House

Kevin King narrates this supernatural thriller using a variety of accents and tones, making characters easily distinguishable. When Jack and Stephanie break down on an old country road in Alabama, they hike to a ramshackled house called the "Wayside Inn." Already bickering, they depict their building estrangement with scathing remarks and bitter attitudes--until they enter the house and learn the "rules of the game." Subtle vocal nuances and changes of vocal texture are riveting as the game begins and other players emerge. Left as a thriller, this would have been good. However, the spiritual dimension at the end compromises the entire story, making it a disappointment. G.D.W. (c) AudioFile 2006, Portland, Maine