THE SAFEKEEP

Stina Nielsen narrates the majority of this debut audiobook, set in a stately country home in the Netherlands in 1961. The veil of WWII overlays the action. Nielsen creates a pervasive sense of disquiet that will keep listeners off-balance until the final moments. Isabel takes an instant dislike to her womanizing brother Louis's new girlfriend, Eva, when he brings her to their family home. Then Louis departs, leaving Eva alone with Isabel for a few weeks. After some initial squabbling, the women begin an intense sexual relationship. Nielsen excels at conveying Isabel's fragility and Eva's enigmatic persona, making listeners question each woman's motives. In a brief appearance, Saskia Maarleveld narrates Eva's diary entries with barely suppressed rage. This slow-burn work of historical fiction packs a powerful punch. M.J. © AudioFile 2024, Portland, Maine [Published: APRIL 2024]