Fans of supernatural thrillers have a compelling reason to mark their calendars for Halloween 2026, as the audiobook adaptation of a Houston-set vampire saga is poised to offer a fresh way to experience the story. The upcoming release isn’t just another audio edition; it’s a duet performance that promises to bring a new dimension to the source material.
Produced by John Marshall Media, the supernatural thriller features duet narration by Ian Bedford and Chelsea Hatfield
It took a bit of trust on my end to hand over my book, but the result is incredible. They embraced the characters and story with such clear intention; it really came alive in a whole new way.”— E.A. WilliamsHOUSTON, TX, UNITED STATES, October 26, 2026 /EINPresswire.com/ — Author E.A. Williams has confirmed that the first installment of her self-titled supernatural thriller series, “The Line of Tepes,” will make its audio debut on October 31, 2026. The project, brought to life by John Marshall Media, showcases a dual narration from Ian Bedford and Chelsea Hatfield, making the Halloween launch a notable event for fans of the genre.
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The narrative is rooted in the Houston area, centering on Emma King, who is dealing with the recent death of her grandmother when her cult-leader mother attacks her during the wake. Forced to flee from the death-worshipping Order, Emma finds an unlikely ally in a mysterious man she encounters in the family graveyard. This stranger, named Vlad, provides shelter in his fortress-like apartment overlooking the city, but also reveals a terrifying truth: the monsters her mother spoke of are indeed real. With the Order closing in, Emma faces a critical choice about whether her protector is truly someone she can trust.
“When I heard Ian and Chelsea's auditions, I knew right away that they would be perfect,” Williams said. “Novel writing is a pretty singular endeavor, so when I get to collaborate with such talented people, I jump at it.”
Bedford brings a well-known voice to the project, having contributed to the popular Red Dead video game franchise. Hatfield is a familiar name in romance audiobooks, frequently narrating works from New York Times bestselling authors Carolyn Brown and Mia Sheridan.
Adapting the book required a leap of faith for Williams, who had spent years with these characters. She collaborated closely with John Marshall Media, reviewing the manuscript, deciding on narrator handoff points, and conveying her vision for the audio experience.
“It took a bit of trust on my end to hand over my book, but the result is incredible,” she said. “They embraced the characters and story with such clear intention; it really came alive in a whole new way.”
The series draws inspiration from “Buffy the Vampire Slayer” and “Dracula,” but readers have also noted parallels to Westerns and “John Wick,” as well as the humor in Williams’ vampire portrayal. This audiobook release offers the author yet another chance to gauge audience reactions to her work.
The audio format holds a special significance for Williams, whose grandfather was an avid mystery and thriller reader. After he lost his sight, her mother gave him a boombox and a James Patterson audiobook on CD, allowing him to enjoy books once more.
“The world of stories opened back up to him,” Williams recalled. “Audiobooks are a door without a lock that takes you to any world you want to go to.”
Looking ahead, Williams has plans for audiobook versions of the next two books in the series, “The Fall of Kings” and “The Path of Blood,” and is currently at work on the fourth installment.
For audiobook preorders and additional information, visit Audible.com or Lindie.com.
ABOUT E.A. WILLIAMS
E.A. Williams is a University of North Texas graduate who studied film and playwriting. Her fiction draws on the landscape of her home state of Texas. In addition to The Line of Tepes series, her short stories have appeared in “Mixed Bag of Tricks,” “Femme Fairytales” and “Grimoire for Honeyed Spells.” She is also a founding member of the Armadillo Authors Society, where she helps coordinate events. To learn more, visit EAWilliamsBooks.com.
MEDIA CONTACT
Cynthia Conrad
BookTrib
booktrib@booktrib.com
Why it matters: This release underscores the growing importance of audiobooks as a primary format for fiction, allowing stories to reach audiences who might not otherwise have access to them. For authors like Williams, it represents a significant expansion of their readership and a new way to connect with fans. The involvement of established narrators also signals the increasing production value being applied to genre fiction in the audio space.
