HEARTS OF THE MISSING

Narrator Laura Jennings believably delivers the intonations of a number of Native American characters in this mystery. What appears to be a straightforward missing persons case involving members of a local Pueblo tribe takes on a supernatural twist when police sergeant Nicky Matthews has a vision of an old woman who may or may not be the Wind Mother, or "kachina." Jennings portrays characters who range from deep and serious young men to gravelly and steady old women. She seamlessly transitions to the youthful voice of Matthews, a non-native, who is surrounded by skeptical colleagues and must fight to get to the truth. Overall, Jennings's reserved tone and low pitch give a note of solemnity and respect to a culture that has been historically marginalized. E.E. Winner of AudioFile Earphones Award © AudioFile 2019, Portland, Maine [Published: MAY 2019]