GALLANT

Julian Rhind-Tutt narrates a charming gothic fantasy about a girl's unusual experiences at a mysterious manor called Gallant. Olivia is a mute teen who is adrift at a school for girls. An invitation to come home to Gallant sets her on a journey filled with self-discovery, ghouls, and ominous secrets. Rhind-Tutt's patient pacing suits the story as spine-tingling elements slowly creep in. His precise diction lends a formal fairy-tale tone that complements the slowly mounting tension. Subtle sound effects indicate when the story shifts from Olivia to her mother's diary and add an unsettling touch of physicality to the production. J.M.M. Winner of AudioFile Earphones Award © AudioFile 2022, Portland, Maine [Published: APRIL 2022]