Joan Walker has narrated 66 audiobooks on Listento.it by 51 authors, with an average listener rating of 4.6★ across 1,830 ratings. The most-rated is The Obesity Code.
The Obesity Code
Summary
Everything you believe about how to lose weight is wrong. Weight gain and obesity are driven by hormones - in everyone - and only by understanding the effects of insulin and insulin resistance can we achieve lasting weight loss. In this highly listenable and provocative book, Dr. Jason Fung sets out an original, robust theory of obesity that provides startling insights into proper nutrition. In addition to his five basic steps - a set of lifelong habits that will improve your health and control your insulin levels - Dr. Fung explains how to use intermittent fasting to break the cycle of insulin resistance and reach a healthy weight - for good. PLEASE NOTE: When you purchase this title, the accompanying reference material will be available in your Library section along with the audio.
©2016 Jason Fung (P)2016 Audible, Inc.
A Man Called Ove
Summary
Ove is almost certainly the grumpiest man you will ever meet. He isn't as young as he used to be. He drives a Saab. He points at people he doesn't like the look of. He is described by those around his as 'the neighbour from hell'.Every morning he makes his inspection rounds of the local streets. He moves bicycles and checks the contents of recycling bins, even though it's been years since he was fired as Chairman of the Residents' Association in a vicious 'coup d'état'. But behind the surly pedant there is a story, and a sadness. And when on a November morning his new (foreign) neighbours in the terraced house opposite accidentally flatten Ove's letterbox, it sets off a comical and heart-warming tale of unexpected friendship which will change one man - and one community - from their very foundations. Quirky and bittersweet, heartbreaking yet outrageously funny, A Man Called Ove is a life-affirming fable for our times.
©2014 Fredrik Backman (P)2014 Hodder & Stoughton
Britt-Marie Was Here
Summary
For as long as anyone can remember, Britt-Marie has been an acquired taste. It's not that she's judgmental or fussy or difficult - she just expects things to be done in a certain way. A cutlery drawer should be arranged in the right order, for example - forks, knives, then spoons. We're not animals, are we? But behind the passive-aggressive, socially awkward, absurdly pedantic busybody is a woman who has more imagination, bigger dreams and a warmer heart than anyone around her realises. So when Britt-Marie finds herself unemployed, separated from her husband of 20 years, left to fend for herself in the miserable provincial backwater that is Borg - of which the kindest thing one can say is that it has a road going through it - and somehow tasked with running the local football team, she is a little unprepared. But she will learn that life may have more to offer her than she's ever realised, and love might be found in the most unexpected of places. The number-one European best seller by the author of A Man Called Ove, Britt-Marie Was Here is a funny, poignant and uplifting tale of love, community and second chances.
©2016 Fredrik Backman (P)2016 Hodder & Stoughton
Murder at Hawthorn Cottage
Summary
Meet Melissa: cat lover, caring mother… daring detective? Melissa Craig is absolutely delighted with her new life in an old crumbling cottage, spending her days pruning the primroses and getting to know Binkie, the ginger cat next door. She only wishes she had made the move to the countryside sooner. But when a knock at the door brings news of a shocking discovery, she suddenly finds herself thrown in to the middle of a baffling mystery: the bones of a young woman have been found in the woods just behind her new home. Perhaps the little village of Upper Bembury is not as idyllic as it first seemed? Strange phone calls in the night convince Melissa that the police are barking up completely the wrong tree, so she can’t resist doing a little digging of her own. From the bingo hall to the beauty salon and beyond, her search ruffles a few feathers and uncovers many of the village’s most scandalous secrets, but gets her no closer to finding the culprit. The discovery of a tatty old photograph in a drawer is the final piece of the puzzle she needs, but as a newcomer in this close-knit community, does Melissa have what it takes to get to the bottom of this extraordinary murder mystery alone? A joy to read! An absolutely unpausable whodunnit for fans of Agatha Christie, P.D. James and Faith Martin. This book was previously published as A Little Gentle Sleuthing.
