Murder at the Brightwell

February 23, 2015
Voice actress Fulford-Brown turns in a lackluster reading of Weaver’s Edgar Award–nominated debut mystery, set in 1932 England. The story revolves around Amory Ames, a wealthy young woman who becomes a plucky amateur sleuth when she learns that her former fiancé is a suspect in a murder investigation. Weaver’s tremendously strong plot, fresh style, and skillfully crafted writing fades in Fulford-Brown’s presentation of it, which is dirge-like and frequently belies the text. The excellent production value is lost on her fatigued read, with its frequently off-putting intonation, pronunciation, and cadence. A Minotaur hardcover.

What happens to lovely Amory Ames when she realizes she is unhappily married to her wealthy lady killer husband and then finds herself in the midst of a murder investigation? British narrator, Karen Cass portrays a cast of diversified characters, including Amory seeking solace from an old flame at his sister's wedding at the English seaside Brightwell Hotel. When the groom is murdered, Cass turns up the action with high energy capturing the tension felt by the quirky guests, all suspects, as they are interrogated. Cass is delightful, painting vivid images of each character. She interprets Amory's emotional struggle with her old flame as the icy wall between she and husband begins to thaw. Especially charming is her interpretation of Amory's witty husband--very Cary Grant. Eccentric suspects, a man falsely accused and a husband and wife sleuth team in the search of a killer all makes for quite a riveting ride told by a skilled story teller. B.J.P. © AudioFile 2015, Portland, Maine