Narrator Brittany Pressley returns the listener to Maine and Poole Manor, the house Sonya has inherited--complete with ghosts and a curse. A witch, Hester Dobbs, has cursed the family and over the years has killed seven Poole brides. Sonya; her boyfriend, Trey; her best friend, Cleo; and her cousin, Owen, are determined to break the curse and rid the manor of Dobbs. Cleo is from the South, and Pressley provides just the right touch of Cajun intonation, which contrasts pleasantly with Sonya's Northern accent. Pressley builds the tension as Dobbs attempts to scare Sonya and the others away from the house. Pressley's performance reflects the bond that forms among the characters as they battle the malevolent witch.
Pub Date: Nov. 18, 2025
Duration: 15 hrs, 30 mins
DD ISBN: 9781250402868
Publisher: Macmillan Audio
Review Posted Online: Jan. 22, 2026
A humorous narration of a twisted fairy tale.
Rebecca Stern’s narration plays up the exaggerated irony in Waggoner’s cozy political fantasy. Gretsella is a forest witch whose adopted son, Bradley, turns out to be the secret heir to the kingdom. Gretsella’s misandry and pragmatism take center stage as she helps her kind but naïve son settle into palace life—before deciding it would be better if she overthrew his government. With her textured voice, Stern illustrates Gretsella’s ability to take charge and execute grand schemes. Stern leans into Bradley’s uncomplicated goodness and portrays other palace characters appropriately, including the knight Bradley falls for. Stern’s knowing tone makes clear the parallels with modern politics while staying focused on Gretsella’s maternal pride.
A humorous narration of a twisted fairy tale.Pub Date: March 17, 2026
Duration: 5 hrs, 25 mins
DD ISBN: 9798217282784
Publisher: Penguin Audio
Review Posted Online: April 11, 2026
A heartwarming listening experience touched by magic.
Genevieve Cocke narrates this fantasy audiobook set in 1920s Montreal. Agnes is desperate to find a new home for her cat shelter and herself after a magical duel in front of her building left only three walls standing. For this and other reasons, Agnes is not a fan of magic, but the only person willing to rent to her and her feline rescues is Havelock, a notorious magician. Cocke endows Havelock with a Quebecois accent, although most other characters have no identifiable accent. Agnes prepares a checklist for most everything, and Cocke makes her organized but not officious. Cocke instills personality in the many secondary characters, including the cats.
A heartwarming listening experience touched by magic.Pub Date: Feb. 17, 2026
Duration: 11 hrs
DD ISBN: 9798217279272
Publisher: Random House Audio
Review Posted Online: March 2, 2026
Kirkus Reviews Issue: April 1, 2026
© Copyright 2026 Kirkus Media LLC. All Rights Reserved.
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