Narrator Nicola Barber introduces listeners to Ritter's paranormal investigative team, R.F. Jackaby and his new assistant, Abigail Rook. They dog the footsteps of a serial killer who racks up an unsettling number of victims. In a race against time, Jackaby pits his encyclopedic knowledge against the killer's insatiable need for blood. Barber's narration illuminates Ritter's motley characters--from the enigmatic Jackaby to a banshee and a hospitable ghost. The personality that Barber creates for Jackaby is not entirely successful. While her decision to have Jackaby elongate his words and emphasize certain syllables is memorable, it may not accurately represent Jackaby's eerie prescience. Muddy production quality further distracts from this intriguing series opener.
(Paranormal mystery. 12-18)Pub Date: Sept. 16, 2014
Duration: 7 hrs, 30 mins
DD ISBN: 9781622314836
Publisher: HighBridge Audio
Review Posted Online: Jan. 22, 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.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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