THE KILLING LESSONS

Narrator Christina Delaine's controlled intensity and crisp timbre capture the character of Valerie Hart, Black's cool, focused detective. Hart is on a wild chase to stop a pair of sick killers before they commit any more grisly murders. As Black ratchets up the tension through gruesome scenes and riveting plot twists, Delaine uses slight alterations of tone and pace to develop the broad range of characters. She is particularly successful at portraying the twisted inner voice that compels the psychopaths, and she wisely avoids trying to sound too childlike presenting the young girl who plays a major role. Delaine uses Black's rare emotional scenes to add layers to Hart's personality. Listeners who enjoy suspense will find this a satisfying choice. M.O.B. [Published: JANUARY 2016]