Double Blast by Gretchen Archer

Double Blast

Hometown chaos with a boom you won't forget

Written byGretchen Archer
Narrated byAmber Benson
Length10h08m
Release dateJuly 30, 2024
LanguageEnglish
★★★★☆ 4.8 (56 ratings)

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Quick Facts

AuthorGretchen Archer
NarratorAmber Benson
Runtime10h08m
PublishedJuly 30, 2024
Rating★★★★☆ 4.8 / 5 (56 ratings)
CategoriesMystery, Thriller & Suspense, Crime Fiction, Comedy & Humor, Literature & Fiction
FormatAudiobook (Digital)
PlatformAudible

About This Audiobook

Davis Way Cole thought she was escaping chaos when she left her high-stakes casino job in Biloxi for a quiet stint covering her dad’s police duties in Pine Apple, Alabama. Big mistake. Memorial Day weekend in this sleepy town is anything but relaxing once Davis stumbles into a double explosion that rocks the community—and her plans. Gretchen Archer’s *Double Blast* delivers a genre-blending cocktail: cozy mystery meets explosive thriller with a generous splash of dry Southern humor. The plot twists aren’t just clever—they’re *loud*, with red herrings that detonate at just the right moments. Archer’s knack for snappy dialogue and small-town eccentricities makes this feel like a reunion with old friends, even when those friends are wearing bomb vests.

Narration by Amber Benson is the audiobook’s secret weapon. Benson nails Davis’s sharp, no-nonsense voice with a grit that balances Archer’s humor without overplaying the South. The pacing crackles like a live wire, with Benson’s timing turning one-liners into gut-punch laughs and tense moments into white-knuckle rides. The audio production is crisp, with just enough ambient noise (creaking floors, distant sirens) to immerse you without muddying the clarity. This isn’t just a mystery—it’s a *blast* in the best way.

Tags: Southern mystery thrillerhumorous crime fictionfemale-led cozy mysteryaudiobook with explosive pacingsmall-town suspense

Why Listen to Double Blast?

  • Expert narration by Amber Benson brings every character and scene to life across 10h08m of immersive audio.
  • Highly rated at 4.8 stars by 56 listeners.
  • Free with your Audible trial — keep the audiobook forever even if you cancel.
  • Perfect for commutes, workouts, and relaxation. Listen anywhere, anytime.
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Editor's Review ★★★★☆

AudioBook Atlas

I went into *Double Blast* expecting a lighthearted Southern romp, and while Archer delivers plenty of charm, she also sneaks in a plot that’s *deliciously* unpredictable. Davis Way Cole is a protagonist who’s equal parts Jessica Fletcher and a Vegas pit boss, with a dry wit that keeps the tone from wobbling into melodrama. The first explosion hits around the 90-minute mark, and from there, the story accelerates like a runaway golf cart with no brakes. Benson’s narration is the glue that holds it all together—her Davis is world-weary but never cynical, and her ability to switch between rapid-fire banter and genuine tension is downright impressive. That said, the audiobook isn’t flawless. The supporting cast can blur together a bit, especially in larger crowd scenes where accents and voices start to bleed. And while the humor lands hard most of the time, a few jokes about “Yankees” and “city folks” feel like they’re coasting on regional clichés. Still, these are minor quibbles in what’s otherwise a raucous, smart, and satisfying listen. By the time Davis races to defuse a second bomb in the final act, you’ll be hooked—even if the couch cushions are now dusted with metaphorical gunpowder.

Download: Double Blast

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Double Blast by Gretchen Archer is an immersive listening experience. Performed by Amber Benson with a runtime of 10h08m, you can start with a free trial that you can cancel at any time. The audiobook remains yours forever, even if you end the trial.