Hearers of the Constant Hum

By: William Pauley III

Narrated by: Connor Brannigan

Bill Krang has a special gift: He can hear insects speaking. Although they incessantly hum the same nonsensical phrase ad nauseam, he can't help but think there must be some reason he alone can hear it. Now in his 30s, Krang's body is beginning to literally collapse in places, just as he discovers there may be other hearers of the constant hum. Convinced this is no coincidence, he sets out for answers, and manages to dismantle all he ever thought he knew about everything.

©2014, 2021 William Pauley III (P)2023 William Pauley III

You need to hear it

I originally read William Pauley III's Hearers of the Constant Hum back when it was first published in 2016, I've been a fan of his work for a long time now. With the recent release of the audiobook version I felt it was time to revisit this bizarre sci fi outing. It was just as good as I remember it, and Connor Brannigan's narration was pretty fantastic. I got a PKD vibe from this story that I didn't notice the first time through, from our paranoid protagonist to the mysterious URIK company to the questions left unanswered.
William writes deep and interesting characters, tackles philosophical questions, and creates a rich world that is both real yet surreal at times. If you like books that eschews norms and might make you think a bit, this ones for you.