©2018 Betty Rowlands (P)2018 Bookouture
Murder in the Morning
Summary
Cream teas, buttered crumpets, and a very curious crime… Melissa Craig is settling in nicely to a new teaching position in the quaint little village of Upper Bembury, getting to know her way around, drinking tea with the eccentric staff, even sewing the first seeds of romance.... But when she arrives one morning to find police outside her classroom, Melissa is shocked to hear that her beautiful colleague Angelica has been found dead in her home. As everyone in Angelica’s life comes under suspicion, Melissa makes it her mission to go in search of the truth, not least because she’s romantically entangled with none other than the police’s prime suspect. The discovery of a vandalized portrait of the murdered girl might be just the clue that Melissa needs to clear her lover’s name, but when a second body surfaces, she knows she needs to act quickly. Can Melissa uncover the ugly truth in this beautiful village before another innocent life is taken? Do you love murder mysteries by Agatha Christie, P.D. James, and Faith Martin? If so, you'll really enjoy listening to this puzzling and absolutely page-turning whodunit! This book was previously published as Finishing Touch.
©1992, 2018 Betty Rowlands (P)2018 Bookouture
Murder at the Manor Hotel: A completely unputdownable cozy mystery novel
Summary
As the stage is set for a local village play in a beautiful countryside manor, Melissa Craig plays the role of detective once again when one of the cast is mysteriously murdered.... Melissa is delighted when she’s asked to help put on a play at her favorite local Cotswolds hotel. There’s nothing she loves more than getting to know the cast, who are just as colorful behind the scenes as they are onstage. Rehearsals are running smoothly until the perpetually grumpy supporting actor is found spread-eagle at the bottom of a steep flight of stairs leading to a cellar. As Melissa tries in vain to save his life, she is sure she can hear voices nearby and suspects there is more to this accident than meets the eye. Why on earth was he trying to get down to the hotel’s private cellar? And why does the hotel manager seem so angry about it? When the hotel floor plans deliver some unexpected revelations, Melissa is convinced that she’s dealing with a murder. But when all of your suspects are actors, how can you tell the good liars from the bad? Can Melissa find the killer before the final curtain falls? If you’ve devoured books by Agatha Christie, Faith Martin, and P. D. James, you won’t be able to resist this pause-resisting murder mystery! This book was previously published as Exhaustive Enquiries. What readers are saying about Betty Rowlands: "An entertaining book...fluently written... In the same league as Agatha Christie." (B for Book Review) "Captivated...very well-written...a terrific beginning to the series...a very quick read. I thoroughly enjoyed the danger and surprising twists in this story, as well as the unexpected humour." (Robin Loves Reading) "Absolutely charming!... A good old-fashioned who-dunnit with just the right amount of mystery, intrigue and humour. Would definitely recommend!" (Stardust Book Reviews)
©2018 Betty Rowlands (P)2018 Bookouture
Murder on the Clifftops
Summary
An utterly addictive cozy mystery novel French cheese, fine wine, and...a mystifying murder? A delightful afternoon stroll turns to disaster when the guests of an artists’ retreat in the French mountains spot the body of a man at the bottom of a cliff. Amongst them is Melissa Craig, who, binoculars at the ready, suddenly finds herself at the center of a very puzzling mystery. Was it an accident, or was he pushed? Her suspicions are confirmed when another body is found days later in almost the exact same spot. It can’t be a coincidence; someone in this idyllic French village is up to no good, and it’s up to her to find out who. Between the eccentric locals and mischievous guests, Melissa finds herself with no shortage of potential suspects: Was it the surly handyman with a dark past or perhaps, the short-sighted widow with an excellent golf swing? But the real question is: How close to the edge will Melissa have to tread to find the culprit? An absolutely gripping murder mystery you’ll feel compelled to listen to in one sitting. Perfect for anyone who loves Agatha Christie, P.D. James, or Faith Martin. This book was previously published as Over the Edge.
