy... through the stories of people who lived through it.
Journalist Afua Hirsch tries to break through old cliches, and unpick the true legacy of this complicated and difficult inheritance. She speaks to leading figures in British culture today - from poet Benjamin Zephaniah to actress Diana Rigg, discovering vivid family stories of the people who made the Empire what it was."
I always enjoy Benjamin Zephaniah's insights, and I think this examination of the Empire legacy, for better and worse, is a very timely listen.
I always enjoy Benjamin Zephaniah's insights, and I think this examination of the Empire legacy, for better and worse, is a very timely listen.
By: Jane Riley.
Narrated by: Steve West.
Length: 9 hrs and 49 mins.
Unabridged Audiobook.
Release date: 01-02-20.
Publisher: Brilliance Audio.
"Oliver Clock has everything arranged just so. A steady job running the family funeral parlour. A fridge stocked with ready meals. A drawer full of colour-coded socks.
When a terrible tragedy takes secret-love Marie out of his life but leaves him with her private journal, he discovers too late that she secretly loved him back. Faced now with an empty life, Oliver resolves to open himself up to love - and all the mess that comes along with it."
We all know an 'Oliver' we'd love to see allow some colour into their lives, and I think this will be an interesting (and hopefully uplifting) story.
By: Joy Ellis.
Narrated by: Richard Armitage.
Series: Jackman & Evans Book 6.
Length: 10 hrs and 14 mins.
Unabridged Audiobook.
Release date: 18-02-20.
Publisher: Audible Studios.
"Join the detective duo as they enter a lethal game of cat-and-mouse with an old nemesis, and battle to locate a deadly sniper taunting the police. Is it too much to bear for Jackman and Evans? Brimming with Joy Ellis’ trademark twists and turns, this unmissable crime thriller will keep you captivated until the very end."
I'm not caught up with this series yet but have bought them all as soon as I could. Armitage is one of my favourite narrators (have I mentioned that yet today?) and this series is an instant-buy for me.
By: Francesco Dimitri.
Narrated by: Andrew Wincott.
Length: 11 hrs and 39 mins.
Unabridged Audiobook.
Release date: 13-02-20.
Publisher: Whole Story Audiobooks.
"Four friends have a pact: to meet up on the same day every year in their small hometown in southern Italy. Art, the charismatic leader of the group, has always been adamant about the pact. But this year, he doesn't show up. Searching for him, the friends make a worrying discovery. Asking around in town, they hear bizarre and incredible rumours. And then, amongst the chaos of his house, they find a curious manuscript written by Art called The Book of Hidden Things, which promises to reveal secrets enchanting as flames, and just as treacherous.... "
This one was recommended to me, and whilst not my usual genre it certainly sounds intriguing!
By: Katie Hickman.
Narrated by: Katie Hickman, Tania Rodrigues.
Length: 14 hrs and 45 mins.
Unabridged Audiobook.
Release date: 27-02-20.
Publisher: Hachette Audio UK
"The first British women to set foot in India did so in the very early 17th century, two and a half centuries before the Raj.
For some it was painful exile, but for many it was exhilarating. Through diaries, letters and memoirs (many still in manuscript form), this exciting book reveals the extraordinary life and times of hundreds of women who made their way across the sea and changed history."
I love the sound of this audiobook, and the previously-untold stories it reveals of some of the most intrepid women of the 1600s.
By: Ben Aaronovitch.
Narrated by: Kobna Holdbrook-Smith.
Series: Rivers of London Series, Book 8.
Length: 11 hrs and 3 mins.
Unabridged Audiobook.
Release date: 20-02-20.
Publisher: Orion Publishing Group Limited.
"Drawn into the orbit of Old Street's famous 'silicon roundabout', Peter must learn how to blend in with people who are both civilians and geekier than he is. Compared to his last job, Peter thinks it should be a doddle. But magic is not finished with Mama Grant's favourite son.
Because Terrence Skinner has a secret hidden in the bowels of the SCC. A technology that stretches back to Ada Lovelace and Charles Babbage and forward to the future of artificial intelligence. A secret that is just as magical as it technological - and just as dangerous."
As you'll already know if you've seen my review, False Value was one of the only books I began listening to on its publication day, having pre-ordered it for instant access. It was great fun, and was lovely to have Peter back.
Narrated by: Ruairi Conaghan.
Length: 8 hrs and 1 min.
Unabridged Audiobook.
Release date: 01-02-20.
Publisher: Bolinda Publishing Pty Ltd.
"Taking us on an incredible journey across centuries and galaxies, accompanied by his characteristic wit, Professor O’Neill explains how it all began, how it will all end and everything in between. Listeners will benefit from Luke’s insatiable curiosity for life when they dive into this ultimate journey through life and death.
Humanology is a humbling reminder that we’re just a small speck in a big universe - so sit back and embrace the adventure."
I like listening to non-fiction in the evening, especially history or science, and the narrator for this one sounds great.
By: Jodi Taylor.
Narrated by: Zara Ramm.
Length: 12 hrs and 28 mins.
