Eavesdropper

by Elliot Wolf, Matt Dillon (Narrator), Susan Kelechi Watson (Narrator)

Do you know who’s listening?

From the minds behind Law & Order comes a razor-sharp thriller about privacy, power, and the people listening in.

When a bombing rocks New York City, former Marine Hunter Stevens and his team at Southerly—a new NSA surveillance program listening to Americans through their smart devices—race to track down those responsible. But when Hunter's daughter vanishes without a trace during the investigation, he makes a desperate choice to exploit the system’s vast surveillance network to find her. The decision sets off a chain reaction—exposing corruption, betrayal, and a deeper conspiracy within Southerly itself. Now a target of his own government, Hunter must outmaneuver the program he helped build to uncover the truth before it’s too late.

Eavesdropper is a propulsive, high-stakes thriller about privacy, power, and the cost of protecting those we love.

Available in Dolby Atmos on Audible.

Genres: Audiobook, Thriller, Fiction, Mystery, Suspense, Crime, Espionage

Audible Audio

Published July 10, 2025

Reviews

[Brittany · Rating 2 out of 5]

The overall story was good, I enjoyed listening to it, but im giving it a low rating because the story just ENDS. I was confused when I realized it was over and that left me disappointed.

[Rachel J ✨ · Rating 4 out of 5]

Forever a sucker for dramatized audio books!

[LaGaryce · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars

[Martina Cee · Rating 2 out of 5]

2.5 ⭐️ these audible originals are so interesting. Movie scripts delivered as audio books with all the sound effects and celebrity. All 3 main characters are recognizable voices which is an added touch. This one was drama meets dystopia but one that feels eerily possible today. Good storyline but I wasn’t obsessed and probably won’t remember it next year.

[Sheryl Smith · Rating 3 out of 5]

In a typical tale of a man torn between work and family, when the scale tips to the family side and the temptation to break the work rules begins to feel like a necessity, well, you can guess what happens, right?

There is a twist, though, that is not expected. More than one, really, but it's the twist at the end that holds the punch. I just don't think the author did it justice.

[Anisha Patel · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.25⭐️
It was quite good for a quick listen. Having actors do the narration definitely adds a different touch to it!

[Jyl Curry · Rating 3 out of 5]

Was that seriously the ending?
Great audiobook production, and the story was exciting and engaging, but I’m seriously wondering if the budget ran out. Or maybe they planned for a sequel that never came to fruition?

[Kurtis Michael · Rating 3 out of 5]

I'm going to preface this by saying that crime dramas/thrillers aren't usually my cup of tea. that being said, I love love love old style radio shows, and somehow Matthew Lillard has become a special interest of mine (thank you autism). So I decided to give this a listen.

All that out of the way. The voice actors are great. But the story itself is a little clichè/predictable. They use "walk with me" or "walk and talk" SO. MUCH. that by the end of the story I was starting to laugh any time they used it. Also, the whole time I was listening, I was like.... "hmmmm I bet Matthew Lillard will end up being the big bad guy! Surely he won't, he never is rigggght? Maybe I'm wrong this once?" Wrong. It's not his fault he gets type casted sometimes though, and I love him. His voice is really nice to listen to as well, big fan. But like I said earlier, a bit predictable. Whatever. No harm no foul, sometimes it's nice to visit old tropes and just enjoy them, especially if they're executed well.

It kind of feels like they're trying to make a political statement, but they're not quite hitting it home. They're almost there, but they haven't quite got it. However, I realize how hard it can be to write a nuanced take on this topic, especially in our current political climate, so I can forgive that.

My biggest issue is with the ending of this thing. So many unresolved plotlines, loose ends. I was SO MAD when I realized it was over. Now don't get me wrong, sometimes a good ambiguous ending can be great. However, there is a limit to how much I want to use my imagination to fill in. If it's too many loose ends I will be PISSED. If they make a second part I will happily listen and change my mind, but right now as far as I know there aren't plans to do that.

All in all, if you need to be kept busy for three hours, especially if you're in love with one of the actors like I am, and you don't mind an unsatisfying ending, it's worth the three hours. Especially if you're doing something else while listening or more into crime dramas than I am.

[LindaJ^ · Rating 3 out of 5]

As an Audible member this was free to listen to. It was a full cast dramatization. I could have done without hearing the footsteps - a bit too much dramatization.

Hunter Stevens works for Southerly, a new NSA group that is charged with listening and watching everyone. AI, using a list of "suspicious" words for conversations, identifies potentially harmful situations - crimes, terrorism, etc. - and "trained" individuals review and decide if the cops need sent in or if there is no danger. They system can also be used to track people down, using voice and face recognition. If you have a smartphone or internet you're heard. Cameras are everywhere. This is supposed to make for a safer community.

