EVERYONE ON THIS TRAIN IS A SUSPECT

Barton Welch brings the perfect narrative touches to this mystery set on a train ride through Australia. The Aussie-accented performance adds a comedic touch to the presentation without overdoing it, keeping a fine balance throughout. Ernest Cunningham is on the train to participate in a crime-writing festival. There are backbiting and jealousies among the attendees, and then someone dies. Welch, who narrates the bulk of the book, speaks directly to listeners as he lays out the rules of fair-play mystery solving, along with a number of clues. He delivers dialogue well, capturing the egos and insecurities of all those aboard. Narrator Megan Smart, as Cunningham's significant other, Juliette, handles the epilogue. It's a nice touch to wrap up a fun, clever listen. G.S. © AudioFile 2023, Portland, Maine [Published: DECEMBER 2023]