Hot Point

Working in close quarters for the helicopter firefighting squad of Mount Hood Aviation, mechanic Denise and pilot Vern create heat of their own. Narrator Carrington MacDuffie fluidly conveys technical information about helicopters and their repair in a way that manages to engage listeners. She reads at a brisk clip, yet the story never seems rushed. And she's especially skilled at making dialogue sound natural. With warm empathy, she brings Denise's unique personality--a blend of spatial skill, introversion, and low self-esteem--to light. Denise's reserve offsets Vern's jocular humor and easygoing manner. While MacDuffie sometimes overplays their romantic earnestness, her consistent delivery successfully holds listener attention. C.A. © AudioFile 2015, Portland, Maine