Both performances carry listeners through a riveting, albeit fantastical, conclusion.
Narrator Allyson Ryan compels in this psychological thriller about Ruby Spencer, who works tirelessly on behalf of death row inmates. But her current investigation turns deeply personal as Ruby navigates a cold case with the clock running out. Ryan gives Ruby a patient, calm, and soothing tone that fits her personality. The voices Ryan gives to the characters surrounding Ruby range widely, from Southern to gruff to high-pitched, scratchy, and more. James Shippy portrays the accused man, Mitchell Brown, with a deep voice that conveys a hint of frustration.
Both performances carry listeners through a riveting, albeit fantastical, conclusion.Pub Date: July 21, 2026
Duration: 7 hrs, 24 mins
DD ISBN: 9780063396920
Publisher: Harper Audio
Review Posted Online: Sept. 29, 2026
Kirkus Reviews Issue: Nov. 15, 2026
Poetic writing belies this story’s horror.
Saskia Maarleveld splendidly presents this novel set in Victorian London with a supernatural twist. After debt collectors claim her mansion, Caroline heads to London hoping to find her brother, Charlie, only to find that he has disappeared. Maarleveld makes Caroline sympathetic as she begins working as a maid at Charlie’s last known address. There, she’s told to stay in her room and ignore anything she hears on full moon nights. Maarleveld ably portrays strange lodgers and the compassionate landlady. As Caroline continues to search for Charlie, she believes she’s on the trail of Jack the Ripper, putting herself in grave danger. Maarleveld’s occasional whispered narration increases the sense of dread, while the epilogue humanizes the victims and helps listeners empathize with their tragic plights.
Poetic writing belies this story’s horror.Pub Date: Aug. 25, 2026
Duration: 9 hrs, 17 mins
DD ISBN: 9798217338467
Publisher: Penguin Audio
Review Posted Online: Sept. 22, 2026
Kirkus Reviews Issue: Nov. 1, 2026
Lavery’s narration grounds listeners, who will be guessing until the very end.
EJ Lavery’s Spanish accent and emotionally resonant performance enrich this dual-perspective horror audiobook set in Albuquerque, New Mexico. Twenty years ago, Fortuna barely escaped the infamous serial killer, the Reaper. Now, she’s just won the lottery and can finally afford a better home for her family—and a better school district. But then a body shows up in her yard, murdered in a way that’s suspiciously similar to the Reaper’s methods. As Fortuna dissociates, Lavery’s depiction is particularly chilling. When Lavery voices sections from Detective Palacio’s perspective, the audiobook unfolds like a thrilling mystery.
Lavery’s narration grounds listeners, who will be guessing until the very end.Pub Date: Aug. 18, 2026
Duration: 11 hrs, 45 mins
DD ISBN: 9781668657126
Publisher: Hachette Audio
Review Posted Online: Sept. 8, 2026
Kirkus Reviews Issue: Dec. 15, 2026
© Copyright 2026 Kirkus Media LLC. All Rights Reserved.
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