The Bitter Season

David Colacci’s narration is the frosting on this audiobook cake—his voice is gravelly enough to feel lived-in but smooth enough to carry the emotional weight of Nikki Liska’s exhaustion and determination. He nails the rhythm of Hoag’s prose, especially in the quieter moments where the tension hums just below the surface. His portrayal of Liska, a detective who’s as haunted by her past as she is by her cases, feels authentic, down to the weary sighs and clipped responses. Where he really shines is in the dialogue, which crackles with tension, whether it’s Liska sparring with her colleagues or the killer’s taunting monologues. That said, there were a few spots where the pacing lagged in the middle act, and I found myself wishing for a touch more dynamism in the supporting cast’s delivery. Still, Colacci’s performance elevates the material, making the bloodshed feel visceral and the mystery feel personal. The production is clean, with no distracting artifacts, and the chapter breaks are well-timed, giving listeners a natural pause without breaking immersion. If you’re a fan of procedural thrillers with depth and atmosphere, this is one to queue up—and maybe keep the lights on.