BLACKWOOD FARM

BLACKWOOD FARM is a well-acted, florid blood opera just this side of a romance novel. Stephen Spinella seamlessly transitions between his portrayals of the doppelganger-harassed narrator; the young and passionate Quinn Blackwood, Southern heir to frail Aunt Queen; the stately vampire Lestat; and many supporting characters. Fraught with swamps, witches, cemeteries, forbidden love, and blood lust, all knotted up with family honor, this steamy potboiler is perfect for the "vampirophile." Macabre Southern charm oozes from Spinella at every turn. If author Rice had provided a little back story, it would make this a real gem. D.J.B. (c) AudioFile 2003, Portland, Maine [Published: DEC 03/JAN 04]