Clementine

I went into *Clementine* expecting a straightforward historical spy tale, but Priest delivered something far more intriguing—a story where the past isn’t just haunted, it’s actively weaponized. Belle Boyd is a delight, a woman who’s spent her life outsmarting men in petticoats and now finds herself navigating a world where the rules are rewritten by ghosts and charlatans. Pearlman’s narration sells Belle’s defiance and fatigue, making every dry quip land with weight, while Bevine’s villain exudes a creeping dread that lingers long after the chapter ends. The pacing is tight, never wasting a minute—though I did wish the supernatural elements had been teased earlier to avoid a slight tonal whiplash toward the end. Production-wise, the audio is crisp, with subtle sound design that underscores the eerie moments without overpowering the story. My only real critique? The antagonist’s motivations veer into melodrama at times, threatening to derail the otherwise sharp political intrigue. Still, this is a standout listen for anyone craving historical fiction with a supernatural edge—just don’t expect a gentle ride.