Narrator Amielynn Abellera provides a cartoonish bunch of characters for this diverse, scary story. Seventh grader Harper Raine isn't happy that her parents have moved her family from New York City to Washington, DC, and her discovery that their new house is haunted isn't helping. As Harper's 4-year-old brother's behavior becomes increasingly beastly, the dark history of the house and the gaps in Harper's memories surrounding near deadly accidents in her past converge. Suddenly, the paranormal presents answers via her estranged Korean grandmother. Abellera's pacing is sometimes too measured, making it seem like this audiobook is aiming for a younger audience than the level of gore indicates. Her performance smooths out as the emotion and stakes overtake the listener in the race to the bone-chilling climax.
(Horror. 10-14)Pub Date: March 3, 2020
Duration: 6 hrs, 30 mins
DD ISBN: 9780062977991
Publisher: Harper Audio
Review Posted Online: Jan. 22, 2026
Contemporary Brooklyn is home to a diverse group of characters voiced by Nikki Massoud in this middle-grade mystery with a slight fantasy twist. In this second installment, amateur sleuths Roya and Amin are approached by their neighbor and fellow classmate, 12-year-old Thea, to find the treasure left in their building by her estranged grandfather. Showcasing her skills, Massoud interweaves vibrant characters and periodic Iranian words. Roya and Amin are given energetic and confident voices, while Thea's breathy voice portrays a more reserved and introverted personality. Massoud captures three generations of characters ranging from tired parents and grandparents to boisterous children.
(Mystery. 9-13)Pub Date: Nov. 11, 2025
Duration: 4 hrs, 30 mins
DD ISBN: 9798217157068
Publisher: Listening Library
Review Posted Online: Jan. 22, 2026
With a bright, youthful tone, narrator Rachel Jacobs voices innocent 12-year-old Razzi. Razzi has lived her entire life in an old compound--or mansion--with her parents, brother, and a few other families. She and the other children have never been allowed to go outside because nearly all of mankind was eliminated after the "Great Poisoning." However, a traumatic medical episode and a tragic event cause Razzi to question her sheltered existence. Will she rebel against authority to feel the sun on her skin and the wind on her face? Jacobs nimbly switches between adult and child voices, and her controlled pacing and subtle dramatic emphasis heighten the tension. Jacobs' performance effectively conveys Razzi's emotional turmoil as the story unfolds, adding depth to the narrative.
(Speculative thriller. 9-12)Pub Date: Oct. 7, 2025
Duration: 4 hrs, 30 mins
DD ISBN: 9798225000264
Publisher: Scholastic Audiobooks
Review Posted Online: Jan. 22, 2026
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