Narrator Karissa Vacker gives a solid performance of this intriguing winter-themed thriller. Theo, who is estranged from her adoptive parents, doesn't know anything about her birth mother or how she came to be adopted. Vacker believable portrays Theo's confusion and need to know about her origins after she finds a picture of herself as a toddler in a remote cabin on her wealthy fiancé's family property. Vacker's delivery of Theo's memories of her childhood are cloyingly baby voiced; however, she shifts fluidly between voicing other characters of different genders and ages. She skillfully projects affluence when portraying the story's privileged family members, many of whom are subtly menacing. Vacker's pacing and pitch rise along with the danger to Theo, increasing the suspense.
Pub Date: 2025
Duration: 9 hrs, 45 mins
DD ISBN: 9781250381316
Publisher: Macmillan Audio
Review Posted Online: Jan. 22, 2026
Anne McCaffrey's matter-of-fact and straightforward storytelling makes credible this tale of a universe being colonized by humans, a few of whom have telekinetic and telepathic powers. Jean Reed-Bahle's skillful narration is as fast-paced as the storyline, and she has a broad range of voices. The use of an echo effect when characters communicate telepathically is appropriate and effective. Brilliance has produced a program that listeners from teenagers to adults will enjoy.
Pub Date: N/A
Duration: 10 hrs
Publisher: Brilliance Audio
Review Posted Online: Jan. 22, 2026
Robin Cook's medical thriller will have a built-in audience which, for the most part, will not be disappointed with this story. Medical Examiner Laurie Montgomery is certain there is a connection in a series of Yuppie deaths. Technically the production is of high quality; no intrusive sound effects or music detract from the listening experience, and the narration is well-paced. However, narrator Peters's British accent and pronunciations are, at best, out of character and are downright ludicrous when she tries to impersonate Italian-American gangsters. The choice of narrator is inexplicable since the story is set in New York, and all major characters are Americans. Regardless, larger collections will want to have this because of Cook's popularity.
Pub Date: N/A
Duration: 12 hrs
Publisher: Books on Tape
Review Posted Online: Jan. 22, 2026
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