EVERYONE IN THIS ROOM WILL SOMEDAY BE DEAD

Narrator Emily Tremaine's somber, contemplative tone is well suited to the author's angst-ridden, frustrated protagonist, Gilda. When she takes a job as a church secretary, she becomes engrossed in the correspondence and mysterious death of her predecessor, Grace. Gilda begins leading a double life, concealing where she works from confused friends and family while attempting to hide that she's an atheist and a lesbian from her new colleagues. Tremaine's pacing and delivery capture Gilda's mounting anxiety as she spirals out of control, becoming increasingly preoccupied with death and disaster as her life crumbles around her. Tremaine's characterizations bring heart to Gilda's well-meaning co-workers, complex family members, and unique friendships. K.S.B. © AudioFile 2021, Portland, Maine [Published: OCTOBER 2021]