Unabridged Audiobook.
Release date: 25-02-20.
Publisher: Audible Studios.
"A long time ago in the future, the secret of time travel became known to all. Everyone seized the opportunity - and the world nearly ended. There will always be idiots who want to change history.
And so, the Time Police were formed. An all-powerful, international organisation tasked with keeping the timeline straight. At all costs. Their success is legendary, and the Time Wars are over. But now the Time Police must fight to save a very different future - their own."
This was another instant-buy for me, even though I'm saving the last couple of Chronicles of St Mary's books this is a spin-off from. I love the world Taylor created for Max and the gang and am looking forward to this new set of adventures.
Narrated by: Antony Ferguson.
Series: Besotted Scots Series, Book 3.
Length: 10 hrs and 30 mins.
Unabridged Audiobook.
Release date: 28-02-20.
Publisher: Tantor Audio.
"When Lucy realizes that her uncle plans to quickly marry her off in exchange for a slice of her fortune, she begs a favor of a new acquaintance, Ciaran Ramsey. If Lucy remains single until she turns 21, she - and her money - will be out of her uncle's power. All the charming Scot needs to do is woo her for six weeks, and then jilt her...
The Ramseys don't need the scandal of a false engagement attached to their name. But Lucy's older suitor is both distasteful and dangerous, and Ciaran can't allow his lovely friend to be forced to marry such a man. And besides, the more time Ciaran spends with his new "betrothed," the more their ruse begins to feel very much like the real thing."
'Friends to lovers' is always a fun historical romance trope, but the narrator is the main draw with this one. I haven't listened to any of the others in this series yet, but am looking forward to listening to Ferguson reading it.
Narrated by: Gordon Griffin.
Length: 7 hrs and 36 mins.
Unabridged Audiobook.
Release date: 01-02-20.
Publisher: Soundings.
"Consisting of articles taken from his popular column in The Yorkshire Post, Julian Norton's The Diary of a Yorkshire Vet On Call features anecdotes from his veterinary work in North Yorkshire. From hairy pigs near Helmsley to a bullock with an enormous eye at Old Byland, these true stories bring to life the drama and humour in the daily routine of a rural vet."
This sounds like a lovely, gentle book, which will be perfect for unwinding in the evening.
By: Stephen Clarke.
Narrated by: Justin Edwards.
Length: 20 hrs and 4 mins.
Unabridged Audiobook.
Release date: 06-02-20.
Publisher: Penguin Audio.
"Was the Battle of Hastings a French victory? Non! William the Conqueror was Norman and hated the French. Were the Brits really responsible for the death of Joan of Arc? Non! The French sentenced her to death for wearing trousers. Was the guillotine a French invention? Non! It was invented in Yorkshire.
Ten centuries' worth of French historical 'facts' bite the dust as Stephen Clarke looks at what has really been going on since 1066.... "
I hope this will offer a little light-relief and a tongue-in-cheek look at our closest continental neighbours, at a time when European politics are more fractured than ever.
Narrated by: Tim Campbell.
Series: Beastly Lords, Book 3.
Length: 9 hrs and 48 mins.
Unabridged Audiobook.
Release date: 25-02-20.
Publisher: Tantor Audio.
"Drinking and carousing with the lowliest wenches to the highest aristocrats, Alder greets each day with a throbbing head, a sour stomach, and an even sourer disposition. Until a desirable new lady arrives in London, a polished stranger, not a hint of vengeance. If Lord Vile thought he understood betrayal and heartache, he hasn't seen anything yet...."
Enemies-to-lovers is a trope I always enjoy, and I keep hearing what a great narrator Tim Campbell is, and can't believe that I haven't actually heard any of his audiobooks yet! The Inspector Hobbes series has been in my wishlist for ages, as have several Christi Caldwell books, but I think this one will be where I finally take the plunge!
By: James Oswald.
Narrated by: Ian Hanmore.
Series: Inspector McLean, Book 10.
Length: 14 hrs and 9 mins.
Unabridged Audiobook.
Release date: 20-02-20.
Publisher: Wildfire.
McLean's investigations suggest that perhaps that Anya isn't the first woman to have mysteriously vanished in these ancient hills. Once again, McLean can't shake the feeling that there is a far greater evil at work here...."
Though I don't get much time to review crime drama these days, I have always enjoyed this series and its blend of gritty crime Scottish crime noir and supernatural resonance. Hanmore's voice is still relaxing when describing the goriest murder scene!
By: Kate Saunders.
Narrated by: Charlotte Strevens.
Series: A Laetitia Rodd Mystery, Book 2.
Length: 10 hrs and 2 mins.
Unabridged Audiobook.
Release date: 08-02-20.
Publisher: Oakhill Publishing.
"1851. Wealthy businessman Jacob Welland is dying of consumption and implores private detective Laetitia Rodd to find his beloved brother, whom he has not seen for 10 years. An impoverished Oxford scholar who left college to live as a wandering hermit, Joshua Welland has been spotted in a gypsy camp, where it was rumoured he was learning great secrets. Her search reconnects Laetitia with a couple from her past, but then a murder is committed. Laetitia's friend, Inspector Blackbeard of Scotland Yard, dismisses her talk of gypsies and secrets, but Laetitia is convinced something sinister lurks in this peaceful landscape."
