This audiobook is a wonderful example of the magic that occurs when a complex story is brought to life by the Golden Voice of Simon Vance. At its core, this is a mystery revolving around the sudden reappearance of Claire Lidman, who has been presumed dead for 14 years. Claire's husband, Samuel, hires Hans Rekke, a disgraced professor, and Detective Michaela Vargas to solve the mystery of Claire's possible death or sudden reappearance. The novel intricately weaves in elements such as the 1990s financial crisis and the fall of the Berlin Wall, creating a fascinating story. Vance is an ideal choice as narrator. His performance adeptly combines a straightforward style with nuanced expressions of bemusement and incredulity, enhancing the overall listening experience.
Pub Date: Sept. 10, 2024
Duration: 10 hrs, 15 mins
DD ISBN: 9780593948446
Publisher: Random House Audio
Review Posted Online: Jan. 22, 2026
The delivery, pacing, intricate plot, and complex characters make this audiobook a winner.
This audiobook provides listeners with two distinct but related narratives, each presented by a talented narrator. First, a self-described serial killer instructs would-be followers on how to be a successful murderer. The sophisticated and slightly ominous voice of Michael Geary explains step by step how to kill multiple people without getting caught. The second story is a police procedural describing the investigative work of Samantha "Sam" Hansen as she tracks the killer of a 14-year-old schoolgirl. Tamsin Kennard portrays Sam's mental health issues, her fears, her cleverness, and, most of all, her relentless pursuit of justice.
The delivery, pacing, intricate plot, and complex characters make this audiobook a winner.Pub Date: Feb. 24, 2026
Duration: 11 hrs, 37 mins
DD ISBN: 9781250434586
Publisher: Macmillan Audio
Review Posted Online: March 25, 2026
Kirkus Reviews Issue: May 1, 2026
An engaging and suspenseful listen.
Lisa Flanagan’s talented narration brings ex-detective Vinnie Taylor alive as she settles in a small town in Maryland and tries to rebuild her life. When a routine shopping trip ends in Vinnie receiving a call for help from a teen who believes her best friend has been murdered, Vinnie soon finds herself embroiled in secrets and lies, along with a past she can’t forget. In Vinnie, Flanagan creates a strong, likable character, and she also creates a thoroughly believable cast of supporting characters, including troubled teenagers. Flanagan injects the perfect amount of urgency in her narration, allowing the tension to build as the plot twists to its exciting conclusion.
An engaging and suspenseful listen.Pub Date: Jan. 6, 2026
Duration: 9 hrs
DD ISBN: 9780063439269
Publisher: Harper Audio
Review Posted Online: Feb. 10, 2026
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