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Recall
From the multi-award winning author of
Him
comes another mind-bending psychological horror that speaks to the darkest recesses of the human psyche.
After suffering a brutal and random attack, Daniel Henderson is left fighting for his life. As he embarks on the long road to recovery, he begins experiencing disturbing visions. Fleeting and half-glanced, they are visions of women being murdered, women who are victims of the Tallyman, the notorious serial killer whose reign of terror began forty years ago.
As Daniel’s family start to put back together the pieces of their life, Daniel dismisses his visions as traumatic hallucinations. But as they become more vivid, he finds himself haunted by details that only the killer could know.
Tormented by memories that aren't his own, soon Daniel is driven to hunt down a killer who’s murders have loomed over his entire life. Sacrificing sanity itself, Daniel begins on a terrifying journey into madness to confront a darkness more warped and unexpected than he could ever have imagined.
Narrated by James McAvoy, and perfect for fans of Stephen King and John Marrs, JD Kirk delivers another terrifying blockbuster which shines a light on the hidden evil buried within us all.
After suffering a brutal and random attack, Daniel Henderson is left fighting for his life. As he embarks on the long road to recovery, he begins experiencing disturbing visions. Fleeting and half-glanced, they are visions of women being murdered, women who are victims of the Tallyman, the notorious serial killer whose reign of terror began forty years ago.
As Daniel’s family start to put back together the pieces of their life, Daniel dismisses his visions as traumatic hallucinations. But as they become more vivid, he finds himself haunted by details that only the killer could know.
Tormented by memories that aren't his own, soon Daniel is driven to hunt down a killer who’s murders have loomed over his entire life. Sacrificing sanity itself, Daniel begins on a terrifying journey into madness to confront a darkness more warped and unexpected than he could ever have imagined.
Narrated by James McAvoy, and perfect for fans of Stephen King and John Marrs, JD Kirk delivers another terrifying blockbuster which shines a light on the hidden evil buried within us all.
Audiobook
Published February 26, 2026
About the author
J.D. Kirk
54 books1,864 followersJD Kirk is the pen name of multi-award-winning author, screenwriter, and writer of comics, Barry Hutchison.
JD Kirk lives in the Highlands of Scotland with his wife, two children, and a number of sturdy umbrellas. Despite writing from a young age, 'A Litter of Bones' is his first novel, and combines his love of the Highlands, crime thrillers, and cats.
JD Kirk lives in the Highlands of Scotland with his wife, two children, and a number of sturdy umbrellas. Despite writing from a young age, 'A Litter of Bones' is his first novel, and combines his love of the Highlands, crime thrillers, and cats.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 200 reviews
March 25, 2026
I listened to this today in it's entirety in one go. I was obsessed.
The book was incredible from start to finish. It was very intense throughout but I liked it. I am a huge fan of J.D Kirk.
I have to mention how James McAvoy was the perfect Narrator for this book. He did a fantastic job getting into the real, raw emotions of each character. He put great effort into making this story come to life like it was him re-living it. Incredibly well done.
I loved this so much and highly recommend.
The book was incredible from start to finish. It was very intense throughout but I liked it. I am a huge fan of J.D Kirk.
I have to mention how James McAvoy was the perfect Narrator for this book. He did a fantastic job getting into the real, raw emotions of each character. He put great effort into making this story come to life like it was him re-living it. Incredibly well done.
I loved this so much and highly recommend.
February 28, 2026
5+ hours of James McAvoy’s voice. That is all.
March 3, 2026
I’m probably not a good source of info here, as James McAvoy could read the ingredients on a cereal box and I’d give it 4 stars so idk
March 16, 2026
4.5 stars rounded up
THIS is how you write a page turning, nail biting thriller. Absolutely brilliant.
And I gotta say, the narration definitely adds a 1.5 stars to this book.
After suffering a brutal and random attack, Daniel Henderson begins experiencing disturbing visions. visions of women being murdered.
The book is fantastic, and i love how it unfolds. JD Kirk did an amazing job writing the book and making the reader live the states Daniel Henderson goes through with every revelation as intensely as he does.
The ending is excellent and not at all predictable. Highly recommended!
