Where the Creek Runs Cold

De: Liddell Rayne

Narrado por: Sydney Martinez

Lila Clarke has spent the last decade running from her past, burying her grief and guilt beneath the quiet isolation of her night shifts at a forgotten library. But when she begins hearing the faint, unmistakable voice of her younger sister Emily—a voice that has been silenced for ten long years—Lila’s carefully constructed world begins to unravel. Haunted by the memories of the day she lost Emily, Lila is forced to confront the dark truth she’s been avoiding for so long.

Guided by a mysterious stranger who seems to know more about her past than he should, Lila embarks on an emotional journey to face the shadows of her childhood. As she returns to the place where it all went wrong, she must finally come to terms with her guilt and make peace with the voice that won’t let her go. But the past holds secrets, and Lila soon discovers that not all is as it seems.

©2024 Liddell Rayne (P)2024 Liddell Rayne

A story of death, grief, guilt, and peace

3.5⭐ Where the Creek Runs Cold is a short story about Lyla Clark- a girl burdened by the death of her sister Emily ten years prior. She visits Emily's grave regularly, though this one fateful afternoon, she hears her sister's voice, "Hello?" She quickly dismisses it and heads to work at the library. Towards the end of her shift, she continues to hear her sister's voice. Just before closing, she meets a man named Samuel that knows too much and encourages Lila to visit the site where her sister died.

This short story was a quick listen on Audible and I was drawn into the story of Lila. Her behavior is so relatable in the way that she dealt with her trauma and guilt: Pushing it down and ignoring it. It may not be the best way to learn how to cope, but it is a common one that many choose. This led to the manifestation of the ghost of Emily. Forcing herself to confront all of her emotions tied to that day, Lila was finally able to be at peace with herself and the events of Emily's death.

The narrator- Sydney Martinez did a really good job of narrating. The cadence and pace were well done. However, the issue I came across with the audio was with how fuzzy it sounded. I wanted to hear her voice with more clarity. I could also hear the clicking of the turning pages and that pulled me out of the story a few times. If there was a way to fix that, Sydney would get a 5/5 for her performance.

The other issue I take with short stories in general is how many have loose ends. I want to know more about this Samuel character and why he was there to help Lila. The author had a moment to address it and instead left it ambiguous. Maybe Samuel will show up in a later story and I'll get my answers.

Anyone that likes shorts stories on death, grief, coping, and finding peace will enjoy this story!

A Haunting Mystery Brought to Life

Liddell Raynes’ Where the Creek Runs Cold is an atmospheric thriller that immerses listeners in a small town full of secrets, hidden dangers, and an ever-present sense of unease. The story weaves together themes of loss, redemption, and the haunting pull of the past, all set against a chilling rural backdrop that will keep you hooked from start to finish.

Narrator Sydney Martinez delivers an exceptional performance, her rich and soothing voice perfectly capturing the mood of the narrative. With flawless pacing, Martinez draws the listener deeper into the unfolding mystery, giving each character a unique voice and infusing the story with emotional depth. Her narration heightens the eerie tension, making each moment feel more intense.

Raynes’ writing paints vivid imagery, bringing the cold, mysterious creek and the people living in its shadow to life. The slow-burn suspense is skillfully built, with every reveal adding another layer to the complex, gripping narrative. Together, Raynes’ storytelling and Martinez’s narration create an unforgettable audiobook experience that will linger long after the last word.

Moving forward.

Lila Clarke lost her sister Emily 10 years prior in a tragic accident. While visiting Emily’s grave one day she hears what she thinks was her sister’s voice, but how could it be? After, a strange man named Samuel visits her at the library where she works with an even stranger message. She now has to decide whether to confront her loss or continue living in uncomfortable and unresolved grief. I thought this paranormal short story was really engaging as it held my interest in suspense from beginning to end. I was so interested in what was going to happen next that before I knew it, poof, the story was over. If you have a knack for short stories, the paranormal, or stories involving love, loss, grief, and healing then you will definitely enjoy this book.