From a Distance

Robin Miles's seamless narration of Elizabeth Westbrook's travels to the Colorado Territories of 1870 is slow to begin. But over time her vocal personality and subtle accents and mannerisms bring to life the three characters of this story: Elizabeth, first female journalist for the WASHINGTON CHRONICLE; Daniel, a former Confederate sniper; and Josiah, a former slave. Miles portrays Daniel's unwitting damage of Elizabeth's nature pictures with appropriate tones and delivers their constant arguments at a high emotional pitch. Miles's bittersweet portrayal of Elizabeth's mysterious illness and her hope to find a cure sounds fully authentic. And especially believable is her powerful characterization of Josiah, who has been freed by the Civil War but is tormented by that freedom, and by personal loss. Textured characterizations throughtout help create an emotionally charged story of romance, danger, and suspense. G.D.W. (c) AudioFile 2009, Portland, Maine