A dark, witty listen blending horror and history into a vivid, gripping, and resonant experience.
Rory Barnett delivers an immersive performance, creating distinct, richly textured characters. Set in 1785 France as revolution looms, the story follows professor and monster slayer Sebastian Grave and his literal inner demon, Sarmodel, as they hunt the Beast of Gévaudan at a former lover’s request. Barnett seamlessly balances dread with dry, surprising humor. He captures characters’ unease and vulnerability as well as their intensity and dark charisma. Imogen Church narrates addendum chapters from the point of view of a succubus with equal skill. Together, they elevate the supernatural intrigue and psychological tension, keeping listeners fully engaged.
A dark, witty listen blending horror and history into a vivid, gripping, and resonant experience.Pub Date: Feb. 24, 2026
Duration: 16 hrs, 45 mins
DD ISBN: 9781250402295
Publisher: Macmillan Audio
Review Posted Online: April 27, 2026
Poetic writing belies this story’s horror.
Saskia Maarleveld splendidly presents this novel set in Victorian London with a supernatural twist. After debt collectors claim her mansion, Caroline heads to London hoping to find her brother, Charlie, only to find that he has disappeared. Maarleveld makes Caroline sympathetic as she begins working as a maid at Charlie’s last known address. There, she’s told to stay in her room and ignore anything she hears on full moon nights. Maarleveld ably portrays strange lodgers and the compassionate landlady. As Caroline continues to search for Charlie, she believes she’s on the trail of Jack the Ripper, putting herself in grave danger. Maarleveld’s occasional whispered narration increases the sense of dread, while the epilogue humanizes the victims and helps listeners empathize with their tragic plights.
Poetic writing belies this story’s horror.Pub Date: Aug. 25, 2026
Duration: 9 hrs, 17 mins
DD ISBN: 9798217338467
Publisher: Penguin Audio
Review Posted Online: Sept. 22, 2026
Kirkus Reviews Issue: tomorrow
Sanderson’s rich performance enriches the text.
Narrator Charlie Sanderson immerses listeners in the coastal Cornish village of Portscatho from the first sentence of this gothic fairy tale. Sanderson draws listeners into a world of feminine rage, empowerment, and ancient magic. Her vocal characterizations ground the story's folkloric atmosphere. Sanderson voices characters from curious children to elderly witches, each rendered with playful energy and distinct regional British accents that bring the superstitious fishing village to life. Heroine Kensa is being manipulated, putting her community in danger. Kensa's shifting emotions, from loneliness to mounting dread, land with weight, and Sanderson makes a sea god's menacing presence feel genuinely unsettling.
Sanderson’s rich performance enriches the text.Pub Date: Jan. 27, 2026
Duration: 11 hrs
DD ISBN: 9798347956852
Publisher: Spotify Audiobooks
Review Posted Online: April 14, 2026
© Copyright 2026 Kirkus Media LLC. All Rights Reserved.
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