VELVET WAS THE NIGHT

Narrator Gisela Chípe successfully juggles the many characters and subplots in this exciting, odd (in a good way) mystery set in 1970s Mexico. The government underwrites a group of thugs to do whatever’s necessary to keep down student protests and civil unrest. While Elvis is an enforcer, Chípe’s performance makes clear how his inner life conflicts with his work. Chípe also delivers a perfect Maite, a bored 30-year-old secretary with a Walter Mitty dream life inspired by her favorite magazine, SECRET ROMANCE. Maite agrees to cat sit for a neighbor, but the neighbor, Leonora, never returns. Then Maite’s life takes a thrilling turn as not-so-nice men show up searching for Leonora. An artful narration by Chípe and an ingeniously plotted thriller by Moreno-Garcia (MEXICAN GOTHIC) make this prime listening. S.J.H. Winner of AudioFIle Earphones Award, 2021 Best Audiobook © AudioFile 2021, Portland, Maine [Published: SEPTEMBER 2021]