Lake County by Lori Roy

Lake County

A dark Southern dream laced with deadly secrets

Written byLori Roy
Length9h48m
Release dateJune 1, 2024
LanguageEnglish
★★★★ 4.0 (33 ratings)

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Quick Facts

AuthorLori Roy
NarratorMarli Watson, Aaron Shedlock
Runtime9h48m
PublishedJune 1, 2024
Rating★★★★ 4.0 / 5 (33 ratings)
CategoriesMystery, Thriller & Suspense, Thriller & Suspense, Crime Thrillers, Historical, Suspense
FormatAudiobook (Digital)
PlatformAudible

About This Audiobook

Lori Roy’s *Lake County* unfolds like a sun-drenched nightmare, where the glitter of 1950s Southern charm hides something far uglier. At its core, this is a coming-of-age tale twisted by crime and consequence, following two teenagers whose obsession with a fading Hollywood icon leads them into the orbit of a ruthless mob family. The setting—a lake town so humid it feels like the air itself is conspiring against them—becomes a character, sticky with secrets and sweat. Roy’s prose is lush but unflinching, balancing the nostalgia of sock hops and diner jukeboxes with the grittier realities of violence and betrayal. If you crave mysteries where the past refuses to stay buried, this audiobook delivers atmosphere in spades.

The narration elevates the story further. Marli Watson and Aaron Shedlock slip into roles like actors slipping into costumes, their voices embodying the naivety of the teens and the menace of the adults around them. Watson’s portrayal of the protagonist—especially her quiet unraveling—is haunting, while Shedlock’s lilt-ridden villainy oozes menace without ever tipping into caricature. This dual-narration approach isn’t just a gimmick; it’s essential, turning what could’ve been a straightforward thriller into a layered listening experience where every inflection feels deliberate.

Tags: 1950s Southern Gothic thrillerdual narrated crime audiobookEdgar Award-winning mysteryteen noir with mob tiesatmospheric crime fictionMarilyn Monroe-inspired suspense

Why Listen to Lake County?

  • Expert narration by Marli Watson, Aaron Shedlock brings every character and scene to life across 9h48m of immersive audio.
  • Highly rated at 4.0 stars by 33 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 *Lake County* expecting a light Southern crime drama, but Roy delivered a slow-burning molotov of a book—visceral, atmospheric, and impossible to pause. The dual narration is a stroke of genius; Watson and Shedlock don’t just read the lines, they inhabit them. Watson’s voice cracks with the protagonist’s desperation at exactly the right moments, while Shedlock’s performance as the mob-connected boyfriend’s father is downright chilling. He doesn’t shout or sneer—just drips menace with every measured word, making the threat feel far more real than any histrionic villain. That said, the ending left me cold. Roy commits to a bleak, open-ended resolution that feels earned but also slightly undercut by the book’s otherwise tight plotting. The pacing stumbles in the final third, too, with the mystery unspooling a bit too neatly before the abrupt final confrontation. Still, the production itself is top-tier—clean audio, no distracting noise, and a seamless blend between the two narrators. If you’re after a thriller that lingers like a Southern summer storm, *Lake County* is worth the time. Just don’t expect catharsis.

Download: Lake County

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Lake County by Lori Roy is an immersive listening experience. Performed by Marli Watson, Aaron Shedlock with a runtime of 9h48m, 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.