The Twisted Ones – A Spine-Chilling Audiobook by T. Kingfisher That Will Make You Sleep with the Lights On

1. About the Author: T. Kingfisher

T. Kingfisher is the pen name of American author Ursula Vernon, widely recognized for her work in fantasy, horror, and children’s literature. Known for her vivid imagination and darkly humorous writing style, she has captivated readers with novels such as What Moves the Dead, The Hollow Places, and A House with Good Bones.

Kingfisher excels at blending unsettling horror elements with quirky, grounded characters. The Twisted Ones is one of her standout horror novels, inspired by Arthur Machen’s eerie short story “The White People.” Her ability to reinvent classic folk horror with a modern voice makes her a favorite among both horror fans and literary critics.

2. About the Narrator: Hillary Huber

Hillary Huber is a seasoned and respected audiobook narrator with hundreds of titles to her credit, working with major publishers like Audible and Penguin Random House. Her voice is noted for being expressive, immersive, and finely attuned to emotional nuances.

In The Twisted Ones, Huber brings the protagonist Mouse to life with sharp wit, sardonic humor, and palpable tension. Her narration captures the escalating dread of the story and enhances the eerie tone that defines the audiobook experience.

3. About the Book: The Twisted Ones

Published in 2019, The Twisted Ones is a folk horror novel following Mouse, a book editor who returns to rural North Carolina to clean out her late grandmother’s house. There, she stumbles upon a disturbing journal written by her step-grandfather, revealing a chilling world of supernatural forces and grotesque creatures.

The novel masterfully builds a claustrophobic, eerie atmosphere rooted in isolation and ancient evil. It’s not just a horror story but also an exploration of memory, trauma, and survival.

• Genre: Folk Horror

• Average Goodreads Rating: 3.79/5 (over 32,000 reviews)

• Awards: Nominated for the 2020 Locus Award for Best Horror Novel

4. Book Review: The Twisted Ones – Uneasy, Unrelenting, Unforgettable

The Twisted Ones offers a richly layered horror narrative that trades jump scares for slow-burning dread. Kingfisher crafts a protagonist who is grounded, sarcastic, and refreshingly rational – a rare and welcome presence in horror fiction.

Told in first-person, the narrative weaves the protagonist’s current experience with the disturbing journal entries of her step-grandfather, creating a story-within-a-story that heightens the mystery and tension.

Strengths:

• Evocative and suffocating atmosphere

• Unique, relatable lead character

• Subtle exploration of deeper psychological and folkloric themes

Weaknesses:

• Pacing slows in the middle during extended journal segments

• Ending may not satisfy readers expecting a climactic showdown

This is a compelling review of a horror novel that’s as introspective as it is chilling. For audiobook enthusiasts and fans of psychological terror, The Twisted Ones is an immersive and gripping read.

5. Audiobook Review: Hillary Huber Brings the Fear to Life

The audiobook version of The Twisted Ones, narrated by Hillary Huber, is a powerful enhancement of the written story, praised by both casual listeners and audiobook critics.

Pros:

• Emotionally dynamic narration

• Skillful pacing and rhythm that matches the story’s rising tension

• Distinct voice acting that brings each character to life

Cons:

• Slightly slow delivery for some listeners (though adjustable via playback speed)

• Inconsistent use of regional accents may be distracting for a few

The audiobook currently boasts an average rating of 4.2/5 on Audible, with over 6,500 ratings highlighting Huber’s compelling performance and the haunting quality of the story.

6. Who Should Listen to This Book?

• Fans of folk horror: If you love supernatural tales steeped in folklore and mystery, this is a must-read.

• Audiobook regulars: Hillary Huber’s masterful narration makes it a standout listening experience.

• Newcomers to horror: Those seeking atmospheric dread rather than graphic horror will find The Twisted Ones an accessible entry point into the genre.

7. Conclusion

The Twisted Ones by T. Kingfisher is a refreshingly original take on folk horror, blending dry humor, creeping fear, and layered storytelling into a memorable package. The audiobook, narrated by Hillary Huber, heightens the tension and immerses the listener in an unsettling world that’s hard to shake off.

If you’re looking for an audiobook that delivers spine-tingling horror with literary flair, The Twisted Ones deserves a spot on your listen list. Don’t be surprised if you leave a light on afterward.

8. Where to Listen to the Audiobook

You can listen to The Twisted Ones Audiobook on these major platforms:

• Audiobooks.com: Streamable on app.

• Audible: Free trial available

We recommend signing up for a membership to get your first audiobook free and enjoy convenient listening anytime, anywhere.