Chin’s narration balances a dramatic, fast-moving plot with lush descriptions and poignant historical details.
Katharine Chin masterfully conveys the many tensions of Lucy’s story. Found in a canoe floating to Orcas Island off the coast of Washington state and raised by a kindly benefactor, Lucy has always wondered about her parents and her heritage. She’s planning on heading off to college to make a fresh start—until she comes upon her benefactor’s severed head and is named heir of his estate. Chin’s propulsive narration plunges listeners into Lucy’s search to solve the murder and uncover the secrets of her origin; explain her connection with animals, including orcas; determine whom she truly loves; and find her place in the world.
Chin’s narration balances a dramatic, fast-moving plot with lush descriptions and poignant historical details. (Historical mystery. 12-18)Pub Date: March 17, 2026
Duration: 11 hrs, 22 mins
DD ISBN: 9781668160121
Publisher: Simon & Schuster Audio
Review Posted Online: April 7, 2026
Kirkus Reviews Issue: May 15, 2026
Desean Terry delivers a touching performance of this reimagining of "The Great Gatsby," in which the protagonists are gay Black prep school students. Aspiring journalist Nick Carrington leaves Oklahoma to begin school at Harlem's West Egg Academy. Out of his element, Nick keeps his gay identity a closely held secret, but love interest Jay Gatsby Jr.--the academy founder's son--openly embraces his own gay identity. As they write letters to each other, each more daring and affectionate than the last, they receive threats that their budding relationship will be exposed in the school newspaper. Terry clearly presents every piece of dialogue that warrants an emotional charge and adds subtle suspense to his straightforward tone when needed. Terry's narration is always on the money.
(Historical fiction. 13-18)Pub Date: Jan. 27, 2026
Duration: 10 hrs, 45 mins
DD ISBN: 9780063312517
Publisher: Harper Audio
Review Posted Online: Jan. 22, 2026
Listeners will be drawn in by Stevens’ skilled narration.
Eileen Stevens delivers an exceptional telling of this story of fatal curses, sea creatures, and what it takes to protect one’s family. Nineteen-year-old heroine Annie lives in the city of Kirkrell, where her family runs a whaling company. She must race to save her family’s legacy from the ancient finfolk who live in the dark waters surrounding Kirkrell and menace the sailors hunting magical whales. Unbeknownst to her, Annie’s fiancé August has an evil plan to take over her parents’ lifework, and the more he tries to help and comfort her, the more she learns about his deception.
Listeners will be drawn in by Stevens’ skilled narration. (Fantasy. 13-18)Pub Date: Nov. 11, 2025
Duration: 9 hrs, 15 mins
DD ISBN: 9781250415752
Publisher: Macmillan Audio
Review Posted Online: April 1, 2026
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