THE SILENCE

Golden Voice Cassandra Campbell narrates this emotional story about justice. Eight-year-old Ruth fought with and abandoned her friend Ceely in the woods; then Ceely was murdered. The trauma and guilt caused Ruth to develop unending adult issues: alcoholism, failed marriages, and fractured relationships. When the unnamed murderer comes back to town years later, Ruth seeks to achieve justice for Ceely, no matter the cost to herself or others. Campbell ratchets up the tension as Ruth exhibits more desperation and irrational behavior as time runs out. Her hysteria is never overdone. Campbell portrays the accused murderer as smooth on the surface but internally overwrought as Ruth's threats move inexorably closer. Listeners' jaws will drop when the depth of the betrayals is laid bare. L.M.G. Winner of AudioFile Earphones Award © AudioFile 2024, Portland, Maine [Published: JUNE 2024]