The Axe

By: Linda Griffin

Narrated by: Eric Priessman

Sweethearts Eric Leidheldt and Desiree Chauveau are spending a weekend at his uncle's cabin when they encounter two strangers cutting wood. Eric is knocked unconscious, and Desi is viciously attacked. The following day two police officers come to their apartment to arrest Desi. Her assailants are dead, murdered with an axe, and her fingerprints are on it. She confesses but is she really guilty?

Eric is determined to stand by her, but the physical and emotional effects of the attack severely challenge their relationship. Although the violence does not appear in the audio, the victims descriptions may trigger some listeners. The overall tone is psychologically intense and suspenseful. There is some profanity.

©2023 The Wild Rose Press (P)2024 Linda Griffin

Captivating, Spine-chilling

Eric Leidheldt and Desiree Chauveau go off on a romantic weekend leaving the complexity and interruptions life brings all too frequently to their doorstep. Spending a weekend at an uncle’s isolated cabin is perfect until two axe-wielding strangers show up.

The author, Linda Griffin, creates a chilling tale of a couple seeking solitude and peace, only to realize they're not alone. The story unfolds with a violent attack, its aftermath, and the lasting trauma. Griffin's writing style fully immerses the listener, crafting an immersive and chilling experience. Though the details of the attack are sparse, the emotional trauma is vividly relayed. The well-developed, flawed characters feel relatable, while the unexpected and terrifying plot twists keep the listener on edge.

The narrator, Eric Priessman, once again provides a riveting and engaging performance that brings depth to the narrative and each character. His subtle intonations and well-timed pauses amplify the suspense, making for a truly terrifying experience. Eric’s clear speech and precise emotional projection draw the listener into every moment.

I found this audiobook terrifying, immersive, and spine-tingling. While it may be triggering for those who have experienced violence, it remains deeply captivating. I highly recommend this listen!

There were no issues with the quality or production of this audiobook.

Unique plot twist

This is a story that grabs you immediately! Had to listen all in one sitting. Narration is spot on and the whole experience feels real and natural. One of the best listens I’ve had!

You’ll need to leave the lights on

Story Impressions – A brutal assault. Murder with an axe. Desi's life hangs in the balance. The Axe is a shocking psychological thriller novella. Never in my life have I read something like this. It's much more than a thriller, this novella digs deep into PTSD and the after-effects. Trauma, no matter what form it takes, has the potential of turning a human into a monster. This audiobook is creepy with just the right amount of tension. While steeped in mystery and secrets, the narration plunges the reader into the story. If you love listening to thriller audiobooks, you’ll need to leave the lights on while listening to this one.



Narrator’s overall voice – Eric Priessman is a superb narrator, one of the best I’ve heard. His voice creates the imagery needed to follow the story.


Does the narrator fit the characters? There were many times I would close my eyes and could picture what was going on. Eric also invokes emotion while reading.


Narrator’s reading style – Eric’s reading style is the perfect rhythm, allowing the listener to be fully invested in the story.


Narrator’s impact on reading experience – Everything from his pacing to the inflection in his voice to the recreation of the characters to the emotional impact on the listener all combine to create an excellent reading experience.


Narrator’s pacing – The narrator’s pacing is unhurried in parts, fast in others, which comes across as natural ebbs and flows of the story. It’s a superb performance.


Audiobook flow – The flow of the audiobook is in harmony with the flow of the story. I immersed myself in the story and thoroughly enjoyed it.


What makes this audiobook unique – What makes this unique is the storyline and the way Eric brought it to life. The scariness is intense, and I screamed a couple of times.


Would I recommend this audiobook – YES! I would recommend this to any reader looking for a crime thriller to read. There is a full cast of characters and Eric brings each one to life. Highly recommend!