Suspense thriller, The Astrology House by Carinn Jade delivers a full cast narration. When a group of friends and siblings arrive at Stars Harbor Astrological Retreat for rest and relaxation, not all will go home. An intriguing debut that is the perfect fall listen.
by Carinn Jade
Narrator: Carinn Jade, Amanda Dolan, Sean Patrick Hopkins, Gilli Messer, Soneela Nankani, Allyson Ryan, Sura Siu
Genres: Thriller
Source: Publisher
Purchase*: Amazon | Audible *affiliate
Narration: 4 cups Speed: 1.5x
A group of wealthy Manhattanites escapes to an astrology-themed retreat, where simmering resentments and long-held secrets lead to a shocking death.
Margot needs a minute. She’s been working eighty-hour weeks as a newly minted partner at her law firm. She’s disconnected from her brother, the only family she has left. And she’s still not pregnant after years of trying.
Stars Harbor Astrological Retreat promises rest, relaxation, and wisdom for Margot and her friends. With Instagram-worthy views and nightly astrology readings in an impeccably restored waterfront Victorian house, this getaway should be nothing but idyllic fun. For Margot’s brother, Adam, it’s the perfect opportunity to rekindle the romance that fuels his writing, but his wife, Aimee, hides the darkness of her past with a beautiful social media feed. Their friend, Farah, is a successful doctor who cannot admit she’s losing control. But no one holds a greater secret than their astrologer host, Rini. She has a plan for all her guests, and one won’t be leaving Stars Harbor alive.
Margot, her husband Ted, her brother Adam, and his wife Aimee, along with their friends, Farah, best friend to Aimee and her husband, Joe, along with Rich, best friend to Ted and his wife Eden. Rini, is their host and has a weekend planned with individual readings, group exercises, and more.
The tale that unfolds was full of intrigue as each guest/couple brought their own issues and secrets. Their host Rini had her own agenda, which pulled me in and held my attention. The whole thing is carefully orchestrated and secrets are slowly revealed.
“This weekend there will be surprises, even for those who don’t believe. You can’t control the people around you. These readings will conjure unexpected emotions, unforeseen actions, and even more shocking reactions. This is a normal result of that which is buried rising to the surface. Some of you will feel blindsided, while others will feel vindicated. This is your fate.”– Rini from the Astrology House.
We are giving multiple POVs and an atmospheric setting with the old seaside Victorian. I loved the astrological thread, which worked well within the story, giving a slightly eerie vibe as things unfolded. The pacing was engaging as we learned and witnessed some dynamics between characters. We touch on topics of cheating, infertility, abortion and more. The story built until all the pieces came together and the intensity exploded into a climatic reveal.
The narration enhanced my overall enjoyment of the story, building on the suspense. With multiple points of views I appreciated the different voices provided by Carinn Jade, Amanda Dolan, Sean Patrick Hopkins, Gilli Messer, Soneela Nankani, Allyson Ryan, Sura Siu.
About Carinn Jade
Carinn Jade is a lawyer, writer, and cohost of the Pop Fiction Women podcast. Her essays have been published in The New York Times, DailyWorth, and Motherwell. She has attended the GrubStreet Novel Generator, Yale Writers’ Conference, and the Northern California Writers’ Retreat. Carinn grew up on the North Fork of Long Island and lives with her family in New York City. The Astrology House is her first novel.
About 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. BlueSky | Facebook | Instagram
Lisa Mandina (Lisa Loves Literature)
The astrology aspect of this getaway sounds like it could make it interesting. Glad you enjoyed this one.
Sophie
I love multiple narrators! I am glad that you liked it Kimberly.
Katherine
Oh this looks good and I love when they do multiple narrators on the audio! Definitely giving this a try.
Rachel @Waves of Fiction
I do enjoy when there’s multiple narrators when there are multiple POVs. Happy to hear you enjoyed it, Kimberly!
Anne - Books of My Heart
It’s nice to visit different settings and have a full cast narration.
Angela @ Simply Angela
This one looks amazing. I think the audiobook sounds like the way to go with this one. Great review, Kimberly!
Zoe Dylan
Looks like a worth have book to me , I hope i get my hands to it soon.