Riley Mack and the Other Known Troublemakers by Chris Grabenstein

Riley Mack and the Other Known Troublemakers

Kid detectives take on a wild middle-school heist

★★★★ 4.2 (204 ratings)

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Hear Neil Hellegers, Bryan Kennedy, Edoardo Ballerini, Josh Hurley, Lauren Fortgang, Khaliah Adams, Suzanne Toren, Nick Sullivan, Kevin Pariseau, Eric Yves Garcia, J. J. Myers, Brian Sutherland, Kevin T. Collins, full cast's narration on Audible.

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About This Audiobook

This isn’t just another middle-grade mystery—it’s a fast-paced, wisecracking adventure where five underdog friends pool their talents to outsmart bullies, crooks, and a suspiciously missing fortune. Riley Mack, the ringleader, is equal parts Huck Finn and MacGyver, turning every situation into a chaotic chess game. The plot twists like a rollercoaster: puppy-mill rescues, a vanishing cash stash, and a nemesis so smug he practically oozes villainy. Grabenstein’s writing crackles with humor and heart, avoiding the trap of preachy lessons in favor of letting the kids’ actions speak loudest. It’s the kind of story that makes you cheer, laugh, and think twice about underestimating the ‘troublemakers’ in your own life.

The audiobook’s full-cast narration is a standout, giving each character a distinct voice that leaps off the speakers. Neil Hellegers’ Riley is brash but endearing, while Khaliah Adams’ sharp-tongued Briana sounds like she’s narrating her own sitcom. The production team balances levity with tension, using sound effects (dog barks, cash drawers slamming) to immerse you in the chaos. It’s a rare audiobook where the energy matches the page-turning urgency of the text, making it feel like you’re right there in the pickup truck with the crew.

Tags: middle grade mystery audiobookkid detectives series starterfull-cast narration funbully vs. rebel adventurelighthearted middle school heist

Why Listen to Riley Mack and the Other Known Troublemakers?

  • Expert narration by Neil Hellegers, Bryan Kennedy, Edoardo Ballerini, Josh Hurley, Lauren Fortgang, Khaliah Adams, Suzanne Toren, Nick Sullivan, Kevin Pariseau, Eric Yves Garcia, J. J. Myers, Brian Sutherland, Kevin T. Collins, full cast brings every character and scene to life across 4h16m of immersive audio.
  • Highly rated at 4.2 stars by 204 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 dove into this audiobook expecting a standard kids’ mystery and got a deliciously messy, laugh-out-loud romp instead. The narration is the star—each actor commits to their role so fully that it’s easy to forget you’re listening to a cast, not a single narrator. Edoardo Ballerini’s David (the brainy outsider) sounds like a kid who’s spent too much time in libraries, while Suzanne Toren’s Mrs. Mack radiates the weary-but-proud energy of a mom who’s given up trying to control her son. The pacing is relentless, with jokes landing so fast I had to backtrack for a few giggles. That said, the plot occasionally stretches credibility (a 12-year-old masterminding a bank heist recovery? Sure, Jan), and the resolution wraps up a tad too neatly for my taste. Still, the heart of the story—kids taking agency, friendship over cliques, and the joy of sticking it to the bullies—more than makes up for it. My 10-year-old loved it; I loved it. Would we listen again? Absolutely. That’s the mark of a great family audiobook.

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Riley Mack and the Other Known Troublemakers by Chris Grabenstein is an immersive listening experience. Performed by Neil Hellegers, Bryan Kennedy, Edoardo Ballerini, Josh Hurley, Lauren Fortgang, Khaliah Adams, Suzanne Toren, Nick Sullivan, Kevin Pariseau, Eric Yves Garcia, J. J. Myers, Brian Sutherland, Kevin T. Collins, full cast with a runtime of 4h16m, 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.