©2018 Betty Rowlands (P)2018 Bookouture
Murder at Larkfield Barn
Summary
Bright mornings and brisk walks.... Spring has arrived in the Cotswolds. But the atmosphere is positively wintery in Upper Benbury after a series of murders shake the close-knit community. Since her move to the country, Melissa Craig has become firmly established in village life. So, when one of the older residents fails to show up for a drinks party, Melissa goes to check on her. What she finds chills her to the bone: Her dear neighbor has been murdered, and the killer has painted a hideous smile onto her face.... Melissa soon realizes that the death in her village bears the same trademark as a series of recent murders in the Cotswolds. When will The Smiler strike again? With a dangerous killer on the loose, Melissa realizes she needs to solve this case quickly. But as she starts to look closely at the people around her, she realizes the killer may be closer to home than she could ever have imagined. What dark secrets are the villagers of Upper Benbury hiding? And can Melissa crack this deadly case before another life is taken? Do you love murder mysteries by Agatha Christie, Faith Martin, and P.D. James? If so, then you won’t be able to put down this gripping novel!
©1996, 2019 Betty Rowlands (P)2019 Bookouture
Murder on a Winter Afternoon
Summary
A snow-covered cottage is nestled in the hills, all ready for Christmas...but inside a body lies dead upon the floor. Melissa Craig is enjoying her first winter in the Cotswolds, taking brisk walks through the snowy fields and basking in the winter sunshine. The only thing Melissa is plotting is her Christmas shopping. But after the unexpected death of local writer Leonora Jewell, Melissa is asked to complete Leonora’s final book. However, on her first visit to the cottage, she finds a gruesome object overlooked by the police: a metal bar covered with dried blood. Terrified, Melissa rushes to the nearest telephone box to call the police. But by the time they reach Leonora’s cottage, the murder weapon has mysteriously vanished. With no murder weapon, the detective in charge of the case scoffs at Melissa’s suspicions. Furious and frustrated, Melissa focuses on finishing Leonora’s novel. But as she reads Leonora’s notes for the book, she starts to wonder...did Leonora accidentally plot out her own murder? As Melissa does some investigating of her own, she uncovers some pretty suspicious local characters. But with the police unwilling to help, can Melissa solve this vicious crime alone? By hook, by crook, or by the book, Melissa must find the killers before they strike again.... If you adore Faith Martin, Joy Ellis, and P. D. James, you’re in for a treat with this pause-resisting mystery novel! This book was previously published as Deadly Legacy. What readers are saying about Betty Rowlands: "An absolutely addictive, wonderful story. Loved it from start to finish. Great pace and a delightful setting, colourful characters and thrilling mystery. This was a brilliant story and I cannot wait for more!" (Renita D’Silva, author of The Forgotten Daughter) "A lovely, peaceful and funny cozy mystery novel...plenty of very good laugh-out-loud moments...reminded me of Agatha Raisin... I’ll be definitely in the search of other books from this author in future. A perfect cozy mystery!" (Licence to Read) "Absolutely charming!... A good old-fashioned who-dunnit with just the right amount of mystery, intrigue and humour. Would definitely recommend!" (Stardust Book Reviews)
©1995, 2018 Betty Rowlands (P)2018 Bookouture
Bedtime Stories for Stressed Out Adults
Summary
Bedtime Stories for Stressed Out Adults: Booktrack Edition adds an immersive musical soundtrack to your audiobook listening experience! Introduced by Lucy Mangan. Tales to soothe tired souls. A nighttime companion for frazzled adults, including calming stories and poems for a good night's sleep. This cheering book of best loved short tales, extracts and poems will calm and restore an anxious mind before sleep. A good night's sleep is essential for our well-being and our health, but in our busy lives sleep is often poor and overlooked. Now is the time to stop a while and find consolation and wonder in other worlds where all is well and sleep just a minute or two away. From classic stories by Oscar Wilde, Guy de Maupassant and Katherine Mansfield to friendly tales of our childhoods, to poetry that reminds us of the simple joys of life, this lovingly curated audiobook will soothe a tired mind and gently carry you to the peaceful land of sleep. So switch off, snuggle down and allow yourself to escape into new worlds and old - magical, mysterious and tender realms that will accompany you to your own sweet dreams. Booktrack is an immersive format that pairs traditional audiobook narration to complementary music. The tempo and rhythm of the score are in perfect harmony with the action and characters throughout the audiobook. Gently playing in the background, the music never overpowers or distracts from the narration, so listeners can enjoy every minute. When you purchase this Booktrack edition, you receive the exact narration as the traditional audiobook available, with the addition of music throughout.
