Audiobook roundup

Human Croquet by Kate Atkinson. Read by Patricia Hodge Random House Audio £13.70, 3hrs Although the slipping in and out of time becomes rather irritating, the crisply narrated story of the Fairfaxes, mysteriously abandoned by their louche mother (murdered? eloped?), is minutely observed. Aunt Vinny – vinegary, with shreds of tobacco in her mouth – resembles "a tortoise trying to eat brown lettuce". A Study in Scarlet by Arthur Conan Doyle. Read by David Timson Naxos £16.99, 4hrs 45mins unabridged If Conan Doyle had written only this first novel introducing Holmes to Watson (newly returned from service in Afghanistan), he would have deserved his reputation. The murder of two Americans in London is revealed as revenge for a grievous wrong perpetrated by members of the Mormon community. Superb. The Marvellous Land of Snergs by Edward Wyke-Smith. Read by Peter Joyce assembledstories.com £18.49, 6hrs 30mins unabridged Published in 1927, this sophisticated, funny and magical story (beloved by Tolkien) is perfect escapism. Sylvia and Joe find themselves lost in the land of little people, befriended by court jester Gorbo and pursued by a child-eating giant. Spellbinding for any age.