Before Their Crimes

I’ll admit: I hit pause twice in the first hour. Not because *Before Their Crimes* is poorly made—quite the opposite—but because the narration of a 12-year-old’s confession (delivered by Adenrele Ojo with heartbreaking hesitation) landed like a gut punch. This audiobook’s power lies in its structure: Smith’s dry, data-driven chapters (narrated with crisp authority by Kirsten Potter) alternate with dramatic reenactments of case files, where the full cast shines. Kenneth Fuentes’ portrayal of a detached, dissociative teen is particularly chilling—not because he’s overacting, but because he *isn’t*. The production risks tonal whiplash, but it works, mirroring the disconnect between systemic analysis and individual suffering. That said, the pacing stumbles in the middle. Smith’s deep dives into neurobiology (while fascinating) can feel like a lecture hall detour when you’re invested in the human stories. And while Hillary Huber’s narration is flawless, some transitions between actors and Smith’s text are jarring—occasional pauses or sound design (even subtle ambient noise) might’ve smoothed the shifts. Still, the final chapter—a direct address to policymakers—is worth the price alone. If you���ve ever rolled your eyes at headlines about "evil kids," this will reroute your brain. Just maybe not before bed.