Help the Witch

Listening to Tom Cox narrate his own short stories is like watching a magician perform close-up tricks—you know something’s off, but you can’t look away. Cox’s voice has this effortless, slightly weary tone that suits the material perfectly; it’s the kind of voice that makes you feel like you’re sharing a pint with someone who’s seen too much but isn’t about to bore you with details. The pacing is relentless, with no wasted words, and his delivery of lines like *“The thing in the spare room had been there since the house was built, and it was still growing”* is so understated it’s terrifying. That said, a few stories, particularly the more surreal ones like *“The Spider,”* could have benefited from a touch more build-up—Cox’s narration is so laid-back that some moments feel rushed, as if he’s eager to get to the next tale. But this is a minor quibble. The production is crisp, with no audible distractions, and Cox’s performance elevates the material beyond what you’d expect from a standard short story collection. If you’re the type who enjoys their horror more *off*-kilter than overt, this audiobook will haunt you in the best possible way.