This ambitious teen thriller examines racism, sexism, and LGBTQ+ issues across three decades. Four friends unearth a time capsule buried by their parents in 1986, their senior year of high school. Narrator Jeanette Illidge's strength and emotion illuminate smart but unfocused Elayah, a 2020 teen who is haunted by the discovery of a bloody knife and a confession in the time capsule. The true-crime-savvy teens decide to investigate their own parents. Narrator Josh Hurley is insecure and fastidious Dean in 1986 and his son, Liam, in 2020. He gives Liam a joking facade, which keeps the characters sounding related but separate. Kevin Free portrays 1986 teens Marcus, who is Elayah's father, and Jay with impressively distinct voices. Brittany Pressley portrays a podcaster, nailing her strident tones, and also voices Kim, who is 1986 Dean's girlfriend.
(Thriller. 14-18)Pub Date: Sept. 28, 2021
Duration: 16 hrs, 15 mins
DD ISBN: 9781549109317
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
Together, Huber and Amoss deliver a surprising ending.
Sophie Amoss and Hillary Huber share narration duties in this teen thriller. When Evie and seven other girls are thrown together in the same cabin on a school field trip, they steal off to seek out a mysterious island and end up stranded for 46 days. Only five of the girls are rescued, and someone is seeking revenge for those who were left behind. Amoss’s performance has a soft quality as she slowly builds suspense. Huber adopts a subdued tone for her narration as she contributes to the atmosphere of mystery. Evie counts down the days left in summer while flashing back to the ordeal.
Together, Huber and Amoss deliver a surprising ending.Pub Date: Jan. 27, 2026
Duration: 10 hrs
DD ISBN: 9798217172108
Publisher: Listening Library
Review Posted Online: April 1, 2026
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