The Sleepwalker

November 14, 2016
Set in Vermont in 2000, this stylish fusion of mystery and domestic thriller from Bohjalian (The Guest Room) explores the aftermath of the inexplicable disappearance of a woman prone to sleepwalking. Annalee Ahlberg’s two daughters, 21-year-old Lianna and 12-year-old Paige, attempt to find some kind of closure after their beloved mother—who has experienced bizarre sleepwalking episodes in the past—vanishes from her home in the middle of the night. The mystery deepens when Lianna and a detective, who may have had an intimate relationship with Annalee, become emotionally connected. Powered by brilliantly rendered characters, an intriguing topic (parasomnia), and a darkly lyrical narrative that captures the melancholic tone of autumn in New England perfectly (red maples in their “death throes”), this novel has only one weak point—its highly improbable conclusion, which may leave readers unsatisfied. 10-city author tour. Agent: Jane Gelfman, Gelfman Schneider/ICM Partners.

Cady McClain narrates the lion's share of Chris Bohjalian's mystery about a missing woman with a history of somnambulation. McClain may have intended a dramatic effect with her approach, but the stiltedness of her frequent and questionably placed pauses gives her reading a mechanical sound. This awkwardness pulls listeners out of the story, which at times is a relief as the book itself seems overly researched. Grace Experience voices the unknown narrator in the short sections that separate the chapters. Experience's reading, while short, works to build some suspense in the audio. The plot's premise is engaging, but the excessive detail and meandering pace combined with the mechanical narration make this audiobook a struggle to finish. J.F. � AudioFile 2017, Portland, Maine