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
Halstead handles moments of unease with restraint as Nicholas gets closer to the truth.
Graham Halstead delivers a hair-raising performance in this classic whodunit, which takes place on the remote tip of Cape Cod. Halstead makes the most of a familiar setup as Nicholas, a ghostwriter, arrives during the holidays to help a famous writer finish a book. Halstead gives the various guests and family members distinct vocal identities, which helps the listener clarify their relationships and competing motives. He plays up the raucousness in scene after scene, including the drunken evening that ends in two deaths. Halstead then switches to a measured pace that allows suspicion to build gradually as Nicholas gathers clues.
Halstead handles moments of unease with restraint as Nicholas gets closer to the truth.Pub Date: today
Duration: 3 hrs, 34 mins
DD ISBN: 9780063433694
Publisher: Harper Audio
Review Posted Online: yesterday
Kirkus Reviews Issue: Nov. 15, 2026
Outstanding suspense, gripping narration, and a highly topical premise.
A page-turner of the highest quality gets the star treatment it deserves. Mackintosh, queen of the thrilling plot twist, knocks it out of the park in this riveting production, brought to life by a quartet of outstanding vocal talents: Richard Armitage, Samuel Barnett, Tuppence Middleton, and Vineeta Rishi. From the moment Nadeeka arrives home to find police at the door and her boyfriend on the carpet, covered in blood, the listener is swept up into an intricately plotted political thriller where nothing is what it appears. As the story is told from four points of view, the suspense never lets up, and each well-voiced character is forced to confront, or reveal, the horrifying truth.
Outstanding suspense, gripping narration, and a highly topical premise.Pub Date: Sept. 22, 2026
Duration: 11 hrs, 31 mins
DD ISBN: 9781464297335
Publisher: Sourcebooks Audio
Review Posted Online: Sept. 15, 2026
Kirkus Reviews Issue: Nov. 1, 2026
© Copyright 2026 Kirkus Media LLC. All Rights Reserved.
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