"The devil is in the details." After the sudden death of his wife, successful author Mike Noonan is acutely aware of details--the ephemera of her life, the vivid images of his dreams, questions about the last months before her death. Author/narrator King uses careful scene-setting to lead us into the sensible, rational world of Noonan's home and family. Then, he slowly moves into an unreal world where the coincidences become spooky events and shadowy spirits, both good and evil, emerge. The slow revelation is so chilling it gets under your skin and drives the story. Noonan's efforts to help a young woman and her child become a key to dark secrets in their lakeside community. King's twangy voice takes some getting used to, but he's deft with the Maine accents, the conventions of speech and the endearing jumbled speech of 4-year-old Kira Devore. King has what he calls the "temperature gradient" of the characters and indeed he conveys this with precision. The slightly unpolished delivery, an occasional hesitancy and a storyteller's intimacy make the first-person narrative especially real. The program is enhanced with great blues music, and King even sings a few bars. These additions are thoughtful and don't overshadow or divert at all. Another unique audio feature is a substantial interview between producer Eve Beglarian and King after the novel's conclusion. Lively and informal, it's almost as if King has stopped by your book group to talk about his new book. This new novel is a treat both for King fans and for listeners who haven't read his work. King's brilliance at storytelling has never been better.
Pub Date: Jan. 22, 1998
Duration: 22 hrs
DD ISBN: 743563301
Publisher: Simon & Schuster Audio
Review Posted Online: Jan. 22, 2026
Narrator Amielynn Abellera voices a heart-pounding thriller in which two homicide detectives chase a serial killer while trying to avert the literal end of the world. James Manning and Covina Duwai are trying to solve a series of bizarre murders. As part of those endeavors, they learn that the killings are linked to an ancient legend that heralds the apocalypse, which will be brought about by a physical manifestation of the devil. Abellera shines as the lead detective Covina, but her unusual cadence for the other characters is jarring and filled with needless pauses. Nonetheless, action scenes find Abellera ratcheting up the tension, making for an exciting listen. An unusual thriller blends unique elements with a capable narration.
Pub Date: Jan. 22, 2019
Duration: 8 hrs, 15 mins
DD ISBN: 9781980054399
Publisher: Recorded Books Inc.
Review Posted Online: Jan. 22, 2026
An alternate history of the eighteenth century weaves together the story of the slave rebellion in Haiti, the French Revolution, and the abolitionist movement in England--all wrapped in an undercurrent of magic. Andrew Kingston assumes subtle accents for each setting as listeners recognize the major historical figures of these events and are introduced to a few fictional characters. He shows the rapport and friendships among many of the characters, enhancing the ways that events are intertwined. He maintains a good pace and strong narrative drive even through the building of the background information and the introductions of the many characters. Parry makes the magic seem natural and an integral part of each political climate as he sets the stage for a sequel.
Pub Date: Jan. 26, 2021
Duration: 21 hrs
DD ISBN: 9781549101922
Publisher: Hachette Audio
Review Posted Online: Jan. 22, 2026
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