THIS is how you write a page turning, nail biting thriller. Absolutely brilliant.
And I gotta say, the narration definitely adds a 1.5 stars to this book.
After suffering a brutal and random attack, Daniel Henderson begins experiencing disturbing visions. visions of women being murdered.
The book is fantastic, and i love how it unfolds. JD Kirk did an amazing job writing the book and making the reader live the states Daniel Henderson goes through with every revelation as intensely as he does.
The ending is excellent and not at all predictable. Highly recommended!
March 7, 2026
Oh my gosh, this book was amazing. But the narration was even better. Would I have enjoyed the book if I’d read it on my own: yes, I would. It was twisty, which I love. I did’t figure the ending out but once it got to the big reveal, I was like, well obviously. But James McAvoy’s deliverance? Nothing short of absolutely spectacular. I’ve always enjoyed him on screen, but this was like nothing I’ve ever heard before. He completely drew me into the story. I was only sorry I couldn’t finish it in one go but had to break it up since it was audio. I 100% recommend!
March 14, 2026
Recall has a really interesting premise and starts off strong, but it didn’t fully live up to its potential for me.
The idea behind the story is very intriguing. Daniel Henderson surviving a brutal attack and then experiencing visions connected to an old serial killer case creates a dark and creepy atmosphere. The early chapters pull you in quickly, and the concept of seeing the murders through these visions makes for some genuinely unsettling moments.
However, as the book goes on, the story starts to feel a bit repetitive. Many of the vision scenes follow a similar pattern - Daniel experiences a violent memory, wakes up disturbed, and then struggles to convince others what he saw. While these scenes are effective at first, they begin to feel predictable after a while and slow the momentum of the story.
The supporting characters also could have been developed more. Relationships, especially with characters like Cassie, feel somewhat shallow, which makes the emotional side of the story less impactful than it could have been.
The twist and explanation behind Daniel’s visions is interesting, but it arrives quite quickly compared to the build-up. A bit more depth toward the end might have made the resolution more satisfying.
Overall, Recall is still an entertaining and creepy thriller with a unique concept, but the repetitive middle and underdeveloped characters kept it from being a standout read for me.
The idea behind the story is very intriguing. Daniel Henderson surviving a brutal attack and then experiencing visions connected to an old serial killer case creates a dark and creepy atmosphere. The early chapters pull you in quickly, and the concept of seeing the murders through these visions makes for some genuinely unsettling moments.
However, as the book goes on, the story starts to feel a bit repetitive. Many of the vision scenes follow a similar pattern - Daniel experiences a violent memory, wakes up disturbed, and then struggles to convince others what he saw. While these scenes are effective at first, they begin to feel predictable after a while and slow the momentum of the story.
The supporting characters also could have been developed more. Relationships, especially with characters like Cassie, feel somewhat shallow, which makes the emotional side of the story less impactful than it could have been.
The twist and explanation behind Daniel’s visions is interesting, but it arrives quite quickly compared to the build-up. A bit more depth toward the end might have made the resolution more satisfying.
Overall, Recall is still an entertaining and creepy thriller with a unique concept, but the repetitive middle and underdeveloped characters kept it from being a standout read for me.
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March 22, 2026
A 1-Star Dnf - Unfinished
Unfortunately, this is a 'Horror' book, a fact unknown to me when I started it.
Hastily DNF'd as Horror has always been a no-read for me.
Unfortunately, this is a 'Horror' book, a fact unknown to me when I started it.
Hastily DNF'd as Horror has always been a no-read for me.
Read
March 31, 2026Literally the best narration I've ever heard, James McAvoy is top tier. I couldn't stop listening, but still not sure if it was the story or the delivery.
February 28, 2026
I really enjoyed the narration from James! The storyline was good, I found the flicking back and to interesting and I did not have a clue who the Tallyman was, it's always a bonus when you can't see the end coming. The fact that this title is included with the audible membership is also a major bonus 👍🏻
March 24, 2026
The story itself requires a little suspension of disbelief (not a problem for me), but where this really shines is the narration by James McAvoy, which is exceptional.
However, not for people who can't stomach gore.
