Audiobook Sample
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- Title: Missing: Page Thirteen
- Author: Anna Katharine Green
- Narrator: Ben J. Stevens
- Length: 01:34:00
- Version: Abridged
- Release Date: 01/01/2011
- Publisher: LibriVox
- Genre: Mystery, Thriller & Horror, Suspense
- ISBN13: SABLIBX978968
There’s something magical about discovering an old mystery that still feels fresh – like finding a hidden alleyway in a city you thought you knew well. That’s precisely the experience I had with Anna Katharine Green’s “Missing: Page Thirteen”, brought to life through Ben J. Stevens’ narration in this free LibriVox audiobook. As someone who’s spent countless hours listening to stories while traversing deserts and mountain passes, I can tell you this short but potent mystery delivers all the atmospheric pleasure of a well-worn leather-bound book discovered in a country house library.
“”The Story That Unfolds Like a Map””
Green’s 19th century detective story – featuring the clever Violet Strange – reminded me of evenings spent in Oaxaca, where every family story contained layers of meaning beneath its surface. The premise seems simple: a crucial page disappears from a document, threatening to unravel lives. But like the best travel narratives, what appears straightforward soon reveals hidden depths. Violet Strange navigates this web of deception with the same intuitive skill I’ve seen in market vendors who can spot a counterfeit bill from across a crowded plaza.
Green, often called the ‘mother of the detective novel,’ writes with the precision of an anthropologist documenting social customs. Her 1870s New York setting comes alive through subtle cues – the rustle of silk skirts, the clink of fine china – that Stevens’ narration captures beautifully. Listening, I was transported to the parlors and studies where these dramas unfold, much like how the scent of roasting chilies can instantly take me back to a specific street corner in Mexico City.
“”The Narrator’s Voice: A Guiding Light””
Ben J. Stevens’ performance deserves particular praise. His narration style reminds me of those master storytellers I’ve encountered in my travels – the kind who know exactly when to pause for effect, whose voices carry the weight of lived experience. He handles Green’s sometimes archaic dialogue with natural ease, making the formal 19th century speech patterns accessible without losing their period charm. There’s a scene where Violet examines a chemical stain that had me leaning in close to my headphones, Stevens’ delivery making the scientific explanation as gripping as any action sequence.
“”Themes That Travel Across Time””
What struck me most – and what makes this story resonate beyond its era – are the themes Green explores:
– “The Art of Observation”: Violet Strange’s methods would make any travel writer proud. She notices what others overlook, much like how the best meals I’ve had came from watching where locals queue rather than consulting guidebooks.
– “Society’s Hidden Structures”: The constraints Violet faces as a woman detective mirror those I’ve observed in cultures worldwide – where rules aren’t written down but everyone knows them. Green’s genius lies in showing how her protagonist works within and around these limitations.
– “The Weight of Paper”: In our digital age, the idea that a single missing page could alter destinies feels almost quaint. Yet Stevens’ narration makes the stakes feel immediate, reminding me of border crossings where the right stamp in the right passport makes all the difference.
“”A Few Caveats for Modern Listeners””
This isn’t a perfect production – the audio quality varies slightly, as often happens with volunteer-read LibriVox recordings. Some passages feel rushed where a more dramatic pause might heighten tension. And contemporary mystery fans used to forensic details may find the investigative techniques charmingly old-fashioned. But these are minor quibbles in what’s essentially a free time capsule of detective fiction’s origins.
“”Who Will Love This Audiobook?””
If you appreciate:
– Early detective fiction that shaped the genre
– Strong female protagonists working within societal constraints
– Narrations that respect the text’s historical context
– Discovering literary roots (like seeing how Christie or Doyle built on Green’s foundation)
…then this 40-minute listen is well worth your time. It’s perfect for a commute or while doing household tasks – I actually listened while packing for a trip, and the story’s compact intensity made the chore fly by.
“”Final Impressions””
“Missing: Page Thirteen” offers more than just a mystery to solve – it’s a window into how we’ve always loved puzzles and the clever people who unravel them. Green’s writing, paired with Stevens’ thoughtful narration, creates that rare alchemy where form and content enhance each other. Like stumbling upon a perfect café in an unfamiliar neighborhood, this audiobook delivers pleasures both expected and surprising.
Happy listening and safe travels through the world of stories,
Marcus
Marcus Rivera
