MR CADMUS

Cousins Maud Finch and Millicent Swallow's quiet, routine retirement is disrupted when Theodore Cadmus, a mysterious foreigner, moves into their close-knit Devonshire village. Narrator Jilly Bond performs this audiobook, which moves from charming to dark to over the top as Theo's intentions and motivations for moving to England become clear. Bond nicely presents the humorous moments, and her characterizations of the women are fitting, capturing their different demeanors. She is less successful, however, when voicing Theo, using a vague accent and exaggerated expression. The story provides the backgrounds of the three main characters--some of it traumatic--but doesn't fully tie the information into their present circumstances or fully explain Theo's behavior toward the women. Bond's narration cannot save the loose plotting or unclear ending. C.B.L. © AudioFile 2020, Portland, Maine [Published: DECEMBER 2020]