Cousin Kate

Invited by her late father's half sister for a long visit, unsuspecting Kate Malvern arrives at the estate of Staplewood and swiftly becomes entangled in a lurid and dangerous plot. Narrator Jilly Bond creates multiple distinct characters within the large cast, all with discernible classes and personalities. Lady Broome is voiced in an appropriate contralto while Mr. Nidd's sweeping monologues are as engaging as they ought to be. Distractingly, the tempestuous Torquil Broome sounds rather like a munchkin when angry, which detracts slightly from the ominous atmosphere. While Bond handles most conversations capably, the most pleasurable moments are Heyer's rich descriptions of settings, furnishings, clothing, and personalities. Bond navigates the author's intricate yet precise clauses with perfect pacing. T.M.D. © AudioFile 2018, Portland, Maine