THE EVOLUTIONIST

Narrator Carol Schneider takes listeners from suburban mundanity to the unnervingly supernatural as she portrays Stacy Troy, a mother in Las Vegas who is plagued by disturbing visions and inexplicable physical sensations. Visited by vivid nightmares of a world-ending event and the role she plays in its aftermath, Stacy tries to navigate the complex underpinnings of her social circle at the same time that she fears for her sanity and her family's future. Schneider builds Tracy's world through detailed characterizations of calculating friends, a concerned but overbearing husband, a gruff yet loving son, and a determined therapist. As Stacy deals with conflicting loyalties and a worsening condition, Schneider's pacing and delivery contribute to the sensation of Stacy spiraling out of control. The mix of daily life and surreal twists will appeal to contemporary fiction and sci-fi listeners. K.S.B. © AudioFile 2020, Portland, Maine [Published: APRIL 2020]