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
A stellar, immersive auditory experience.
Stunning. Brilliant. Vulnerable. Righteous. Zeno Robinson’s dynamic narration makes this clever political and environmental thriller a tour de force. Benton Young, a love-struck high school senior, posts an earnest and passionate online plea for young people to stand up and demand better for their future. His post galvanizes a youth revolution, and Benton is elected president of the United States. As the movement spreads across the world, more young people are elected to lead nations. As Benton faces roadblocks from problematic adults in government and complicated geopolitics, he realizes that building a new world order is hard—and deadly. Robinson’s nimble and dynamic performance is accompanied by newscasts, social media posts, and intelligence reports, all delivered by a full cast. Listeners will have lingering thoughts about the role we play in our own future.
A stellar, immersive auditory experience. (Thriller. 14-18)Pub Date: May 5, 2026
Duration: 15 hrs, 44 mins
DD ISBN: 9798217171972
Publisher: Listening Library
Review Posted Online: June 9, 2026
Kirkus Reviews Issue: today
Watson’s conversational style will delight listeners of all ages.
Marli Watson narrates this first installment of a YA mystery series. Ellen is a prep-school scholarship student who knows how to follow the rules. But her life takes a turn when she moves into her aunt’s Edgar Allan Poe-themed B&B and starts having nightmares about a family who died—including Gus, a new student at school. When Ellen finds a journal that she believes was written by Poe, she meets the ghost of her long-dead relative, who calls himself Eddie. Watson makes the characters believable from the start. She portrays Ellen as feisty, and Gus as a vulnerable charmer. Aunt Marie is sweet, but not too sweet.
Watson’s conversational style will delight listeners of all ages. (Paranormal mystery. 12-18)Pub Date: April 7, 2026
Duration: 7 hrs, 19 mins
DD ISBN: 9781668654774
Publisher: Hachette Audio
Review Posted Online: June 23, 2026
Kirkus Reviews Issue: Aug. 1, 2026
© Copyright 2026 Kirkus Media LLC. All Rights Reserved.
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