The Black Cat Change-Up

Sam Rosenthal’s narration is a standout, giving each character a distinct voice that never feels cartoonish or forced. His portrayal of Cookie, the rattled Mets hitter, is particularly memorable, capturing the tension of a player who’s suddenly convinced a hex is sabotaging his game. The pacing is impeccable for an audiobook—tight enough to hold attention in a single sitting, but never rushed. That said, the production could benefit from a touch more environmental ambiance; while the baseball stadium sounds are clear, a little more crowd reaction or ambient noise might immerse listeners even further into the game’s atmosphere. Still, Rosenthal’s delivery turns what could’ve been a forgettable middle-grade mystery into something with real charm. The twist that reveals the *real* source of the black cat’s presence is clever without being too clever, and the resolution ties everything up neatly without feeling rushed. If your young listener loves sports but craves a dash of spooky fun, this is a slam dunk.