Complete Darkness - Audiobook

Matt Adcock

"Audible version of this awesome book does not disappoint! The original grit and charm of the novel are captured in this excellent audio production. Narration is clear and concise with Nick also distinguishing voices of the different characters which helps to follow the storyline. I also love how the footnotes are presented. Inline with the overall vibe of the book and also help the listener to easily identify when they are listening to a footnote rather than main storyline." Audible listener

It's been almost five years since I found a publisher for Complete Darkness - and it's been a fantastic, fun ride ever since Burton Mayers Books signed me up. The launch event in Kings Cross where we had a satanist and a vicar discuss 'Hell' was just the sort of event I'd buy tickets for even if I wasn't the one putting it on!?

We sold 35 tickets, drank wine and played a wide game where those who came dashed madly around the pub (and the station) trying to find a member of the public who a. believed in an actual Hell and b. would come and explain why to the wine sippin book launch attendees.

It got written up in a national weekly newspaper (who made the book their paperback of the week - see below) and certainly helped add to the novel's sales.

Then during lockdown, an artist read the novel and we decided to see if we could turn it into a graphic novel - one chapter/comic at a time. At the time of writing, we are three issues in and it's going well!?

Now in 2024 the novel has finally made the jump to audiobook. I worked with ACX who have an intuitive interface which made the process easy. I put up a sample script, had 40 actors apply with their audition readings and with the help of my pal Simon Middleditch picked who we thought read it best.

Nick Cracknell was the 'chosen one' - he's a pro and his take on the novel really stood out as this early reviewer notes:

"My favourite book now in audio form! I’ve loved this book and I’m so pleased it’s now available on audiobook. It’s superbly narrated throughout and they’ve integrated the footnotes effortlessly. Listening this way has opened up the story for me in whole new ways. Go get it and listen!!"

Audible listener

What I didn't know was whether there would be an audio market for a 5-year-old quirky sci-fi that identifies as cyberpunk... Well day one sales showed that there does indeed seem to be!? After 12 hours on sale, the audiobook had shot to top of this Amazon Best Seller chart and the next day began moving units not just on Audible but Apple Books too.

Day One Chart Topper

Best Seller Flag!

How the Apple Books Store Looks

So where do we go from here? Well it will be interesting to see how sales work out over the first year and it's certainly made we think about working with Nick again for future projects.

If you're Audiobook-curious - you can get a free five minutes of the prologue by clicking the banner below (or sign up for a free three-month trial and nab the whole book for nothing)...