February 2008 Audiobook Reviews

The Serpent's Tale
by Ariana Franklin

Penguin Audio
Audio CD
ISBN# 0143142879
Suggested Retail Price: $39.95 or as low as $17.40 from Amazon.com!

In this sequel to "Mistress of the Art of Death", our Medievel forensic scientist Adelia Aguilar is summoned by King Henry II to investigate the murder of his mistress, Rosamund Clifford. The prime suspect is none other than Queen Eleanor of Aquitaine. Adelia rejoins with Rowley Picot, the bishop of Saint Albans and the father of her baby, to investigate. They begin at the home of the victim, a tower inside a foreboding maze, only to be captured by Eleanor and her co-conspirators who are hiding in a nunnery, waiting for spring to launch their rebellion against Henry. But the evil continues to spread, as more murders are committed. Aldelia knows they're all connected, but the circumstances make it difficult to investigate.

If you liked "Mistress of The Art of Death", you'll enjoy "The Serpent's Tale". Its always interesting to see someone apply such imagination to the lives of historic figures like Henry and Eleanor.

Beverly Hills Dead
by Stuart Woods

Penguin Audio
Audio CD
ISBN# 978-0-14-314289-8
Suggested Retail Price: $29.95 or as low as $9.95 from Amazon.com!

Set in the post-War era, this story revolves around the movers and shakers at Centurion Studios. Former Beverly Hills cop Rick Barron is now head of production at Centurion. Its the era of the House Un-American Activities Committee, when half of Hollywood was being crucified by accusations of Communist sympathies by the other half, with the politicians taking full advantage of the spectacle. The problem hits home when Centurion's scriptwriter Sidney Brooks is subpoenaed to testify. The plot thickens when Brooks refuses to name anyone else and is ultimately blackballed, and the new star of Centurion's latest extravaganza turns up murdered.

Its a bit hap-hazard and often difficult to follow, but while its not such a compelling story it is a reminder of how politics can become very destructive. Ably read by one of the most underrated actors of the past 40 years, Tony Roberts, its a very enjoyable audiobook.