©2018 Hodder & Stoughton Limited (P)2018 Hodder & Stoughton Limited
Murder in the Orchard
Summary
A beautiful house nestles in an orchard, where a blackbird sings at dawn each morning from a branch laden with rosy fruit.... But underneath the trees a body lies too still to be asleep. Melissa Craig is struggling with her new novel, so when the invitation arrives to visit a nearby country house for some writing time, she decides a bit of peace and quiet is just what she needs. The house is everything she could have hoped for, even if the staff do seem rather unsettled.... She has barely unpacked when the owner of the house persuades Melissa to investigate some threatening notes he has received. But before she can do any digging, he is found murdered in his own orchard. As she starts to probe further, Melissa realizes that the dead man was universally disliked. Controlling, tight with money, and nasty, he certainly made some enemies. But who could have hated him enough to resort to murder - his seemingly timid wife, the secretary with whom he previously had an affair, or perhaps the gardener with an old secret? With the police looking for an outsider, Melissa is sure the murderer is close at hand. But can she prove it? And can she unmask the killer before they strike again? A completely unputdownable mystery for fans of Faith Martin, Joy Ellis, and P.D. James, which will have you totally hooked. This book was previously published as Malice Poetic.
©2019 Betty Rowlands (P)2019 Bookouture
Six Stories
Summary
It's 1997. Scarclaw Fell. The body of teenager Tom Jeffries is found at an outward bound centre. Verdict? Misadventure. But not everyone is convinced. And the truth of what happened in the beautiful but eerie fell is locked in the memories of the tight-knit group of friends who took that fateful trip and the flimsy testimony of those living nearby. It's 2017. Enter elusive investigative journalist Scott King, whose podcast examinations of complicated cases have rivalled the success of Serial, with his concealed identity making him a cult Internet figure. Featuring a full cast narration using 17 different voices!
©2017 Matt Wesolowski (P)2017 Audible, Ltd
Murder at the Old House: A gripping and unputdownable cozy mystery novel
Summary
The trees are green and hedgerows are bursting with new life as spring arrives in the Cotswolds, but inside a house that Melissa Craig used to know well, something terrible has happened.... Melissa has just finished writing her latest mystery novel and is enjoying the arrival of spring. She’s decided to let her fictional detective retire at last and perhaps put her own days of investigating behind her, too. But the ink has barely dried on the page when Melissa receives shocking news: Her estranged father has been found dead in the family home and her mother, Sylvia, is under suspicion of murder. Melissa hasn’t seen her parents for nearly 30 years, but on hearing the dreadful news she rushes to her mother’s side. Melissa is sure that Sylvia could never commit a murder, but Sylvia does seem to be keeping secrets.... With no one else to turn to, Sylvia begs Melissa to investigate the case. Melissa knows her father was a difficult man, but now she needs to work out who wanted him dead...a disgruntled employee, the controlling family lawyer, or perhaps the woman with whom he was having an affair? When another body is found, Melissa realizes she’s dealing with a ruthless killer. As the police close in, trying to pin both deaths on her mother, Melissa must act fast. Can she find a way to unmask the true killer before she loses her mother for a second time and possibly forever? If you can’t get enough of murder mysteries by Agatha Christie, Faith Martin or P. D. James, you’ll love this twisty detective novel! This book was previously published as The Fourth Suspect. "An absolutely addictive, wonderful story. Loved it from start to finish. Great pace and a delightful setting, colourful characters and thrilling mystery. This was a brilliant story and I cannot wait for more!" (Renita D’Silva, author of The Forgotten Daughter, five stars) "Once I started reading I couldn't put it down as it was entertaining and enthralling.... The mystery was interesting and it kept me guessing till the end.... Highly recommended!" (Scrapping and Playing, five stars) "The quintessential cozy mystery...the storyline is fast-paced and engaging...builds to an adrenaline fuelled ending, full of action and powerful imagery. An enjoyable, escapist read that I suspect may become my secret addiction." (Jane Hunt’s Blog, five stars)
©2019 Betty Rowlands (P)2019 Bookouture
Hamlet
Summary
Experience Hamlet as a powerful full-cast drama with entertaining and enlightening commentary that explains what's what and who's who as the plot unfolds. To help you get the most out of Shakespeare, the narrator offers historical insights and background information, so you can enjoy the jokes, appreciate the references, and get a real sense of Shakespeare's world. The unabridged drama is also presented without commentary.If school turned you off Shakespeare, find out what you've been missing all these years with this beautifully crafted audio presentation.From the creators of SmartPass audio education study guides, voted third in a national poll to find the UK's favourite audibook (2008). Winners of three Spoken Word Awards for Best Drama (2004), Best Original Audio, and Best Publishing Initiative (2005).
