The Perilous Gard

Set in Elizabethan England, this story manages to be true to the period yet satisfyingly modern in its central character, Kate Sutton. The mystery reaches to the heart of the feminine psyche: a quest to save the life of a child thought dead and to redeem the love of a young man who considers himself responsible. Jill Tanner's voice has all the dramatic presence needed for this panoramic tale, and the stately pace of her reading allows the story to unfold by degrees. Plot alone would make this a compelling read-aloud, but Tanner's ability to subtly shift her voice accentuates the balance among the cast of finely drawn characters. Her skillful pacing weaves philosophy and plot into a seamless whole, making this Newbery Honor book an outstanding audio choice on many levels. K.T.B. Winner of AUDIOFILE Earphones Award (c)AudioFile, Portland, Maine