This is the bizarre story of an earnest young man who is a magnet for serious trouble. Arthur Oakes is a walking disaster who meets up with an ancient evil he can't comprehend. The narrators, including "Star Trek" actor Kate Mulgrew, beautifully deliver the ugly story. Oakes is forced to steal rare books from the college library where he works to prevent criminals from hurting his mother, who is serving time in prison. Desperate to save her, Oakes makes a series of bad decisions that ultimately lead them all to the gates of hell. This audiobook has few heroes and more than enough monsters. As the narrators keep listeners on the edge of their seats, the 26-hour runtime passes quickly.
Pub Date: Oct. 21, 2025
Duration: 26 hrs
DD ISBN: 9780063437319
Publisher: Harper 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: Nov. 1, 2026
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
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