©2009 SmartPass Ltd (P)2009 SmartPass Ltd
Murder in a Country Garden: A Completely Addictive English Cozy Murder Mystery
Summary
A perfect country garden is full of flowers and gently buzzing bees.... But the man lying dead beneath the trees can no longer see the beautiful scene. Melissa Craig is thrilled that summer has arrived. She has decided to give up her career as an amateur sleuth and enjoy a quiet life in her beautiful cottage. The only digging in Melissa’s life now happens in her garden. However, when a keen beekeeper is found dead, covered in multiple stings, her new resolve is tested. As she gets to know the family of the dead man, she realizes he was no saint. Could someone have possibly wanted him dead? Could this be a very clever murder? As Melissa starts to probe the victim’s friends and acquaintances, another member of the family is also stung to death. Who could have turned the bees against their keeper? And when will they strike again? With the residents of Upper Benbury now fearful to open their windows to the summer air and the police treating the deaths as accidental, Melissa must solve this case herself. To find the killer with the sharpest sting, she may have to delve deep into the hive.... If you can’t get enough of mysteries by Agatha Christie, P. D. James, or Faith Martin, you will love this irresistible mystery novel. This book was previously published as Sweet Venom.
©2004, 2019 Betty Rowlands (P)2019 Bookouture
Death at the Seaside
Summary
Nothing ever happens in August, so Kate goes off on a long-overdue holiday to Whitby to visit her friend Alma who works there as a fortune teller. She's been looking forward to a relaxing seaside sojourn, but, upon arrival, she discovers that Alma's daughter, Felicity, has disappeared, leaving her mother a note and the pawn ticket for their only asset: a watch-guard. What makes this more intriguing is that the jeweler who advanced Felicity the 30 shillings is Jack Phillips, Alma's current gentleman friend. Kate can't help but become involved, so she goes to the jeweler's shop to get some answers. While there, she makes a horrifying discovery in the back room, and it becomes clear that her services are needed. But she's met by a wall of silence by town officials, who are keen to maintain Whitby's idyllic facade, so it's up to Kate - ably assisted by Jim Sykes and Mrs. Sugden - to discover the truth behind Felicity's disappearance. And they say nothing ever happens in August....
