Kate Shelley and the Midnight Express

The excitement of a near tragedy in 1865, averted by the heroic actions of young Kate Shelley, comes alive in this read-along production. Stirring music frames a story rich with the sound effects of a wild storm--whistling wind, crashing thunder, pounding rain and rushing water. As Kate Shelley risks her life to prevent a colossal train disaster, cacophony heightens the tension. The deep, resonant voice of the narrator contrasts slightly with Mrs. Shelley's brogue and the rising panic of the station agent. The brief sentences of the easy-reader text and the enunciation of the reading will snag some discerning listeners, but the high drama of the production may overcome these stumbling blocks. T.B. (c)AudioFile, Portland, Maine