ROOK

Nicola Barber's crisp British accent and tone of self-doubt work well in depicting Abigail Rook. Abigail has recently inherited the psychic abilities of her employer, R.F. Jackaby, the protagonist of four previous mysteries. No longer an assistant, Abigail must now take the lead in the firm's supernatural detective work. Barber shifts smoothly to Jackaby's American accent and confident tone, establishing his role as Abigail's mentor. Dialogue between the two characters is excellent, whether its tone is bantering or conciliatory. Minor characters--trolls, ghosts, and shape-shifters--are clearly defined. Barber's steady narration adds believability to an audiobook that merges realism and supernatural elements involving murders and kidnappings. S.W. Winner of AudioFile Earphones Award © AudioFile 2023, Portland, Maine [Published: SEPTEMBER 2023]