GUARDIAN OF THE HORIZON

The grammatically correct, deliciously verbose Peabody-Emersons are back. Recently unearthed journals of a previously unexamined period in the family’s timetable (1907-1908) tell of their return to the Lost Oasis (first explored in THE LAST CAMEL DIED AT NOON). Kidnapping, murder, political intrigues, and damsels in distress make this sixteenth episode in the Peabody Chronicles every bit as exciting as the others. Barbara Rosenblat’s fully realized performance invests Emerson with a bumbling authority and the 20-year-old Ramses with the pomposity of youth. Rosenblat shines as the ever-loquacious Amelia tosses off bons mots, manipulating everyone and everything in sight. Rosenblat’s tongue-in-cheek delivery and incomparable timing allow seemingly throwaway lines to snap with crocodile ferocity. Those new to the series will become instant fans, and devotees will be delighted. S.J.H. Winner of AudioFile Earphones Award © AudioFile 2004, Portland, Maine [Published: OCT/ NOV 04]