A British teen sends a series of letters to a death row inmate in Texas. Zoe (not her real name since she’s confessing her part in the death of a boy) tells the story of her family, friends, romance, and death. Julie Maisey delivers the salutation of each letter with a slow, stilted narration, as if she were reading as Zoe writes it out. The rest of the letters she reads fluidly and evenly. Her British accent and vocal expression are perfect for the funny and introspective Zoe. While the mystery builds as Zoe gets closer to ending her story, Maisey’s narration remains true to Zoe’s voice. With this story the listener gets an inside look at the mind and emotions of a teenager who is exploring love and grief.
. (Fiction. 13 & up)Pub Date: Nov. 12, 2013
Duration: 7 hrs
DD ISBN: 9781478925125
Publisher: Hachette Audio
Review Posted Online: Jan. 22, 2026
Meskimen drops listeners solidly into the depths of teenage despair and hope in this thrilling, futuristic ride.
Taylor Meskimen channels teenage angst to tell this story of former best friends. Wealthy Madison rules the school, and only special friends warrant an invitation to her exclusive birthday party, held in a virtual-reality world. When social outcast Bree receives an invitation, is it to make amends or to seek revenge? Meskimen hits every heightened emotional note, from the haughty tones of a spoiled queen bee to the wheedling voices of sycophants. She flavors her narration with a perfect blend of reactions that lend authenticity to her performance: scoffs, screeching laughter, and hisses of rage.
Meskimen drops listeners solidly into the depths of teenage despair and hope in this thrilling, futuristic ride. (Thriller. 14-18)Pub Date: Feb. 24, 2026
Duration: 6 hrs, 30 mins
DD ISBN: 9798217280803
Publisher: Listening Library
Review Posted Online: March 10, 2026
Santana’s ability to maneuver through multiple layers of this gripping mystery will win over listeners.
This grisly young adult thriller is skillfully delivered by André Santana, accompanied by a cast. It's been five years since the Trojan Murders in Moss Pointe that took the lives of four high school football players, and hometown journalist Pryce is out to prove that the killer was set up by someone else. Santana’s honest depiction of Pryce makes him a determined and relatable protagonist. While the writing moves quickly, Santana’s smooth performance keeps pace, delivering plenty of emotional beats and shocking twists. Sections of the audiobook including snippets of a podcast about the case feature additional narrators, making for a fuller listening experience.
Santana’s ability to maneuver through multiple layers of this gripping mystery will win over listeners. (Mystery. 14-18)Pub Date: Jan. 20, 2026
Duration: 10 hrs
DD ISBN: 9798217172078
Publisher: Listening Library
Review Posted Online: March 3, 2026
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