Just Make Believe

June 1, 2020
In Robinson’s winning third mystery set in 1920s England (after 2019’s Who’s Sorry Now?), Lady Adelaide Compton is navigating the social complexities of a country estate house party when the ghost of her unfaithful husband, Rupert, who’s working his way toward heaven by acting as her guardian angel, warns her that a death is imminent. The next day, Addie’s hostess, Lady Pamela Fernald, is found dead in the conservatory. Pamela’s husband, Sir Hugh Fernald, and their upper-crust guests are still reeling when a second body is discovered buried in the garden. Despite the simmering sexual tension between Addie and Scotland Yard’s Det. Insp. Devenand Hunter—he didn’t follow up on their single spectacular kiss—Addie asks Devenand to investigate. The disappearance of a suspect in Pamela’s murder, Lord Lucas Waring, her former lover (and Addie’s onetime suitor), raises the stakes. The playful narrative voice and colorful characterizations (even the late Rupert comes vividly to life) more than make up for minimal detection and vagueness on forensic matters. Those who enjoy historical cozies with a paranormal twist will be charmed. Agent: Laura Bradford, Bradford Literary.

Narrator Gemma Dawson delivers this audiobook in a smooth, gentle voice that belies its paranormal element. When Lady Adelaide attends a house party, she is distressed to see the ghost of Rupert, her late husband. Rupert appears only when a murder is about to occur, so Addy expresses no surprise when her hostess is poisoned. As more bodies appear, Addy involves Scotland Yard's Detective Inspector Devanand Hunter. Together they work to solve the case and prevent more mayhem. Dawson's performance draws listeners in, letting the intensity of the story speak for itself and making listeners go along with its paranormal events. While occasional mispronunciations of less common words can distract listeners, Dawson uses effective voices to give life to all the characters. V.M.G. � AudioFile 2020, Portland, Maine