Audiobooks narrated by Karen Bartke

"You can try to hide. But this gangland boss will get their revenge... no matter how long it takes. Lifelong friends Lori Graham and Stephanie Lyle are sitting on the balcony of Lori's flat in Glasgow, chatting, drinking, enjoying the summer's warmth. Until the peace is shattered by the sound of gunshots from a drive-by shooting. Running to investigate, the women find both their worlds shattered. One of their sons is the shooter, and one is the victim. As Lori and Stephanie try and pick through the pieces, they discover that they themselves hold the key to why their boys have turned on each other. A deadly secret from their teenage years has come back to haunt them, and now a face from the past is back for vengeance, using the one thing that will hurt Lori and Stephanie the most... their children."

Alex Kane (Author), Karen Bartke (Narrator)

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The Knapdale Murders - The BRAND NEW gripping crime novel set in the Scottish Highlands (Unabridged)

Daniel Sellers (Author), Karen Bartke (Narrator)

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Dragon Rider - The Volcano Adventure

"FREEFAB to the rescue! The organization for the protection of all fabulous creatures has a new mission! All over the world fabulous beings are vanashing without a trace. The brownie Sorrel, the homunculus Twigleg and the flying rat Lola Greytail set out for Iceland. Deep down in a rumbling volcano they discover something terrible. They realize very soon that scouting won't be their only mission ... The thrilling journey through air, water, and volcanoes is accompanied by a diverse soundtrack of rock songs and cinematic music, while an intricately crafted soundscape illustrates the magical - and at times dangerous - events in ways that are both realistic and enchanting. An audio treasure for young and young-at-heart fantasy fans aged six and up."

Cornelia Funke, David Fowler (Author), Brent Askari, Christine Marshall, Christopher Price, Darby DeFillipis, Dustin Tucker, Ed Romanoff, Hannah Daly, James Herrera, Karen Bartke, Marie Lane, Peter Berkrot, Philip Hobby, Sam Mowry (Narrator)

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Tales of Terror: A BBC Radio Gothic Drama Collection: The Castle of Otranto, The Monk, The Mysteries of Udolpho & Northanger Abbey

"Four full-cast dramatisations of classic Gothic novels, plus documentaries exploring the genre’s rise and enduring appeal Dark deeds, dastardly villains, innocent victims and supernatural happenings – these are the terrifying tropes that make up Gothic fiction, a genre that has captured our imagination for over 250 years. Blending both classic and modern dramatisations, this specially curated anthology couples thrilling masterpieces with insightful documentaries… We begin with A Gothic Quest, in which Louise Welsh examines what ‘gothic’ really means, and takes a look at its many appearances in poetry, fiction, art, architecture and film. In A Guided Tour of the Castle of Otranto, Rory McGrath explores the origins of gothic horror, first manifested in Horace Walpole’s 1764 novel. It is followed by a dramatisation of The Castle of Otranto itself, a dark supernatural tale of duplicity and dynastic rivalry. Treading warily into the book’s strange world in Kaleidoscope Feature: A Little Gothic Castle, Peggy Reynolds draws parallels between Walpole’s vision for his London villa, Strawberry Hill, and the haunted mansion in the novel. Next, we unveil the male gothic in a gripping drama featuring disguise, abduction, incest and murder. The Monk, based on the 1796 classic by Matthew Lewis, tells the story of Ambrosio (Michael Pennington), who is tempted into breaking his vows of chastity by a beautiful young nun. The dawn of the female gothic is revealed in The Mysteries of Udolpho by Ann Radcliffe, centred on a powerless young heroine trapped in an isolated castle and pitted against an evil Italian Count. Showcasing the Gothic satire is Jane Austen’s 1817 novel Northanger Abbey, poking fun at the popular sensation fiction of her day. In this witty drama, Catherine Morland is taken to Bath for the season, and finds that in her fertile imagination, danger and hair-raising horrors lurk around every corner. Georgia Groome, Miriam Margolyes and Bridgerton’s Luke Thompson star in this full-cast dramatisation. Wrapping up our collection is In Our Time: Gothic, which sees Melvyn Bragg and guest experts considering the origins and significance of the 18th century Gothic movement. First published 1764 (The Castle of Otranto), 1794 (The Mysteries of Udolpho), 1796 (The Monk), 1817 (Northanger Abbey) Content List Part 1. Gothic Imagination A Gothic Quest Presented by Louise Welsh Part 2. The First Gothic Novel: The Castle of Otranto by Horace Walpole A Guided Tour of the Castle of Otranto Presented by Rory McGrath The Castle of Otranto cast and credits to be announced Kaleidoscope Feature: A Little Gothic Castle Presented by Peggy Reynolds Part 3. Unveiling A Male Gothic: The Monk by Matthew Lewis The Monk Starring Michael Pennington, Sorcha Cusack, Emily Morgan, Christopher Douglas, Brian Smith, Jenny Funnell, Tessa Worsley, Mary Wimbush, Simon Hewitt, Anne Jameson, Alan Thompson, Melinda Walker, Mia Soteriou, Allan McClelland, Garard Green, Graham Blockey, Peter Acre, David Learner and Bernard Brown Part 4. The Dawn of a Female Gothic: The Mysteries of Udolpho by Ann Radcliffe The Mysteries of Udolpho Starring Georgia Groome, Tracy Wiles, John Dougall, Finlay Robertson, Luke Thompson, Natasha Cowley, Stephen Wight, John Bowler, Karen Bartke and Alison Belbin Part 5. Gothic Satire: Northanger Abbey by Jane Austen Northanger Abbey Starring Georgia Groome, Luke Thompson, Tracy Wiles, Kim Wall, Ainsley Howard, Alison Belbin, John Bowler, Karen Bartke, Miriam Margolyes, Stephen Wight, Finlay Robertson, Natasha Cowley, John Dougall, Nick Murchie, Keziah Joseph and Luke MacGregor Part 6. Gothic Legacies In Our Time: Gothic Presented by Melvyn Bragg With Chris Baldick, A N Wilson and Emma Clery © 2025 BBC Studios Distribution Ltd. (P) 2025 BBC Studios Distribution Ltd"

