Like a gifted storyteller conjuring scary tales, Michael Crouch gives a riveting performance of this gripping psychological suspense by Norwegian mystery writer Jo Nesbo (in a departure from his Harry Hole detective novels). Crouch channels 14-year-old Richard, recently arrived in a foster home after the deaths of his parents in a fire. Before long, Richard starts to experience some truly terrifying supernatural phenomena--a classmate swallowed by a telephone, for example. Crouch modulates his voice to sound like the jaded yet incredulous adolescent and like the disembodied sinister voice that occasionally drops in during his phone calls. A great listen for fans of the paranormal is made even better by a great narrator.
Pub Date: Oct. 3, 2023
Duration: 6 hrs, 30 mins
DD ISBN: 9780593788578
Publisher: Random House Audio
Review Posted Online: Jan. 22, 2026
Kowal’s performance enhances this gothic horror audiobook.
Mary Robinette Kowal narrates this historical horror audiobook about a woman tasked with illustrating parasitic insects. Sonia, a scientific illustrator in 1899 North Carolina, has taken the job of assisting entomologist Dr. Halder in completing his book. Several mysteries surround her new assignment—the local woods are rumored to be full of “blood thieves,” and the animals around Halder’s estate act strangely. Plus, Halder’s previous illustrator was also his wife, whose current whereabouts are unknown. Kowal’s mature voice and precise pacing maintain a creepy atmosphere as Sonia slowly unravels the doctor’s secrets and how they connect to the insects he’s studying. She skillfully uses an American Southern accent and adjusts her cadence to enliven portrayals of the estate’s other workers.
Kowal’s performance enhances this gothic horror audiobook.Pub Date: March 24, 2026
Duration: 9 hrs, 14 mins
DD ISBN: 9781250436153
Publisher: Macmillan Audio
Review Posted Online: April 21, 2026
Kirkus Reviews Issue: June 1, 2026
Munson's flat and direct narration creates an uncanny intimacy that makes a mental unraveling impossible to resist.
Munson's deliberately monotone narration proves unexpectedly suited to this Kafkaesque tale of domestic horror. His flat delivery amplifies the story's surreal absurdity as a family discovers their sofa has been mysteriously replaced with an identical one. What distinguishes this author-narrated performance are the frequent asides directed at listeners that heighten the unsettling atmosphere rather than diminishing it. Munson’s vocal approach mirrors the prose itself: deceptively simple on the surface yet punctuated by moments of lush, beautiful phrasing that he renders with understated precision. Munson's steady pacing creates a hypnotic quality that propels listeners through a spiral into insanity. His restrained performance transforms the story into an intimate, disquieting experience.
Munson's flat and direct narration creates an uncanny intimacy that makes a mental unraveling impossible to resist.Pub Date: Jan. 10, 2026
Duration: 4 hrs
DD ISBN: 9798228681873
Publisher: Blackstone Audio
Review Posted Online: March 3, 2026
© Copyright 2026 Kirkus Media LLC. All Rights Reserved.
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