Allow me to speak frankly: The Quiet House could be about Blue and Levi staring at paint drying and I’d happily devour it because…Blue and Levi. I adore both characters separately, but as a couple they’re exceptional, bringing out the best in each other. The depth of their love is nearly palpable. It’s natural and comforting and convincing. It’s not perfect, but they’re perfect for each other.
Thankfully, this isn’t a docudrama about interior latex wall coverings; it’s another outstanding and riveting ghost story involving one of Lily Morton’s most endearing couples as they tackle evil spirits in a haunted mansion. It’s not just another episode in the lives of an established couple; it’s a continuation of their strengthening love and expanding trust in each other. Blue and Levi both feel vulnerable and inadequate at times, but by the end, they’re more trusting and comprehend that they’re enough for each other as they are.
They have their first ever argument early in the book. My heart broke right along with theirs, and I may have sobbed a wee bit. But make-up sex is a thing, y’all, and holy poltergeist, the sex in this book is on a whole new, filthy level.
In the year that’s passed since the events in The Mysterious and Amazing Blue Billings, Blue’s psychic abilities have improved and grown much more powerful. Most of the book is set away from York, at the most famous haunted house in the U.K. The eccentric owner, Viscount Ingram, is obsessed with the paranormal and asks Blue to help him learn the house’s history and untangle the tales of murder and mayhem. The ghost hunting and psychic occurrences in this book are exponentially more harrowing than the previous book, truly terrifying at times. But even at its worst, Blue and Levi’s dry sense of humor still makes an appearance. Ms. Morton possesses a great talent for being able to insert humorous dialogue so seamlessly into a narrative rife with terror.
And then there’s Tom. The incomparable, crotchety Tom – Blue’s mentor, friend, and the most important influence in his life. And, arguably the greatest source of laughs in the book. His repartee with Blue and his faux consternation and impatience delight me, such as when he tells Blue to “display interest in something beyond the contents of your boyfriend’s trousers.” He doesn’t just provide humor, though. He’s a source of comfort to both Blue and Levi and advises them when they individually voice their insecurities to him.
One of the reasons I love this audiobook so much is because of how Joel Leslie voices Tom. Mr. Leslie brings life to the affection behind his snark and you can almost hear Tom’s urge to roll his eyes at Blue. Tom’s voice was so familiar to me and I finally realized I recognized it as Tom’s voice from Blue Billings. I’ve listened to dozens of books – including many narrated by Mr. Leslie – since the first book was recorded, and still, Tom’s voice was distinct enough for me to remember nine months later. Leslie has consistency down pat. I simply cannot imagine only reading the book and not having the opportunity to hear Tom’s voice dripping with sarcasm. It single-handedly makes the audio worth listening to.
Of course, Mr. Leslie excels at much more than just Tom. If well-executed, audio is ideally suited when there’s a wide range of emotions, as in The Quiet House. Blue and Levi experience passion, desperation, deep terror, affection, nervousness, so much love, and more. Mr. Leslie expresses each emotion deftly. It’s much more accurate to refer to him as a voice actor rather than a narrator, for he throws his whole being into this audiobook.
There are quite a number of characters, including dead spirits and possessed people, that he conveys well by varying his delivery. I especially enjoyed Will’s deeply resonant voice. One villain’s constantly smirking inflection repulsed me, but he was accurately portrayed. Blue and Levi’s voices are similar in tone so I was thankful for them being differentiated by Blue’s Irish accent. I can’t comment on the authenticity of Blue’s voice, but it sure sounded good. I missed some detail due to his heavy accent at times, however, and had to check the eBook for what I wasn’t able to understand.
Most audiobooks that I listen to improve upon the book significantly, but not always. This one certainly does. I must say, I can’t imagine not listening to this recording. Mr. Leslie adds just the right touch to Ms. Morton’s ingenious storytelling. Together, its a dynamite recording of a dynamite book.