This series sounds great, so I've added the first two books to my wishlist ready to check it out.
By: Helen Lewis.
Narrated by: Helen Lewis.
Length: 9 hrs and 41 mins.
Unabridged Audiobook.
Release date: 27-02-20.
Language: English.
Publisher: Penguin Audio.
"Well-behaved women don’t make history: difficult women do.
Helen Lewis argues that feminism’s success is down to complicated, contradictory, imperfect women who fought each other as well as fighting for equal rights. Too many of these pioneers have been whitewashed or forgotten in our modern search for feel-good, inspirational heroines.
Drawing on archival research and interviews, Difficult Women is a funny, fearless and sometimes shocking narrative history which shows why the feminist movement has succeeded - and what it should do next."
Whilst this one won't be everyone's cup of tea, it sounds like it could be a refreshing take on a subject that has struggled with more in-fighting than a political party.
Mydworth Mysteries - A Cosy Historical Mystery Series 1.
Narrated by: Nathaniel Parker
Length: 3 hrs and 28 mins
Unabridged Audiobook
Release date: 31-01-20
Language: English
Publisher: Lübbe Audio
"Sussex, England, 1929. Mydworth is a sleepy English market town just 50 miles from London. But things are about to liven up there, when young and handsome Sir Harry Mortimer returns home from his diplomatic posting in Cairo, with his beautiful and unconventional American wife, Kat.
No sooner have the two arrived, when a jewel robbery occurs at Harry's aunt's home - Mydworth Manor. The police are baffled and overwhelmed with the case. But Harry and Kat have an edge in the hunt for the dangerous culprit: not only do they have certain useful "skills" they've both picked up in service of King, President and Country, they also have access to parts of English society that your average bobby can't reach ..."
This was another instant-buy for me, as it's a new series from the writers behind Cherringham and the narrator who helped bring the Bunburry series to life. Lubbe Audio have firmly cemented themselves as one of my favourite publisher's of episodic cosy mystery audiobooks, so I'm really looking forward to this one.
By: Jan Jones.
Narrated by: Karen Cass.
Series: Furze House Irregulars Series, Book 1.
Length: 6 hrs and 29 mins.
Unabridged Audiobook.
Release date: 01-01-20.
Publisher: Soundings.
"When spirited Verity Bowman is left a sizeable legacy by her uncle on condition that she spends six months 'in a wholly rational manner', neither she nor her long-suffering attorney Charles Congreve have any idea where it will lead them. Nor, it has to be said, does anyone else.
Set in Newmarket and London, A Rational Proposal is the first in the Furze House Irregulars series featuring women of spirit, women of courage, women who don't see why, in this male-dominated Regency era, they should not also play their part in bringing wrongdoers to justice."
I loved the sound of this series from the first moment, and it's another book that is already waiting in my library!
By: Shayne Silvers.
Narrated by: Joel Richards.
Series: Nate Temple Series, Book 0-3.
Length: 41 hrs and 37 mins.
Unabridged Audiobook.
Release date: 26-02-20.
Publisher: Argento Publishing, LLC.
"The first three novels and the prequel novella in the million-selling Nate Temple Series: Obsidian Son, Blood Debts, Grimm, and Fairy Tale.
My name is Nate Temple, and I’m secretly a wizard. I ride a foul-mouthed unicorn, I drink with Achilles, and I’m pals with the Four Horsemen. I’ve even cow-tipped the Minotaur. I understand the theory of following the rules...I’m just not very good at the application."
It feels like cheating to include this series for the second month in a row, but I put the first book, Obsidian Son, on my wishlist in January and spotted a 3-book boxed set this month. While I like to own individual titles, I can't resist a bargain and I figured this would be the better way to sample a new series.
By: David Nobbs.
Narrated by: Geoffrey Palmer, Julian Rhind-Tutt.
Length: 8 hrs and 21 mins.
Unabridged Audiobook.
Release date: 20-02-20.
Language: English.
Publisher: BBC Audio.
"Rod Millet has always dreamed of working at the Maltby Collection, but on being appointed Deputy Curator of Painting and Sculpture, it quickly becomes clear that the son of a self-made biscuit mogul isn't going to fit into the musty, insular world of London antiquities. But when, on his first day, Rod learns that the museum has been earmarked for closure, he starts a campaign to save it (threatening his boss Walter Brindle’s plans for a cushy early retirement).
With the collection’s future secured, the staff turn their energies towards romance. Rod competes with colleague Julian for the affections of the lovely Prunella, Walter makes a move on Susie Maltby and there are wedding bells for several members of the team - but heartbreak for another."
I always re-listen to this series whenever it's repeated on BBC radio, so having it in my library to listen to whenever I like is too tempting to resist.
Which new releases have you listened to this month, and what has been added to your wishlist?
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