The Wretched and Undone Comes to Life as an Audiobook
The Wretched and Undone by J.E. Weiner
HTF Publishing is thrilled to announce that J.E. Weiner’s debut novel, The Wretched and Undone, is being adapted into an audiobook, narrated by the exceptional Scott Fleming. While the official release date will be February 5, 2026, fans can preorder the audiobook now through our online store, ensuring they are among the first to experience this gripping tale in audio form.
Pre-order Now: https://www.historythroughfiction.com/store/p/the-wretched-and-undone-audiobook
A Story Born of History and Haunted by Tragedy
Set in the Texas Hill Country on the eve of the Civil War, The Wretched and Undone follows Polish immigrants Marcin and Agnieszka Anderwald as they arrive in Bandera, seeking faith, freedom, and fertile land. What begins as the promise of a fresh start quickly turns dark when Marcin inadvertently provokes a vengeful specter, setting in motion a curse that will follow his family for generations.
Weiner’s storytelling deftly blends Southern Gothic, historical fiction, and family saga. The narrative moves from the Anderwalds’ early struggles to the harrowing events of the Civil War, weaving together moments of supernatural terror with the harsh realities of frontier life. From marauding deserters to unpredictable, malevolent forces, every chapter heightens tension, keeping readers—or listeners—on edge. As the Southern Literary Review notes, the book opens with a rattlesnake falling from the rafters of a church, immediately signaling that in Weiner’s world, danger lurks where it is least expected.
The novel also shines in its historical accuracy. Curious details—like the presence of camels in 19th-century Texas—are seamlessly integrated, enriching the story without feeling forced. Weiner’s meticulous research and careful attention to historical context make The Wretched and Undone a rich experience, whether you’re exploring the complexities of early Texas settlements or the human consequences of generational curses.
Scott Fleming: A Voice You’ll Never Forget
Scott Fleming, who will narrate this audiobook, brings decades of experience to the role. A performer with over 30 years in professional theatre, television, voice acting, and vocal coaching, Scott has appeared in London’s West End, UK touring productions, and television series including Doc Martin (ITV1). He has narrated more than 100 audiobooks, including HTF’s award-winning Reclaiming Mni Sota by Colin Mustful.
Scott’s narration is renowned for its versatility and ability to convey complex characters with nuance. He is a master at capturing subtle shifts in tone and tension, making him the perfect choice to bring the harrowing, multi-generational tale of the Anderwald family to life. With Scott at the helm, listeners can expect a rich audio experience that captures the suspense, emotion, and haunting beauty of Weiner’s prose.
Why This Audiobook Matters
An audiobook is more than just a reading; it’s an experience. Fleming’s narration promises to transport listeners directly into the dusty fields and tense households of 1860s Texas, allowing every rattlesnake strike, every shadowed corner, and every emotional beat to resonate with immediacy and intensity. For those who loved Reclaiming Mni Sota or enjoy immersive historical fiction, this is an audiobook you won’t want to miss.
J.E. Weiner, a historian, storyteller, and mother who has faced profound personal loss, draws on real events and actual people to craft a story that is as heartfelt as it is harrowing. Her characters are fully realized, their joys and sorrows rendered with authenticity and care. The audiobook format allows her rich language, atmospheric tension, and the haunting elements of the Southern Gothic genre to be fully appreciated in a way that engages both the mind and the imagination.
A Novel and Audiobook Worth Experiencing
From the first rattlesnake strike to the unfolding generational curse, The Wretched and Undone grips readers and listeners alike. It’s a debut novel that demonstrates J.E. Weiner’s mastery of storytelling, her respect for history, and her gift for weaving suspenseful, immersive narratives. With Scott Fleming’s seasoned narration, the audiobook adaptation promises to elevate this Southern Gothic epic to an unforgettable listening experience.
Whether you’re a fan of historical fiction, Southern Gothic, or immersive audiobooks, The Wretched and Undone offers a story that lingers in memory long after the last word is heard. Preorder the audiobook today to be among the first to experience this extraordinary tale when it releases in early 2026.
About the Author
J. E. Weiner is a writer and novelist based in Northern California. Her debut novel, The Wretched and Undone, a Southern Gothic tale set in the Texas Hill Country and inspired by real people and actual events, is forthcoming from HTF Publishing in March 2025. Her previous work has appeared in the literary journals Madcap Review, Five Minutes, and HerStry, as well as the recent grit lit anthology Red-Headed Writing (Cowboy Jamboree Press, 2024). Weiner is a founding member of the Pacific Coast Writers Collective, and while living and writing in blissful exile on the West Coast, her heart remains bound to her childhood home, the Great State of Texas.
