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- Title: Sanatorium: Reese’s Book Club (A Novel)
- Author: Sarah Pearse
- Narrator: Elizabeth Knowelden
- Length: 11:58:52
- Version: Abridged
- Release Date: 02/02/2021
- Publisher: Penguin Audio
- Genre: Fiction & Literature, Mystery, Thriller & Horror, Suspense, Contemporary Women
- ISBN13: 9.78E+12
When I first pressed play on the ‘Sanatorium’ audiobook, I was instantly transported to the Swiss Alps, to the imposing structure of Le Sommet, a former sanatorium turned luxury hotel. The story unfolds like a dense fog rolling over a mountain peak – slow at first, then suddenly all-encompassing. Sarah Pearse crafts a suspenseful mystery that had me gripping the steering wheel tighter during a long drive through a remote stretch of Patagonia. As someone who’s spent countless nights in isolated places, from desert outposts to jungle lodges, the setting of this novel felt viscerally real. You can almost feel the icy wind seeping through the cracks of the hotel, hear the creak of old wood underfoot, and sense the weight of secrets buried in its history.
This audiobook experience reminded me of a time when I stayed in a remote village in the Andes, where the locals shared whispered tales of haunted peaks and cursed valleys. Just like those evenings, ‘Sanatorium’ taps into that primal unease of being cut off from the world, surrounded by nature’s indifference. The protagonist, Elin Warner, a detective on hiatus, arrives at Le Sommet for her brother’s engagement celebration, only to be thrust into a nightmare when her brother’s fiancée, Laure, disappears. The storm that traps everyone in the hotel mirrors the storms I’ve weathered in far-off places, where isolation amplifies every emotion – fear, suspicion, desperation.
Pearse weaves a tale rich with themes of trauma, family estrangement, and the lingering shadows of the past. Elin’s internal struggle, haunted by her own history, resonated with me deeply. As a travel writer, I’ve often found myself confronting personal ghosts in the solitude of unfamiliar lands. The mystery at the heart of ‘Sanatorium’ – layered with disappearances, hidden histories, and unspoken grudges – keeps you guessing. It’s a thriller that thrives on atmosphere, much like the gothic novels I devoured during late-night train rides across Europe. The hotel itself becomes a character, its minimalist design clashing with its dark past as a sanatorium, creating a tension that’s palpable through the audio.
Now, let’s talk about the listening experience itself. Elizabeth Knowelden’s narration is a masterclass in building suspense. Her voice carries a quiet intensity, shifting seamlessly between Elin’s inner turmoil and the growing panic of the trapped guests. There’s a moment early on, when Elin first senses something off about the hotel, where Knowelden’s tone drops just enough to send a shiver down your spine. It reminds me of the evenings I spent in Oaxaca, listening to a grandmother weave stories with perfect timing and haunting silences. Knowelden captures that same intimate, personal quality, making you feel like she’s confiding the story directly to you. The audio quality is crisp, with every whisper and pause meticulously preserved, enhancing the eerie ambiance of this mystery thriller.
That said, while the audiobook experience is gripping, it’s not without its flaws. At times, the pacing of the story feels uneven – some revelations come too slowly, while others feel rushed in the final act. As someone who’s trekked through landscapes that demand patience, I didn’t mind the slow burn, but I can see how some listeners might crave a tighter narrative. Additionally, while Knowelden’s performance is stellar overall, there are moments where the secondary characters’ voices blend together, making it hard to distinguish between them without context. Still, these are minor quibbles in an otherwise immersive suspense audiobook.
Comparing ‘Sanatorium’ to other works in the mystery and thriller genre, I’m reminded of the atmospheric dread in novels like ‘The Girl on the Train’ by Paula Hawkins, though Pearse leans more heavily on setting than psychological unreliability. It also evokes the isolated menace of classic Agatha Christie mysteries, where a confined space becomes a pressure cooker for secrets. For fans of contemporary women’s fiction with a dark edge, this audiobook will scratch that itch, blending personal drama with heart-pounding horror.
I’d recommend this audiobook to anyone who loves a good suspense tale, especially if you’re drawn to stories set in remote, unforgiving places. Whether you’re listening during a long commute or curled up on a stormy night, ‘Sanatorium’ will pull you in. It’s perfect for fans of mystery, thriller, and horror genres, and those who enjoy strong, complex female leads. If you’re looking for a free audiobook to dive into, keep an eye out for promotions – I’ve stumbled across gems like this on platforms offering audiobook free trials, and it’s always a thrill to discover a story without cost.
Reflecting on this journey through ‘Sanatorium,’ I’m struck by how it mirrors the way travel often forces us to confront the unknown – both in the world around us and within ourselves. Listening to Elin navigate her fears and unravel the hotel’s mysteries felt like revisiting my own moments of uncertainty in far-flung corners of the globe. There’s a raw humanity to this story, a reminder that even in the most beautiful, isolated places, darkness can linger. This audiobook experience isn’t just a story; it’s a visceral trip into the heart of fear and resilience.
As I sign off, amigos, I’m already dreaming of my next adventure – both on the road and in the pages of another gripping tale. I hope you’ll join me in exploring ‘Sanatorium’ through this haunting audiobook. Drop me a line or share your thoughts on social media; I’d love to hear how this story chilled or thrilled you. Until our paths cross again, keep seeking stories that move you, and may your journeys always lead to unexpected wonders. ¡Hasta pronto!
Marcus Rivera
