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
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: today
Lavery’s narration grounds listeners, who will be guessing until the very end.
EJ Lavery’s Spanish accent and emotionally resonant performance enrich this dual-perspective horror audiobook set in Albuquerque, New Mexico. Twenty years ago, Fortuna barely escaped the infamous serial killer, the Reaper. Now, she’s just won the lottery and can finally afford a better home for her family—and a better school district. But then a body shows up in her yard, murdered in a way that’s suspiciously similar to the Reaper’s methods. As Fortuna dissociates, Lavery’s depiction is particularly chilling. When Lavery voices sections from Detective Palacio’s perspective, the audiobook unfolds like a thrilling mystery.
Lavery’s narration grounds listeners, who will be guessing until the very end.Pub Date: Aug. 18, 2026
Duration: 11 hrs, 45 mins
DD ISBN: 9781668657126
Publisher: Hachette Audio
Review Posted Online: Sept. 8, 2026
Kirkus Reviews Issue: Dec. 15, 2026
© Copyright 2026 Kirkus Media LLC. All Rights Reserved.
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