MISSING MAX

Kyle and Jane Madison's marriage is breaking apart after their baby son is kidnapped during Mardi Gras. Melanie, Jane's teenage stepdaughter, blames herself. She flirted with boys instead of watching Max as Jane asked. Jane feels it's her fault and volunteers at Child Search to escape her feelings, while Kyle hides his hurt and confusion in work. Laural Merlington's sympathetic portrayal of a family driven apart by guilt and blame is stirring. She gives a commanding performance, with frequent gender and character switches giving the impression of multiple narrators. She distinguishes multiple female characters with diverse vocal tones and pitches and especially excels in her stunning performance of Melanie's announcement of a crazy scheme that's too late to stop or change. This realistic story incorporates Christian themes and struggles. G.D.W. 2011 Audies Finalist © AudioFile 2010, Portland, Maine [Published: NOVEMBER 2010]