THE MCCULLAGH INN IN MAINE

One might suppose that this short audiobook—part of James Patterson’s new audiobook line meant to be enjoyed in a short time—would feel rushed. But narrator Erin Bennett’s steady reading provides the full experience. Chelsea O’Kane returns to her family’s inn in Maine to escape retribution from organized crime, but she can’t outrun her childhood crush, Jeremy Holland—who has secrets of his own. Bennett uses a slightly different register for each lead character, so their dialogue is clear. She tensely conveys Chelsea’s fear for her life, which culminates in an action scene that feels truly perilous. While the author’s switch from first to third person is a bit jarring and Bennett’s reading is low-key, listeners will feel the emotions of each character. C.A. © AudioFile 2016, Portland, Maine [Published: AUGUST 2016]