The Cozy Mystery List Blog

I just had to look up another narrator who I really enjoy…. I remember him from the old television show "One Day at a Time." I first listened to Boyd Gaines read a Caleb Carr novel, and I have been a fan of his narrations since then.

Also, another narrator I enjoy listening to is John McDonough. He reads the Jan Karon books (Mitford series) which are definitely NOT mysteries!  A very good friend of mine first introduced me to the Mitford series, and I have spent many hours listening to John McDonough’s almost-entrancing voice.

I have not actually "read" any of Michael Connelly’s Harry Bosch series, which another very good friend introduced me to. Thanks to Len Cariou’s narration, I have become an "avid reader" of the Bosch series. (I have also "read" at least one James Patterson book by enjoying Len Cariou’s narration.)

I love listening to books on tape while driving my car and also while doing housework. When I am listening to a particularly good mystery book on tape, I almost look forward to tedious dusting and vacuuming………. almost!

As I have been typing the lists of authors for this cozy mystery book website, I have found that I have some favorite authors who I have actually never “read” with my eyes, but with my ears. These are authors of books that I have solely listened to on audio cassettes or CDs..

I have a few women narrators who are particular favorites of mine to listen to…… Barbara Rosenblat, Davina Porter, Barbara Caruso, and Lisette Lecat. 

I first discovered Barbara Rosenblat when I started listening to the Mrs. Pollifax series (by Dorothy Gilman.)  What a treasure! Rosenblat is truly magnificent at her craft.

Davina Porter was first introduced to me by listening to some of Ruth Rendell’s mysteries. I already knew that I enjoyed Rendell’s mysteries……. since I had read several, and I instantly recognized Porter as someone I would enjoy listening to again, and again.

I recognized Barbara Caruso as soon as I heard her on my first (of many) Edna Buchanan mysteries. I was familiar with some of Caruso’s work that my children listened to when they were younger.  Caruso brings all of her characters to life……. and she is exceptional.

I discovered Lisette Lecat very recently, when I listened to my first Alexander McCall Smith mystery…………. The Number One Ladies Detective Agency. Lisette brought the novel to life in a way that I am sure most narrators would not be able to do. She is a real treat to listen to.

There are other women narrators of mystery novels who are very talented, and I will add them to my blogs in the future.  And, I also have a list of favorite men who narrate novels with equal talent to my favorite female narrators.  I will write about them in the future, also.

If you would like more information on Alexander McCall Smith‘s four series.