THE WHARTON PLOT

Inspired by a true event--the 1911 murder of muckraking writer David Graham Phillips--this well-researched mystery casts author Edith Wharton as a reluctant detective probing the death and life of a man she abhorred. Kitty Hendrix performs in a low-register breathy voice that emphasizes Wharton's mix of high-society manners and fierce determination. Her moderate pace allows listeners time to soak up the book's many period details. It also underscores the formality of the writing, which sometimes seems to reflect Wharton's own style. As Wharton investigates, she enlists the help of her friend Henry James and lover Morton Fullerton, adding to the historical fun. While Hendrix's heavy breathing occasionally distracts, this is a satisfying period mystery set in a colorful milieu. A.C.S. © AudioFile 2024, Portland, Maine [Published: MARCH 2024]