The Collector's Apprentice

The author's knowledge and love of art come through in this audiobook in which a con man's deception kicks off the misadventures of Paulien Mertens. Narrator Xe Sands is challenged by a story that features characters from several countries, including real-life figures such as Gertrude Stein and Henri Matisse. Sands's unique velvety voice melts words and phrases into each other. It works better for some characters than for others. She excels at projecting the emotion of dramatic scenes. Having narrated Shapiro's two previous works, Sands seems well tuned to the author's pace and style. Art-loving listeners who are willing to suspend disbelief will enjoy the ride. E.Q. � AudioFile 2018, Portland, Maine