by John Fram ; Read by Shaun Taylor-Corbett , Travis Tonn & Jade Wheeler ‧ RELEASE DATE: July 23, 2024
A trio of narrators brings to life this dark, brooding mystery. Shaun Taylor-Corbett narrates most of this story from the point of view of Toby Tucker, who suddenly marries into the wealthy Wright family, famous for their televangelist patriarch, Jerome. Severe weather strands the extended family at their Texas compound, and when Jerome is found dead, deep family secrets emerge that will endanger Toby and his son, Luca. Travis Tonn captures eldest son Richard, who is dysfunctional and delusional, and grandfather Jerome, who is devious and mysterious. Jade Wheeler steps in to portray housekeeper Marie, who sounds helpful and determined, and sensitive Luca, who is the key to the intricate family plot. This cast of narrators creates a family that will keep the listener riveted.
Pub Date: July 23, 2024
Duration: 11 hrs, 30 mins
DD ISBN: 9781797181974
Publisher: Simon & Schuster Audio
Review Posted Online: Jan. 22, 2026
by Sam Munson ; Read by Sam Munson ‧ RELEASE DATE: Jan. 10, 2026
Munson's flat and direct narration creates an uncanny intimacy that makes a mental unraveling impossible to resist.
Awards & Accolades
Our Verdict
GET IT
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
by Molly O'Sullivan ; Read by Piper Goodeve ‧ RELEASE DATE: Oct. 28, 2025
Piper Goodeve narrates this dark academia audiobook set in New Mexico. After five years away, Cella Gibbons returns to her alma mater to help solve a magical mystery involving students and staff. Coming back to campus after dropping out of her master's program dredges up a myriad of feelings for Cella, and Goodeve balances the guilt, shame, and nostalgia she feels. Cella also carries multiple personal traumas from her own time as a student, which Goodeve highlights in her portrayal. But Goodeve's handling of accents, such as Cella's ex-boyfriend Max's drawl, is inconsistent. Additionally, the production choice to have the same narrator read both the main text and the footnotes and other ephemera makes it difficult to keep the structural integrity and flow of the story intact. Overall, a mixed production.
Pub Date: Oct. 28, 2025
Duration: 13 hrs
DD ISBN: 9798895947333
Publisher: Recorded Books Inc.
Review Posted Online: Jan. 22, 2026
© Copyright 2026 Kirkus Media LLC. All Rights Reserved.
Hey there, book lover.
We’re glad you found a book that interests you!
We can’t wait for you to join Kirkus!
It’s free and takes less than 10 seconds!
Already have an account? Log in.
OR
Trouble signing in? Retrieve credentials.
Welcome Back!
OR
Trouble signing in? Retrieve credentials.
Don’t fret. We’ll find you.