★Hawkins, Paula. The Blue Hour. HarperAudio. Oct. 2024. 10:16 hrs. ISBN 9780063396555. $27.99. SUSPENSE

When a human bone is discovered in a posthumous exhibition by enigmatic artist Vanessa Chapman, everyone suspects it belongs to her husband Julian, who went missing decades ago. Her friend and heir, Grace, will do anything to keep both the art world and the authorities from picking apart Vanessa’s life in search of answers. On the remote Scottish isle Vanessa called home, Grace is now the protector of a lifetime of secrets, but exactly whose secrets are they? Hawkins (A Slow Fire Burning) crafts an emotionally intense psychological suspense full of twists. Revelatory diary excerpts and dual timelines build a tension that will have listeners on the edge of their seat. Narrator Gemma Whelan gives an expressive and engaging performance, with unique accents and affects for each unlikable character. The audiobook also features a conversational Q&A between author and narrator about their respective inspirations and artistic processes. VERDICT This menacing story about art, adultery, and obsession is recommended for fans of Ana Reyes, Sally Hepworth, and Shari Lapena.—Lauren Hackert

★Lynch, Christina. Pony Confidential. Books on Tape. Nov. 2024. 11:30 hrs. ISBN 9780593942840. $95. M

Penny’s day begins horribly when she’s arrested for murder, but she doesn’t know there’s also a vengeful pony on the hunt for her. Whether he’ll step on her toes or leave manure on her porch is unclear, but he’s also the only one who might solve a 25-year-old murder and prove Penny’s innocence. Wry, quirky humor insulates listeners from Penny’s and Pony’s serious musings on everything from the broken U.S. justice system to animal cruelty. The mystery aspect is left in the backwoods as Pony adventures across the country, changing names and making animal friends as he learns that what he thinks is hate might actually be love. The audiobook features dual narration, with Erin Moon taking perspective of often-bewildered Penny and Blair Young exercising his comedic timing for Pony; Penny’s kind earnestness and Pony’s naive cynicism shine throughout their perfect performances. In the end, listeners will know they were right to beg their parents for a pony. VERDICT An equine Charlotte’s Web, albeit with a corpse and a bloody rock, this novel will satisfy anyone seeking a quirky mystery wrapped in love. Lynch’s (Sally Brady’s Italian Adventure) latest doesn’t miss a beat.—Matthew Galloway

★Manansala, Mia P. Guilt and Ginataan. Books on Tape. (Tita Rosie’s Kitchen Mystery, Bk. 5). Nov. 2024. 8:44 hrs. ISBN 9780593911389. $66.50. M

When Adeena is found next to a body in a corn maze, holding a bloody knife, Lila will do anything to prove her friend’s innocence. Manansala’s fifth “Tita Rosie’s Kitchen” mystery (after Murder and Mamon) sees Filipino restaurateur Lila Macapagal grow as an investigator and a friend. Series fans will continue to be charmed by the growing Shady Palms community, and new listeners will settle easily into the inclusive, boisterous cast. Lila remains a self-aware protagonist, feeling too nosy not to investigate, but also understanding where her skills lie, what she can do that the police can’t, and how to improve. Her personal life may take more nudging, as she and her business partners and best friends, Adeena and Elena, have arguments that could lead to stronger relationships. Narrator Danice Cabanela has the Shady Palms residents down pat, with every returning character immediately recognizable and distinct. Her commendable facility for creating new voices is tested here, as Lila seems to expand her friend group with every investigation. Listeners will certainly look forward to meeting some of these characters in Manansala’s next mystery. VERDICT A true joy from the initial murder to the corn recipes at the end.—Matthew Galloway

★Morita, Jennifer K. Ghosts of Waikiki. Spotify Audiobooks. Nov. 2024. 7:37 hrs. ISBN 9798882482458. $52.99. M

When her ghostwriting gig ties her to a suspicious death, ex-reporter Maya Wong can’t help but ask questions, no matter how much her cop ex-boyfriend wants her to stop. Morita’s debut mystery is a few steps shy of cozy, contrasting politics and a gruesome death against the plentiful, tempting descriptions of its Waikiki setting, including the food and the romantic possibilities. Maya approaches the case as an investigative reporter—a benefit for listeners, as the clues are laid out methodically and conversationally. In addition to the mystery, this novel is also an exploration of whether anyone can come home again. Can Maya truly feel Hawaiian after spending so long away? And does she want to? These questions allow narrator Jennifer Robideau to display her ear for accents. Maya’s accent is noticeably different from those of her family and friends who never left the island. They’re not coy about pointing this out and are gleeful when Maya starts to regain her lost accent. Robideau perfectly balances the book’s mystery elements and Maya’s uncertainty about her place in the world, all while making listeners yearn for a visit to Waikiki. VERDICT Morita and Robideau create a mystery that feels meant for audio.—Matthew Galloway