Audiobook Sample
Listen to the sample to experience the story.
Please wait while we verify your browser...
- Title: You Shouldn’t Have Come Here
- Author: Jeneva Rose
- Narrator: Andi Arndt, Andrew Eiden
- Length: 08:01:36
- Version: Abridged
- Release Date: 25/04/2023
- Publisher: Blackstone Audiobooks
- Genre: Romance, Mystery, Romance, Mystery
- ISBN13: 9.80E+12
There’s something about a good thriller that feels like embarking on a journey into the unknown, and ‘You Shouldn’t Have Come Here’ delivers just that. As a travel writer who’s spent countless hours exploring remote corners of the world, I was immediately drawn to the premise of this romance mystery. Grace Evans, a stressed-out New Yorker, escapes to a Wyoming ranch for what she hopes will be a peaceful getaway. Instead, she finds herself tangled in a web of secrets, lies, and an unsettling romance with the ranch owner, Calvin Wells. The story unfolds like a narrow mountain pass – every turn reveals a new danger, and you can’t help but hold your breath waiting for the next drop.
This audiobook experience reminded me of a time when I was driving through the Atacama Desert in Chile, listening to ‘One Hundred Years of Solitude.’ Just as the surreal landscape outside my window mirrored the magical realism of García Márquez’s words, the eerie isolation of the Wyoming ranch in Jeneva Rose’s tale felt palpable through my headphones. There’s a haunting quality to the setting – a lack of cell service, a missing woman, whispers of something sinister beneath the idyllic surface – that mirrors the kind of unease I’ve felt in far-flung places where the beauty hides darker truths. You can almost feel the crisp Wyoming air, the creak of old wood in the ranch house, and the tension building like a storm on the horizon.
The themes of obsession and deception in this romance mystery hit close to home for me. I’ve met people on my travels who wear masks, whose charm hides something more complex underneath. Grace and Calvin’s relationship starts as a playful fling but spirals into something far more destructive. Rose masterfully crafts this shift, layering suspicion and doubt until you’re questioning every motive. It’s a dance of trust and betrayal, much like the stories I heard from a grandmother in Oaxaca during my stay with her family. Her evening tales, told with dramatic pauses and a knowing glint in her eye, taught me how suspense can be wielded like a weapon. Rose’s narrative has that same intimate, gripping quality, pulling you into the psychological game between her characters.
Let’s talk about the listening experience itself. Narrated by Andi Arndt and Andrew Eiden, this audiobook is a masterclass in dual perspectives. Arndt’s portrayal of Grace captures her vulnerability and growing paranoia with a voice that trembles just enough to make you feel her fear. Eiden, as Calvin, brings a rugged charm that slowly morphs into something more menacing – his tone shifts are subtle but chilling. Together, they create a dynamic that mirrors the push-and-pull of the characters’ relationship. The audio quality is crisp, with no distractions, allowing you to fully immerse yourself in the mystery. I found myself turning up the volume, not wanting to miss a single inflection or whispered secret. Their performance elevates the tension of this romance thriller, making it a standout in the genre.
That said, no journey is without its bumps. While the twists in ‘You Shouldn’t Have Come Here’ are undeniably shocking – Colleen Hoover wasn’t wrong when she called Rose the ‘queen of twists’ – there are moments where the pacing stumbles. Some of Grace’s internal monologues feel repetitive, especially in the middle of the book, and I occasionally wanted the story to move faster toward its explosive conclusion. Additionally, while the romance is steamy and central to the plot, it sometimes overshadows the mystery elements, which might disappoint listeners craving a more balanced thriller. Still, these are minor quibbles in an otherwise gripping narrative.
Comparing this to other works in the romance mystery genre, I’d place it alongside titles like ‘The Perfect Marriage,’ also by Rose, for its domestic suspense and unpredictable turns. It also echoes the psychological depth of Gillian Flynn’s ‘Gone Girl,’ though with a more rural, isolated setting that adds a unique flavor. If you’re a fan of audiobooks that blend steamy romance with dark secrets, this one will keep you hooked.
I’d recommend this audiobook to anyone who loves a good mystery with a side of forbidden romance, especially if you’re drawn to stories about escaping to remote places only to find danger waiting. It’s perfect for long drives or quiet evenings when you want to lose yourself in a tale that’s as unsettling as it is captivating. Whether you’re a seasoned thriller listener or new to the genre, the audiobook experience of ‘You Shouldn’t Have Come Here’ offers a journey worth taking.
Reflecting on this story, I can’t help but think about the risks we take when we step into the unknown – whether it’s a new destination or a stranger’s heart. As someone who’s lived for the thrill of discovery, I found Grace’s story a poignant reminder that not every escape leads to freedom. There’s a rawness to Rose’s writing that lingers, much like the dust of a desert road on your boots long after the journey’s end. This audiobook didn’t just entertain me; it made me ponder the hidden stories behind the places and people I encounter on my travels.
So, my friends, that’s my take on ‘You Shouldn’t Have Come Here.’ I’d love to hear your thoughts – did the twists catch you off guard as much as they did me? Drop me a line or join the conversation on my podcast, ‘Stories from the Road.’ Until our paths cross again, keep seeking out the stories that challenge and change you. Safe travels, Marcus Rivera.
