Yard Work

I expected a grim little thriller about an old man’s grief, but Koepp delivers something far more insidious—a story that worms its way under your skin and refuses to leave. Kevin Bacon’s narration is the secret weapon here; his delivery of Herman’s internal monologues is so natural it feels like eavesdropping on a private confession. The way Bacon modulates his voice between exhaustion and simmering fury sells the story’s emotional core, especially in the later scenes where Herman’s facade cracks. That said, the ending left me wanting just a bit more. Koepp’s tight focus on Herman’s perspective makes the final reveal impactful, but I couldn’t shake the feeling that a broader exploration of the mystery’s implications might have elevated the payoff. The audiobook’s brevity is its strength—no fluff, just a relentless descent—but some listeners might crave more meat on the bones. Still, the production quality is pristine, with no distracting background noise, and Bacon’s performance alone is worth the listen. If you’re in the mood for horror that’s more psychological than supernatural, *Yard Work* is a razor blade wrapped in velvet.