HEADLONG

Spending the summer in the country becomes a life-changing experience for Martin Clay and his family when they become embroiled in a scheme to evaluate paintings hidden in the manor of the local lord. Art historians will rejoice over the subject matter and the intricate descriptions of the paintings and their provenance. One needs to be entranced by the subject because Frederick Davidson's manner of speaking is supercilious. Although his vocal changes bring forth believable characters with pleasing sounds, his narration is too snobbish for popular fiction. Simple words are drawn out to a laughable degree, and there is no friendliness in his presentation. Haughtiness does not make a listener feel welcome. J P. © AudioFile 2001, Portland, Maine [Published: JUN/JUL 01]