Intensity

Chyna Shepherd, a psychology student spending the weekend in the Napa Valley with the family of her best friend, survives a killing spree in which all but she are murdered by Edgler Vess, a psychopath. Chyna is trapped in Vess's motor home where she must battle Vess to save herself. Kate Burton gives an extraordinary reading of this thriller, so chilling and terrifying that one can hardly bear to listen, yet one can't wait to hear what comes next. It's essential that the narrator effectively delineate the two characters in this story. Burton accomplishes this by lowering her tone for Vess's narrative and conveying the intense emotions of Chyna's struggle, as well as the memories of her troubled past. Fans of thrillers and Koontz should revel in this production. M.A.M. (c)AudioFile, Portland, Maine


When Chyna Shepherd is the only one spared after a serial killer murders her best friend's family, she must use every instinct and call upon hidden inner strengths to not only survive, but to save another potential victim. Kate Burton takes this Koontz thriller and uses it to twist the nerves, developing two distinct characters through the narration, each with unique traits. Burton switches effortlessly from a quiet, confidential delivery to crescendos of emotion. Not too much more can be explained without denying the listener the tension and discovery of the first listening, so this must suffice: Prepare for suspense and cold sweats. B.D.J. (c) AudioFile 2007, Portland, Maine