Audiobook Sample

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Hey there, fellow wanderers and story lovers, it’s Marcus Rivera, your guide to tales from the road and beyond. I’m thrilled to share a journey with you today – not through dusty trails or bustling markets, but into the eerie, enchanting crossroads of a small Texas town. Let’s dive into the audiobook experience of ‘Midnight Crossroad’ by Charlaine Harris, narrated by the captivating Susan Bennett.

There’s something about a story that unfolds like a long, winding road trip through uncharted territory, where every mile reveals a new secret. That’s exactly how ‘Midnight Crossroad,’ the first in a trilogy by Charlaine Harris, feels as an audiobook. Set in the desolate town of Midnight, Texas, at the intersection of Witch Light Road and Davy Road, this contemporary fantasy novel introduces us to a place where boarded-up windows outnumber the residents, and the locals like it that way. It’s a dried-up western town with a pawnshop hiding nocturnal mysteries, a diner where passersby don’t linger, and a new resident, Manfred Bernardo, whose own secrets make him a perfect fit for this odd community. As a travel writer, I’ve seen my share of ghost towns and forgotten places, but Midnight feels like a character itself – brooding, secretive, and full of hidden histories waiting to be unearthed.

Listening to this audiobook reminded me of a time when I was driving through the Atacama Desert in Chile, the driest place on Earth, with ‘One Hundred Years of Solitude’ playing through my speakers. The surreal landscape outside my window mirrored the magical realism of García Márquez’s tale, and the narrator’s voice felt like a companion weaving stories in the emptiness. ‘Midnight Crossroad’ evoked a similar sense of otherworldly isolation. As I listened, I could almost feel the dust of Midnight’s streets under my boots, hear the creak of old shutters in the wind, and taste the bitter coffee from that lonely diner. Harris’s world-building is vivid, painting a contemporary fantasy setting that’s both grounded in the mundane and tinged with the supernatural – perfect for fans of science fiction and fantasy looking for something darker and more intimate.

The story’s themes resonate deeply with me, especially the idea of finding a place to belong among strangers. Midnight is a haven for misfits, each with their own baggage, and as someone who’s often lived out of a suitcase, I connected with Manfred’s search for privacy and purpose. Harris, known for creating the vibrant Sookie Stackhouse series, brings a similar knack for quirky characters and simmering tension to this narrative. The book explores trust and suspicion, community and isolation, with an undercurrent of danger that keeps you guessing. It’s less action-packed than some adventure fantasies, focusing instead on the slow unraveling of secrets – a style that suits the audiobook format beautifully, as it mirrors the pace of a late-night conversation.

What elevates this listening experience is Susan Bennett’s narration. Her voice is a masterclass in storytelling, much like the grandmother I stayed with in Oaxaca, whose evening tales taught me the power of pause and inflection. Bennett captures the essence of Midnight’s residents with distinct tones and subtle shifts in emotion, from Manfred’s guarded curiosity to the enigmatic undertones of the pawnshop’s hidden occupant. You can almost hear the weight of unspoken histories in her delivery. Her pacing is spot-on, allowing the suspense to build naturally, and her warm, textured voice makes even the quieter moments feel intimate. The audio quality, produced by Recorded Books, is crisp and immersive, with no distracting background noise – just pure, unadulterated storytelling that draws you into the heart of this fantasy fiction world.

That said, ‘Midnight Crossroad’ isn’t without its limitations. While Harris excels at creating atmosphere, the plot can feel meandering at times, especially for listeners craving high-stakes action typical of the action and adventure genre. The first book in the trilogy sets up more questions than answers, which might frustrate some, though I found it akin to arriving in a new town and slowly piecing together its lore. Bennett’s narration, while stellar, occasionally leans too heavily on certain accents, which can pull you out of the story if you’re hyper-attuned to authenticity. But these are minor quibbles in an otherwise captivating audiobook experience.

For those familiar with Harris’s work, this novel feels like a darker, more subdued cousin to the ‘True Blood’ universe, trading vampires for a broader array of supernatural oddities. If you’ve enjoyed other contemporary fantasy audiobooks like Neil Gaiman’s ‘American Gods,’ with its blend of the mundane and the mystical, or Jim Butcher’s ‘Dresden Files’ for its quirky characters, ‘Midnight Crossroad’ will feel like a natural fit. It’s a story that thrives on the quiet eeriness of small-town life, a niche that Harris carves out with precision.

I’d recommend this audiobook to anyone who loves science fiction and fantasy with a slower burn, or to listeners who crave fiction and literature that explores the human (and not-so-human) condition through a supernatural lens. It’s ideal for long drives or quiet evenings when you want to escape into a world that’s both familiar and unsettlingly strange. And if you’re lucky enough to find this as a free audiobook, it’s an even sweeter deal – there’s nothing better than discovering a hidden gem without spending a dime.

Reflecting on this listening experience, I’m struck by how much it mirrors my own journeys. Every town I’ve passed through, from the desert hamlets of Chile to the coastal villages of Portugal, has its own Midnight – a place where the surface hides deeper truths. Harris’s story, brought to life by Bennett’s voice, reminded me that the best tales are often found in the quietest corners, where strangers become storytellers if you listen closely enough. This audiobook didn’t just entertain me; it made me homesick for roads I haven’t yet traveled, for crossroads I’m yet to discover.

So, my friends, that’s my take on the ‘Midnight Crossroad’ audiobook – a journey worth taking. I’d love to hear your thoughts or your own stories of strange towns and hidden magic. Until our paths cross again, keep wandering, keep listening, and let the stories guide you. This is Marcus Rivera, signing off from the road less traveled.