Playing with Fire
Narrated by Julia Whelan, Will Damron
Why Listen to This Audiobook?
A piece of sheet music makes a mother watch her child turn violent — and the explanation is somehow worse than supernatural.
- Great if you want: psychological suspense layered with historical mystery and dread
- Listening experience: slow-burn tension that tightens steadily toward a dark reveal
- Narration: Whelan and Damron split timelines cleanly, each voice anchoring its own unsettling world
- Skip if: you want a traditional Rizzoli & Isles procedural
About This Audiobook
A talented violinist's life spirals into nightmare when she discovers an antique musical score in a Roman shop. The haunting composition seems to possess an otherworldly power, triggering violent episodes in those who encounter it. As disturbing incidents escalate around her young daughter, the musician embarks on a desperate quest to Venice, determined to uncover the dark origins of the cursed waltz. Her investigation reveals a web of family secrets stretching back generations, where influential figures will kill to protect their buried sins.
Julia Whelan and Will Damron deliver a masterful dual narration that amplifies the story's gothic atmosphere and mounting dread. Whelan captures the protagonist's growing desperation with nuanced emotional depth, while Damron's authoritative voice grounds the historical elements and sinister revelations. Their alternating perspectives create a rich audio tapestry that mirrors the novel's structure perfectly. The production quality allows listeners to almost hear the mysterious waltz weaving through the narrative, making this supernatural thriller particularly effective in audio format where music and atmosphere blend seamlessly.
