DEAD WOMAN WALKING

The smooth, cultured voice of narrator Julie Barrie might suggest a novel of manners, but this is an action-filled thriller. It's gory, suspenseful, and full of plot twists. Beginning with a crashing hot-air balloon, it moves on to chilling chase scenes, police corruption, and illegal organ harvesting, and ends with the heroine facing a knife. Barrie is subtle in her portrayal of characters, conveying their complexity and emotions, especially the terror of the helpless crash victims and the cold nonchalance of the murderous criminals. The plot may be convoluted and far-fetched, but Barrie's authoritative voice makes it all believable. Listeners will follow the adventure to its dramatic conclusion. D.L.G. © AudioFile 2017, Portland, Maine [Published: NOVEMBER 2017]