Versatile narrators effectively differentiate interwoven characters’ perspectives in this retelling of Stephen King’s CARRIE, made more horrific by its theme of racism. Maddy (Carrie redux), a timid biracial teen who is bullied at school, has secret psychic powers that explode on prom night. As a broadcast reporter, portrayed by Christopher Salazar, tracks the facts of what happened, his neutrality is challenged by his British cohost, portrayed by Sarah Mollo-Christensen. Mollo-Christensen also portrays the spoiled Jules, who manipulates prejudice to her advantage. JD Jackson captures African American Kenny’s easygoing temperament. His personality contrasts with that of his white girlfriend, Wendy, as Joy Nash delivers the driven girl’s determination to look good. Karen Malina White expresses the torment of Maddy. Collectively, the narrators ensure that the story is clear and captivating.
(Horror. 13-18)Pub Date: 2022
Duration: 11 hrs
DD ISBN: 9780063029170
Publisher: Harper Audio
Review Posted Online: Jan. 22, 2026
Amanda Stribling's Southern accent evokes the Ozarks background of 17-year-old Dove Warner. Stribling also captures the horror Dove faces when she--like others affected by her family's curse--hears the bones of murdered people calling out for her to discover their burial places. Stribling's tone becomes calmer when Dove spends time with her best friend, Lo, until he expresses his own feelings of being haunted by those who have been killed. Dove manages to disregard the lurid tales of townsfolk until the killing increases. Stribling adds tension as Dove and Lo become more determined to learn who--or what--is responsible. Stribling's narration maximizes the atmospheric setting, lyrical writing, and many twists and turns of this audiobook.
(Paranormal thriller. 14-18)Pub Date: 2025
Duration: 10 hrs
DD ISBN: 9798217017010
Publisher: Listening Library
Review Posted Online: Jan. 22, 2026
A trio of narrators portray teens from different eras and settings. January LaVoy transitions smoothly from the accented dialogue of Hanna and Sophie, two Polish teens, to an unstressed voicing of their risk-taking amid Hitler's threats in 1939. Jeremy Carlisle Parker transitions listeners to 1980 West Berlin, where Jenny adjusts to her family's move from Dallas. Parker also portrays passionate, German-accented Lena, a queer punk rocker, whom Jenny comes to love. In addition, Parker delivers the softer storytelling tones of an older German woman. Major Curda communicates the growth of Brooklynite Miles, who solves the mysterious disappearances of two girls sixty years earlier. The trio heighten their narrations as the story's tension increases and connections become clear. Libba Bray cheerily reads her Author Note.
(Historical mystery. 13-18)Pub Date: 2025
Duration: 16 hrs, 30 mins
DD ISBN: 9781250353993
Publisher: Macmillan Audio
Review Posted Online: Jan. 22, 2026
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