White Bodies

Starred review from July 24, 2017
British author Robins (The Trial of Queen Caroline) makes her fiction debut with a deliciously creepy psychological thriller. Callie Farrow, who works in a London bookstore, becomes obsessed with every aspect of the life of her glamourous twin sister, Tilda, a well-known actress, after Tilda marries the controlling Felix Nordberg, a wealthy financier. Callie believes that Felix’s mania for perfection, from the order of his silverware to his volatile reaction to a minor error, signals a penchant for domestic violence. Convinced that Tilda is in danger, the increasingly unstable Callie monitors Tilda, snoops in her home, and reads her hidden diary. Callie also contributes to a website about domestic abuse and becomes fixated on women killed by their partners. As she teeters on the brink of insanity, Callie considers taking drastic measures to save her sister. The plot slowly but forcefully builds to a shocking finale as Robins skillfully explores the dynamics between sisters, mental health issues, and manipulative behavior. Agent: Natasha Fairweather, United Artists (U.K.).

Callie is concerned that her twin sister, Tilda, may be in an abusive relationship, and she aims to get to the bottom of it. Camilla Arfwedson's narration of this mystery is cordial and smooth. She has a refreshing English accent, and her tone is delicate without lacking character emphasis. Callie and Tilda are differentiated in a way that sounds genuine for each sister. A sudden death adds intensity as the tension builds, and Arfwedson slows down her pace so that the listener can savor each pivotal moment that leads up to the truth of Tilda's relationship. The odd relationship between Callie and Tilda in this unsettling psychological thriller can be uncomfortable to hear at times, but Arfwedson's satisfying narration keeps the listener engaged. D.Z. � AudioFile 2018, Portland, Maine