Most Wanted

February 8, 2016
Christine and Marcus Nilsson, the Connecticut couple at the heart of this uneven standalone from bestseller Scottoline (Every Fifteen Minutes), have decided to use a sperm-bank donor after three years struggling to have a baby. No. 3319’s identity is anonymous, but, like many donors, he submitted two photographs—one as a child, one as an adult. While on early leave from her job as an elementary school teacher, pregnant Christine becomes convinced that the donor is Zachary Jeffcoat, who’s being called “the Nurse Murderer” in a TV newscast after his arrest. Christine begins her own investigation to determine if the biological father of her child is a serial killer, even if it puts her life and her marriage at risk. The plot is strongest when focusing on the trials of a couple desperate for a child and the psychological ramifications of using a sperm donor. But too often the story sinks to the melodramatic, unredeemed by Scottoline’s usual verve for character. Agent: Molly Friedrich, Friedrich Literary Agency. Author tour; 400,000-copy first printing.

What if you used a sperm bank to become pregnant, and you discovered that your donor might be a serial killer? After Christine and Marcus Nilsson engage the services of a sperm bank, that's exactly what happens. Lisa Scottoline takes us on another wild ride, and Julia Whelan's narration convinces us to hang on. Whelan creates completely credible male and female characters through pitch differences and complex vocal textures. She effectively portrays deep-voiced Marcus, raspy-throated Griff, and the smooth-talking accused murderer, Zach. Whelan's portrayal of Christine sounds, by turns, terrified and brave. Scottoline deals with issues of ethics, privacy, regulation of the sperm bank industry, and the ways couples can be torn apart by uncertainty. Some of the scientific exposition feels clunky, but Whelan makes the listening worthwhile. S.J.H. © AudioFile 2016, Portland, Maine