He Started It

by Samantha Downing

[kimbacaffeinate]

He Started It by Samantha Downing, narrated by Karissa Vacker introduces us to the Morgan siblings. Beth, Portia, and Eddie have been estranged for years. When their wealthy grandfather dies, a stipulation in the will has the siblings and their respective partners coming together for a cross-country road trip to fulfill his last wish. They must complete the trip if they want to receive their inheritance. The estate is valued at around eight million dollars.

The road trip isn’t a new one. In fact, it is an exact duplicate of the trip they took one summer with their grandfather and their older sister. Told from the voice of Beth, Drowning pulled me in with quick facts and teasing tidbits. I knew I was in for one heck of a ride. Before it’s all over secrets will be revealed, and a murder will take place as it holds the listener spellbound.

Twisted and wholly original, I cannot say I liked any of the Morgans but I found them utterly fascinating. From their past trip to their current one, Downing had me listening intently, sometimes doubting our protagonist and sitting jaw-dropped as she recounted their first road trip.

Along the way we stop at iconic sites across the Mid-West. Some I’ve seen myself and others were new to me. The ending left me stunned.

Karissa Vacker narrates and the author’s writing lends itself to audiobook format from character conversations to suspenseful buildup. Vacker enhanced the story from her tones to character voices. Her pacing made listening a breeze allowing me to become swept up in the story. This review was originally posted at Caffeinated Reviewer