The Player

About This Audiobook

Joe Cosentino’s *The Player* is a genre-blending triumph that marries spectral romance with old-Hollywood intrigue and a dash of noir suspense. Andre Beaufort, a grounded and likable music teacher, stumbles into the supernatural when he revives a dusty player piano and summons Freddy Birtwistle, a flamboyant 1920s socialite whose charm is matched only by his mystery. What unfolds isn’t just a love story across time—it’s a puzzle box of hidden identities, blackmail, and unresolved deaths that pull Andre deeper into a past he never asked to inherit. The novel thrives on its witty dialogue and sharp character contrasts, balancing warmth with creeping tension. Brian Cheney’s narration elevates the material with deft precision. He gives Freddy a slippery, velvety charm—part Cary Grant, part carnival barker—while grounding Andre in relatable sincerity. The audio production smartly uses subtle piano cues and ambient echoes to underscore the supernatural elements without overdoing it. This isn’t just a paranormal romance with flair—it’s a clever, fast-paced mystery that treats its LGBTQ+ relationships with ease and authenticity. For listeners who want heart, heat, and a haunting with stakes, *The Player* delivers a refreshingly original tune.