About the Book
Daisy Darker is a psychological thriller by Alice Feeney that leans heavily on the structure of Agatha Christie's And Then There Were None. The setup is deliberate: a family gathering on a private tidal island off the coast of Cornwall, cut off from the mainland for eight hours when the tide comes in. One by one, members of the Darker family begin to die, and whoever is responsible is still on the island.
The book is narrated in the first person by Daisy, the youngest of the family, who has a complicated history with both her relatives and her own health. The family dynamics are the engine of the plot, old grievances, secrets, and resentments surface as the body count rises. Feeney structures the story around the tidal cycle, which gives it a built-in clock and keeps the pressure on.
This is a plot-driven book with a twist ending that has divided readers sharply. Some find it a satisfying payoff; others feel it strains credibility. Either way, the book is designed to be consumed quickly, and that pacing works in its favor as an audiobook.
Narration & Audio Performance
Stephanie Racine handles the narration with a measured, somewhat restrained delivery that suits the isolated, slightly gothic atmosphere of the island setting. She reads clearly and keeps the pacing consistent, which is useful given that the novel moves across multiple characters and time jumps. Her voice doesn't dramatically differentiate between characters, but the cast is distinct enough on the page that this doesn't become a major problem for following the story.
The tone Racine brings is cool and slightly detached, fitting for a narrator character who observes as much as she participates. Whether that reads as emotionally appropriate or a little flat will depend on what you're looking for. Listeners who prefer their thrillers read with heightened dramatic energy may find her understated. Those who find theatrical narration distracting will likely appreciate the control.
Production quality is clean. There are no reported issues with audio quality or pacing inconsistencies. If you're uncertain, the Audible sample will give you a clear sense of Racine's style within the first few minutes.
The Audible Verdict
Daisy Darker is a competent, fast-moving thriller that works well in audio format, it's linear, plot-driven, and designed to be consumed in a short window. Racine's narration is functional and clear without being particularly distinctive. This is a solid free-trial pick: a book that benefits from the audio format's momentum without requiring the narration to be exceptional for the experience to work.
Listen on AudibleIs This Book a Good Fit for Audio?
Daisy Darker is a strong audio fit for a specific kind of listener: someone who wants a thriller they can finish over a long drive, a flight, or a weekend afternoon. The tidal structure, eight hours, one island, one mystery, gives the story a natural rhythm that plays well in audio. There are no charts, maps, or footnotes to miss. The plot is linear and the chapter breaks work as natural pauses.
The twist-dependent ending is worth flagging as an audio consideration. Some readers find it easier to track the clues and re-read key passages in print when a book hinges on a single reveal. In audio, you don't have that option, if the twist doesn't land immediately, you can't easily flip back to verify. That said, Feeney's setup is clear enough that most listeners report following the logic without difficulty.
If you enjoy Christie-style ensemble mysteries and don't mind a contemporary thriller that borrows that structure, audio is a reasonable format for this one. It's not a book where the print experience offers much advantage over audio.
Popular Listener Questions
Is Daisy Darker part of a series?
No. Daisy Darker is a standalone novel. You don't need to have read any of Alice Feeney's other books before listening to this one.
Is this book appropriate for listeners who haven't read And Then There Were None?
Yes. The Christie novel is an acknowledged inspiration, not a prerequisite. You'll notice the structural similarities if you've read it, but no prior knowledge is required.
How dark or violent is the content?
It's a murder mystery with a body count, so the content is moderately dark. It's closer to classic whodunit territory than graphic crime fiction, violence is present but not described in graphic detail.
Is this a good pick if I enjoyed Alice Feeney's other books?
Her earlier books like His and Hers and Sometimes I Lie share a similar unreliable-narrator, twist-heavy structure. If those worked for you, Daisy Darker is likely to land in the same way.
Similar Audiobooks
Sometimes I Lie
Alice Feeney's debut novel shares the same unreliable narrator structure and twist-dependent payoff. A natural listen if Daisy Darker worked for you.
His and Hers
Another Feeney thriller built around alternating perspectives and a mystery with a late reveal. Same general audience and tone.
And Then There Were None
Feeney's acknowledged structural model, isolated setting, ensemble cast, one-by-one deaths. The Christie audiobook is a useful comparison for those curious about the source material.
The It Girl
Ruth Ware writes in the same closed-setting, whodunit-adjacent space. Good audio fit for similar reasons, linear, fast-paced, twist-driven.
The Seven Deaths of Evelyn Hardcastle
Another contemporary novel built explicitly on Christie-style mechanics, with a puzzle-box structure. Listeners drawn to Daisy Darker's premise often gravitate toward this one.
Audiobook Details
| Title | Daisy Darker |
|---|---|
| Author | Alice Feeney |
| Narrator | Stephanie Racine |
| Genre | Psychological Thriller |
| Year | 2022 |
| Publisher | Macmillan |
| Abridged | Unabridged |
| Cast | Single narrator |
| Author-narrated | No |
Ready to listen?
Daisy Darker is available on Audible and is a reasonable choice for a free trial credit, it's a quick, self-contained thriller that holds up in audio format.
Open on Audible