However, not for people who can't stomach gore.
March 7, 2026
4.5 audiobooked it and loved it!! James mcavoy in my ear certainly helped. great story. great actor. great voice 🫠
March 11, 2026
Who better than JD Kirk to get me out of my reading slump! Thrilling narration from James McAvoy
March 13, 2026
Meh- I love Mcevoy’s voice, but the story… could have been better.
March 19, 2026
This was so good, legit could not stop listening to it. James McAvoy does an amazing job and the story is so well written. Legit could not guess the ending and every twist I was wrong about. Amazing
March 21, 2026
Ooh! This was good, scary, thought provoking and quite honestly mind chilling at the thought of what our brains could be susceptible to….. never trust anyone
March 29, 2026
Absolutely brilliant. James McAvoy reads brilliantly. What an incredible actor with the most stunning voice/accent!
Read
February 26, 2026JD Kirk, always a good bet, just got a copy today
March 7, 2026
Amazing psychological thriller, just couldn’t stop listening.
March 7, 2026
The book is weak and predictable. It was saved by the beautiful performance/reading of James McAvoy
March 5, 2026
Silly plot, sublime performance.
March 8, 2026
This may not have been to my taste on the page but with James McAvoy’s narration it was totally gripping as an audio book.
March 14, 2026
Great story, well written, compelling and twisty, with a well planned and executed ending. Best part though, is James McAvoy’s voice reading it to you. Get the audio book. Don’t miss it. You’re welcome.
April 18, 2026
To be fair, I really only got the audiobook because of James McAvoy. I mean, who doesn’t like a Scottish accent. But I also do love my murders and mysteries and I guess this is a mixture of both more drama. So basically the book started off with his character named Daniel who was severely beaten up by a group of teenagers and it does not sound like these group of teenagers may or may not have any repercussions but the police can’t really state anything. Due to this accident, he does have brain injury and is recalling memories that he’s not even sure if they are his or not, but they seem to be about victims who were killed by the taser killer. Now the murders happened in about a 20 year period on and off. At first, he believes he is the killer but when the first murder happened, he would’ve been a toddler throughout the series. He is feeling like he is going crazy. He has a negative relationship with his bio father. He is married with a son and his marriage life does not seem like it’s the best. So you see him spiral on being very obsessed about the taser killer and having these memories, and when he sleeps, he is naming different victims, which in the morning he researches.
As always, James does a great job in psychological thrillers and people that kind of lose their mind. I should not have been surprised by the end ending, but I think it’s because every time you think you know who the taser killer is and Daniel makes good reasoning for every person he accuses you can kind of see it. I started a little bit rocky, but once I really got into it, I could not stop listening to it.
As always, James does a great job in psychological thrillers and people that kind of lose their mind. I should not have been surprised by the end ending, but I think it’s because every time you think you know who the taser killer is and Daniel makes good reasoning for every person he accuses you can kind of see it. I started a little bit rocky, but once I really got into it, I could not stop listening to it.
March 26, 2026
Recall is an absolute blast from start to finish, fast‑paced, punchy, and full of that signature J.D. Kirk blend of tension and humour. But what truly elevated the experience for me was the audiobook. As a long‑time fan of James McAvoy, I was already excited, but hearing him slip effortlessly into narration, complete with his native Scottish accent, was honestly heaven. He’s such a phenomenally talented actor, and somehow he’s just as captivating behind a microphone. He brought every scene and character vividly to life in a way few narrators can.
The story itself hooked me straight away. I love trying to guess the culprit or ending within the first few chapters (and yes, I was right this time!), but despite that slight predictability, the ride was still incredibly satisfying. The pacing never lagged, the stakes kept building, and the blend of supernatural elements with grounded science was done so well that I was constantly second‑guessing myself. We don’t get the real explanation until those final chapters, and the uncertainty makes the narrative even more gripping.
I’m honestly hoping Kirk gives us more like this, thrilling, slightly eerie, and full of energy. Pair that with McAvoy at the helm again, and I’d preorder in a heartbeat.
A fantastic read (and an even better listen). 4.5 stars from me!
