The Case of the Vanishing Emerald

Narrator Anna Bentinck returns listeners to Victorian London as she voices 12-year-old Maisie Hutchins, a spunky, slightly nosy young detective who helps out at her gran's boarding house. Just when things are getting dull, Maisie is asked to investigate the disappearance of a priceless emerald necklace, given to local actress Lila Massey by her aristocratic beau. Bentinck clips along at a good pace, slowing for Maisie's speculations and speeding up for the action scenes while giving listeners a chance to spot clues along with her. The despair in Lila's voice is tempered by Maisie's strong and delightfully mischievous tones. Young listeners will learn about the preparation and backstage work needed to produce a play as Maisie and her faithful canine, Eddie, go undercover. M.F.T. � AudioFile 2016, Portland, Maine