Audiobook Sample
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- Title: Wives
- Author: Tarryn Fisher
- Narrator: Lauren Fortgang
- Length: 09:00:07
- Version: Abridged
- Release Date: 30/12/2019
- Publisher: HarlequinAudio
- Genre: Mystery, Thriller & Horror, Suspense
- ISBN13: 9.78E+12
Let’s break this down – Tarryn Fisher’s “Wives” isn’t just another thriller; it’s a masterclass in psychological tension that plays out even more vividly in audio form. As someone who’s analyzed hundreds of narrative formats for my ‘Future of Stories’ podcast, I can confirm Lauren Fortgang’s narration transforms this already twisty story into something bordering on addictive.
“The Cultural Impact Here Is…”
Fisher taps into our collective fascination with polyamory and domestic deception – themes that exploded on BookTok last year. But what makes “Wives” stand out is how it weaponizes intimacy. The protagonist’s slow-burn realization that her husband’s other marriages aren’t just unconventional but potentially dangerous mirrors that creeping dread we’ve all felt when noticing tiny inconsistencies in a partner’s behavior. I found myself pausing the audiobook during my commute just to text friends hypotheticals like “Would you investigate your spouse’s secret wife?” (Spoiler: My group chat divided sharply.)
“Narration That Elevates the Text”
Fortgang delivers a clinic in vocal layering. Her interpretation of the protagonist shifts subtly – breathier during anxious scenes, clipped when confronting truths – creating an audio equivalent of Fisher’s unreliable narration. The way she voices “Hannah,” the abused second wife, with this fragile vibrato? Chilling. It reminded me of my “Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo” deep-dive where listeners reported understanding character arcs better through vocal tone than text descriptions.
“Audiobook-Specific Brilliance”
Fisher’s prose thrives in audio format. Short, punchy chapters become relentless when voiced – like being trapped in the protagonist’s spiraling thoughts. Key scenes (discovering that appointment slip, the first coffee date with Hannah) gain visceral impact through Fortgang’s pacing. Pro tip: Listen with headphones for the whispered asides that text can’t replicate.
“Where It Stumbles”
Some twists land harder in print where you can flip back to spot foreshadowing. The third wife’s reveal lacked the gasp-factor I expected, though Fortgang’s performance almost compensates. Also, trigger warnings for domestic violence feel necessary – the audio portrayal of abuse is unflinchingly raw.
“For Fans Of…”
If you loved the collaborative energy of Fisher’s “Never Never” or the marital mind games in “Gone Girl”, this belongs in your queue. It’s “Big Little Lies” meets “The Wife Between Us”, but with audio-specific tension-building that rivals “The Silent Patient”‘s narration.
“Final Verdict”
A rare case where the audiobook might surpass the print experience. Fisher’s taut plotting combined with Fortgang’s nuanced performance makes this a must-listen for thriller fans – though maybe not during a late-night laundry session. (After finishing, I side-eyed my partner’s jeans pockets for days.)
Stay story-obsessed,
Sophie
Sophie Bennett