©2017 Frances Brody (P)2018 Dreamscape Media, LLC
Murder in the Dining Room: An absolutely gripping British cozy mystery
Summary
A grand old house soaks up the golden summer sun...but inside the dining room something dreadful has happened. Melissa couldn’t be happier that summer has arrived. She’s delighted to have her mother back by her side, and she is extending her beloved Hawthorn Cottage so her new family can live together. Meanwhile, Melissa’s mother, Sylvia, is back in good health and enjoying a brief stay at a stately retirement home. She loves getting to know the residents, until first a dog and then his owner are both found dead in the dining room. Like mother, like daughter, Sylvia decides to do a little investigating of her own. Convinced that the deaths are suspicious, Sylvia starts probing her fellow residents, trying to find out who might have wanted the dog and its owner dead. Could it be the once-married couple, or the glamorous actors, or the harassed manager of the home? When one of Sylvia’s friends falls ill in suspicious circumstances, Melissa realizes her mother has rattled someone, but who? And what happens if the killer realizes they’ve been rumbled? Will Sylvia find herself meeting a villain in the dining room? And can Melissa find the culprit before another life is taken? An absolutely gripping mystery for fans of Agatha Christie, Faith Martin, and Joy Ellis! This book was previously published as No Laughing Matter. What reviewers are saying about Betty Rowlands: "An absolutely addictive, wonderful story. Loved it from start to finish. Great pace and a delightful setting, colourful characters and thrilling mystery. This was a brilliant story and I cannot wait for more!" (Renita D’Silva, author of The Forgotten Daughter, 5 stars) "Once I started reading I couldn't put it down as it was entertaining and enthralling… The mystery was interesting and it kept me guessing till the end... Highly recommended!" (Scrapping and Playing, 5 stars) "The quintessential cozy mystery...the storyline is fast-paced and engaging...builds to an adrenaline fuelled ending, full of action and powerful imagery. An enjoyable, escapist read that I suspect may become my secret addiction." (Jane Hunt’s Blog, 5 stars)
©2003, 2019 Betty Rowlands (P)2019 Bookouture
Murder at Benbury Brook: An Absolutely Gripping English Cozy Mystery
Summary
A babbling brook runs alongside a wooded glade, surrounded by autumn light and birdsong. But next to the stream a young woman lies dead, her once bright blonde hair now limp and lifeless... Melissa Craig has settled into a new job in the charming Cotswolds village of Upper Benbury. She is teaching French to several of the local teenagers, which gives her a fascinating insight into the young people’s lives. Material for a new novel, perhaps.... Her quiet life is interrupted when she sees her new neighbour running out of the woods in a blind panic. Melissa rushes to help him, but what she finds leaves her breathless: The body of young woman is lying on the bank of the river. When suspicion falls on Melissa’s neighbour, a man with a difficult past trying to make a new start, Melissa feels determined to prove his innocence. With the village in turmoil and the police sure they’ve got their man, she must act quickly. As she interviews the local residents, she realises there are several sinister characters lurking inside those charming Cotswold cottages.... Could one of them have hurt Cissie? Was it the strange old man with a cottage near the river? Or the ailing ex-choirmaster with quite an eye for the ladies? When Melissa Craig decides to get her teeth into a case, she doesn’t let go - nothing will stop her from solving this murder. Can she prove the innocence of her new friend? And will she unearth the culprit before another young life is taken?
©2000, 2019 Betty Rowlands (P)2019 Bookouture
Master of His Fate
Summary
From number-one New York Times best-selling author Barbara Taylor Bradford comes the first audiobook in a stunning new historical saga. Victorian England is a country of sharp divides between rich and poor, but James Lionel Falconer, who spends his days working at his father’s market stall, is determined to become a merchant prince. Even as a child, he is everything a self-made man should be: handsome, ambitious, charming, and brimming with self-confidence. James quickly rises through the ranks, proving himself both hardworking and trustworthy and catching the eye of Henry Malvern, head of the most prestigious shipping company in London. But when threats against his reputation - and his life - begin to emerge, James will have to prove he truly is the master of his fate. Through scandal and romance, tragedy and triumph, the Falconer and Malvern family’s lives intertwine in unexpected ways in this expansive and intricately detailed new audiobook filled with drama, intrigue, and Bradford's trademark cast of compelling characters.
©2018 Barbara Taylor Bradford (P)2018 Macmillan Audio
One in Three
Summary
Don’t miss this brilliantly twisty new thriller....
Both of them loved him. One of them killed him....
Louise has had to watch her husband, Andrew, start a new family in the four years since he left her. The ‘other woman’ is now his wife - but Louise isn’t ready to let Caz enjoy the life that was once hers or to let go of the man she still loves.
As Louise starts to dig into Caz’s past, the two women’s pretence of civility starts to slip. But in trying to undermine each other, they discover more about the man they both married. And when Andrew is murdered at a family party, both women are found standing over the body.
It’s always the wife. But which one?
©2020 Tess Stimson (P)2020 HarperCollins Publishers Limited