The story itself hooked me straight away. I love trying to guess the culprit or ending within the first few chapters (and yes, I was right this time!), but despite that slight predictability, the ride was still incredibly satisfying. The pacing never lagged, the stakes kept building, and the blend of supernatural elements with grounded science was done so well that I was constantly second‑guessing myself. We don’t get the real explanation until those final chapters, and the uncertainty makes the narrative even more gripping.
I’m honestly hoping Kirk gives us more like this, thrilling, slightly eerie, and full of energy. Pair that with McAvoy at the helm again, and I’d preorder in a heartbeat.
A fantastic read (and an even better listen). 4.5 stars from me!
March 12, 2026
From the multi-award winning author of Him comes another mind-bending psychological horror that speaks to the darkest recesses of the human psyche.
After suffering a brutal and random attack, Daniel Henderson is left fighting for his life. As he embarks on the long road to recovery, he begins experiencing disturbing visions. Fleeting and half-glanced, they are visions of women being murdered, women who are victims of the Tallyman, the notorious serial killer whose reign of terror began forty years ago.
As Daniel’s family start to put back together the pieces of their life, Daniel dismisses his visions as traumatic hallucinations. But as they become more vivid, he finds himself haunted by details that only the killer could know.
Tormented by memories that aren’t his own, soon Daniel is driven to hunt down a killer whose murders have loomed over his entire life. Sacrificing sanity itself, Daniel begins on a terrifying journey into madness to confront a darkness more warped and unexpected than he could ever have imagined.
After suffering a brutal and random attack, Daniel Henderson is left fighting for his life. As he embarks on the long road to recovery, he begins experiencing disturbing visions. Fleeting and half-glanced, they are visions of women being murdered, women who are victims of the Tallyman, the notorious serial killer whose reign of terror began forty years ago.
As Daniel’s family start to put back together the pieces of their life, Daniel dismisses his visions as traumatic hallucinations. But as they become more vivid, he finds himself haunted by details that only the killer could know.
Tormented by memories that aren’t his own, soon Daniel is driven to hunt down a killer whose murders have loomed over his entire life. Sacrificing sanity itself, Daniel begins on a terrifying journey into madness to confront a darkness more warped and unexpected than he could ever have imagined.
March 14, 2026
Recall by J D Kirk and narrated by James McAvoy is one of the most terrifying, scary and believable storylines I have read/listened to for some time. The narration was incredible, James McAvoy got the tones of the voices perfectly, there was panic when necessary and there was the absolutely terrifying voice which was truly scary.
It was a mind bending horror story that reverberates through your mind and is very believable.
The Tallyman , the serial killer is brought to life once again and he is even more ruthless than he was at the start of his career.Daniel Henderson is a s hook teacher before he was viciously attacked by three random youths. He nearly died but is now at home recovering from his injuries when he starts hallucinating about women who have been murdered, enter The Tallyman.
Highly recommended
It was a mind bending horror story that reverberates through your mind and is very believable.
The Tallyman , the serial killer is brought to life once again and he is even more ruthless than he was at the start of his career.Daniel Henderson is a s hook teacher before he was viciously attacked by three random youths. He nearly died but is now at home recovering from his injuries when he starts hallucinating about women who have been murdered, enter The Tallyman.
Highly recommended
March 15, 2026
If there was a book I knew I would love before I read it then this one was it.
I had listened to J D Kirk's book "Him" and liked the style he adopts to present complex psychological themes. In "Recall", Daniel Henderson is recovering from a brutal attack. During the recovery process he sees fleeting visions of women being attacked. Unable to understand if he was remembering past events or if these were visions from a famous serial killer, Tallyman.
Even before I read who the author was I think I stopped at this book because it was read by James McAvoy. An sometimes those impulsive decisions work well. The heavy Scottish accent takes a bit of getting used to but once you do the story ticks all the boxes in terms of a psychological thriller. It builds slowly and races towards the end that you don't expect.
I had listened to J D Kirk's book "Him" and liked the style he adopts to present complex psychological themes. In "Recall", Daniel Henderson is recovering from a brutal attack. During the recovery process he sees fleeting visions of women being attacked. Unable to understand if he was remembering past events or if these were visions from a famous serial killer, Tallyman.
