Black Mad Wheel

A Novel

By: Josh Malerman

Narrated by: Robertson Dean

From the author of the hit literary horror debut Bird Box (“Hitchcockian.” —USA Today) comes a chilling novel about a group of musicians conscripted by the US government to track down the source of a strange and debilitating sound

The Danes—the band known as the “Darlings of Detroit”—are washed up and desperate for inspiration, eager to once again have a number one hit. That is, until an agent from the US Army approaches them. Will they travel to an African desert and track down the source of a mysterious and malevolent sound? Under the guidance of their front man, Philip Tonka, the Danes embark on a harrowing journey through the scorching desert—a trip that takes Tonka into the heart of an ominous and twisted conspiracy.

Meanwhile, in a nondescript Midwestern hospital, a nurse named Ellen tends to a patient recovering from a near-fatal accident. The circumstances that led to his injuries are mysterious—and his body heals at a remarkable rate. Ellen will do the impossible for this enigmatic patient, who reveals more about his accident with each passing day.

Part Heart of Darkness, part Lost, Josh Malerman’s breathtaking new novel plunges us into the depths of psychological horror, where you can’t always believe everything you hear.

Not for me

I really, really liked Bird Box (and Malorie) so I gave this a shot.

The idea is ok, has potential, but the story was too… dreamy, for lack of a better word. Bird Box was scary because it was somehow relatable, you could imagine it happening. This one.. too far “out there” for me.

Nothing like Bird Box

Nothing was really wrong with this book. Feel like an 80s movie about a rock and roll band that saves the day. I just finished the Bird Box and Malorie and was hoping it would follow suit. Almost feels like it’s a different author. I enjoy the reader other than his improper pronunciation of bones in the beginning.

Mispronounced Cities = Annoying Listen

Robertson Dean; take 30 seconds to Google the pronuciation of Michigan cities/islands such as 'Mackinac,' (which is pronounced 'Mackinaw').

A different Horror story

Interesting and quite bizarre concept. Nothing that has been approached before within a horror tale? No, not with the use of ancient source sound waves.

Could not finish it

It sounded like an intriguing story, but just could not get into it, and did not finish