Stevens has been there since the beginning (all of 2 years it seems). He heads a team of reviewers. The program is being hammered in the press, as it did not stop the assassination of a US Senator of the blowing up of the headquarters of the opposition.

In the midst of the crisis, Stevens' daughter goes missing. Stevens is torn between work and family. He's charged with finding the mole who is warning those that Southerly is trying to find. In his search, he finds out there is a backdoor to the system where one can anonymously run searches, erase info, and do other things. Someone who knows that code is causing problems but it also provides a way for Stevens to find his daughter.

Not great but interesting EXCEPT it just ends.

[Joshua Booker · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was a phenomenal experience! However, I'm pissed... I thought this was a complete narrative and it quite literally ended in the action. I later read that this was intentional to leave listeners wanting more, but I still feel misled. It was presented as a new 10-part series (with all 10 included in this first production), with no mention that it would be incomplete. I struggled deciding a rating for this one, but because of the abrupt ending I've left it on 3 stars.

[Ginny Muse · Rating 3 out of 5]

Great narration. Good audio drama with full cast and sound effects.
Interesting story.
But I’m not sure I fully followed everything and didn’t love it. (I might’ve enjoyed it more if I could’ve listened to it straight through - maybe on a drive; but I stopped and started a lot on this one.)
Entertaining. Different. Thought provoking.
Not a good ending. I needed it to wrap up better.

[Maria · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was a solid four stars until it just ended abruptly. Is there more to this? Another one that actually finishes the story. I was so into the whole story - adrenaline pumping, fully invested in what was happening and how it would all play out and it just stopped.

[Samantha · Rating 2 out of 5]

The audio performance was great. It was easy to follow and very interesting.

Plot was a bit predictable at times, but it had a very steady pace. Unfortunately, it ends very abruptly without any conclusions. Sort of a time waster as the story feels incomplete.

[Angel Chiou · Rating 1 out of 5]

Is it a fast-paced thriller? Yup.
Any in-depth discussion on privacy and preventing crime? Nope.
Do I care enough about the characters or the plot to wanting to listen to its sequel? Absolutely not.

[Wendie Joy · Rating 2 out of 5]

Great performance-- confusing and muddled story.

[Lyrical · Rating 1 out of 5]

This is more a radio-show (and yes, I am that old) that doesn't wrap up at the end. A thriller it ain't

Shame on them for putting this out. Shame on me for being sucked in.

[Sandra Mazliah · Rating 1 out of 5]

Ends about without finishing the story

[Jill McNeil · Rating 3 out of 5]

Is there more? It just ended.

[Caitlyn Burns · Rating 1 out of 5]

Audiobook. My husband and I needed something to listen to on our way back from Maine. Everything was left unresolved. Wish we had skipped it.

[Mike Kennedy · Rating 3 out of 5]

Hunter Stevens works for the NSA as part of a highly classified unit that monitors iPhones and uses advanced AI to identify threats before they materialize. But when his daughter disappears, Hunter faces an impossible choice: should he break every rule and use the system to track her down? At the same time, a terrorist group launches a brutal attack on a building in New York City, and Hunter’s team is tasked with finding those responsible. The tension builds around a single question, could these two events be connected?

This story was released as an Audible Original, so I experienced it in audio format. It’s structured as ten short episodes and features multiple narrators. Sometimes that style works for me; here, I found it a bit confusing and occasionally distracting.

I went in with high expectations. Elliott Wolf, son of Dick Wolf of Law & Order fame, was behind this project, and he was also involved in On Call, a solid show on Amazon Prime. But despite the intriguing setup, the story left me wanting more. It felt like it ended just as things were getting interesting, without the kind of satisfying resolution I was hoping for.

There’s potential here if a second installment is planned, and I hope there is one. A follow‑up could tie the loose ends together and deliver the payoff this first chapter didn’t quite achieve.

[Mel · Rating 4 out of 5]

A thrilling ride told in short, punchy episodes. It grabs you right from the start with its sharp writing, tight pacing, and excellent performances by Matt Dillon and Matthew Lillard and the whole cast.

The sound design and production are stellar. You can see the scenes play out in your mind, with the tension, the settings, and the character dynamics all so vivid.

But the ending? Way too abrupt. On one hand, it’s very frustrating since the story is far from wrapped, and there's no messaging or confirmation about a sequel or second season. At the same time, there simply has to be a Season 2. It would make no sense to leave it where it stops. Which makes me looking forward to it!

