THE NIGHT GUEST

Mary Robinette Kowal serves as both translator and narrator of this atmospheric Icelandic novella. In the heart of Reykjavík, a woman wakes every morning with bruises covering her body, aching joints, and a throbbing headache--yet medical tests reveal nothing. When she falls asleep one night wearing a step-counting watch, she learns that she's walking miles each night to a mysterious coastal location. But why? As she seeks answers, her sleepwalking alter ego becomes increasingly violent. And it isn't too long until bodies start piling up. While the ending lacks punch, Kowal's strategic pausing and pacing allow the tension to build slowly, contributing to an altogether uncanny tone. Listeners will revel in the journey even if the destination isn't fully satisfying. A.A.H. © AudioFile 2025, Portland, Maine [Published: JANUARY 2025]