IN THE SHADOW OF VESUVIUS Lady Emily Mysteries, Book 14

Lady Emily; her husband, Colin; and friends travel to Pompeii in 1902, where they uncover a most unusual murder in the ancient city. Narrator Bianca Amato uses a variety of cultured tones to portray Lady Emily and her friends as they investigate this complex case. An alternating story told by former slave Quinta Flavia Cassandra, scribe and writer, recited in Amato's soft tones, is set in 79 CE. The convoluted murder forces Lady Emily and Colin to investigate the dig and the many people involved. Amato effortlessly shifts accents from British to American, capturing the essence of each character. In sharp contrast, she portrays the ancient Romans using a combination of tonal shifts and pacing. The entwined stories and Amato's passionate narration will remain in listeners' minds long after the mysteries are solved. M.B.K. © AudioFile 2020, Portland, Maine [Published: MAY 2020]