Review: No One Goes Alone by Erik Larson (audio)

Publisher: Random House Audio

Published: September 28, 2021

Source: ALC via Libro.fm

 

Summary:

From New York Times best-selling author Erik Larson comes his first venture into fiction, an otherworldly tale of intrigue and the impossible that marshals his trademark approach to nonfiction to create something new: a ghost story thoroughly grounded in history.

Pioneering psychologist William James leads an expedition to a remote isle in search of answers after a family inexplicably vanishes. Was the cause rooted in the physical world…or were there forces more paranormal and sinister at work? Available only on audio, because as Larson says, ghost stories are best told aloud.

A group of researchers sets sail for the Isle of Dorn in the North Atlantic in 1905 to explore the cause of several mysterious disappearances, most notably a family of four who vanished without a trace after a weeklong holiday on the island. Led by Professor James, a prominent member of the Society for Psychical Research, they begin to explore the island’s sole cottage and surrounding landscape in search of a logical explanation.

The idyllic setting belies an undercurrent of danger and treachery, with raging storms and unnerving discoveries adding to the sense of menace. As increasingly unexplainable events unfold, the now-stranded investigators are unsure whether they can trust their own eyes, their instincts, one another – or even themselves.

Erik Larson has written a terrifying tale of suspense, underpinned with actual people and events. Created specifically to entertain audio listeners, this eerie blend of the ghostly and the real will keep listeners captivated till the blood-chilling end.

 

My thoughts:

This is Erik Larson’s first foray into fiction and it’s a ghost story that is only available on audio. I’ve only read one of his books prior to this one, and I absolutely loved it – The Splendid and the Vile – so much so that I went out and purchased a few of his others – so of course when I saw this one, I had to grab it. And what better timing for this one to come out, just as we hit spooky season.

This is incredibly atmospheric and well-paced and had just the right amount of creepiness to it and, as is the case with his narrative nonfiction, is based on actual figures from history. I love that blending of fact and fiction.

Set in 1905, a group of researchers head to an island in the North Atlantic to look into some strange disappearances. I loved that while there, they would each be giving lessons, if you will, on their own expertise. While on the island, the weather really adds to the suspense, with raging storms and wild winds.

This really was the perfect ghost story to start my spooky reading with and I quite enjoyed it. I am now more eager to read the rest of this prolific author’s works, including Thunderstruck, which is the book he was writing when he got the idea for this ghost story.

 

Audio thoughts:

As Erik Larson himself says, “Ghost stories are best told aloud.” And I have to agree…this story was definitely one that I feel is best told via audiobook and the narrator, Julian Rhind-Tutt really did a phenomenal job bringing this story to life. His characterization and voices really made this one stand out and I was mesmerized the entire time.