THE GONE DEAD

To convey the setting of this novel, narrator Bahni Turpin employs several regional Southern accents and a tone that reflects the oppressive heat and humidity of the Mississippi Delta. A mood of impending doom prevails as Billie James returns to claim a small inheritance from her late father, a renowned African-American poet who died in a mysterious accident when she was only 4. Adding to that mystery is her own unexplained disappearance on the same day--which she doesn't remember. Turpin lets a palpable sense of danger creep into her performance as the questions about what happened to Billie and her father unfold. Billie is engaging and curious, and Turpin reflects her developing maturity as secrets are revealed. Listeners may find fingernail imprints on their armrests at Billie's final confrontation. R.O. © AudioFile 2019, Portland, Maine [Published: AUGUST 2019]