THE KEEPER OF SECRETS

In 1810 Parson Campion arrives at his first parish and is soon in the middle of several mysteries, which he and the local doctor set out to solve. Paul Ansdell neatly depicts the quintessentially introspective young clergyman. Ansdell uses accents and tone to reflect disparities of class and privilege, a central theme of the novel. He presents as reflective and thoughtful asides Campion's observations as his social conscience becomes much more developed as a parson than it was when he was merely a member of the privileged class. This trait does not necessarily endear him to his parishioners. J.E.M. © AudioFile 2009, Portland, Maine [Published: NOVEMBER 2009]