Fearsome creatures, dangerous spirits, and horrifying humans abound in this riveting collection of stories written by 26 Indigenous authors and performed by 9 Indigenous narrators. Sheldon Elter's matter-of-fact portrayal of a frustrated son transforms into very believable terror in Cherie Dimaline's "Tick Talk." Tara Sky's youthful voice enlivens two disturbingly realistic stories of white people manipulating Indigenous girls and women with unsettling sincerity. Shane Ghostkeeper narrates in a steady, gravelly voice, giving a mesmerizing performance of Shane Hawk's tale of possession, "Behind Colin's Eyes." Fear is audible in Erin Tripp's rendition of D.H. Trujillo's surreal "Snakes Are Born In The Dark." Listeners will find stories full of horror and fear--yet community, humor, and joy abound.
Pub Date: Sept. 19, 2023
Duration: 13 hrs, 30 mins
DD ISBN: 9780593789988
Publisher: Random House Audio
Review Posted Online: Jan. 22, 2026
A dual narration deepens the dread of three brothers escaping war only to question their sanity.
Eric Fox and Ellie Gossage sharpen a historical horror tale into a breathless listening experience. Three brothers desert the Confederate Army during the Civil War and begin the journey home. Fox's steady, rugged tone grounds the brothers' march and keeps the men distinct, while Gossage's scenes as Sarafina, a woman they encounter, add a colder edge that widens the novel's emotional range. The alternating voices help the listener track shifting loyalties and deepen the sense of threat without bogging down the action. Fracassi's horror turns on atmosphere as much as plot, and the narration leans into that with measured pacing and controlled tension. At times, the restraint can feel a shade too even, but the recording heightens the isolation and makes the woods feel claustrophobic.
A dual narration deepens the dread of three brothers escaping war only to question their sanity.Pub Date: April 7, 2026
Duration: 12 hrs, 51 mins
DD ISBN: 9798890931061
Publisher: Vibrance Press
Review Posted Online: today
Kowal’s performance enhances this gothic horror audiobook.
Mary Robinette Kowal narrates this historical horror audiobook about a woman tasked with illustrating parasitic insects. Sonia, a scientific illustrator in 1899 North Carolina, has taken the job of assisting entomologist Dr. Halder in completing his book. Several mysteries surround her new assignment—the local woods are rumored to be full of “blood thieves,” and the animals around Halder’s estate act strangely. Plus, Halder’s previous illustrator was also his wife, whose current whereabouts are unknown. Kowal’s mature voice and precise pacing maintain a creepy atmosphere as Sonia slowly unravels the doctor’s secrets and how they connect to the insects he’s studying. She skillfully uses an American Southern accent and adjusts her cadence to enliven portrayals of the estate’s other workers.
Kowal’s performance enhances this gothic horror audiobook.Pub Date: March 24, 2026
Duration: 9 hrs, 14 mins
DD ISBN: 9781250436153
Publisher: Macmillan Audio
Review Posted Online: April 21, 2026
Kirkus Reviews Issue: June 1, 2026
© Copyright 2026 Kirkus Media LLC. All Rights Reserved.
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