Ann Radcliffe, Horace Walpole, Jane Austen, Matthew Lewis (Author), Full cast, Garard Green, Georgia Groome, John Bowler, Karen Bartke, Louise Welsh, Luke Thompson, Melvyn Bragg, Miriam Margolyes, Rory McGrath, Tracy Wiles (Narrator)

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The Howling

"Two men, centuries apart, dream of being a wolf. One is burned at the stake. Another is locked in a psychiatric hospital for most of his life. And Annie Jackson is about to find out why… Vowing once again to remove herself from society, Annie is once more living alone in her little cottage by the shores of a loch. But when an old enemy – now locked up in a high-security hospital – comes calling, begging her to find the son that she was forced to give up at the age of 17, Annie is tempted out of seclusion. The missing boy holds the key to ending Annie's curse, and he may be the only chance that both she and Lewis have of real happiness. Annie and Lewis begin an investigation that takes them back to the past, a time etched in Scottish folklore, a period of history that may just be repeating itself. And what they uncover could destroy not just some of the most powerful people in the country, who will stop at nothing to protect their wealth and their secrets, but also Annie's life, and everything she holds dear…"

Michael J. Malone (Author), Karen Bartke (Narrator)

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The Second Wife

"Young, feisty, and beautiful, heads turn wherever Danica Campbell goes, even if she only has eyes for her fiancé, Ricky Fyfe. He might be 30 years older than her, but his job as a big-time club owner in Glasgow means he can afford to give Danica the life she deserves. Danica knows he has a history – after all, his adult daughter Teigan works at the club – and she knows that Teigan's mum, Elle, disappeared decades ago. It doesn't matter, because Danica knows that Ricky will do anything for her. Until the day that a woman walks into their lives – and everything that Danica knew about Ricky falls to pieces. But what Ricky doesn't know that Danica might just be keeping some secrets of her own – and when he discovers them, their happy ever after might just come to a shocking end…"

Alex Kane (Author), Karen Bartke (Narrator)

