Mr. Penumbra’s 24-Hour Bookstore

Unable to find work as a digital marketer or Web designer, Clay Jannon lands a gig on the night shift at the eponymous bookstore, where customers shuffle in to borrow strange books—but not to buy anything. Suspicious, Clay and his friends begin to investigate, uncovering an international secret society communicating through codes hidden within the books. Ari Fliakos nails the young, tech-savvy, cynical Clay. However, Fliakos really shines when rendering the book’s supporting cast. His take on Mr. Penumbra is so different from his portrayal of Clay that listeners might think a different actor performed it. Such is the case with nearly every character in this audio edition, all of whom Fliakos provides with distinct inflections, tones, and rhythms. An FSG hardcover. (Feb.)