Book description
If you've ever craved a cozy mystery that feels like slipping into a perfectly warm sweater on a rainy afternoon, Kate Saunders' The Case of the Wandering Scholar is your next perfect listen. This second installment in the Laetitia Rodd Mysteries is pure, unadulterated delight, especially as an audiobook. Imagine the gentle rhythm of a Victorian London street, the scent of old books, and the quiet determination of a lady detective who solves crimes with wit, not weapons-think M.C. Beaton meets Miss Marple, but with a uniquely 19th-century charm.
Laetitia Rodd, our brilliant and refreshingly unflappable protagonist, is enjoying a rare holiday when she's called to Oxford to find a missing scholar. Jacob Welland's brother, a brilliant Oxford mind, vanished years ago after being seen near a gypsy camp-rumors swirled he'd uncovered secrets that would "astound the world." What begins as a straightforward search for a missing man quickly unravels into something far more complex, with shadows lurking in the very heart of Oxford's peaceful streets. The audiobook's narration is simply perfect: warm, unhurried, and steeped in the era's atmosphere. You can almost hear the cobbled streets beneath Laetitia's feet and the distant chime of Oxford bells as she pieces together clues in the quiet corners of libraries and pubs.
What makes this audiobook truly shine is how it makes you feel the setting. You're not just hearing a story; you're transported. The narrator's voice carries the weight of history without ever feeling stiff, and the pacing is just right-slow enough to savor the intricate plotting, quick enough to keep you turning pages (or pressing play). The mystery itself is clever, with red herrings that feel organic, not forced, and a resolution that's satisfying without being predictable. It's the kind of story where you'll find yourself pausing the audiobook to savor a particularly lovely line about the Oxfordshire countryside or the way Laetitia disarms a suspect with a single, perfectly timed question.
Don't be fooled by the "lady detective" label-Laetitia is sharp, observant, and utterly modern in her approach. She navigates a world of hidden agendas and simmering tensions with grace, making every deduction feel earned. And the supporting cast! From the earnest Oxford dons to the enigmatic gypsy camp, each character adds texture to the rich tapestry of the story. You'll find yourself smiling at the quiet humor woven through the suspense, the way Saunders balances the gravity of a missing person with the everyday charm of Victorian life.
This isn't just another mystery-it's a love letter to the golden age of detective fiction, reimagined for today's listeners. The audiobook format is ideal, letting the story unfold at its own unhurried pace, inviting you to sink deeper into its world. By the time you reach the final, beautifully resolved twist, you'll feel as though you've spent a perfect afternoon in Laetitia's company, solving a puzzle that's as delightful as it is intelligent. If you're looking for a mystery that's both brainy and utterly comforting, let the cobbled streets of Oxford pull you in. You won't want to leave.
Pluto
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Playing a wide variety of audio formats
Works on all devices with iOS 13 and newer
Huge amount of features for a small price
Frequent updates to add new features and improve existing ones
Advanced playback controls
Live sound processing
Changing the timbre of the reader's voice and noise reduction
Translated into more than 20 languages
If you love listening to fiction audiobooks, ListenBook has features to make the process easier.
Edit book data: title, author, cover
Use equalizer to make the sound comfortable for you
Adjust the playback speed
Enjoy dark and light app themes
Supported formats: MP3, M4B, AWB, FLAC, OGG audio files and many more (must be DRM free)
Auto-Bookmarks make it easy to find your place
AirPlay support allows redirection of audio output.
VoiceOver support
Dark mode for night owls
Convenient bookmarking system helps you mark the most important places.
Unlimited bookmarks for each audiobook
Put your own cover on the wager
Share your audiobook with friends
Lock-screen control
Customise app with extensive options
Sleep timer with shake to reset, set custom notification sounds, and a few unique options
Auto rewind depending on paused time, customize rewind times to your liking
Removing background noise from recordings made in classrooms and meetings
Changing the timbre of the reader's voice for a better listening experience