PARLOR GAMES

It’s 1917, and May Dugas is on trial for extortion, but she’s confident that she’ll win the day. Her trial affords May the opportunity to reminisce about the love affairs and money-making schemes—often one and the same—she has entered into throughout her life. Narrator Leslie Carroll flawlessly captures May’s charm, as well as her devil-may-care attitude. May is a compelling character, and Carroll makes her all the more so, while also doing a wonderful job of giving unique voices to the other characters—men and women alike. This story of Gilded Age schemes is delightfully fun, and Carroll’s narration is the perfect complement. J.L.K. Winner of AudioFile Earphones Award © AudioFile 2013, Portland, Maine [Published: FEBRUARY 2013]