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Savage Blood

"The latest gritty, action-packed gangland thriller from bestseller Heather Atkinson. Perfect for all fans of Kimberley Chambers and Jessie Keane. When a turf war breaks out on Glasgow's schemes, there's only one thing for it - the Savage Sisters and the Blood Brothers will have to fight as one. Carly Savage has lost the two people she loved the most - first her father and then Jack, local gangland boss and love of her life, was brutally attacked and died in Carly's arms. Grief has changed her. Carly's sisters Jane and Rose are worried she may never recover. But the need for revenge drives Carly now and she will stop at nothing to destroy her enemies, Cole Alexander and her cousin Dean. When the Savages' boss, Queen of Glasgow Toni McVay's reign comes under attack from Cole, Carly realises this is her chance. If she can bring Cole down, then the Savages' place in Toni's gang will be secure and she can have her revenge. As rebellions break out, tensions build and Toni's kingdom looks more fragile than ever, the Savages know they need help. There's only one other gang Toni trusts, the notorious Blood Brothers from the rough Gallowburn estate. Carly knows that together they'd be an unstoppable force. Now all she has to do is persuade them... Bestseller Heather Atkinson's page-turning Savage Sisters series comes to a shattering climax but who will survive? Perfect for fans of Kimberley Chambers, Jessie Keane and Kerry Barnes. 'Heather is a bright star in the world of gangland writing...Read it, you won't be disappointed.' Jacqui Rose Readers love Heather Atkinson: 'I had to take a breath before I wrote this. This story has took me on such an emotional rollercoaster. Just when you think you have the plot figured out BAM another shocking twist hits you in the face. Violence heartbreak and love. You've done it again Heather Atkinson. You brilliant genius.'⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 'Oh my once again I've been blown away by the fantastic writing of Heather Atkinson. I couldn't guess how the book was going to end. This book had everything, murders, deceit, love, I even had a tear at one point. I'm only sorry that I've finished it tbh. Definitely recommend this book to anyone who enjoys an exciting read.'⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 'WOW! Heather Atkinson. Yet another incredible series.** What a brilliant autho**r. The story lines throughout are compelling, great twists & turns.'⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 'Wow I couldn't put this book down, and what a twist at the end. I've read the full series and look forward to reading more of Heather Atkinson books, such a brilliant author.'⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 'Gripped me from the start. One of the best series I read in a long time, kept you page turning, my poor eyes are so heavy as I couldn't put the book down.'⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐"

Heather Atkinson (Author), Karen Bartke (Narrator)

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Cooking in a Bedsitter: The Complete Series 1 and 2: A BBC Radio 4 Sitcom

"Both series of the engaging romantic comedy set in a 1960s bedsit, inspired by Katharine Whitehorn's cookery classic It’s 1964, and 22-year-old Trisha moves into a West Hampstead bedsitter to escape her controlling suburban parents and her boring fiancé, Keith. She’s determined to make it as a swinging, get-ahead girl-about-town, but finds herself struggling with homesickness, loneliness and the challenges of cooking a decent meal on a single gas ring. Then she rescues a grotty wardrobe from her landlady’s attic, and it yields a surprising treasure – a copy of Cooking in a Bedsitter, which becomes her bible. Soon, she’s rustling up tasty treats for dinner parties and double dates – aided by Deepak, the dishy young medical student from across the landing. He introduces her to the delights of aloo pakora, she surprises him with a picnic at the seaside – but when their burgeoning relationship is snuffed out by Trisha’s parents, she moves on, to a different bedsit and a new man. She’s definitely over Deepak: or is she? If she wants him back, she’ll have to move fast – before he heads out of her life forever... Written by Sue Teddern (soloparentpals.com), and interspersed with recipes and extracts from Katharine Whitehorn’s original book, this appetising romcom stars Beattie Edmondson and Nikesh Patel. Production credits Written by Sue Teddern Inspired by Cooking in a Bedsitter by Katharine Whitehorn Extracts from Cooking in a Bedsitter read by Karen Bartke and Eleanor Bron Directed by Emma Harding Cast Trisha – Beattie Edmondson Deepak – Nikesh Patel June – Alison Belbin/Ellie Darvill Len – John Bowler/Rupert Holliday-Evans Tony – John Dougall Katharine Whitehorn – Karen Bartke/Eleanor Bron Jill – Natasha Cowley Keith/Mike – Finlay Robertson The Hunk/Stuart – Luke MacGregor Male Guest/Big Nev – Gavi Singh Chera Female Guest/Sal – Catriona McFarlane Moira – Isabella Inchbald Robert – Clive Hayward Karl – Adam Fitzgerald Julie/Clare/Susie – Abbie Andrews Policeman – Neil McCaul Malcolm – Gary Duncan Errol – Tayla Kovacevic-Ebong First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 28 Nov-19 Dec 2016 (series 1) and 4 Dec-25 Dec 2017 (series 2). © 2024 BBC Studios Distribution Ltd. (P) 2024 BBC Studios Distribution Ltd"

Katharine Whitehorn, Sue Teddern (Author), Alison Belbin, Beattie Edmondson, Eleanor Bron, Full Cast, John Bowler, John Dougall, Karen Bartke, Nikesh Patel (Narrator)

