Gideon the Ninth
The Locked Tomb • Book 1
by Tamsyn Muir
Narrated by Moira Quirk
Why Listen to This Audiobook?
Moira Quirk narrates a necromancer murder mystery set in space with the energy of someone who absolutely cannot believe this is her life.
- Great if you want: genre chaos: gothic horror, mystery, and bone-dry wit
- Listening experience: propulsive but dense — rewards attention, punishes multitasking
- Narration: Quirk's deadpan delivery perfectly captures Gideon's sardonic voice
- Skip if: confusing worldbuilding early on will make you quit
About This Audiobook
In the decaying Ninth House, sword-wielding Gideon Nav dreams of escaping her servitude among skeletal retainers and hostile nuns. Her plans crumble when her lifelong rival, the bone-wielding necromancer Harrowhark Nonagesimus, forces her into an unwanted partnership. Together, they must journey to a crumbling gothic mansion where the heirs of the Emperor's Houses compete in deadly trials. Each necromancer requires a cavalier to succeed, and Harrow needs Gideon's blade to claim immortality and save their dying House from extinction.
Moira Quirk delivers a powerhouse performance that captures both Gideon's irreverent snark and the story's bone-deep gothic atmosphere. Her vocal range brings distinct life to the large ensemble cast, from Gideon's modern slang-filled interior monologue to the formal, archaic speech patterns of ancient necromantic houses. Quirk's pacing expertly balances the mystery's mounting tension with moments of dark humor, while her clear articulation helps listeners navigate Muir's complex worldbuilding and intricate magic system. The audio format particularly enhances the story's blend of contemporary attitude and classical horror elements.
