Marie Antoinette, Serial Killer

September 16, 2013
Alender (the Bad Girls Don’t Die series) blends contemporary fantasy with historical detail in this atmospheric story of a high school junior who travels to Paris on a school trip and gets swept up in a centuries-old mystery involving a secret society and a vengeful ghost. Colette Iselin feels like she’s come home when she gets to France, eager to see the historical landmarks. But soon she has to juggle her growing affection for the handsome tour guide with her increasingly high-maintenance friends, all while dodging the attentions of the alluring Armand, who’s convinced Colette is connected to the long-forgotten Order of the Key. When a spirit targets the Order’s descendants for death, Colette tries to save her friends and herself. Alender skillfully weaves together the novel’s disparate elements to create a story that mixes slice-of-life teen drama with supernatural menace, infused with the sights, sounds, and tastes of a Paris that comes to life in the process. While some plot points never quite get off the ground, it’s an otherwise strong effort. Ages 12–up. Agent: Matthew Elblonk, DeFiore and Company.

Narrator Erin Spencer introduces listeners to the romance of Paris as American teen Colette Iselin crosses paths with a serial killer. Spencer depicts Colette as a shallow, popularity-conscious girl who feels an immediate connection to Paris, and to her cute tour guide, Jules. A second narrator, Elea Oberon, plays the role of Marie Antoinette, whose ghost systematically guillotines the descendants of those who betrayed her in the French Revolution. Spencer's conversational tone makes this an approachable audio. Her realistic portrayal of Colette and her clique draws listeners into the story. However, listeners may wish for more of Oberon's polished French as it far surpasses Spencer's attempts at linguistic accuracy. But even with a mushy French accent, Spencer successfully conveys the allure of Paris. C.A. © AudioFile 2014, Portland, Maine