Even Though I Knew the End

Award-winning voice actor January LaVoy narrates Polk’s (The Midnight Bargain) poignant novella with a jaded but yearning tone—a perfect fit for this romantic noir set in Jazz-Age Chicago. Detective and exiled wizard Helen is used to sacrificing everything for those she loves. She’s already sold her soul to save her brother, but then she’s given an offer she can’t refuse—if she finds the White City Vampire, she can get her soul back and spend the rest of her life with her lover, Edith. The hope and longing that run throughout this classically styled mystery stretch the short listen satisfyingly and create an emotional, edge-of-the-seat listening experience. Listeners may want more time in Polk’s world, but they won’t feel the journey ended too abruptly. Though the presence of angels and demons complicates the mystery of the novel, the clues and worldbuilding are carefully revealed, inviting listeners to join in the search for an otherworldly serial killer. While all of LaVoy’s characterizations are astonishingly well done, Helen stands out in particular, convincing listeners of the strength and purity of her love.