LITTLE MONSTERS

Family dynamics reach a new level of complication in this audiobook, and we hear from each member of the Gardner family through a dedicated voice. Jason Culp is authoritative and sharp-elbowed as patriarch Adam, even as that character battles personal demons. Matt Pittenger captures son Ken's arrogance and insecurities with deft vocal nuances. Cassandra Campbell's Abby veers into a plaintive tone as she copes with her father's and brother's demands. Joy Osmanski and Allyson Ryan portray secondary characters, but their performances are equally convincing; both narrators are no-nonsense and confident in their respective deliveries. Dialogue is seamless and well delineated. Transitions among all these voices--each with its own chapters--are often abrupt, but the audiobook is, overall, an enjoyable and easy listen. L.B.F. © AudioFile 2023, Portland, Maine [Published: AUGUST 2023]