Dolly

About This Audiobook

Susan Hill’s *Dolly* isn’t just another Gothic horror—it’s a slow-burning fever dream that thrives on atmosphere and dread. Set in the sprawling, oppressive stillness of the English Fens, the story follows Edward Cayley, a grown man unsettled by the haunting presence of a wooden doll he kept as a child. Narrated with eerie precision by Cameron Stewart, the audiobook crackles with tension, his measured delivery amplifying every creak of the fenland wind and whisper of memory. Stewart’s voice carries an almost uncanny precision, turning what could be a clichéd ghost story into something far more unsettling. The audiobook doesn’t rely on cheap jump scares; instead, it lingers on the suffocating weight of Edward’s obsession, making the listener feel the same creeping paranoia that gnaws at him. Hill’s prose is sparse but electric, and Stewart’s narration ensures every syllable lands with deliberate force. This isn’t a tale of ghosts—it’s a story of grief, guilt, and the things we bury that refuse to stay buried.

The true star here is the audiobook’s production. The soundscape is minimal but deliberate, with Stewart’s vocal performance doing the heavy lifting. His ability to switch between Edward’s childlike confusion and adult dread is masterful, adding layers to a narrative that could easily feel one-dimensional. Hill’s writing is deceptively simple, but Stewart elevates it, making the listening experience feel intimate yet unsettling. If you’re looking for a horror experience that gets under your skin rather than over it, *Dolly* delivers—but be prepared for a mood that lingers long after the final word.