Abandon: A Novel by Blake Crouch

February 2nd, 2023 Kimberly Review 20 Comments

2nd Feb

I was delighted that Blake Crouch’s back matter will be on audio and grabbed Abandon. Narrated by Soneela Nankani, Jennifer Jill Araya, Timothy Jackson, and Max Meyers, Abandon tells a tale of journalist Abigail Foster and her historian father who along with their party explore a town where its inhabitants disappeared Christmas Day 1893. Horror meets thriller in this chilling listen.

Abandon: A Novel by Blake Crouch
Abandon
by Blake Crouch
Narrator: Soneela Nankani, Jennifer Jill Araya, Timothy Jackson, Max Meyers
Length: 12 hours and 41 minutes
Genres: Horror
Purchase*: Amazon | Audible *affiliate
Goodreads
Rating: One StarOne StarOne StarOne Star
Narration: 4.5 cups Speed: 1.5x

A century-old mystery—and a desperate battle to survive—unfold in this standalone thriller from the New York Times bestselling author of Dark Matter and Recursion.

On Christmas Day in 1893, every man, woman, and child in a remote mining town disappeared, belongings forsaken, meals left to freeze in vacant cabins, and not a single bone found.

Now, journalist Abigail Foster and her historian father have set out to explore the long-abandoned town and learn what happened. With them are two backcountry guides—along with a psychic and a paranormal photographer who are there to investigate rumors that the town is haunted.

But Abigail and her companions are about to learn that the town’s ghosts are the least of their worries. Twenty miles from civilization, with a blizzard bearing down, they realize they are not alone.

The ordeal that follows will test this small team past the breaking point as they battle the elements and human foes alike—and discover that the town’s secrets still have the power to kill.

Part journey into old-West history, part nail-biting survival thriller, Abandon is a bloody, darkly surprising tale as only Blake Crouch could deliver.

historical SUSPENSE thriller twisted

The tale that unfolds was chilling from the changing point of views to the timelines. Crouch gave us both the current storyline and shared events of 1893 as they unfolded.

Abigail is a journalist, and she has joined her father, a historian, to document the abandoned town. With them are two guides and a couple. The couple is a psychic and paranormal photographer team.

If the Lost Colony of Roanoke Island intrigues you, then this story will pull you in. The town has been abandoned. Meals are still on tables, but not a single man, women or child were found. Not even their bones.

The story built as we learned about events that unfolded in 1893, and see things quickly deteriorate in the present. Suspense, twists and horrors await you in this spin-chilling tale. The story was grounded, making it all the more terrifying.

Narrated by Soneela Nankani, Jennifer Jill Araya, Timothy Jackson, and Max Meyers, early Crouch did not disappoint. The story lends itself perfectly to the audio format. I was glad they chose multiple narraters and found it enhanced the story and transitions from timeline and perspective occurred smoothly.

Amazon | Audible

About Blake Crouch

Blake Crouch

Blake Crouch is a bestselling novelist and screenwriter. He is the author of the forthcoming novel, Dark Matter, for which he is writing the screenplay for Sony Pictures. His international-bestselling Wayward Pines trilogy was adapted into a television series for FOX, executive produced by M. Night Shyamalan, that was Summer 2015’s #1 show. With Chad Hodge, Crouch also created Good Behavior, the TNT television show starring Michelle Dockery based on his Letty Dobesh novellas. He has written more than a dozen novels that have been translated into over thirty languages and his short fiction has appeared in numerous publications including Ellery Queen and Alfred Hitchcock Mystery Magazine. Crouch lives in Colorado with his family.

About Jennifer Jill Araya

Jennifer Jill Araya

Jennifer Jill Araya has been listening to audiobooks since she was a young child, and the fact that she now gets to narrate audiobooks for a living is a dream come true. Jennifer's training as an opera singer and orchestral cellist lend a musicality and depth of understanding to her narration that help bring her authors' stories to life. She loves nothing more than giving life and breath to the printed word. When she's not narrating, Jennifer can be found hiking, biking, running, or generally exploring her home city of Cincinnati with her husband Arturo (a.k.a. "Partner in Crime") and their two children.

About Soneela Nankani

Soneela Nankani

Soneela Nankani is a classically trained Brooklyn-based actress. She has performed at many prestigious theaters and is an ensemble member of the award-winning Sojourn Theatre. In addition, Soneela has worked in film and television and has narrated over 60 audiobooks. Soneela holds an MFA in Acting from Columbia University.

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About Kimberly
Kimberly is a coffee loving book addict who reads and listens to fictional stories in all genres. Whovian, Ravenclaw, Howler and proud Nonna. She owns and manages Caffeinated PR. The coffee is always on and she is ready to chat. Twitter | Facebook | Instagram

20 Responses to “Abandon: A Novel by Blake Crouch”

  1. Katherine

    I’ve had Blake Crouch on my radar for awhile but this is the first book I’ve seen that really calls to me. This sounds like a fascinating read and definitely one that needs to go on my TBR.

  2. Karen

    I have heard so many wonderful things about this author. This isn’t a genre I typically read but I seem to be able to do better with it on audio so I think I’ll give him a try.

  3. Wendy

    I haven’t read a book by Blake Crouch, but I’ve heard he’s very talented. I like the premise of this one too.

  4. Lover of Romance

    Wow, this sounds like such a fascinating read. I love those stories that are so well grounded. I do appreciate it when multiple narrators perform the story. Glad this turned out to be a solid story.