One last thing, what sounds like a dystopia, is actually closer to our reality, which makes it even more terrifying. Really enjoyed it.

[Natasha · Rating 4 out of 5]

New York Procedural- Excellent procedural police drama in New York City where I grew up. All the known places. There wasn't anything unlikeable about this audible. It was known close to the middle of this audible that Serena Sloan was the Queen Bee of the terrorist attacks, issues with Southerly's computer backdoor issues, and her reasoning being for her own personal vendetta. Sweet and familial about the leading male character Hunter having a second chance to be with his family and get to choose his family over his career. More than stimulating and interesting narrations from all the voice actors. I hope that this audible has a sequel because I am curious to know, if Serena Sloan ever gets caught along with her accomplices. Plus, if Hunter is exonerated of all charges and he, his ex-wife and daughter are reunited together. Thanks for the audible.😊

[Marios · Rating 3 out of 5]

An intriguing concept that draws you into a world built on secrets and overheard conversations. While the atmosphere is captivating and the premise promising, the story ultimately feels a bit hollow, leaving a sense of unfulfilled potential. The narrative touches on fascinating themes but doesn't quite delve into the depths one might hope for. The conclusion, in particular, may leave listeners wanting more, as it provides a sense of ambiguity rather than resolution. It's an interesting listen for those who enjoy mysteries and atmospheric storytelling, but it may not fully satisfy listeners seeking a more complete or impactful narrative...

[Rick Verde · Rating 5 out of 5]

This Audible original was a delightful, thrilling, action-packed listen. I've read many reviews on this, and everyone seems to love it; the only negative thing anyone complains about is the ending. The story does come to an abrupt ending, and that seems to be the big negative that people hold against this Audible original.

Let me clear something up for everyone. This is only part one of ten. The other parts will be released eventually, not all at once, from my understanding. If you want to hear all of them at once, then I advise you to wait until all ten are out.

Otherwise, if you enjoy action and thrillers, give this a listen.

[Janna Wong · Rating 4 out of 5]

This Audible Original is pretty entertaining. Available as an audio recording only, it gives the listener insight into how the NSA operates and it handles difficult, threatening activities. The author doubles down on the trouble when the NSA officer we're following (performed by Matt Dillon) learns that his daughter is missing.

It's a serious drama and well-acted by all. Adding to the stress is a great score by composer Jon O'Hara, whose music cues are perfectly placed and properly scary.

[Cheryl · Rating 2 out of 5]

I could not get into this. I found the voices were too similar for a couple of the work colleagues and it was very confusing when the suspenseful “whodunnit” was exposed. It also seemed over complicated for such a short audiobook - the shortness was one of the only positives. This book would have been better suited to a traditional audiobook instead of the graphic version of only for clarity. The way the book ended was by far the worse part of the book — I listened for four hours for that!? Nope. Not my book.

[Nicole Ajtony · Rating 3 out of 5]

Just ends like that. No real closure. Not wrapped up neatly. Just ends. I was waiting for more. If this is just a story about finding his way back to his ex wife the ending still ends abruptly. I didn’t like that they made a person recovering from drug addiction “pretend” to have a relapse. In my opinion that cause more problems and lying to the police on top of that. Yeah not great morals or ethics. I can’t stand Matt Dillon’s voice so that doesn’t help. But over all it was just okay.

[Ann · Rating 2 out of 5]

IT JUST ENDED!!

This would have been a 5 star production but the story just stopped without any warning or ending. As far as I have found with my research, this was the conclusion. I was totally into this storyline and the narration was excellent. Then nothing…… I absolutely would not recommend unless there is a part 2 that will be released. WTF!!

If there is more released, I will absolutely change my rating as this was very good until it wasn’t…

[Carol Brandon · Rating 4 out of 5]

It was an interesting story, and certainly makes one think about the ins and outs of politics, and how they cover their tracks. The plot is similar to The Minority Report - I won’t say more because I don’t want to include spoilers. And a little like 1984. The book seemed to end abruptly. Maybe there will be a sequel? Great narration. Note there is some swearing, and reference to a lesbian relationship.

[Monica Weatherall · Rating 4 out of 5]

Hunter Stevens and his team at Southerly run a surveillance program eavesdropping on Americans through their devices in order to protect the nation's security. When Hunter's daughter vanishes, he makes a desperate decision to use the system to track her down. This decision exposes corruption within Southerly itself, and places everyone in danger. This is fast paced and action packed, and alarming in its realism. I would have loved if this had continued