RAINBOW BLACK

A coming-of-age story turned brutal murder mystery morphs into a queer love story of legal injustice. Hope Newhouse's gripping narration builds the mystery and listeners' emotions equally, balancing the complex themes with dark humor. Thirteen-year-old Lacey Bond is living in rural New Hampshire during the '90s Satanic Panic, a time of mass hysteria attributable to children being manipulated into revealing false memories. Lacey's eccentric parents face hostility when the town accuses them of obscene abuse at their day care. In the 15 years that ensue, Lacey hides behind a normal life in Canada, believing the world has forgotten her. Newhouse narrates Lacey's stream of consciousness with finely crafted vulnerability, capturing the pain, perseverance, and hope of the main character's memorable life. M.I.C. © AudioFile 2024, Portland, Maine [Published: JULY 2024]