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
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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