MIDDLETIDE

Kaleo Griffith's exceptional narration highlights the tension and emotions packed into Sarah Crouch's impressive debut. In Point Orchards, Oregon, the body of Dr. Erin Landry is found hanging from a tree deep in the woods on novelist Elijah Leith's property. The death appears to be suicide until details emerge from Elijah's unsuccessful novel in which a murder is made to look like suicide. Suddenly Elijah is the prime suspect. Griffith underplays the drama, allowing listeners to absorb the damning connections to Elijah's novel that are certain to convict him. With help from Elijah's jilted high school sweetheart, Nakita, a story of malicious intent unfolds, and Griffith adeptly handles each nuance and innuendo. This satisfying mystery is made even better by Griffith's gifted performance. S.J.H. © AudioFile 2024, Portland, Maine [Published: AUGUST 2024]