Eric Altheide excels at projecting the tension in this compelling novel about a young fiction writer whose actions thrust him into dramas beyond any he ever imagined. Altheide portrays the ambitious writer David Trent, who is determined to publish and thrilled when an award lands him in the limelight. In order to retain his status, he becomes immersed in lies, cheating, and murder. Key to this story arc is Altheide's excellent portrayal of antihero Silas Hale, a lauded writer whose sadistic bullying is unknown to his adoring fans. Altheide successfully manages the novel's twisting plot, memorable characterizations, and satirical tone. This audiobook reveals the danger, darkness, and infighting that may lurk beneath the surface of literary fame.
Pub Date: Dec. 2, 2025
Duration: 7 hrs, 15 mins
DD ISBN: 9780063445307
Publisher: Harper Audio
Review Posted Online: Jan. 22, 2026
Strong performances by four talented narrators make for nail-biting thrills, bits of dark humor, and a killer conclusion.
Writers’ workshops, book tours, author interactions, stalkers, sex, and murder are all part of this chilling tale wonderfully performed by four narrators. Ann Marie Gideon is spot-on as published author Sam, who is experiencing writer's block and is worried that she’s a one-book wonder. Braden Wright’s delivery of William, a cocksure and successful novelist who is impressed with himself, is flawless, and when Sam and William connect, the results are sizzling. Stacy Gonzalez is a peripatetic stalker, Rabbit, who devises terrifying methods of spying on her quarry. Each actor provides wonderful insights into the dysfunctional central characters, while Megan Tusing gives the secondary characters credible personalities.
Strong performances by four talented narrators make for nail-biting thrills, bits of dark humor, and a killer conclusion.Pub Date: Jan. 13, 2026
Duration: 12 hrs, 30 mins
DD ISBN: 9780063448124
Publisher: Harper Audio
Review Posted Online: Feb. 24, 2026
Kirkus Reviews Issue: April 1, 2026
Atmospheric and deliberate, Suzanne Elise Freeman's narration will grab listeners from the very beginning of this mystery. Marlowe Fisher lives on her family's sprawling farm in historic Gray House. An illustrator in her 30s, Marlowe has been shaped by the disappearance of her best friend, Nora, 20 years earlier. Now, a murder in the fields disturbs decades of secrets, and the recent death is tied to Nora's unsolved case. Freeman voices a wide range of characters as the story alternates between the present day and the year before Nora went missing. As Freeman's intentional delivery matches the buildup of the mystery, listeners will find themselves questioning everything.
Pub Date: Dec. 2, 2025
Duration: 10 hrs, 15 mins
DD ISBN: 9798992377026
Publisher: Zibby Books
Review Posted Online: Jan. 22, 2026
© Copyright 2026 Kirkus Media LLC. All Rights Reserved.
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