Even before I read who the author was I think I stopped at this book because it was read by James McAvoy. An sometimes those impulsive decisions work well. The heavy Scottish accent takes a bit of getting used to but once you do the story ticks all the boxes in terms of a psychological thriller. It builds slowly and races towards the end that you don't expect.
March 17, 2026
I really enjoyed this book. The plot actually felt fresh, which is getting harder & harder to find these days when so many stories start to blur together. This one managed to go in its own direction & kept my interest the whole way through.
The narrator did a fantastic job as well. The voice was spot on, easy to listen to & the reading had great inflection & pacing. You could tell they understood the tone of the story & brought the characters & scenes to life without overdoing it. That kind of narration really makes a difference in an audiobook.
Overall, it was a really enjoyable experience from start to finish. A unique storyline paired with strong narration made it an easy listen. I’ll definitely be keeping an eye out for more from this author. I’d happily pick up another one of their books.
The narrator did a fantastic job as well. The voice was spot on, easy to listen to & the reading had great inflection & pacing. You could tell they understood the tone of the story & brought the characters & scenes to life without overdoing it. That kind of narration really makes a difference in an audiobook.
Overall, it was a really enjoyable experience from start to finish. A unique storyline paired with strong narration made it an easy listen. I’ll definitely be keeping an eye out for more from this author. I’d happily pick up another one of their books.
April 8, 2026
Recall is a psychological thriller by JD Kirk in which a man named Daniel Henderson, recovering from a savage and unprovoked attack, begins experiencing vivid, haunting visions of women being murdered by a notorious serial killer known as the Tallyman.
This deserves ten and I am giving it ten, almost entirely on the strength of James McAvoy’s narration. He absolutely carried this book from first to last. His performance was so visceral, so completely inhabited, that at times it stopped feeling like an audiobook and started feeling like a one man theatre production. I went back and streamed practically every McAvoy film the moment I finished, 🤭🤭🤭just because his voice had completely taken over my brain.
As for the book itself, I would give it a generous 4.5 out of 5. The premise is gripping and the storytelling is clever and propulsive, but it does leave a few too many threads dangling by the end. Some of the plot mechanics also stretched credibility more than I would have liked. But ……With James McAvoy reading it to you, you barely care. He is … arresting.
This deserves ten and I am giving it ten, almost entirely on the strength of James McAvoy’s narration. He absolutely carried this book from first to last. His performance was so visceral, so completely inhabited, that at times it stopped feeling like an audiobook and started feeling like a one man theatre production. I went back and streamed practically every McAvoy film the moment I finished, 🤭🤭🤭just because his voice had completely taken over my brain.
As for the book itself, I would give it a generous 4.5 out of 5. The premise is gripping and the storytelling is clever and propulsive, but it does leave a few too many threads dangling by the end. Some of the plot mechanics also stretched credibility more than I would have liked. But ……With James McAvoy reading it to you, you barely care. He is … arresting.
April 18, 2026
James McAvoy does an outstanding job narrating this tense thriller. Daniel Henderson is brutally assaulted at a chip shop, leaving him in a coma; when he comes to, he somehow has visions of murder and mayhem. When he realizes they are visions of the victims of the infamous (and still at large) Tallyman, Daniel risks his and his family’s safety and sanity to save the next victim from danger.
This is a bit of a sci-fi take on THE DEAD ZONE by Stephen King, and it’s very well done. McAvoy is a powerhouse narrator, and just when you think this book might do a disappointingly cliched twist…it shocks you and finishes powerfully. The ending is a bit of a stretch but if you factor in the “science fantasy” that JD Kirk is trying for here…then you’ll love it.
Regardless, the denouement is killer.
This is a bit of a sci-fi take on THE DEAD ZONE by Stephen King, and it’s very well done. McAvoy is a powerhouse narrator, and just when you think this book might do a disappointingly cliched twist…it shocks you and finishes powerfully. The ending is a bit of a stretch but if you factor in the “science fantasy” that JD Kirk is trying for here…then you’ll love it.
Regardless, the denouement is killer.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 200 reviews