HOT SPRINGS DRIVE

When a nice Midwestern mom loses pound after pound, devours carrot sticks, shuns Fritos, and quits baking cookies for her four sons, it could be a sign of impending disaster. Narrator Emily Ellet introduces listeners to Jackie, who revels in her new thin, seductive body. Ellet's Jackie has an earthy, insouciant personality. The story is about two next-door families who are caught up in murder, guilt, and grief. Each affected family member is featured and their reactions presented. There are numerous characters, but some voices do stand out, namely those of the nearly childlike Ceci, the victim's daughter; the sweet yet soporific prison psychologist; and Sammy, the barely functional youngest of Jackie's sons. Numerous sex scenes are more monotonous than erotic. D.L.G. © AudioFile 2024, Portland, Maine [Published: JANUARY 2024]