PANDORA

Olivia Vinall delivers a propulsive performance of this debut, a captivating mix of mystery and magic set in 1799 London. After her parents died while searching for antiquities, Dora Blake was taken in by her uncle Hezekiah, who runs a shady antiquities shop. When Dora happens across a beautiful but unsettling Greek vase in the basement, she senses that her uncle's dealings may be more nefarious than she thought. Vinall's portentous tone conveys the disquieting atmosphere of the shop and its environs, which hum with curses, plagues, and unsavory characters. At the same time, she gives voice to Dora's cautious feelings of hope as she recognizes her own talents and desirability. An engrossing audio is enhanced by Vinall's top-notch, perfectly attuned narration. S.A.H. © AudioFile 2023, Portland, Maine [Published: MARCH 2023]