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A Mother's Revenge

"Cheryl Davidson was happy with husband Leo, watching her beloved son, Dean, grow into a handsome young man, dreaming of the paths his life would take. Until the day that Dean was murdered, his body dumped in an isolated scrapyard with a bullet in his head, and Cheryl's world exploded. Discovering that Dean had been mixed up in the Glasgow underworld, and worst of all, that Leo had brought him in, means that Cheryl's sanity is hanging by a thread. Overwhelmed by grief and with no one left to trust, Cheryl plans to take deadly retribution on the family that caused her son to be killed. Cheryl might be up against the formidable Janey Hallahan, the woman who runs Glasgow gangland with guns and fear, but Janey and the Hallahans might discover that a grieving mother with nothing to lose might be the most dangerous opponent of all. . ."

Alex Kane (Author), Karen Bartke (Narrator)

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Savage Inheritance

"A page-turning action-packed read from bestseller Heather Atkinson. Perfect for all fans of Kimberley Chambers and Jessie KeaneWhen the patriarch of the Savage family dies suddenly, his three daughters, Carly, Jane and Rose are heartbroken. But you can't keep a Savage sister down for long, and Jane and her gang The Unbeatable Bitches, along with their uncle Eddie, and cousins Dean and Harry are determined to fight to keep the Savage family on top. But Carly isn't so sure. Perhaps her father's death is the opportunity she's been waiting for - to finally get away from the life of crime and violence in Glasgow's Haghill. Exhausted by the constant jockeying for power, she pictures a quiet place where no one knows who she is. She even dares to imagine making that life with the love she can't forget - newly-crowned crime boss Jack Alexander. But once a Savage, always a Savage, and when she and her family are threatened, Carly knows there's only one thing for it. And it certainly isn't a quiet life. . . Heather Atkinson's bestselling Savage family's enemies are circling so stand by for a page-turning action-packed read. 'Heather is a bright star in the world of gangland writing. . . Read it, you won't be disappointed. ' Jacqui RoseReaders love Heather Atkinson:'Oh. . . my. . . GOD. . . I am speechless! I thought the first book was brilliant, people this one is sooo much better! I was completely blindsided in the direction this book went and that ending"

Heather Atkinson (Author), Karen Bartke (Narrator)

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The Secret Orchard: Warm, uplifting and romantic - the perfect autumn read from the Internationally Bestselling author of The Lighthouse Bookshop

"'The exploration of family and identity is filled with vivid characters and an enthralling plot, making it absorbing and emotional' The People's Friend? ? 'A lovely, heartwarming read about belonging' heat? ? A feel-good story about family, belonging and finding peace with the past from the internationally bestselling author of The Lighthouse Bookshop. Can a return to the past be the start of something new? Bette and Nina Crowdie have never been close – the ten-year age difference doesn't help, and Bette's rarely been home since she left for university at eighteen. When their father passes away and unexpectedly splits the family farm between them, Nina is furious and afraid. She's been working at the farm for the past five years. It's the only home her young son, Barnaby, has ever had, and she's convinced that Bette will sell at the first chance she gets. When they discover the huge debt their father has been hiding, Bette reluctantly agrees to help her sister. But that means they have to find a way to work together, and Bette must face up to the real reason she left all those years ago. Could a long-forgotten diary and the discovery of a secret orchard on their land help save the farm, and the sisters' relationship? 'I loved the characters and the orchard! I gobbled it up in a couple of sittings. What a gorgeous read, full of heart' Liz Fenwick 'Warm, tender and wise, Sharon Gosling's well-crafted, engrossing story was a pleasure to read' Rachel Hore?"

Sharon Gosling (Author), Karen Bartke (Narrator)

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The Torments

"Hiding from the world in her little white cottage on the shores of a loch, Annie Jackson is fighting to come to terms with the world of the murmurs, a curse that has haunted female members of her family for centuries. While she is within the ancient, heavy stone of the old dwelling, the voices merely buzz, but the moment she steps outside the door they clamour to torment her all over again, bringing with them shocking visions of imminent deaths. Into this oasis comes her adoptive mother, Mandy McEvoy, begging for Annie's help. Mandy's nephew Damien has gone missing, after dropping off his four-year old son at his mother's home. Unable to refuse, but terrified to leave her sanctuary, Annie, with the help of her brother Lewis, is drawn in to a secretive, seductive world that will have her question everything she holds dear, while Lewis' life may be changed forever. . ."

Michael J. Malone (Author), Karen Bartke (Narrator)

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Audiobooks Narrated by Karen Bartke

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